UlstermanAbroad
Active Member
- Posts
- 76
- Location
- Northern Ireland
Hi Guys
Just bought my first Defender. Paid a bit more than I intended, but it has bomb proof mechanicals and comes from a very reputable source. Drove it 700 miles home, with no hiccups. Just been MoT’d with no advisories. It's a late 80's model, with a new chassis, bulkhead and 300 TDI fitted.
Really this is a cosmetic restoration only, with some electricals. That said, it's a 110 hi cap with the heavy duty suspension, which I may swap out for something more forgiving.
I plan to repaint it, inside and out. Upgrade the dash. Add a stereo. Replace the exhaust centre section with a straight through pipe. Take the cab roof off and replace it with a full length canvas hood, supports and roll bar. Probably some folding rear seats. Upgraded heating. Externally, give it the Heritage look and keep it as stock as poss.
Anticipate taking all the body panels off, to straighten out a few dents and paint. Underseal everything.
The only rust appears to be surface only and in very few places.
I have a nearby secure, dry warehouse (part of) with power to use but will probably have to buy all the tools and materials I need, as I've not attempted anything like this before. If I can sell this on when completed and make a decent margin, I plan to do another, bit more ambitious restoration.
I may be skills poor, but having more or less retired, am time rich. If I get into diffs, I have a mechanic and auto electrician to help.
What tools would you recommend, based on the above? I'd like to do as much as possible myself, to learn new skills and save money.
I may buy cheap or second hand tools initially and if there's a business in it, then buy better quality.
Hugely appreciate your help, suggestions , advice etc
Mike
Just bought my first Defender. Paid a bit more than I intended, but it has bomb proof mechanicals and comes from a very reputable source. Drove it 700 miles home, with no hiccups. Just been MoT’d with no advisories. It's a late 80's model, with a new chassis, bulkhead and 300 TDI fitted.
Really this is a cosmetic restoration only, with some electricals. That said, it's a 110 hi cap with the heavy duty suspension, which I may swap out for something more forgiving.
I plan to repaint it, inside and out. Upgrade the dash. Add a stereo. Replace the exhaust centre section with a straight through pipe. Take the cab roof off and replace it with a full length canvas hood, supports and roll bar. Probably some folding rear seats. Upgraded heating. Externally, give it the Heritage look and keep it as stock as poss.
Anticipate taking all the body panels off, to straighten out a few dents and paint. Underseal everything.
The only rust appears to be surface only and in very few places.
I have a nearby secure, dry warehouse (part of) with power to use but will probably have to buy all the tools and materials I need, as I've not attempted anything like this before. If I can sell this on when completed and make a decent margin, I plan to do another, bit more ambitious restoration.
I may be skills poor, but having more or less retired, am time rich. If I get into diffs, I have a mechanic and auto electrician to help.
What tools would you recommend, based on the above? I'd like to do as much as possible myself, to learn new skills and save money.
I may buy cheap or second hand tools initially and if there's a business in it, then buy better quality.
Hugely appreciate your help, suggestions , advice etc
Mike
