Full Puma 110 rebuild. Flood damage. Project ideas needed

[Alex]

OK. Story first. Late last year I traded my TD5 90 in on a near new 110 Puma (20,000km). It was immaculate with a few extras and I absolutely loved it.

Then it got caught up in the floods in Northern NSW and spent some time fully submerged. After a very long battle with a very inept insurance company (I won’t mention their name but I definitely wasn’t lucky I was with them) I managed to buy it back at a fair price.

I have fully stripped and cleaned/drained/scrubbed and put back together the whole body/interior to cleaner than new and it looks like a new one. I have also drained and changed all oils and everything seems to work OK however needs new computer (speedo, ECM etc) to finish it off. When I say completely, I mean every nut/bolt/switch, air duct, light bulb etc. Considering it even had 1cm of mud ON TOP of the hood lining, it was a big job J Gotta love the defenders use of aluminium and plastic.

Unfortunately, it seems like I am not going to be able to re-register it in NSW. This is another ongoing saga that hasn’t quite finished, but it seems to be going against me.

The Plan…

Purchase a very average, but registered or registerable defender and use all the Puma parts to “Make it new again”. I am thinking that as long as it had a good chassis then everything else should be able to be replaced with Puma parts.

If the donor car had a good engine/box, I may just keep that and sell the Puma engine off with the caveat that it may have internal problems from water damage.

Before I put an advert in the “wanted” section for a suitable base car, I though it would be good to get some collective ideas/wisdom.

Does anyone know if the chassis was significantly changed anywhere along since the 110s came out?

All suggestions gratefully received, I am going around in circles in my head on the next steps.

[Drover]

Can't reaLy help with the info you need, but wanted to comment on your tale.

I think it is somewhat unfair that you are not able to re-register the vehicle in NSW and fair play for your rebuild effort, good job.

[Alex]

Thanks Drover, unfortunately new laws in NSW that are a bit too restrictive. I understand the need stop dodgy rebirthing though, but it seems they have gone over the top.

[jocky]

Hi Alex, also interested in your story. lucky your with Aulro! where you given a reason you cant register. i thought it could be checked over the pits? from SA so rules differ here.

[MR LR]

If it is a statutory write off it can't be re registerd in Aus IIRC, if its repairable thenm there is no reason it can't be re-registerd in NSW, what about if it went over the pits in another state and got transferred back ???

[Alex]

Under the new NSW rules, even repairable write offs can't be reregistered unless an application is made to the RTA under a short list of exemptions.

They ask for a letter from the insurer (decleration of vehicle damage). I had the insurer send me the letter saying it was repairable and applied to the RTA on the grounds that I was previous owner. Unfortunately the Insurer didn't put it on letterhead so the RTA rejected it.

I went back to the insurer to ask for it on letterhead and they sent it again (this time unsigned) saying it was not repairable. I have tried again but the &*^& insurer won't give me the original letter on letterhead and now insist that it is not repairable.

As I said, ongoing saga, however it looks like I may be out of luck. I am thinking my only option is now just to use it as a donor car.

[Alex]

what about if it went over the pits in another state and got transferred back ???

I am planning on moving back to QLD in about a year so have thought this might be an option. Not sure if I can wait that long to get back in a Defender though :D

Also, RTA keeps a register of write offs so very unlikely I would be able to register it in NSW ever again.

[MR LR]

Sue AAMI then, i'm sure once you threaten legal action and i'm sure you would have kept the old papers saying it was repairable, they will promptly issue the correct certificate as they wouldn't want to lose any clients with special or modified vehicles that would worry about things like this, and now its on the interweb. I wouldn't drop the matter, there are hardly any deefers on the road anyway

[goingbush]

How long was it in the water, In victoria it has to be fully submerged for 48 hours (freshwater) before its declared a stat write off, if it was less than 48 hours its a repairable write off & can be re-registered.

[Alex]

It was completely submerged for maybe 12 hours max, however sat with water over the wheels for a couple of weeks before they got around to getting it out. I am going to keep trying with the insurance company to get the correct letter (RTA sent back the original signed letter from insurer).

I could write pages on how bad this insurance company is.

First off, one of their salesmen tricked me into getting two policies when I did the trade in on the new car so he could get an extra commission (I got this refunded).

When I was stranded 5 hours from home with only a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, they said they couldn't help me with emergency accommodation or a hire car as I didn't have ID. It took me 2 days to get home.

