Sad Demise of an Exceptionally Good LSE

[DieselLSE]

Well, it was exceptionally good in the bush. The scratches and scrapes on the duco meant it would never win a concourse and the HS2.8 diesel was a tad intrusive around town. But the engine bay fire (covered in this post: https://www.aulro.com/afvb/classic-range-rover/95509-history-rr-lse-australia-12.html#post2637827 ) sapped me of my enthusiasm and I'm going to part out the vehicle in about four weeks at a farm in central Victoria.

I'll post the bits up in the wrecking section when I'm about to pull it all apart. I want to do it all at once and I figure whoever wants the engine and/or transmission will probably give me a hand.

Really good bits include completely renewed front and rear axle housings complete with ARB diff locks; HS2.8 diesel 53.5k km; overhauled transmission and Manual TC (R380 I think, whatever came with a 1998 D1); ARB bullbar and Warn winch; ARB rear bar; newish sidelights front and rear; IPF H4 headlights; newish headlining; new cloth covered front power seats with P38 heating elements; birdseye maple dash, door trims, centre console, drinks cabinet & rear tables.

A pic of the damage followed by what it used to look like!

121831

[Vern]

Would be good to see it back on the road!

[DieselLSE]

Would be good to see it back on the road!

Yeah but, no but, yeah but...

There's only about $2k worth of damage and that includes reinstating the rear aircon and the compressed air system filtering. But the HS2.8 install needs an engineering certificate (about $800). So the car as is would not be worth a lot. But the parts are worth heaps. I've since bought a D4 and will use the proceeds of the sale to fund fitting it out properly. Mind you, I've easily spent $10k on the LSE over the past three years (not including the HS2.8 conversion which was done in 2010) so I would have been better off giving the car away three years ago!

[Vern]

If it was a normal rangie then yeah wreck it out, but being an LSE, theres not a lot around.
Sell all the parts, but if you can sell it as a roller, then may be someone else could get it on the road.

[DoubleChevron]

I'm sort of interested in the LSE itself if you sell off the diffs and drivetrain. I have two 90's model range rovers, so I could put a v8. back in it :) The interior and body would need to be intact for it to be worthwhile though!

[Meccles]

That's a good idea[emoji3]

[Grumbles]

If rescuing this LSE would keeping its extra long rear drive shaft be worthwhile?

[Vern]

Don't know, mine has custom front and rears in it and they weren't that expensive to be made

[DieselLSE]

I'm sort of interested in the LSE itself if you sell off the diffs and drivetrain. I have two 90's model range rovers, so I could put a v8. back in it :) The interior and body would need to be intact for it to be worthwhile though!

Interior is good, except that the front seats have been recovered in a durable Ford cloth as I found the leather too hot in summer. But about three years into its life, the LSE was resprayed as the previous owner had gaily driven it around his new farm with little regard for trees, cattle or scrub! So there's bits with body filler.

[DoubleChevron]

Interior is good, except that the front seats have been recovered in a durable Ford cloth as I found the leather too hot in summer. But about three years into its life, the LSE was resprayed as the previous owner had gaily driven it around his new farm with little regard for trees, cattle or scrub! So there's bits with body filler.

Thanks,

Let us all know what you decide. Honestly ... it looks so incredibly simple to repair without parting it out. But it's your call. If you decide to sell all the bits (that will admittedly get you way more $$$ than selling the car as is) ... I'd probably buy it. As I have a drivetrain and standard open diffs I can fit.

Do you still have the original leather removed from the front seats there ?

seeya,
Shane L.

[DieselLSE]

Do you still have the original leather removed from the front seats there ?

seeya,
Shane L.

Yes, but in pieces as it was used as a pattern. When I get back I'll take some pics of the body for you. The car is still registered, so getting it back on the road will not be too difficult.

[Justinb]

Shane,
if you do buy it, you're more than welcome to pull the seats out of my LSE and have them copied. I bought a Connolly hide from Leffler's in Flemington , I reckon it was about $600 2 years ago, and that did both front seats. The bloke I've always used for upholstery didn't charge much either and, as you've seen, the job's not too bad either.

