Full Restoration Advice Please

theloneboarder · Dec 29, 2017

Hi everyone, if this is in the wrong forum then I apologise.
After years tinkering about with my 1989 110 Station Wagon, I think the time has come to do a full restoration.
Can anyone recommend a garage in Suffolk or East Anglia ?
When I got it (10 years ago), I put a disco engine in which has never let me down. New brake lines and clutch within the last 2 years and I had the wiring fuse board replaced. Also, had the rear crossmember replaced and the underside waxed.
The main resto jobs are to stop the roof from leaking (maybe just replace it). Floor panels. Re-fit a decent dashboard. Straighten a few dents. Doors. Possibly replace bulkhead. Plus a few cosmetic things like roof lining, new lights and chequer plate. Oh, and heating.
Basically, I am looking to get my Landy to a condition that looks nice and is going to last. Ive got about £5k to spend so please tell me if I am nuts to try and do it for under that ?
I know a lot of those jobs can be done by me but I never get the time and it now needs a overhaul. Just hoping someone can recommend a restoration specialist who will A) do a good job and B) won't have my pants down.
Thanks

Gmacz · Dec 29, 2017

New chassis and start from there. Do it your self and use the extra money on more goodies. It will be very expensive to do your list in a garage. Sell what you have and get one already done would be cheaper.

doriz · Dec 29, 2017

I suppose it's all down to skills and space, replacing the chassis is a doddle for some, but a far flung world for others (me included). Either way sage advice and welcome.

theloneboarder · Dec 29, 2017

I am confident that the chassis is ok. As mentioned, I had the rear X member done and just before it was waxed I had a good poke around and it all looked solid. I realise if the chassis needed replacing, I might as well sell it and buy something newer and more complete.

Disco1BFG · Dec 29, 2017

theloneboarder said:
Hi everyone, if this is in the wrong forum then I apologise.
After years tinkering about with my 1989 110 Station Wagon, I think the time has come to do a full restoration.
Can anyone recommend a garage in Suffolk or East Anglia ?
When I got it (10 years ago), I put a disco engine in which has never let me down. New brake lines and clutch within the last 2 years and I had the wiring fuse board replaced. Also, had the rear crossmember replaced and the underside waxed.
The main resto jobs are to stop the roof from leaking (maybe just replace it). Floor panels. Re-fit a decent dashboard. Straighten a few dents. Doors. Possibly replace bulkhead. Plus a few cosmetic things like roof lining, new lights and chequer plate. Oh, and heating.
Basically, I am looking to get my Landy to a condition that looks nice and is going to last. Ive got about £5k to spend so please tell me if I am nuts to try and do it for under that ?
I know a lot of those jobs can be done by me but I never get the time and it now needs a overhaul. Just hoping someone can recommend a restoration specialist who will A) do a good job and B) won't have my pants down.
Thanks

Given what you have already done, then .....

Gmacz said:
New chassis and start from there. Do it your self and use the extra money on more goodies. It will be very expensive to do your list in a garage. Sell what you have and get one already done would be cheaper.

The above is what I would do. You might find a garage to do the work, but not IME of the ones up here, or of garages in general

- and I have lived in a few places round the country.

bluedog333 · Dec 29, 2017

I think if you’re specific with the jobs you want doing then it is possible with that budget, replacing the bulkhead would take the lions-share of that. I can’t recommend any garages in your area though.

Al2O3 · Dec 29, 2017

theloneboarder said:
I am confident that the chassis is ok. As mentioned, I had the rear X member done and just before it was waxed I had a good poke around and it all looked solid.

My advice would be, at that age and after the rear cross-member needed changing, I would investigate the chassis some more before I invested £5K. eg take the gearbox cross member off and have a look at the chassis rails underneath. Give it a good wacking with a half decent hammer. If you're reluctant to do that, then worry about your £5K. Don't be swayed by the fact you've paid to have it waxed.

theloneboarder said:
I realise if the chassis needed replacing, I might as well sell it and buy something newer and more complete.

Not necessarily. You might be the man to keep it alive. You just need to plan the restoration in a different way.

payydg · Dec 29, 2017

I know a couple of local Suffolk guys who did the galv chassis rebuild on my defender. Very honest and reliable. My family has been using them for many many years. Where In Suffolk are you? They’re based in Clayton near Ipswich.

Disco1BFG · Dec 30, 2017

theloneboarder said:
I realise if the chassis needed replacing, I might as well sell it and buy something newer and more complete.

I agree with what Al203 said in post #7 - IME, you are better off sticking with the devil you know, and I would suggest given what you have done already, you know the vehicle pretty well.

Chalky. · Dec 30, 2017

I would second the idea of having a really good go at the chassis before you go further ahead. Usually when the rear x member has failed, the rest isn't along way away from needing work.

My old man took a welding hammer to my chassis before embarking on a outrigger repair, and punched straight through it in several places that looked fine, especially around a frame cross member and tubular outriggers! Give it a real tw@tting everywhere!

Besides, a galvy chassis is a very nice place to start a build from!! Good luck either way!

I do think 5 k is pushing it if you are taking it to a garage though!

Disco1BFG · Dec 30, 2017

Gottschalk said:
Besides, a galvy chassis is a very nice place to start a build from!! Good luck either way!

Tis the best place to start from

nobber · Dec 30, 2017

I live in Suffolk, close to Eye, I can have a look around it if you like? Give you a few pointers, Ive also worked for a few local garages, one of which claimed to be a landy specialist, I wouldnt let them change a wiper blade let alone restore a vehicle.

Full Restoration Advice Please

theloneboarder

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Gmacz

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doriz

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theloneboarder

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Disco1BFG

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bluedog333

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Al2O3

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payydg

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Disco1BFG

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Chalky.

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Disco1BFG

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nobber

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