Thread: County listed on eBay 'Maxi-Drive'

nice guy to boot...

Aside from the disc brakes and the welded on bump at the top of the axle housing for the actuator, what are you going to see?

All the good stuff is on the inside. You can get many variations on cover for the Sals, and they're good for extra strength and oil capacity.

I take it by placing the post in this section you believe an Isuzu will just bolt into the engine bay and away you go?

Originally Posted by dobbo

I take it by placing the post in this section you believe an Isuzu will just bolt into the engine bay and away you go?

no. but someone around here might be after parts or a body most of which are interchangeable. I just wanted opinion about the items mentioned and what the images convey.

If it was in Vic, with that feedback - not many small ticket items either- I would buy it for the rear end,fuel tank & gearbox.
I think his valuation on the other parts is spot on. If it has Maxi drive discs, then its an odds on bet the unit has the axles & hubs too.
The photo link wouldn't open for me.

Edit..Ahh, it opened for me this time. Hubs are missing, can't see the additional fuel tank, rust was worse than I expected

I think he is being a bit optimistic on what is basically a landie without an engine that has been sitting in a paddock for a while.

Valuation idea:
* The rear axle with Maxi drive is the real gem, worth around $2700 .
* The professional rebuilt gearbox LT85 is a rare find and would cost about $2500 .
* The roofrack is a one of a kind professional aluminium design would cost at least $800.
* The front axle with full recond diff about $1000.
* Fuel tank $400 .
* The leftover body and chassis and various parts $1500
* Do your sums and see that this is a great deal .

These prices are fantasy IMHO.
He is saying you could get >$10k wrecking the vehicle

As a comparison:
I paid ~$1000 for a disc converted Sals with ARB locker, MD axles and flanges (note the axle above has standard flanges).
An LT85 rebuild is expensive, but without receipts and a test drive you would be lucky to get $500 for it.
I wouldn't pay more than $200 for a good (standard) front axle.
$400 for a 2nd hand sill tank is top dollar as well.

I saw it when he wanted at least $4,000. He is a nice guy, but seems to think it is worth more than it really is. From the more detailed photos it looks like the body parts and other standard bits are in less than average condition and not worth much. I'm keen to get my hands on a locking rear diff and maybe a disc conversion, but it's a lot of effort to pull that out and unload the rest.

On the plus side, he didn't seem to have any objection to a prospective purchaser pulling an axle out or taking the diff cover off to see if there are any problems (such as rust) inside.

Originally Posted by Dave_S

I saw it when he wanted at least $4,000. He is a nice guy, but seems to think it is worth more than it really is. From the more detailed photos it looks like the body parts and other standard bits are in less than average condition and not worth much. I'm keen to get my hands on a locking rear diff and maybe a disc conversion, but it's a lot of effort to pull that out and unload the rest.

On the plus side, he didn't seem to have any objection to a prospective purchaser pulling an axle out or taking the diff cover off to see if there are any problems (such as rust) inside.

Yes I'm still in two minds about it too. He asserts that the diff is a genuine Mal Story Maxi Drive- the images of the axle suggest that this description relates to the diff centre and discs only. There are other bits but as you say, its a mountain of effort to get there to assess- and the terms suggest 'buy' before 'inspect'. I'd be inclined if I didn't have to spend half asking price just to pick it up- or half that again if I hire a car trailer and tow it all the way up there and back- (what we would do beggars the imagination upon reflection). Guess I have to let it go or make a rude offer. My feeling is that defenders with rear discs and some other goodies will come up and will continue to do so in more numbers given the longevity expense and complexity of their engines.... sorry did I giggle just now? Must be bad manners....