Justin

[DoubleChevron]

Thanks Guys,

yes, I'll be interested ... I'm away for a couple of months over winter this year. So we'll see if it's on the market by then. If it is ( at the right price of course :) ), I'll just drag it home and put it in the shed for now.

If the leather is still usble, I'd probably just stitch the front seats back together (with younger kids, leather is better than velour as it doesn't stain).

seeya,
Shane L.

[bee utey]

In my shed are the front leather seats out of my mate's LSE soft dash, they came out because the electrics had partially died. He put earlier model manual seats back in with lambswool covers so doesn't care about the leather.

[Vern]

Yeah my front lse soft dash seats are floating around too, they a grey leather though
Removed to fit recaros

[DieselLSE]

Hi all,

Thanks for your interest and I'm touched by your concerns for retaining an LSE. I, too, thought it was an exceptional vehicle (I've easily spent over $10k on it over the past 18-24 months) and would love for it to go to someone who would appreciate it and take it to the places it longs to visit. There's not one track in the Vic high country that the LSE couldn't traverse with aplomb. In any weather. Note that it had an LT230 TC and ARB diff locks front and rear.

I've attached some more pics. Shane, unless you have an ideological issue with other than leather seats, I would implore you to consider the cloth I selected for the driver and passenger seats. BTW the rear seats with their original leather are in excellent condition. The recovering of the front seats cost over $1,500 and whilst the original leather would have looked better, the cloth I chose is hard wearing and works better in our climate. And the P38 heating elements which I grafted on work brilliantly.

122052122053122054122055122056122057122058
The last pic is of the EAS system which I relocated to where the oversize subwoofer used to be. The Alpine subwoofer matches the Alpine head unit.

[Baggy]

Blimy Charlie ......

Is that interior standard?

Gotta love the fold down trays, extra vents and the rear seat legspace ..... Beautiful

Would be a shame to see it dismantled ... But understand your position.

Let's see ...... Fly ....Fix up and drive it back to Perth .... If only dreams could come true.

Baggy

[DieselLSE]

Blimy Charlie ......

Is that interior standard?

Baggy

Yes. For a handful of special build vehicles in Australia, but I think a greater number were made for the North American market. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/classic-range-rover/95509-history-rr-lse-australia-9.html#post2456699

[Davo]

You are planning to wreck that????? Could you please put up your address so that we can visit your house while carrying pitchforks and flaming torches? [bigwhistle]

I've spent quite a bit on my old Rangie to make it as dependable as possible, but it's never going to have an interior like that. I'd plop the drivetrain out of mine into that in no time.

[jsp]

Happy to look at it as a rolling shell if someone else takes the motor/trans. I have a spare disco v8/auto that would fit nicely :)

But theres probably others who would pay more than I can afford, but it would have a v8 put back in and sit with rangie friends all day and go out for occasional club trips :)

There is a few LSE's around if you go looking, but one with a reasonable interior at a fair price is harder to find now.

Then again the financial controller would glare at me :)

[Classic88]

Hello all. Not sure of forum etiquette just yet but I assume an introduction would be appropriate. I am a newbie, having just bought a 1988 Classic (which currently has a fan blade sticking through its radiator but that's another story - I have found a Fenix replacement thanks to some excellent advice on here).

The seat discussion prompted me to ask whether anyone has a set of front and rear seat covers they would be willing to part with so that I could use them as a pattern. I was even wondering whether it might be worth drafting up a full set of seat patterns for others to use. I figure it would be a weekend's work with the help of a few YouTube dress making tutorials!

[Tins]

It should be illegal to wreck things like that!!:bat:

[DieselLSE]

Sorry for the delay in updating, but I've had a few other issues to deal with. The rego expires 3rd July if anyone is vaguely interested in the car as is.
I expect to start photographing, pricing and uploading all the bits and pieces over the next week or so. I'll place them on this forum first and when the catalogue is complete I'll set it up on eBay.

[FisherX]

G'day DieselLSE,

I'd be interested in your front air springs and all the under bonnet parts of the ABS system as my soft dash had it removed and a Disco 1 booster installed.

PM me when you are ready.

