JamesThorn

JamesThorn

Member
Hello all, good to join the forum!

Currently restoring a 1997 Defender 90, TDi 300.

It's in lovely Riviera blue but after 210,000 motorway miles needs respray. However it is mechanically perfect, as we know of British reliability (with some exceptions!!)

Already removed corrosion with soda blasting and half way through flatting off paint.

Bringing it up to modern spec cosmetically first, then as rolling restoration mechanically for upgrades.

Hope to waxoyl underneath after respray. New leather seats, LED light set, KBX Grilles, top and side intakes, stainless steel hinges all round.

Will upload picture soon hopefully!
 
Pictures, well this is how I found her:
 

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And these four show how the work in progress is going. Having removed corrosion I'm using P320 Wet and Dry to remove all the clear coat everywhere on the car. Also trying POR 15 on the bare metal areas as a preventative against future oxidisation, especially since it means I can leave it as bare metal for a while without worrying. Notice the 'Best 4x4x50' sticker in the rear window? Looking forward to spraying! Any recommendations at this stage for me appreciated! Many thanks for the welcomes to the forum. :)
 

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Yeah sorry for the original pic, my Dad has some on his camera of how it looked. The current ones I just added are better, just click the thumbnail, load the enlarged image and you can magnify that. Thanks for looking though!
 
Oh and back to Tom: Well it is completely as original, has had 4 owners (I'm 5th), started life as the Riviera Blue County model it still is. I'm lucky enough to have found such a model in need of restoration cosmetically as it is mechanically sound :) Needs some painting underneath though; talking a lot of rust everywhere. The previous owner had it from 2006 and it's been looked after, he did powder coating on the front and rear bumper bars, and the rock slider steps, it has full service history, since 2004 having a new exhaust, brakes, and shocks all round. Since I've had it, this Summer I had it fully serviced, every oil and the main belts changed. It's done 210,000 miles now, all pretty much on road. The engine is caked in greasy sludge, and it won't come off with Gunk or Jet washing! Any help with this? So yeah, really pleased with her; she makes a great restoration template and I'm looking forward to her in top condition, better than new.
 
Yeah, started using turps on it, only problem is it goes through a lot of roll/rag since it's so thick :) :brick:! Managed to salvage all the original stickers though :)
 
Can always hire one for a day, steam will melt it off easily

Wouldn't suggest buying one as you'll barely use it
 
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