Then it took them at least 3 months to finalise the claim, with hours of phone calls and many arguments along the way

Then they sent the car off to the auctions when I had asked to purchase it back. They then said it was too late to buy it and I would have to bid at auction. After a huge ____ fight, I finally managed to get it back.

And now this. Like I said, I am going to keep trying and I am the sort of person who stands my ground, but not sure I will win this one.

[SVX37]

Good luck with the issue you have.

I would move back to QLD sooner.

Reason: You cannot register the Defender there and they can't play Rugby League in NSW either! :D

Go the mighty Maroons! 7 series in a Row and Ricky Stuart is already behaving like a "Sooky Sooky Lah Lah!" :wasntme:

[Alex]

Good luck with the issue you have.

I would move back to QLD sooner.

Reason: You cannot register the Defender there and they can't play Rugby League in NSW either! :D

Go the mighty Maroons! 7 series in a Row and Ricky Stuart is already behaving like a "Sooky Sooky Lah Lah!" :wasntme:

:banana::banana::banana: bender....

[HPLP]

Hey,

I heard that if the vehicle was currently registered in another state (act or queensland for example) you could then transfer it across to nsw.....Im not sure though....

If you could register it, why not fit a brand new crate 300tdi and get rid of all potential electrical problems?

You could either modify the puma dash or fit a tdi/td5 style one.

Im not sure if the 6 speed box fits a tdi but I had heard a English company (ashcrofts?) were looking into it....

H

[Alex]

Hey,

I heard that if the vehicle was currently registered in another state (act or queensland for example) you could then transfer it across to nsw.....Im not sure though....

If you could register it, why not fit a brand new crate 300tdi and get rid of all potential electrical problems?

You could either modify the puma dash or fit a tdi/td5 style one.

Im not sure if the 6 speed box fits a tdi but I had heard a English company (ashcrofts?) were looking into it....

H

Some good ideas.

Perhaps buy a registerable chassis (with or without body) and fit my Puma body on to it and then work out how to mate the new dash up. Having pulled it all apart, I think it would be fairly easy. Just fit some guages to Puma cluster and a bit of rewiring.

Then fit a new 300 tdi and my puma 6 speed.

Would be electrickery free and comfy/shiny old/new defender.:D

[newhue]

An idea but perhaps not the most palatable...

part it out
+
you've been paid out for it
=
new Defender of your choice.

might have to put it down to experience. I'm with the authorities, sorry mate, I don't want ex flood vehicles floating around the car markets.

I'll buy you left front guard if you go this way.

[Drover]

Hey Alex,

After reading more of the storey I would, without delay, retain the help of legal firm and get a strongly worded letter off the insurer ASAP, I bet they will fold and provide the letter you need.

Roads and Maritime (RTA) with register it once you have that letter.

Cheers

[roverrescue]

The RTA and insurance copanies are trying to help you!
Unless you replaced the entire wiring loom from tail light to headlight - you will have electrical dramas till the vehicle rusts away (which wont be long anyways)
Part it out buy again

S

[HPLP]

Some good ideas.

Perhaps buy a registerable chassis (with or without body) and fit my Puma body on to it and then work out how to mate the new dash up. Having pulled it all apart, I think it would be fairly easy. Just fit some guages to Puma cluster and a bit of rewiring.

Then fit a new 300 tdi and my puma 6 speed.

Would be electrickery free and comfy/shiny old/new defender.:D

there you go!

6 SPEED GEARBOX ADAPTION | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6-SPEED-GEARBOX-ADAPTION-/170651925809?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27bba5bd31)

[Disco Muppet]

Sounds like a bit of a ****fight mate, sorry to hear it!
I duck across to tamworth occasionally, and while I'm no mechanic, I'm interested in learning a bit more about it so if you ever need somebody to give you a hand and don't mind having to explain a thing or two, give me a shout!
Best of luck with it mate.
Cheers
Muppet

[Alex]

Thanks everyone for your support, help and ideas. HPLP, that's great info, now I know I can use the 6 speed and thanks Muppet for your offer of help, I may take you up on that further down the track. Feel free to drop around next time you are in Tamworth

I think now the plan is clear. Give up on the RTA and insurer and purchase a 300tdi 110 that is in need of some TLC

Use all the Puma panels and interior. 300tdi motor, puma 6 speed, customise puma dash with guages to suit tdi and should be a great touring vehicle. It would be comfy and modern looking (as far as defenders go) like a puma but also basic old school mechanically/electonically (easy to repair on the track).

It would need at least the rear floor out of the puma so the newer seats fit. Simplest option may be just a complete body swap.