TIA Steve

[gavinwibrow]

Sorry for the delay in updating, but I've had a few other issues to deal with. The rego expires 3rd July if anyone is vaguely interested in the car as is.
I expect to start photographing, pricing and uploading all the bits and pieces over the next week or so. I'll place them on this forum first and when the catalogue is complete I'll set it up on eBay.


Again, a crying shame to dismantle.
Did you ever get an estimate of just what rewiring and whatever else was needed to make good would have cost?
I can't believe that with all the expertise on this site, no one on here has come forward to rebuild such a classic (pun intended). If I had any technical expertise, I'd be in like a shot.

[strangy]

Again, a crying shame to dismantle.
Did you ever get an estimate of just what rewiring and whatever else was needed to make good would have cost?
I can't believe that with all the expertise on this site, no one on here has come forward to rebuild such a classic (pun intended). If I had any technical expertise, I'd be in like a shot.

Perhaps if the OP came up with a number for the whole lot someone will consider.
Fully agree with the previous posts. Its a shame.
The OP seems determined to wreck it. Maybe it looks better in the pics than in reality?

I feel some vehicles deserve some better endings than just a money focus return.

[DieselLSE]

Perhaps if the OP came up with a number for the whole lot someone will consider.
Fully agree with the previous posts. Its a shame.
The OP seems determined to wreck it. Maybe it looks better in the pics than in reality?

I feel some vehicles deserve some better endings than just a money focus return.

Hi Strangy, If you go back through the posts and links, most of your (and other's) questions are answered to some degree, but I'll try to clarify them here:

Yes, it is a shame, but after spending a lot of money and time on the car I just wasn't prepared to pursue it anymore. I had literally just spent $5k on the turbo, injector pump, injectors, timing cover and sundry belts and seals etc. The photos I posted are an accurate reflection of the car's condition. Note the scratches and marks on the front and rear bars. Anyway, the car is garaged in Brighton and anyone is welcome to come and have a look.
But, as an example of a classic Range Rover, the car is heavily compromised. The V8 has been replaced by an HS2.8 diesel, BW TC by a LT230, the original aircon wiring by a separate relay block and the seats have been recovered in cloth not leather.
The car was used as a go anywhere vehicle. It was fine (albeit noisy) for general touring, but not nearly as refined as it was when it had the V8 & Borg Warner. But it was superb offroad. I had already had over 20 years of serious Landrovering before I acquired it, so I knew how to look after it in the bush. With the LT230 and front and rear diff locks I was comfortable it would get me out of any situation and I took it wherever I needed to go. You have to understand that I have never travelled in a convoy in the bush. I'm usually just on my own away exploring or deer hunting. Reliability and self-sufficiency means everything to me. Having said that, never once was the winch used for recovery! Nor was the car taken through mud holes or other obstacles just for the fun of it.
The car had been resprayed by the original owner who was a bit rough with it around his farm. Some body repairs were also done about 15 years ago. In a couple of places, the paint has chipped and the filler can be seen. There are a few dings, almost all of them from sticks that have been flicked up by the front wheels.
As for prices:
The car could be easily back on the road for under $2k. That includes re-plumbing and gassing the aircon and replacing the auxiliary compressed air filters and plumbing. BUT, this assumes the turbo is OK. AND, to transfer the rego, the engine swap would need to be engineered. This should present no problems and cost under $1k. So, the car as is would only be worth $2.5k perhaps, with the buyer being prepared to spend another $3k.
But, if I remove and sell the parts I could easily recoup around $12k. This would still leave a shell for anyone who wanted it. The HS2.8 alone is probably worth $7k.
If someone walked in the door and offered me $9k to take the car (and any spares I have) I would accept it. But I would make sure they knew exactly what they were getting.

