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I dont know why engineeering would be a problem, it wouldnt be any different than what other folks do with hotrods and the like.
As long as you consult an engineer from the concept to the end you wont have any problems.
It is just a staight up Hybrid, they seem to be pretty comon place in the UK as far as the UK based magazines seem to make out so it shouldnt be too hard to find info from over there on the how too's and consult your engineer with the what too's and How he want's you too's and where and when too's and it shouldn't give too many unexpected hasstles.
I had often thought they are pretty good but I like my fast glass, air con and comfort of the Disco and if I wanted to go rugged I'd buy a Deefa......a lot cheaper in the long run.
Good luck and lot's of pics please. :D
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G'day,
The first thing I would be doing is seeking out a good engineer that is approved by QLD transport - you must have one of these on your side whatever you do. There should be a list available from QLD Transport - there is one from RTA in NSW.
Now the "sensible" bit is over, I would be buying an early 80's Rangie as it has less ADRs to comply to and is the same chassis as the Disco to 1999 - just find a good one there are plenty around for almost no money.
This is a chassis I built up for a 100" Defender Hybrid I was building - 1983 Rangie with Defender outriggers etc and bobbed rear end - my mate decided he needed it more than I did so bought the project off me and installed this S1 body to fit the 100" wheelbase, its going to be a REAL good vehicle once it hits the road.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...s-hybrid_3.jpg
The vehicle has been checked over by the engineer and has no major issues - even with the 37" Crawlers.
If your going to build something like this then an engine swap to a Tdi can be just part of you build plans - just cut off the V8 engine mounts and make up some Tdi ones, the gearbox and transfer is in the same place - see my website for Tdi conversions http://www.users.on.net/~LRHybrid100/TDI.html
Whatever you do, Just DO IT!!!
LRH
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Make it EASY for yourself.
Get a early 70ies Rangerover.
Your Hybrid will be registered as such.Registration goes on chassis year NOT body!!!
You can then fit the Discovery running gear and Ser1 body to this chassis,all sholud fit easypeasy,just make sure all work is neat tidy and thought thru.
Very little engineering needed and very few ADRS to meet for an early Rangie.
Goodluck
Andrew
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Just be careful of the many web wheelers around here - they have seen the DVD so they are all experts :D.
There are some good true car builder around here - one that impressed me the most for a while is a 109" Series chassis on coils http://www.aulro.com/afvb/members-rides/39158-109.html
LRH
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thanks every one... this is still in the thort process but i am very keen to make this beast, be it with a range rover or disco chassis... will post lots of pics when it starts to happen... any other info post it please... :)
cheers
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AS has been said by the head of the NSW RTA's vehicle standards branch. "You can do any modification you like to your vehicle. I don't have to register it."
The following comes from the Queensland Transport's Modification of Motor Vehicles
"modifications which involve substantial structural changes to the body or chassis of a vehicle, require a written submission. A fee is payable for the evaluation of plans. Send submissions prior to commencing any modifications or alterations to:
Policy Advice
PO Box 673
Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006.
Applicants should supply as much detail as possible. Incomplete submissions, insufficient details or poor drawings will delay processing of submissions. As a guide, submissions should contain:
• a completed ‘Motor Vehicle Modification Application’ (Form No. F1854 available at Queensland Transport Customer Service Centres) and
• drafted plans for any modifications or alterations involving structural changes. Plans, on A3 size drafting paper, should include dimensions, plan,
elevation, end elevation and sections (where necessary), material description, and welding and machining details."
And sorry I don't have the DVD so don't know what it says, however I have previously had dramas with the NSW RTA refusing to register a modified vehicle which had far less modification than you are intending. It can also be said that there are some very nice modifications out there but not all of them have number plates or current registration.
My advice is to talk to Queensland Transport.
Diana
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I had a hybrid (now gone sadly) which was registered as a Series 3 with a coil conversion. It was done by restamping the Range Rover donor chassis with the original Series 3 chassis numbers. That way, it was only the 'change of axles' and engine which needed to be be engineered - 2 mod codes on the QLD Mod Plate - total cost for engineering - $75. In this case, the changes were viewed as upgrades, rather than the other way around - Range Rover/Disco with an earlier body - definitly a downgrade as far as ADR's go.
I'm not saying its entirely legal (I didnt build it) but it worked and it was simple.
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update!!!!
i can get a 1988 swb disco, motor is stuffed though. no matter my lold man has a 2.8 turbo deisel in a rangie that i should be able to swindle out of him. he said it should bolt straight in, and a mate knows a engineer, sounds like he is pretty good. have to have a yarn to him, and get the rovers from cooktown to townsville so i can make a start...
i'll keep ya's posted...