Would also be able to use the old style bonnet so can still fit a spare wheel up front. Would be able to wreck out what's left over at the end to recoup some $$s to fund trips and accessories.

Not sure about the rust problem or needing to replace the harnesses is true though. It was fresh water and everything was cleaned, dried and coated with WD40, grease, paint etc as needed. Fuse boxes, electronics, switches, solanoids excepted. Interestingly, after dismantling, cleaning and reasembaling even the analogue clock worked :)

I'll document/photograph everything as I go and post. Should be a interesting process. Now to go in search of a 300tdi 110 as a starting point.

[Judo]

I can see this thread needing a move into Members Rides if you keep the story going! :) I'll be following the progress!

[roverrescue]

Unless LR use tinned copper (I would be surprised if they do)
While you do the engine swap I would be re-doing the harness wiring
Copper corrodes to black - electrons wont like flowing! Dont matter if fresh or salt?

Sounds like a great project though - Biggest loss will not having the front vents?
I guess the 300tdi A/C compressor should be able to work with the A/C system on the puma

Enjoy the twists and turns!

S

[Alex]

The front vent issue is an interesting one as theoretically I could go either way given I will have one of each car.

I did like those front vents on my old 90 (except when I forgot to close them on a water crossing in Cape York and got a lap full of water. Not having your knees frozen by the air-conditioning in the puma is a plus though.

Roverrescue. I hear you with the corroded wires, my project this weekend was rewiring my boat trailer as it was almost impossible to solder the corroded wire (even after cutting a few inches out it was still black). They get dunked in salt water on a regular basis though. Apparently you can clean corroded wire (to a point) by dipping in vinegar (acid) to take the corrosion off, then baking soda to neutralise (base).

[DT-P38]

There is a 110 TDI chassis on ebay at the moment. From memory it was in SA, going for just under $1000.

Search Item number: 310264319557 as the seller mis-spelt part of the description. Which could be good luck for your project!

[Alex]

Yay, I have a project vehicle. 110 v8 County sitting in the driveway. Can't wait for the weekend to walk around in circles scathing my head trying to work out what to do first :confused:

I am sure it will be the first PUMA/County hybrid with a 4.8 V8 :D

The fun begins....

[wrinklearthur]

good to see that you are on the way.
.

[cal415]

Damn shame to see this car gone - paul's v8 county that is... its got one nice motor. Told him he should have sold it without the motor.

Whats the plan motor/gearbox wise? are you keeping the v8?

[DT-P38]

Cal,

I like the way you think.

I sent Alex a PM last night about putting dib's on some of the left over County bits!!

In fact, if its all original and in good condition, and lifting the complete body off and selling it is possible an option... I might be interested.

The main stuff I actually need is seats and trim, but a new roof would be good as well as a few rubbers here and there. Also any accessories... **** any of its gonna sell well.

Alex,

You wont have a problem with getting your money back... just watch out for the seagull **** when they (we) all come swooping in!!!

As far as doing it, I have zero experience of this. But there are a number of rebuild guru's floating around on AULRO. I guess you could try looking up Bundalene's 130 build up for ideas on what sort of work your going to need to do... there is also a dude in the UK who produced a video called "a 4x4 is born" (or something like that) which could provide insight as well.

Dave

[isuzurover]

Isuzu 4BD1T??? The puma bonet is perfect for one...

[cal415]

Body isnt great, firewall rusted badly as are the doors, roof is good, i had dibs on the roof when paul owned it but he changed his plans. Over all its pretty battered around, as is the chassis as it was owned by a guy who drove everything in it - its even driven Wirraba ridge several times apparently, but mechanically sound and very strong motor. I have spent a fair bit of time playing with this county and have driven it quite a bit too, we put my 37s on it at one stage and it was loads of fun on the beach.

[Alex]

I feel a bit like a kid in a candy shop at the moment, too many choices.


Isuzu 4BD1T??? The puma bonet is perfect for one...
I would love to do that eventually!! In the interim I think I am going to enjoy the V8. A couple of drives in it and I am hooked. Maybe put injection from one of the million discoverys that are being wrecked at the moment. Actually, come to think of it, the Puma bonnet would leave plenty of room for a supercharger too :twisted:


Damn shame to see this car gone - paul's v8 county that is... its got one nice motor. Told him he should have sold it without the motor. Whats the plan motor/gearbox wise? are you keeping the v8?
Seeing your LS1 110 I don't think you have v8 envy, that is going to be one nice machine. I actually have a pranged vy SV8 sitting in the carport at the moment and had seriously contemplated doing the same thing, however don't think I am up to the amount of engineering work involved. A little above my mechanical skills or the finances to pay somone else to do the work.

