new old defender county

[disco dan]

hey guys

i just picked up a county 85 model for nothing. its basicly all there minus the roof seats and some minor little things like seat belts, front window, key for instance.

i was going to sell it off but my son (5) wants to build it up. i have never fixed a car before but have always wanted too. when finished it will be my tourer/tough off roader unlike my disco 2.

anyway will post pics of it and any hints and tips i would love to hear from you. also if you have done it pm me so i have someone to ask advice if i get stuck

here goes dan

[Mick-Kelly]

Why does no one ever give me a free land rover :spudnikwhat::spudnikwhat::spudnikwhat:

[Landy Smurf]

so what are your intentions to do a full rebuild?

[disco dan]

not sure yet would love to do full rebuild to make it an expedition truck but now thinking if i can swap or sell for somethings that running and work on that.

[DeeJay]

I've done up an 85 County & will start soon on another. The first thing I would be looking at from a vehicle from around your area, is rust:twisted:. Look under all the doors & the sills - the rails the doors close against. If there is deep rust, you have your answer to why the gift. It is not an easy job to repair.
Have a look at what you can be up for, here is my tutorial.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/82491-county-firewall-pillar-rust-repair.html

Good luck!!

[disco dan]

I've done up an 85 County & will start soon on another. The first thing I would be looking at from a vehicle from around your area, is rust:twisted:. Look under all the doors & the sills - the rails the doors close against. If there is deep rust, you have your answer to why the gift. It is not an easy job to repair.
Have a look at what you can be up for, here is my tutorial.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/82491-county-firewall-pillar-rust-repair.html

Good luck!!

cheers mate

will be onto the tutorial tonight. as for rust its very neat some surface rust but no deep stuff.

im giving it a big clean this week and then figuring where to start. was originally going to sell and buy a running rangie or my brothers bobtail but i like the defender body and need a car to carry 6 when we go offroad.

pics coming soon
dan

[Landy Smurf]

cool a bobtail.the county would be a good choice for taking 6 people offroad

[disco dan]

here you go guys

county - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dkeski/sets/72157623856391773/detail/)

i think the major parts will be engine, roof and interior. i tried to turn engine over by hand and it moved but not much. the bloke i got it off said it didnt work but wasnt to sure. he also said it was a 4.4 but how do you tell. what markings would i look for?

any help or info let me know as i will need it :D

dan

[Landy Smurf]

cool a bobtail.the county would be a good choice for taking 6 people offroad

[lardy]

cheers mate

will be onto the tutorial tonight. as for rust its very neat some surface rust but no deep stuff.

im giving it a big clean this week and then figuring where to start. was originally going to sell and buy a running rangie or my brothers bobtail but i like the defender body and need a car to carry 6 when we go offroad.

pics coming soon
dan

Dan once you have steam cleaned it give it a good going over with Wurths cavity wax it penetrates between panels really well ideal for bulkheads/chassis and the like and doesn't wash off

[disco dan]

had a quick tinker today to see how the engine was. tried to crank it by hand and it turned a little then stopped. guessing i need to take the heads off to see whats the matter.

also how do i find out what motor i have is there a site anywhere.

also got a tip on a county close by with good body but blown engine so waiting to hear back.

[lardy]

take a photo and post it mate

[disco dan]

take a photo and post it mate


here is a pic

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/1337.jpg

and i just made a gallery of her

[VladTepes]

The nost important issue - are you going to repaint or keep her "old Landy red" ?

[jakeslouw]

I suggest you pull out the motor and rip it apart.

Could be hydraulic lock on one piston: have you removed the plugs?

[disco dan]

awesome news guys

the motor turned over no probs so stoked. now just need the key for the ignition as it was missing when i got it. everything else work too blinkers, lights, etc. im going to put the manifold on and try and get her heart going this weekend cant wait to here her talk to me lol.

as for paint Vlad was thinking of painting her G4 orange with black rims and highlights. should look nice.

[disco dan]

well after seeing the engine turn over i know she is a keeper. but then again she always was as i have a spare 3.5 out of a 101.

so for a start this is what im thinking

put the motor back together and get her purring
get the ignition looked at or buy a new one as i have no keys for her
while i get the ignition may as well get the door locks done also
get the roof and panels
give her a big clean all the nooks and cranys
sort out the interior new seats carpet etc
sand her back and spray her G4 orange
put some new shoes on
have a toast to her
drive of into the sunset


i can only do a little a week but would love to see her on the road in say 6 months. i dont want to do a rough job but i also dont want to strip her and rebuild as i dont have the room.

thinking this should be in the projects area. i have also added to my gallery on here and will update regularly

anyway any help ideas tips are more then welcome.

look forward to hearing from you guys

loving landies

dan

[disco dan]

big day yesterday with the girl (she needs a name) gernied the underside and degreased engine, trans etc. looking nice under there now and when im under there tinkering i wont get a eye full of dirt lol

tried to move her but something locking the back wheels have to under the axles to roll her forward.

im certain its a 4.4 now and wanted to know what the other guys are running instead of the holley as i was thinking of getting some SU carbys for her then snorkel.

well im back into it

[disco dan]

well guys im sad to say but im now looking at her and think she might be to much for me right now. im torn as i have always wanted to build a great truck but on the other hand could buy something running and drivable with options and then mod up.

so looks like for now im sticking with my D2 for any offroading until i have the cash to buy a beast (which shouldnt be to long away) and come out and really play.

so if you know of anyone looking to buy a county to restore or for parts i will post her up in the markets for you guys before i go to ebay

my time will come to be a defender owner, ive had a taste now

cheers dan