Thread: SIIA body on defender rolling chassis

Hi guys

Over here, the series chassis are getting pretty old, but the body panels are quite cheap and plentiful.

What are the potential issues I should consider if I want to plonk the Series 2A 109 station wagon body panels onto a 110 chassis?

Should I use a defender bulkhead?
Are the outriggers in the same / correct place?
I assume only a shortish four-pot engine would fit? Could I consider the 300TDi without an IC?
Do I use defender inner skins to the front wheel arches?
What else.

Thanks in advance.......

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

You could also modify a SIII screen onto the Defender firewall and have the benefits of the Defender dash etc.

Particularly if you sed the early hinges for the Defender screen.

Hmmm I'll have to look at that, because I want some defender bulkhead benefits

Here's how the plan is shaping up:

- 110 coiler rolling chassis with Sals in the back
- locker rear and LSD front ( but will consider two True Tracs)
- LT85 and late LT230 tcase
- Defender brake system including proper booster
- 2-inch lift with longer shockies, bent radius and trailing arms
- Minimum 3L turbo diesel lump with tweaks (M&D or EngineConversions adapter & conversion kit).
- EGT, 3-inch non-silenced exhaust, oversize Allards or similar IC
- aircon !

I've now gone through my stack of LRO and LRM magazines, trying to get ideas.

The 129 concept ute at Dunsfold caught my eye..........

Dunsfold Collection

.....But that look won't work on a station wagon. I might steal the idea of lifting the bonnet/dropping the sides.

Some items still nagging at my head:

- mil style wheel arches or just civilian, either of these with GRP extenders?
- since I will have a Defender dash tray, should I go retro as per Series 3 or rip it all out and go the alloy custom dash route?
- do I get clever and integrate the rock sliders into the chassis during the build? (remove the standard trim under the doors and install 75mm square tube sliders mounted direct to the outriggers?)
- should I consider alternative axles like Patrol or LC, and then use a complete Jap drivetrain for the non-offset rear pumkin problem? (but then do I have a Land Rover or just a bitsa?)

What else? engine and tranny Coolers? Wiring? Batteries?

Engine oil cooler is a problem: the Series front is a little limited, and I reckon a radiator, IC, and aircon tank will be almost too much already.
Can I whack the oil cooler next to a chassis rail for protection and run some 12v fans and/or ducting to cool it down?

Wiring for Hella plugs and other heavy accessories will be done as part of the build, but where do I put the batteries? In the seat box as per tradition, or should I look at an external or rear option?

I think I'm staying with the Defender windscreen: better visibility, works best with the Defender wipers, and shatter-proof glass is cheaper. But then I have to use Defender B and C door pillars? I suppose then that defender doors would be inevitable, or would Ashcroft supply a taller door top for instance?