[rangieman]

Hi Strangy, If you go back through the posts and links, most of your (and other's) questions are answered to some degree, but I'll try to clarify them here:

Yes, it is a shame, but after spending a lot of money and time on the car I just wasn't prepared to pursue it anymore. I had literally just spent $5k on the turbo, injector pump, injectors, timing cover and sundry belts and seals etc. The photos I posted are an accurate reflection of the car's condition. Note the scratches and marks on the front and rear bars. Anyway, the car is garaged in Brighton and anyone is welcome to come and have a look.
But, as an example of a classic Range Rover, the car is heavily compromised. The V8 has been replaced by an HS2.8 diesel, BW TC by a LT230, the original aircon wiring by a separate relay block and the seats have been recovered in cloth not leather.
The car was used as a go anywhere vehicle. It was fine (albeit noisy) for general touring, but not nearly as refined as it was when it had the V8 & Borg Warner. But it was superb offroad. I had already had over 20 years of serious Landrovering before I acquired it, so I knew how to look after it in the bush. With the LT230 and front and rear diff locks I was comfortable it would get me out of any situation and I took it wherever I needed to go. You have to understand that I have never travelled in a convoy in the bush. I'm usually just on my own away exploring or deer hunting. Reliability and self-sufficiency means everything to me. Having said that, never once was the winch used for recovery! Nor was the car taken through mud holes or other obstacles just for the fun of it.
The car had been resprayed by the original owner who was a bit rough with it around his farm. Some body repairs were also done about 15 years ago. In a couple of places, the paint has chipped and the filler can be seen. There are a few dings, almost all of them from sticks that have been flicked up by the front wheels.
As for prices:
The car could be easily back on the road for under $2k. That includes re-plumbing and gassing the aircon and replacing the auxiliary compressed air filters and plumbing. BUT, this assumes the turbo is OK. AND, to transfer the rego, the engine swap would need to be engineered. This should present no problems and cost under $1k. So, the car as is would only be worth $2.5k perhaps, with the buyer being prepared to spend another $3k.
But, if I remove and sell the parts I could easily recoup around $12k. This would still leave a shell for anyone who wanted it. The HS2.8 alone is probably worth $7k.
If someone walked in the door and offered me $9k to take the car (and any spares I have) I would accept it. But I would make sure they knew exactly what they were getting.
So no one is about to lay 9 big infront of you that`s for sure .
And as you say the sensible thing is to try and recoup your doh and that = Parting out i get it[thumbsupbig]
Good luck and i hope at the end someone is able to resurrect what is left of the body[wink11]

[Vern]

So no one is about to lay 9 big infront of you that`s for sure .
And as you say the sensible thing is to try and recoup your doh and that = Parting out i get it[thumbsupbig]
Good luck and i hope at the end someone is able to resurrect what is left of the body[wink11]
I would hope it is resurrected!
This is what happened to the last lse I sold to a guy who was going to put a 4bd1 in it, we even lifted the body off on my hoist to make the job easier! Never to be back on the road now!😠https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/207.jpg

[Mercguy]

I would hope it is resurrected!
This is what happened to the last lse I sold to a guy who was going to put a 4bd1 in it, we even lifted the body off on my hoist to make the job easier! Never to be back on the road now!😠https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/207.jpg



That is depressing.

[gavinwibrow]

I would hope it is resurrected!
This is what happened to the last lse I sold to a guy who was going to put a 4bd1 in it, we even lifted the body off on my hoist to make the job easier! Never to be back on the road now!😠

I do have a Lotto ticket this week, so watch this space (I wish). Would be great to have an unmatched pair of soft and hard dash diesel LSEs.
I suspect this one is one of the first to make it to the Antipodes?

[DieselLSE]

I suspect this one is one of the first to make it to the Antipodes?
Probably, as it was on display at the Landrover stand at the Sydney Motor Show in 1993. March, I think. It was built in December 1992. As I understand it, there was a batch of 5 or 7 that came in as a special build. Standard Vogue LSE (3.9, EAS, TC on rear wheels, five spoke painted alloys) stuff plus birdseye maple dash & door trim, matching rear tables and "cocktail cabinet", custom centre console with rear aircon and Mosswood paint. Interior was standard brown leather trim. I understand this build pushed the price up to about $120k. It was kept by the managing director for six or so months and sold to my mate in late 1993. I've known the car since then and bought it from him in 1996.

[p38arover]

Please note: No selling/buying in forum. Take it to the markets or use PMs to ask about bits.

[Vern]

May be it should be moved to 'whats it worth'

[Bradtot]

Please note: No selling/buying in forum. Take it to the markets or use PMs to ask about bits.


