1985 90 rebuild project.

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Lennyslandy

Member
Posts
10
Location
Uk
I just got this land rover last week. She has seen better day that is without doubt.
Positives.
The engine runs
The body panels seem straight.
Has original engine and chassis. So still original.
And unfortunately that's about it up up to now.
Negatives
The rest of it.
Needs new chassis.
Bulkhead
Interior
Doors
To start with..

Thankfully my plan was always to strip and full rebuild and refurbished what I can.
I'm still unsure about future plans. It's been re painted as the original colour seems to be yellow.
Now some one has mentioned that it could be ex AA but can't find any details on that or I may go back to that colour and build totally original.
It's has been on a trip advisor post also.
My plan when I first started looking was to keep same engine gearbox axles etc. Then change suspension with 2" lift, bigger tires and change colours.

I have started abit strip down around work hrs and I'm in middle of a big job. Then going to get it's space sorted so that I cab work on it properly.

And advice is welcome, and criticism is also welcome. I've got thick skin.
Oh and I haven't mentioned yet. I've never build and thing like this. I'm a joiner. this is going to be interesting
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That dont look too bad, mine still looks worse than that after 5 years of ownership and about £1000 of improvements. Personally, I like the rough and tatty look it keeps other road users to keep their distance and nobody parks near it in carparks no matter how full they are.

Col

I like the old look. Just not 100% on end result yet. But think I have a bit of time to decide
 
I was going to say it looks quite sound until I saw the picture of the rear crossmember! :eek: Still, it looks a good basis for a project and looks complete.

It will dismantle easily, apart from any nuts and bolts exposed to the outside, which is most of them! Then a grinder is your friend!
 
Well I've been looking for a while for my own unit to work out of. And today I finally got 1 sorted. Its just being finished should have keys in a couple of weeks and then get the landy moved up there. Going to make things much easier as has alot more space
 
At the minute my 1985 90 has a 2.5 na in it. Got the chance of a td5 out of a discovery. Would it be worth it to upgrade engine or keep original. I'm buying a new chassis so that wouldn't be a issue.
Is there any other thing I'd have to be aware of.
 
I guess it depends what you want at the end of it?

All I can say is the TD5 brings a whole lot of electrickery to sort and if it’s just the engine you will spend more getting the rest.
Others may advise better.

J
 
I agree with marjon, although fitting a TD5 can be done, it won't just be the engine to sort out. Intercooler/radiator, fuel tank with internal fuel pump will need fitting. Not sure what would fit your 90 from the donor disco.
We fitted a 200tdi to my brothers 2.5na 110 about 20 years ago after he almost blew it up coming back from morroco. Big improvement and still going strong, used everyday. Think it bolted straight up to the gearbox and existing engine mounts, will be a cheaper option
Steve
 
Well got the 90 into new unit on Friday afternoon.
Had a couple of days of stripping front end down. Had to strip front calipers as they were stuck on. Still got back drums to do.
Got rad, wings accelerator, brake and clutch stripped off.
Steering box is off, that was abit of a job.
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Following with interest as I’ve just started on my ‘85 110.
Here’s a +1 for the 200TDi (although mine was fitted by the previous owner)
 
Hi, I started a full restoration on my v8 90 end of last year
My little bit of advice is to get a couple of those cheap plastic storage boxes
Then all the rusty bits that come off , that you think is junk and ready for the bin ,
Stick them in the boxes , I've had a few times when I've thought christ I'm happy I kept that old lump of junk
It may take a few hours to restore it , but can save you a lot of dosh ,
Especially when it's for really small things , seriously

And if you haven't already got one , get a land rover 90 110 work shop manual
I've got one and a parts catalogue , makes things easier when ordering stuff

All the best fella
 
Have a look on the Internet at electrolysis rust removal. If you are stripping everything down it is amazing what will fit into a 200ltr drum. It deals with the rust whilst leaving good steel untouched.

So far I have done rear axle case, springs, radius arms (hockey sticks), hubs, stub axles, swivel pin housings, lots of brackets, etc.

I believe its more effective than a wire brush in a grinder and produces far less dust to breathe in!!

Good luck with the restoration. Remember to take lots of photos and label things so you know how to put it back together!
 
Have a look on the Internet at electrolysis rust removal. If you are stripping everything down it is amazing what will fit into a 200ltr drum. It deals with the rust whilst leaving good steel untouched.

So far I have done rear axle case, springs, radius arms (hockey sticks), hubs, stub axles, swivel pin housings, lots of brackets, etc.

I believe its more effective than a wire brush in a grinder and produces far less dust to breathe in!!

Good luck with the restoration. Remember to take lots of photos and label things so you know how to put it back together!

Have to agree with this, I did it with parts on my rebuild. Even the rustiest of cr4p comes out good, saved me having to buy new stuff. Might take a while but won't matter if you're rebuilding the vehicle.
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These were destined for the skip so thought I'd give it a go. All painted up and back on the vehicle. Left them in over night.
 
You will need lots of space as you strip it down to store panels etc as well as doing the work.
I wish I had a workshop to do the work, especially during the wet and winter seasons of September to July up here.
 
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