Defender 110 "Project"

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BigJock2005

Active Member
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308
Location
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I've been thinking about a Defender for ages. Of all the Land Rovers I've owned (3 classic RRs, Disco 2 and 3 and Range Rover P38 and L322) I've never had a Defender.
I'm amazed at the silly money some are going for, so rather than trade-in the workhorse and part with cash I've decided to spend less money for an older vehicle that is sound, and that I can then spend some money on.
I've decided on a TD5 (reliability, tuneability and pure gorgeous sound with a straight-through) and I'll focus one with a decent body and chassis and good service history, or owner that's known how to service it with lots of receipts and paperwork, rather than lots of toys and add-ons. I'm not too worried about mileage either if it's got a good story behind it.
I put the word "project" in quotes because I don't plan on getting it on axle stands for the first year if I can avoid it, so it's more of a cosmetic project than a technical one. I want to end up with a bus I can shove wife, kids and dog in, with a ton of camping gear, and drive into the blue yonder with.
As a Defender will be new to me, I've been checking around parts to fanny it up (grilles, lights, rack, ladder, dash, seats) and of course there's absolutely thousands of them.
Just wanted to share that. Feels better.
Any comments on classic pitfalls, or confirmation that I am stupid or mad or both, are very welcome.
 
I assume you will be going for a 110 if you want to get wife, kids, dog and lots of gear in the back as a 90 wont be suitable as good as they are. (Ignore that as you say in title 110.)
TD5 engines are bullet proof, main problem area's are things like oil getting down injector harness to ECU socket, most will have had a new improved harness already fitted, fuel pressure regulator leaks, easily fixed, and again probably already changed, in tank fuel pump problems, a pain in the but to change as tank has to be dropped, injector seals, indicated by oil level rising, or poor running, easily sorted, as long as the chassis and bulkhead are okay and engine looks as though its been looked after there is little to worry about.
And no rubber timing belt to worry about either.
 
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Yeah I like the 90s but didnt realise how small they were (got a separate thread on that).
I've emailed a seller asking what parts he's replaced and I'm a bit familiar with some from my D2. It's also a rebuild so will be checking VIN and engine number to V5!!!
Thanks for comments.
Am I right in thinking theres pretty much 100% kit compatibilty with all the 110 TD5s except maybe the dash?
 
BigJock2005 said:
Yeah I like the 90s but didnt realise how small they were (got a separate thread on that).
I've emailed a seller asking what parts he's replaced and I'm a bit familiar with some from my D2. It's also a rebuild so will be checking VIN and engine number to V5!!!
Thanks for comments.
Am I right in thinking theres pretty much 100% kit compatibilty with all the 110 TD5s except maybe the dash?
Click to expand...
Most things will be compatable but as always when ordering anything, check before buying it will be suitable for your year and trim level, engine, gearbox, body work etc.
Speaking of trim levels, if you can find an XS model in your price range that would be a better option as it has a higher spec, aircon, heated seats, heated screen, central locking and alarm/imobiliser better seats, paint options, tinted windows, better wheels etc, etc.
 
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Very good point thanks, I think we all know that defenders without AC can be fun in the summer...
Do you know if AC was standard on all XS models - web seems to suggest so.
 
Well.... here she is!!!
I think I got a bargain. Got her on fleabay and on checking out was exactly as per description. She is a very mature 12 years old (2006 with 160K) and a TD5 XS.
As I said, this is my first Defender, so while I driven some mates' Defenders the test drive and then driving her home was interesting. First observations:
1. Drives like a boat... wanders about like a ****ed tramp
2. Absolutely rattles like buggery
3. Unbelievably noisy
4. Very bouncy
5. Accelerates, stops, and sounds like a 40 tonne truck
Or in other words... absolutely f**king BRILLIANT!!
She's had a new front diff and transfer box at 140K and been serviced regularly for her entire life. Chassis pretty clean, Waxoyled two years ago.Scratches and rust spots exactly as you would expect on a lady her age.
Will be getting to know her over the coming days and weeks but so far I am just super happy.
First purchase will be very boring though... an immobiliser!
Jock
 

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BigJock2005 said:
Well.... here she is!!!
I think I got a bargain. Got her on fleabay and on checking out was exactly as per description. She is a very mature 12 years old (2006 with 160K) and a TD5 XS.
As I said, this is my first Defender, so while I driven some mates' Defenders the test drive and then driving her home was interesting. First observations:
1. Drives like a boat... wanders about like a ****ed tramp
2. Absolutely rattles like buggery
3. Unbelievably noisy
4. Very bouncy
5. Accelerates, stops, and sounds like a 40 tonne truck
Or in other words... absolutely f**king BRILLIANT!!
She's had a new front diff and transfer box at 140K and been serviced regularly for her entire life. Chassis pretty clean, Waxoyled two years ago.Scratches and rust spots exactly as you would expect on a lady her age.
Will be getting to know her over the coming days and weeks but so far I am just super happy.
First purchase will be very boring though... an immobiliser!
Jock
Click to expand...

Nice,

But I would recommend more than an immobiliser, think tracker and a physical lock or two as well, Pedal / steering.

Cheers
 
BigJock2005 said:
Well.... here she is!!!
I think I got a bargain. Got her on fleabay and on checking out was exactly as per description. She is a very mature 12 years old (2006 with 160K) and a TD5 XS.
As I said, this is my first Defender, so while I driven some mates' Defenders the test drive and then driving her home was interesting. First observations:
1. Drives like a boat... wanders about like a ****ed tramp
2. Absolutely rattles like buggery
3. Unbelievably noisy
4. Very bouncy
5. Accelerates, stops, and sounds like a 40 tonne truck
Or in other words... absolutely f**king BRILLIANT!!
She's had a new front diff and transfer box at 140K and been serviced regularly for her entire life. Chassis pretty clean, Waxoyled two years ago.Scratches and rust spots exactly as you would expect on a lady her age.
Will be getting to know her over the coming days and weeks but so far I am just super happy.
First purchase will be very boring though... an immobiliser!
Jock
Click to expand...

Well done, nice colour too, the adventures can start now,
 
BigJock2005 said:
1. Drives like a boat... wanders about like a ****ed tramp
Click to expand...

Does it drive like this because you are used to a small hot hatch, or does it drive like this compared to other defenders? If it is the latter one of the first things I would do is check over the steering and suspension bushes. It should drive nicely and not need constant correction of the steering. Worn track rod ends, or panhard rod bushes can cause it to wander about.

I would also second @neilly and get some physical protection and a tracker for when they still get around it all.
 
dag019 said:
Does it drive like this because you are used to a small hot hatch, or does it drive like this compared to other defenders?
Click to expand...

She's pretty much like the others I drove, in fact one I test drove was a 15 plate and a lot worse. She is perfectly steerable, but yes my other cars are much tighter. She was MOT'd in May and the only advisories were tyres and a brake pipe. I'll be getting my LR mate to look over it next week. However, I think I do have one big problem... you'll read more about that in another thread shortly...
 
Wimblowdriver said:
I would check - it should already have one as standard?? Has it been disabled or tampered with to stop it working for some reason?
Click to expand...
Thanks, I think you're right. When I lock the doors with the remote, I get a blinking red light on the dash, so I think the previous owner was talking bollocks, the factory fitted unit seems to be working okay. I will be popping down to the shops to pick something physical up though.
 
What do you think about the X-Defend? It's more expensive but I like the idea that you don't have to stow it every time.
 
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