Am I mad?

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Aidso

Aidso

New Member
Posts
500
Ok so not the most mechanical minded(but a quick learner). Always wanted a landy and a bit of a project but never had the money to buy one in good enough condition. I have happened to come across a very nice man with a responsible series 3 109 diesel at the right price. The big problem is its a non runner.

So I'm just wondering am I mad to take on a project like this? I'm good with my hands and can strip and rebuild almost anything. But I'm more electronics orentinted. Engine cranks but no start.

Body is I great shape besides needing a respary. Chassis needs welding(not sure how much) bulkhead is solid.
 
There'll be more wrong with it than is first apparant but don't get discouraged. Most things are do-able by an enthusiastic amateur and it's all a learning curve. With regard to it not starting have you bled the diesel through to the pump and then to the injectors; is it a good battery that will turn it over fast enough?
 
You're mad. We all are. Welcome to the fun. If you get stuck there's someone on here who can solve your problems, just ask nicely. And if you want to avoid a good flaming from some of our less tolerant bretheren, pop a post in the "Introduce yourself" section ASAP.
 
Aidso said:
Ok so not the most mechanical minded(but a quick learner). Always wanted a landy and a bit of a project but never had the money to buy one in good enough condition. I have happened to come across a very nice man with a responsible series 3 109 diesel at the right price. The big problem is its a non runner.

So I'm just wondering am I mad to take on a project like this? I'm good with my hands and can strip and rebuild almost anything. But I'm more electronics orentinted. Engine cranks but no start.

Body is I great shape besides needing a respary. Chassis needs welding(not sure how much) bulkhead is solid.
Click to expand...

If you do it properly then what ever you think it needs now, will be 10% of what it actually needs.

if you get it up to basic legal running standard it won't last long before needing work.

it will also cost more than you want it to.

but if you've got time and space then get on with it!
 
"If you do it properly then what ever you think it needs now, will be 10% of what it actually needs.

if you get it up to basic legal running standard it won't last long before needing work.

it will also cost more than you want it to.

but if you've got time and space then get on with it!"

Aint that the truth!
 
:welcome2:

What can possibly go wrong!.......
Do it, will be worth the effort, worst case you sell it on later, but once bitten by the bug its addictive.
:)
 
Thank you all for the encouragement. I'm going to see it tomorrow. He has 2. A 109 and an 88. Less needs done to the 88 as chassis has been striped welded and painted already. Will let you all know tomorrow.
 
If you do this, be prepared to spend a lot more money than you ever imagined.
Be prepared to spend many lonely hours in frustration.
Be prepared for spending many hours working on the project to the neglect of your family, friends and other interests.
Get used to smelling of gear oil and diesel.
Abandon hope of having a nice, smart wardrobe (see above.)
You will lose the ability to have normal conversations with ordinary (i.e. not Land Rover) people.
But all that is irrelevant you will end up with a nice Landy that is as much yours as your children and it will all seem worthwhile.
Welcome to the madhouse ;)
 
I like the lwb's but the swb are more practical imho, you can always put a rack on if you want to carry stuff.

depending on price I would lean towards the 88
 
I would imagine the 109 to have the turning circle of the Exxon Valdez. Well my dads 110 does :rolleyes: I would think that the 88 to be more practical for going round town in especially if you don't need to carry many passengers often
 
You really have to think of acquiring a series as being the first step in your new hobby of car mechanics.....
 
So went this morning and had a look at both and well bought both. Got the two of them for a steal.

I am going to work on the 88 first as the chassis and bulkhead have just been done so it is all mechanical and electrical. It has NO wiring loom at all. But how had can it be. im guessing a few good days should get it done(bear in mind i work with wiring a LOT more involved everyday). It has had power steering fitted and a 2.5d engine and gearbox. so a wee bit of re routing pipes up front and reconnecting the steering rods. All the body work including tray and canopy are there. Only the tray needs painted everything else including chassis is done. Has also had new springs fitted

The 109 now so far after a quick look this morning i can see it needs a new rear cross member as i put my finger through it. It cranks when starter powered but again wiring is in bits. Think ill leave this one for later.

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samc88 said:
I would imagine the 109 to have the turning circle of the Exxon Valdez. Well my dads 110 does :rolleyes: I would think that the 88 to be more practical for going round town in especially if you don't need to carry many passengers often
Click to expand...

Yes, the 109 does have a super tanker sized turning circle, and visibility out the back ist great even in the station wagon which is practically all glass so it makes supermarket car parks somewhat a challenge. However if you need to move stuff round they are cavernous inside. You'd be surprised how many friends you have that suddenly need massive wardrobes moving around.
 
jcuk said:
Yes, the 109 does have a super tanker sized turning circle, and visibility out the back ist great even in the station wagon which is practically all glass so it makes supermarket car parks somewhat a challenge. However if you need to move stuff round they are cavernous inside. You'd be surprised how many friends you have that suddenly need massive wardrobes moving around.
Click to expand...

Yes, people are already telling me these grand schemes to camping because I've got an 88 with a roof rack :rolleyes:
 
Just so you know, your 88 is a series 2 or 2a by the looks of the bulkhead, and is in pretty good order from what we can see, check the v5 and see what it says.

Square apron as well, my bet is it's a 2, luck beggar if the price was right.
 
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