Wreck or restore my old County ?

[JaapRoskam]

Hi folks, I have a 1985 County V8. Shortly after I did a near full rebuild of the drive train I had a nasty accident. A drunk driver slammed his small Toyota in the right wing.:wasntme: Unsettling the steering a bit. But worse ... :mad: I was quite unsettled by that and some simultaneous personal events. So I parked the County in my paddock and tried to forget her. No way .... recently she called me and I started the V8 , ran superb within in minutes after over a year or two silence. But I already own a nice Discovery so are a bit "split minded":

Wreck or Restore ? ? ? .

These are the very good things:

V8 4.6 crossbolted, fitted with Edelbrock manifold, Weber carbie , RangeRover starter motor, Bosch alternator , LPG, tops waterpump, unleaded heads. ( 80000 km since new fitted )
Fully rebuilt gearbox ( 800 km since rebuild by Ricks 4WD )
Rear axle with salesbury diff, maxidrive difflock, RangeRover disc brakes ( 120000 km since modifications )
Front axle with fully rebuilt diff ( 2500 km since rebuilt )
Koni shocks front and rear ( 800 km since new fitted )
All chassis rubbers replaced ( 800 km since job )
Defender 130 steel rims
Chassis is in top condition ( not damaged by accident )
Great Roof rack


Not so good:

Steering box need rebuild
Transfer case ( difflock needs repair )
Tyres need replacement
Right wing needs panel beating
All paint is a bit old
Interior is a bit worn


So my question : what would you do: wreck or restore. If I restore I will fit a Isuzu or similar Diesel engine. Or perhaps a Holden V6... ? How would that go with the 5 speed gear box ?
If I sell in sections I will start with the V8 complete first. I got an offer of $2750 on ebay but the buyer keeps quit and did not followup yet.
If you are interested in a section of the County give me an idea of what you would like and pay. I know the going values of each part so no need to try to squeeze for a super bargain. On the other hand I am open for reasonable offers .... if I decide to part.

Thanks in advance:
Jaap Roskam
Northern NSW

[Chucaro]

Mate Countys are a collectors item, fantastic panels and very strong.
Just have a look some pics of members here with Countys in a good condition and you soon start restoring it ;)
As an example have a look long stroke County HERE (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/49826-show-us-your-deefers-31.html)

Cheers

[Blknight.aus]

I'd repair it first, keeping the existing engine while you take care of everything else then look at either selling as is or doing the donk swap...

mind you after you get it on road again I dont think your going to want to get rid of it.

[2stroke]

I'd fix it, if it's a 4 spd I'd go with the Isuzu if it already has the 5 spd a 300 tdi would be my pick. To me an Isuzu 110 is THE Landy (even though I drive a 300 tdi 130).

[JaapRoskam]

Thanks , those inspiring photos are going to cost me a bit . How easy I forgot my GOOD moments with the County. Cheers: J.R.

[Slunnie]

I would repair it with the existing motor. Think of the good times with it, not the bad - sort of reminds me of the team manager in Days of Thunder as he gives his race car another run after some bad events - they went on for more good times.

[Disco_owner]

mate I'd Keep it , repaire it and enjoy a few more years of happy 4wding , then think about an Isuzu swap later down the track :twisted:

[isuzubob]

I'd repair it first, keeping the existing engine while you take care of everything else then look at either selling as is or doing the donk swap...

mind you after you get it on road again I dont think your going to want to get rid of it.

x2

Rob W

[rijidij]

If I restore I will fit a Isuzu or similar Diesel engine.

Jaap, if you like the thought of an Isuzu under the bonnet and you have a County, you are well on your way to having (arguably) the best standard Land Rover, engine combination you can get.

Restore it. I don't like seeing Countys broken up.

Cheers, Murray

[aew849]

Restore Restore Restore!!

Sounds like just a few scratches.

Hate seeing any Land Rovers de-parted!!

aew849
04 130 DCPU "Bev"

[BRINDO75]

restore have a look at my gallery.

[1103.9TDI]

Restore it, doesn't have to be perfect, a few dings here and there just add character to old Landy's, good points of discussion with a few beers:D.

[JaapRoskam]

OK folks, you have won me over. I'm going to restore. I sold the V8 for a reasonable price, just have to get the $$$ from the buyer. Then will transport the County to a friends' farm near Coonabarrabran where I will move to later this year. there will start the restauration. Not glossy ... but very beasty !! I have now for a few years looked at a firewall without a dash ( after all the wiring burnt out and I modified the wiring there was no place for the plastic at all. ) So what the heck!!! You are all right it will be a very usable (Isuzu powered) vehicle again. Thanks all ! jaap