Hello Ron nice to see you back!!!
you have been missed![bigsmile1]

[p38arover]

Hello Ron nice to see you back!!!
you have been missed![bigsmile1]

Thanks Brad.

You blokes have missed me telling what not to do? [biggrin]

[Tins]

Thanks Brad.

You blokes have missed me telling what not to do? [biggrin]

Hi Ron. Do we have to resurrect the thread of things to do on the way to Wombat?

[p38arover]

You might indeed, John. [biggrin]

[DieselLSE]

Good news all,
Much to my surprise, a week ago I was contacted by a forum member whose son was looking for a project car, specifically an LSE to convert to diesel for use as a camping vehicle. Despite spending an hour or so with them poring over the car trying to discourage them, they remained keen and made a perfectly reasonable offer. They saw the car at its worst as I had started dismantling it and had removed the sound system and other bits. Spent the following three days putting it all back together, fixing a few things and filling it with spare parts etc and giving it a wash and vacuum. Almost tempted to keep it!
They collected it this morning and Harry is determined to have it all sorted and running by Christmas. He's already lined up his mates to help and has promised to post his progress on this forum. Harry's happy, I'm happy, and you lot should be happy, too!
Apologies to those who have PM'd me for parts. I had just been too busy to start dismantling it. Just as well, I suppose; I never expected this outcome.

[Davo]

Another one saved is very good news. Thanks for letting us know.

[DoubleChevron]

Now .. THAT is the best possible outcome :)

[Baggy]

Actually two good things ......

Saving an LSE and having Ron back on the forum ..... EXCELLENT

Baggy

[Fausto79]

just out of interest... was that a proper international 2.8 engine or was it one of the 300tdi with the 2.8 stroker kit? may i ask where you got the engine from originally and how much if it's ok. just looking into 2.8 options for my D1 and any information would be appreciated. was the turbo that overheated a vvt? original from the international 2.8?

[Baggy]

I believe it was a TD5 conversion from memory

Baggy

[DieselLSE]

just out of interest... was that a proper international 2.8 engine or was it one of the 300tdi with the 2.8 stroker kit? may i ask where you got the engine from originally and how much if it's ok. just looking into 2.8 options for my D1 and any information would be appreciated. was the turbo that overheated a vvt? original from the international 2.8?
Yes, it was a genuine HS2.8 and yes, it was the original variable vane turbo.
The new owner called me recently to say the turbo checked out OK, so I'm really pleased about that.

The HS2.8 was imported new along with two other engines by the late Ray Alford from (the then) Romsey Landrover (now Romsey British Automotive) around 2007. I think the import price was around $10k and I believe this increased to about $15k by the time I fitted it in 2010. Romsey is in central Vic. He put what was to become my 2.8 into his D2 to replace the V8 and used it for about 9,000kms. He then removed it to put in an LPG V8 and offered it to me for $5k plus my 3.9V8 which I had previously refurbished with a new block. The exchange took place in late 2009, but I didn't get around to fitting the 2.8 for another year.

The HS2.8 is a Euro2 spec engine and I found it to have the same power as the 3.9V8 and twice the torque. Max torque is reached at only 1200 revs, so it was brilliant for off road work. It probably wouldn't want to go much over 130km/h, but would sit on 110 all day. In the LSE I averaged 13.5l/100km, although I believe Ray got much better than that in his D2.

The engine would be perfect for a D1. But be aware it is a very noisy engine. I also have no idea where you would find one.

The downside for me was the need to completely overhaul the injector pump after only 60,000km.

I reckon, for a D1, if I had a choice between a TD5 or an HS2.8 I would opt for the TD5.

[Fausto79]

I reckon, for a D1, if I had a choice between a TD5 or an HS2.8 I would opt for the TD5.

In which case, better off just buying a d2. I had a chat to md eng in the uk. They do the stroked 300tdi engines. ~10k complete (all ancillaries, tuned fuel pump and vnt) and delivered to perth.

Going to keep my tdi for now whilst it’s running well and when the day comes I’ll decide whether to rebuild of get something else.

Wouldn’t mind getting an allisport vnt kit and double core IC though.