Thread: Defender the only vehicle I've owned that I truly loved!

Alright, since there won't be any new ones soon enough, should I finally go into business rebuilding Landies as I've been threatening to for years?

Originally Posted by Davo

Alright, since there won't be any new ones soon enough, should I finally go into business rebuilding Landies as I've been threatening to for years?

That's what I'm basically doing with mine, bought it so we could start using it and am replacing everything to make it like new. In my case it is not a daily drive so most of what I do will stay pretty close to new, with proper maintenance.

I look at it this was, 300tdi 110, so long as the body and chassis is ok, all you really have is a drive line, motor, coolant holders and a couple of pumps and a bit of steering. If I buy right I can make it new for a bout half a new one including upgrades, no brainer for me.

Ive had 3 defenders (a v8 90, a 110 pickup and 110 dormobile csw) and even after 4 discoverys, I still prefer the defenders so much so that Ive kept the 90 and 110 csw at home in Ireland while I travel around the world.
I dont know why they have the appeal but whenever I sit in a defender I feel like Im off on another adventure....

H

Originally Posted by tonic

That's what I'm basically doing with mine, bought it so we could start using it and am replacing everything to make it like new. In my case it is not a daily drive so most of what I do will stay pretty close to new, with proper maintenance.

I look at it this was, 300tdi 110, so long as the body and chassis is ok, all you really have is a drive line, motor, coolant holders and a couple of pumps and a bit of steering. If I buy right I can make it new for a bout half a new one including upgrades, no brainer for me.

I worked for myself once rebuilding a SIIA for a clueless baby boomer. It was pretty much like new when I was finished, and drove beautifully. I've also rebuilt a few others over the years. It wouldn't be too hard to do as a business, if you had the customers, of course. There are companies in the US and Britain that do this but I'm not sure we've got the population here for such a niche. Still, I'll be thinking about it now . . .

I have a 2005 TD5 Defender, and it is the only car I have owned that I plan to keep forever. My wife says that I will be buried in it!! Actually I plan on being cremated, so if I was sprinkled over the back seat, with all the leaks, and draughts, I could be scattered all over FNQ by just driving around Cairns.

Actually I just purchased a second car for myself, to keep the K's low on the defender. Both cars put a smile on my face when I drive them. The second is a 2008 John Cooper Works MINI. It's an absolute rocket, and loads of fun to drive.

Now I have a choice: Go Fast, or Go anywhere!!

Mudnut!

My missuus just bought a JCW mini - 2012 model. Fantastically quick and nippy sports car, I love it.

You've got to enjoy the gurgling overrun in sports mode too - such a good noise.

Enjoy mate.

Bobby

Originally Posted by Davo

I worked for myself once rebuilding a SIIA for a clueless baby boomer. It was pretty much like new when I was finished, and drove beautifully. I've also rebuilt a few others over the years. It wouldn't be too hard to do as a business, if you had the customers, of course. There are companies in the US and Britain that do this but I'm not sure we've got the population here for such a niche. Still, I'll be thinking about it now . . .

"Clueless Baby Boomer"???...That could be me, I'm pretty hopeless at mechanical stuff, but I don't mind paying good money to get the right man for the job, as long as it's done right.
Geez, you're right about "companies in the U.K." though,.....there's heaps of them, for every imaginable task...just for LandRovers!
Cheers, Pickles.