Repairs Dilemma!

Hello All, hope everyone is okay.

Long time no post for me in the forum, very busy with a lot of work on, but hey, grateful for that.

Wanted to ask some opinions from our very experienced bunch of Land Rover victims, er sorry, owners.

I've had a 1989 3.5 EFI classic for just over a year. I bought her for about £1,250 to off-road and love her to bits. Full 3" lift, OME lift kit, Kenlow electric fans, and pretty okay condition - actually for that money, excellent condition. And... 87,000 GENUINE miles... I have every single MOT from her first.

My plan was to maintain her myself of course, but I have so much work on right now, it's just not possible. I lost the brakes on her when going for the MOT, and after 3 months haven't even got round to them. So I got her recovered to the local Landy man, and he has given her the right going over and says to get her MOT'd up and solid we are looking at about £1,000. He's preparing a list of all the individual bits that need doing.

With all the work I have on, I'm lucky to be not short at the moment, and it seems fair enough to me to pass the money around and let someone else earn their keep at what they do best while I'm busy doing what I do best.

So I'm thinking I will spend a bit of money on her IF it leaves me with a solid Rangey. If it's just patchwork that will need done again in a year, then honestly, I might just let her go and have her put down.

So here's my question: what sort of work would you class as "not worth it"?

I am thinking she will need new brakes, new light boxes and inner wings, some new bushes and rubbers or other wearables, and a new tailgate. But I think the chassis, the boot floor and the sills and pans are all good - and of course the motor has good comp and is a sweet as they come.

If he tells me the chassis is corroded, or the boot is gone, or the motor is actually knackered, then I think it's game up.

Sorry for the long rant and blabbering. Any comments or thoughts really very welcome.

Thanks, Jock.

I suppose it depends on what you want from the RR. Judging by the list of mods. it is a off-road recreation tool & as such the repair cost you have been quoted, added to the purchase price, would seem to be value for money - providing the repairs last for a few years. Just bear in mind that the vehicle's mods. have already removed your pride & joy from any chance of having an appreciating asset & maintain a realistic approach to any future expenses. As the old saying goes 'you get what you pay for' Enjoy your off-roading!

Personally, the way classics are going, and with 87k and a good history, it would be worth doing the work, remove the 3 inch lift and start on the way to restoring to former glory.

the boot floor is not a major piece of work, the chassis tend to be long lasting (maybe the rear cross member..

if you decide not to do the work, then let me know i just may be interested in adding a 4th range rover to the barn !

Thanks both! You've kind of reaffirmed my view, as well as providing additional evidence to present to my better half!

I don't think she's a candidate for restoration, as there's quite a few holes, bolts and other miscellaneous fixings around the dash and interior, and the heavy duty lead-based British Army olive green paint job (and accompanying Allied D-Day landings decal scheme) would not be forgiving to a respray! Besides, honestly, that kind of work is well beyond me!

I'll share the list of repairs with you for interest once I get the list, and sure, I'll let you know if I'm going to let her go!

Thanks again.
Jock

There should be a law that all Classics must be saved! Well, that's my opinion.

can you post some piccies Jock ?

Here's a few pictures, taken just after I bought her. She's done a bit of mudding since then, and she's in British Army olive green now! She's also got a much bigger front bumper and steering guard.

Previous owner did the wheel arch mods... not sure why he didn't just fit over-arches, but he's actually re-shaped the wings front and back to cover the tyre profile...

Ridiculously large wheels... I have a 16" set I will probably fit instead. Do you need any wheels?

Jock

I'd say if you like the car and have the money then go for it particularly if the chassis is good.

i've seen a lot lot worse getting restored

Good morning all
I have a two door 1983/4 I am doing at the moment,great fun and sleepless nights thinking about how to rectify what I found the day before. Then it will I am shaw it will be worth it. Sorry have to go shopping now
Speak again soon terry

ukadamwest said:

i've seen a lot lot worse getting restored

Click to expand...

adam... i can see you developing an emotional attachment here!!!

I'm concerned about the work though... now a week and he hasn't finished the quote...!