Hurry up weekend! I want to get cracking...

[isuzurover]

Body isnt great, firewall rusted badly as are the doors, roof is good, i had dibs on the roof when paul owned it but he changed his plans. Over all its pretty battered around, as is the chassis as it was owned by a guy who drove everything in it - its even driven Wirraba ridge several times apparently, but mechanically sound and very strong motor. I have spent a fair bit of time playing with this county and have driven it quite a bit too, we put my 37s on it at one stage and it was loads of fun on the beach.

No chassis damage underneath?

[Alex]

No chassis damage underneath?

It has a few dings and scrapes. It is also coated in sound deadner/rust proof so could be rust underneath that is hidden. From what I can see it looks servicable though, just not pretty. It has definately been used as a 4wd :)

Just took the young fella for a drive up and down the back paddock. Both came back with a grin from ear to ear, it has some stick!!

[Bundalene]

Hi Alex

I had a bad flood experience having been washed off a bridge with a relatively new Isuzu back in 1986. In those days I was able to get a full payout and bought the car back from the insurance company



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/06/1097.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/isusu13.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I had this vehicle for a further 10 years and a few hundred thousand kms after that and never encountered the from the water damage.

The difference is that I recovered the vehicle on the day after and dried everything out. Also this is a far simpler vehicle in the technical sense.


Also we also rebuilt an accident damaged Puma last year and I would say the chassis is very similar to that of the TD5 Defender. There are additional items such as the fuel cooler mounted on the chassis and there may be a difference in the fuel tank area.

Early Defenders are different in the fuel tank area and Countys are different again, but nothing that can't be addressed with an angle grinder and MIG

There are some chassis pics in this post below

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/115591-bundalenes-puma-project.html



Erich

[Alex]

Hi Erich, thanks for that. I have just read your Puma rebuild thread, truly amazing the amount of detail you have gone into. Great reference for anyone doing work on a Puma.

The pic of your isuzu in the creek looks nasty. I think I was lucky that mine seemed to have stayed upright and only panel damage was on the roof.

[cal415]

Just took the young fella for a drive up and down the back paddock. Both came back with a grin from ear to ear, it has some stick!!
:(
This thread is making me sad... going to miss that car... still cant beleive paul let it go, and you got a good price too!

[Alex]

STOP PRESS!!! I can't beleive it!!! After quite a few phone calls between the insurer and RTA and finding someone at the insurer that was helpful, I am now getting the letter that says it "...has not suffered non-repairable damage..." :D
I had given up hope of getting this resolved (this started in November last year), but now looks like the Puma may live again :D:D:D:D:D:D I still need to jump through a few hoops with RTA but hopefully is just a formality now that all the paperwork is in order.

Problem now (not really) is I have two unregistered defenders in the backyard and SWMBO has decided to claim the county for herself :eek:

NEW PLAN.

1) Restore the county and get it registered and hope the wife lets me borrow it on the weekends :p

2) Sell the EF falcon I bought as a shopping trolley / school bus / Land Rover tow vehicle

3) Sell the wifes bent VY SV8 (another unfinishedstarted project)

4) Use the proceeds to restore the Puma and turn it into the expedition vehicle.

4) Hope I win lotto to pay for TWO lots of accessories, modifications, repairs, trips...

Oh dear, what have I got myself into, these bloody Land Rovers are addictive....

[Alex]

:(
This thread is making me sad... going to miss that car... still cant beleive paul let it go, and you got a good price too!

It will be well looked after, am going to get it back to its former glory now. Have promised Paul to do a Stockton run when it is all finished and registered, hopefully get a chance to see the LS1 110 in action too!

[patclan]

That is good news!

Now there will be two threads to follow, the expedition Defender and the County rebuild.

who needs ebooks!!

Good luck with the RTA

[Alex]

Have added the county to members riders http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?p=1699084#post1699084

Can't wait to get this back on the road :)

[Alex]

Authorisation to Repair a Written-off Vehicle received from RTA today. YAY!

They have a very extensive process to ensure the repairs are completed correctly including certification from "NSW approved repairers" and also "Vehicle manufacturers agent" for water damaged electronic safety systems etc. Also need to photograph/document all repairs and have receipts for all parts used. Once done then identity checks and more forms.

I think this is all good, stops cowboys doing dodgy repairs and taking shortcuts.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/repair_and_certification_of_written_off_vehicles_f inal.pdf

Now to find a good "Authorised repairer" in Tamworth to work with...