Too much Land Rover restoration to do

[wrinklearthur]

I simply have more restoration work than I can handle, with the '56 Chevy, 80" hardtop, 86" hardtop ( HECter ) and the list goes on with another three 86" S1's, four S2's, one S3 and two Defenders all in various stages of disrepair !!!! :(

I received the 1952 80" from the previous owner in a near completely dismantled condition. It came without any engine or it's associated engine parts and it had it's chassis modified for a Holden engine as well. Also it's chassis number is mismatched with the identification badge number on the firewall.

My dilemma is, should I be selling the much sort after parts from this 80" to help me afford the restoration of the other's, because to start with, there are not many 80"'s left around with a complete tidy body to work with and once the bits are sold off, I may not get the chance to work with a earlier Land Rover again?
.

[grey_ghost]

Hmm - that's certainly a tough question. Personally I would sell it for parts because:

* It doesn't have an engine or engine parts - so you will have to source these and obviously it won't be original / matching numbers car.
* Chassis has been modified for a Holden engine - so that's not original either. (Yes you could repair it back to standard).
* Chassis number doesn't match the plate - so either the Chassis isn't original or the plate isn't ?
* You have many other projects to do (and I thought that I had problems working on 2-3)
* If you leave it with the view to getting around to it at one stage - will it eventually start to rust, and go to waste?
* I am sure that other people would love to get a hold of parts to assist with their restorations.

I suppose what I am trying to say, and it's only my opinion - the car sounds like it's far from original, and will need a lot of parts to get it back to original (if that's what you want to do?). So why not part it out - sell the good parts to people who would love them. At least that way you know that you are helping multiple other restorations?

Just my opinion! (It would be tempting to keep it though...! Lol )

[gromit]

Arthur,

I'm facing a similar situation, I keep collecting them without having the time to finish any off.
The Series I 86" is out of rego (waiting for VicRoads to approve a 'Club' so that it can go on a Club Permit).
Wallit the 88" Series III with the 2.4 Isuzu is on hold (no free time).
The FFR runs, moves but still needs a lot of work.
The S2a GS runs & moves but needs a lot of work.
The S2 109" needs a tub, springs etc. and a lot of work.
The Defender is AOK but rarely gets used at the moment.

I have 2 others to follow up on plus other leads to parts vehicles. There are also the 6 motorbikes the oil engine, the forge I was going to build, the shed extension and so it goes on......

You have to work out whether you will ever have the time to finish them and, if you're like myself, will you ever find the time to use them when finished.....
Then there is the fact that you probably get enjoyment out of tracking down or making that elusive part and having several projects on the go means that you can switch to another vehicle if you can't get parts or want a change.

A friend who is undergoing treatment for prostrate cancer and is also on dialysis is going through the same rationalisation process.
He has 12 Morgan 'projects' (3 & 4 wheel) including a 3-wheeler that was on the road until recently. There are 6 FN motorbikes, 3 Model T Fords an MG TC plus a number of other early bikes including a Brough Superior replica he was building.
He has come to the conclusion he hasn't got enough time left......the meter is ticking away and he needs to concentrate on 1 or 2 projects and actually get them finished and get out and enjoy them before the meter stops !

It's a difficult decision because certain people tend to surround themselves with belongings (I'm one and I think you are also) whereas others don't understand us and have us tagged as 'hoarders' (or is it just my wife ...?).

It's a hard one but best of luck, you need to make a decison that is right for you and your circumstances.


Colin

[back_in]

Hi Arthur
I made my mind after the 109 that was it
WRONG along came Kc and Pop I would like a Series one
Would you like another 88 complete with a 15 year old
then I could enjoy my dotage
with what I have to finish I need to live to 137 without starting any new projects
You need to work out what can and can't do and find homes for the excess
and while you are at it find a home for 2 or 3 of mine and a ton of bits
good luck
cheers
Ian

[numpty]

What a dilemna :(

I, like yourself and many others, am in a similar situation. I'm trying to finish the trailer, so I can move on to the Gunbuggy.

My S1 is still at the Ho Hars and needs to come home, find a club so I can start driving him again.

Then there's the 107, which I have/had great plans for. So this one may go :o

The main trouble is work ....it gets in the way of a good time. That wont be such an issue after June though ;)

Apart from the next Edjit trip, weekends camping and bushwalking etc etc etc

[newhue]

Arthur, pick your favourite and sell the rest. I don't know your age, but life is short. Looking at dreams stagnate in the paddock is a waste of time if the only start you have made is acquire them. A good daily driver is worth 10 in the yard rusting and doing nothing in my opinion. You can only drive one at a time, so may as we'll be a beauty, not a if only.

I understand this goes against general Landy logic. :D

[Cobber]

That is some dilemma! :eek:

I guess the main focus of the post is the 80'? Given that it's not a complete car, personally I would part it out ... as much as it pains me to say. But the light at the end of it is that you will (hopefully) help another Landy return I the road. Maybe several may return to the road? Then again, maybe somebody will take the 80' on themselves and it may have it's day on the road in the end?

It's all a big 'if' situation I guess, but I think whichever way you go if you move it on there will be light at the end of the tunnel :)

As for the others ... well, that's where my wisdom ends! :D

[AndyG]

Sounds like we need a huge aurlo garage sale , bring out your dead !

[wrinklearthur]

Sounds like we need a huge aurlo garage sale , bring out your dead !

A on-line selling spot for all over loved Landies.

Is the 'for sale' section on here up to it?

This could be a Seriously Big Series Sale!
.

[AndyG]

I was thinking something physical.
A central ! location ( Tamworth / Mildura ?)
A show ground
Lots of stuff
Beer
more beer
LR chicks
back to beer
more stuff
some 4WD stuff
Could be every 3-4 years to purge the soul (& garage)