Classic Range Rover V8 - buy or run?
Discussion
All,
I have been offered a V8 Classic for £3k. Sub 100k miles, new gearbox, a few cosmetic issues but appear running well.
the issue is I need it as a holiday car. It will only get used ever 6-8 weeks. Is that nuts? I hear these don't like sitting around.
Chassis is good but headlining sagging - any thoughts on the cost of a fix?
Thanks.
I have been offered a V8 Classic for £3k. Sub 100k miles, new gearbox, a few cosmetic issues but appear running well.
the issue is I need it as a holiday car. It will only get used ever 6-8 weeks. Is that nuts? I hear these don't like sitting around.
Chassis is good but headlining sagging - any thoughts on the cost of a fix?
Thanks.
You need to have a thorough inspection for corrosion, sills, floor, inner wings etc. The newest is going to be at least 18 years old & the later - 1990ish on - are far worse than the earlier ones.
Head lining can either be DIY relined or you could fit a Nationwide Trim one. Best to go on a LR specific forum & you will find a lot of info - e.g LRO http://forum.lro.com/ look in the Tech Archive
Head lining can either be DIY relined or you could fit a Nationwide Trim one. Best to go on a LR specific forum & you will find a lot of info - e.g LRO http://forum.lro.com/ look in the Tech Archive
Edited by paintman on Thursday 10th July 21:00
Once you get it you will use it much more often than just a holiday car.
Don't worry about the headlining. They all do that sir. You can do a proper job as Paintman says, or bodge it with twist pins.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nickel-Twist-Upholstery-...
Don't worry about the headlining. They all do that sir. You can do a proper job as Paintman says, or bodge it with twist pins.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nickel-Twist-Upholstery-...
If it hasn't been apart it will almost certainly need bodywork somewhere. Most of the rust you can't see until you take it apart either.
Mine is away having major surgery on the body and where the bulkhead used to be there is a hole. It just got a bit more expensive! But I will know it is properly solid and a good base for using for many years to come.
Worth the money? Well its a good old truck and they are appreciating but you don't get into restoring for the money!
Mine is away having major surgery on the body and where the bulkhead used to be there is a hole. It just got a bit more expensive! But I will know it is properly solid and a good base for using for many years to come.
Worth the money? Well its a good old truck and they are appreciating but you don't get into restoring for the money!
Mine's a 1986 3.5EFi automatic V8 LPG, I've had it since 1994. Engine & gearbox replaced before I bought it - the box still had 11 months warranty.
Gassed it about 15 years ago & its through a BLOS LPG carburettor. Doesn't need emulators etc & anyone who tries to convince you otherwise as far as the classics are concerned is pulling your trousers down.
I'm not quite sure whether I've now replaced more of the bodywork steel than LR used when they built it but I think its a close run thing
. Outer panels are fine, as is the chassis.
I used a Nationwide trim for the roof lining - mentioned above - & very good they are too.
I've often described these as 'big boy's meccano' which they very much are. I weld & have my own kit & paint professionally so body problems aren't an issue - but could be very expensive if you can't.
I wouldn't worry too much about low mileage, over recent years I've done less than 2000 miles per year - much of it towing a boat - & the only concession I've made is to fit a battery isolation switch.
The later P38s aren't as DIY friendly if you don't do electronics.
Gassed it about 15 years ago & its through a BLOS LPG carburettor. Doesn't need emulators etc & anyone who tries to convince you otherwise as far as the classics are concerned is pulling your trousers down.
I'm not quite sure whether I've now replaced more of the bodywork steel than LR used when they built it but I think its a close run thing
. Outer panels are fine, as is the chassis.I used a Nationwide trim for the roof lining - mentioned above - & very good they are too.
I've often described these as 'big boy's meccano' which they very much are. I weld & have my own kit & paint professionally so body problems aren't an issue - but could be very expensive if you can't.
I wouldn't worry too much about low mileage, over recent years I've done less than 2000 miles per year - much of it towing a boat - & the only concession I've made is to fit a battery isolation switch.
The later P38s aren't as DIY friendly if you don't do electronics.
Edited by paintman on Friday 11th July 21:06
Do it. I've only had mine a fortnight, and I'm very pleased I did it, I've always wanted one.
If it's going to be left for longer periods of time, try and find a Vogue rather than Vogue SE, as the SE is laden with electrics that can sometimes play games if left for longer periods (electric seats, air suspension and so on).
Mines a '91 Vogue (non-SE) on 67k, the bodywork and inner wings need attention, though the powertrain and chassis/sills etc. are all very solid.
If it's going to be left for longer periods of time, try and find a Vogue rather than Vogue SE, as the SE is laden with electrics that can sometimes play games if left for longer periods (electric seats, air suspension and so on).
Mines a '91 Vogue (non-SE) on 67k, the bodywork and inner wings need attention, though the powertrain and chassis/sills etc. are all very solid.
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