Thinking Range Rover Body swap on Disco Chassis

[bmw535guy]

Hi People,
Just tossing up weather it is legal as i had a good look and not as big a job as some would think and honestly believe given 2 people can be done in a weekend. Only question is would it be a big deal to VicRoads? As my disco is registered with all excellent 200Tdi running gear but always loved the rangie so since identical setup was available in the rangie in the Uk...... on the identical chassis to the disco......what issue could they find?

[sheerluck]

Which RR? L405 or L322? :p

[Mick_Marsh]

Would need to be engineered.
Possible but look into it.
What year chassis and what year body?

[bmw535guy]

mines a disco 1 94 so id have to look at something that required to pass the same environmental regulations (by models compliance date) in the rangie category. Seen a forum where its been done in uk with similar work required to do a body lift.....then just disconnect stuff.

[MR LR]

mines a disco 1 94 so id have to look at something that required to pass the same environmental regulations (by models compliance date) in the rangie category. Seen a forum where its been done in uk with similar work required to do a body lift.....then just disconnect stuff.
Just plonk the body on top, they don't have numbers on them anyway, it's all the same underneath.

[Homestar]

There's a good Engineer on your side of town - I would give him a call. He is happy to shoot the breeze about a project and let you know what you may be in for. Although the conversion is straight forward, there will be things you need to look out for. I would imagine the best bet would be to get a Range Rover from the same year as the Disco as it will need to comply with the year of the running gear.

Could be as simple as getting 'Engineering Approval' which shouldn't be too expensive, to needing a full Engineers certificate - about $1,500 last time I checked.

I'll PM you the Engineers details when I dig them up.:)

Cheers - Gav.

[Homestar]

Just plonk the body on top, they don't have numbers on them anyway, it's all the same underneath.

Until a Cop runs a rego check that says he or she should be looking at a Disco - that would be closely followed by a please explain.

[bmw535guy]

the way i see is like this, if i get car of same year or close (1 or 2 off).....it can be a valid argument that essentially all you need is a change of descriptions IF no holes were drilled or anything welded!!! dont even see why it need engineers personally as disco essentially a RR in cheaper spec

[Mick_Marsh]

the way i see is like this, if i get car of same year or close (1 or 2 off).....it can be a valid argument that essentially all you need is a change of descriptions IF no holes were drilled or anything welded!!! dont even see why it need engineers personally as disco essentially a RR in cheaper spec
You mat not be able to see it. I can. There are numerous threads on this subject on this site. Re-bodying a chassis with a different body will require engineering as a requirement of registration. You asked the question, now you know.
Good luck with your project. I'm sure you will find it just a matter of following correct procedure.

[Homestar]

Agree with Mick here. We are just trying to help. You asked the question, and some of us here have done this and know Vicroads very well. For the cost of a phone call to an Engineer you can find out. A lot of people over the years think they know best and plough into a conversion without checking, only to find they have missed something and then cannot get the vehicle on the roads.

There may be very little to it, but it is just arrogant to assume you know best in these matters. Continue on at your own peril.

[bmw535guy]

sorry if i came accross not as intended, as i came here for advice.
Will look into it first of course, ill call vic roads and speak to a engineering place if vic roads say needed.

[Mick_Marsh]

I often ask things here:
Vicroads feedback/enquiries (http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/HaveYourSay/ContactUs/FeedbackAndEnquiries.htm#feedback)

Saves having to wait on the phone for ages.

[Homestar]

sorry if i came accross not as intended, as i came here for advice.
Will look into it first of course, ill call vic roads and speak to a engineering place if vic roads say needed.

No probs.:). Just do yourself a favour and ask lots of questions so you know what you are in for. Talking to Vicroads and an Engineer will only cost you some time, not money and the info will be invaluable.:)

Best of luck.

[loanrangie]

It certainly can be done, there was a forum member with an RRC body on a D2 chassis with full D2 running gear in Melbourne. Anything can be done if your wallet is thick enough or you have the skills.

[bmw535guy]

electronics are my forte and rest of the body swap would differ little from doing a body lift in my eyes. Tomorrow phone call time, will update you guys with my findings....... i have a strange feeling might not need engineers to re-engineer.......just to sign off saying your not using cable ties to hold it all together ;) hahaha

[Keithy P38]

I think you'll be right. Provided the safety gear like ABS or airbags, etc, that are a part of that chassis'd vehicle remain with the chassis, you can't go wrong. I believe you could put a current shape Rangie body on the old disco chassis no worries as long as its bolted down right!

Cheers
Keithy

[bmw535guy]

I think you'll be right. Provided the safety gear like ABS or airbags, etc, that are a part of that chassis'd vehicle remain with the chassis, you can't go wrong. I believe you could put a current shape Rangie body on the old disco chassis no worries as long as its bolted down right!

Cheers
Keithy
Thanks mate, although why did you have to put that idea into my mind.......later model body into older chassis...... mmmm modern luxury with old school reliablity.... . damn you ;) :twisted: