Looking for advice...90/Disco 1 project
Discussion
Need a bit of advice please guys. I have an old Disco 1 300Tdi, (basic spec, no ABS, aircon etc). Unfortunately the body really is a quite rusty now and I need to decide what to do with it long term. However, it does have some extra goodies on it...
Southdown snorkel
F&R diff guards
Front bash plate
90 A bar & spots
+2" lift springs
Freestyle wheels and big MT tyres
Now, I've always fancied a 90, and an early one has come up. I've not seen it yet, but I do know the chassis is FUBAR'd, but apparently the rest is very straight. It's missing the engine, which was a 2.5 petrol.
So, I'm thinking, buy a new 300Tdi galvanised 90 chassis, swap the 90 axles/bodywork etc over, take the 300Tdi out of my Disco and as many of the "goodies" as will bit (and obviously the wheels) , and then I could have quite a nice cheap 90 that should last.
I guess the main questions are:
Is this feasible?
Do I want to use the R380 box from the Disco or the LT77 box from the 90?
What about the fuel system, going from petrol to diesel, is this just a load of work?
Is there anything else I've not thought about?
Thanks in advance!
Southdown snorkel
F&R diff guards
Front bash plate
90 A bar & spots
+2" lift springs
Freestyle wheels and big MT tyres
Now, I've always fancied a 90, and an early one has come up. I've not seen it yet, but I do know the chassis is FUBAR'd, but apparently the rest is very straight. It's missing the engine, which was a 2.5 petrol.
So, I'm thinking, buy a new 300Tdi galvanised 90 chassis, swap the 90 axles/bodywork etc over, take the 300Tdi out of my Disco and as many of the "goodies" as will bit (and obviously the wheels) , and then I could have quite a nice cheap 90 that should last.
I guess the main questions are:
Is this feasible?
Do I want to use the R380 box from the Disco or the LT77 box from the 90?
What about the fuel system, going from petrol to diesel, is this just a load of work?
Is there anything else I've not thought about?
Thanks in advance!
Honestly there are lots of answers here. And none really wrong.
First off, how bad is the Disco body? When I stripped my 200Tdi Disco down, it actually wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be.
Also is the 90's chassis definitely shot? A chassis swap is a fine idea, but it's a fair amount of work and it will cost. Not too mention that you'll end up replacing loads of other bits too. And while you might end up with a nice vehicle at the end of it, it might just have been cheaper to buy a more solid one to begin with.
As for the Defender, I do seriously understand the appeal. But honestly, a Discovery is just as capable. Under the body they are very very similar. The only real difference is the wheelbase.
The Disco body is bigger and heavier. But it's also vastly more comfortable with much lower NVH.
A Defender, looks aside is only really better if you need the smaller body for extreme off roading or competitive trials events.
From your current vehicle, only the wheels and engine would really be useful for a 90 rebuild and maybe the rear axle, to simply get disc brakes if the 90 is still on drum rears.
There is no real world benefit of an R380 over an Lt-77, they are pretty similar units really.
On a rebuild you'd likely want to replace all the suspension and stiff Disco lift springs will be too high a spring rate for a 90.
If the 90 is in fair condition and the chassis could be patched. Then a Tdi swap in it is worthwhile and break the rest of the Disco.
A chassis swap on the 90 will likely set you back thousands. Just the chassis is likely to be £1500-2000 once you include VAT and delivery and any options.
There are other things you could do if you want a project.
http://www.blitzworld.co.uk/sahara-4x4-jeep-road-l...
As it keeps the original chassis unaltered, it shouldn't need an IVA either.
Or you could make a 100" Defender look a like or even a Series Land Rover utilising the Disco chassis and just welding on the right out riggers and getting the body panels. This would be more bespoke, but probably no more work than a 90 chassis swap and build.
First off, how bad is the Disco body? When I stripped my 200Tdi Disco down, it actually wasn't anywhere near as bad as I thought it would be.
Also is the 90's chassis definitely shot? A chassis swap is a fine idea, but it's a fair amount of work and it will cost. Not too mention that you'll end up replacing loads of other bits too. And while you might end up with a nice vehicle at the end of it, it might just have been cheaper to buy a more solid one to begin with.
As for the Defender, I do seriously understand the appeal. But honestly, a Discovery is just as capable. Under the body they are very very similar. The only real difference is the wheelbase.
The Disco body is bigger and heavier. But it's also vastly more comfortable with much lower NVH.
A Defender, looks aside is only really better if you need the smaller body for extreme off roading or competitive trials events.
From your current vehicle, only the wheels and engine would really be useful for a 90 rebuild and maybe the rear axle, to simply get disc brakes if the 90 is still on drum rears.
There is no real world benefit of an R380 over an Lt-77, they are pretty similar units really.
On a rebuild you'd likely want to replace all the suspension and stiff Disco lift springs will be too high a spring rate for a 90.
If the 90 is in fair condition and the chassis could be patched. Then a Tdi swap in it is worthwhile and break the rest of the Disco.
A chassis swap on the 90 will likely set you back thousands. Just the chassis is likely to be £1500-2000 once you include VAT and delivery and any options.
There are other things you could do if you want a project.
http://www.blitzworld.co.uk/sahara-4x4-jeep-road-l...
As it keeps the original chassis unaltered, it shouldn't need an IVA either.
Or you could make a 100" Defender look a like or even a Series Land Rover utilising the Disco chassis and just welding on the right out riggers and getting the body panels. This would be more bespoke, but probably no more work than a 90 chassis swap and build.
This is all useful stuff, thanks.
Hmmmmmmmmm...I've always loved 90s, earliest driving memory was blatting around a friend's farm in one aged about 14! It's the look of the thing, a desire to own one now that they have reached the end of the road, and getting nostalgic over my old Series 3.
But I know what you mean, in many ways I think the Disco 1 is the best vehicle LR ever produced. Big, comfy, reasonably refined for it's day, full width rear door, loads of room inside and very good off road, and very simple mechanically.
Mine does need fairly serious work to the A & B pillars, inner wings, and the boot floor, which was replaced about 10 years ago, has also gone again. It's the Meccano quality of the 90 that attracts.
Although if I'm honest, a 110 would be better. I think you are right, perhaps have a knock around underneath it. If it could be patched up with the body off, it might be worth it, would need to have a serious think about the work involved otherwise...
Thanks again.
Hmmmmmmmmm...I've always loved 90s, earliest driving memory was blatting around a friend's farm in one aged about 14! It's the look of the thing, a desire to own one now that they have reached the end of the road, and getting nostalgic over my old Series 3.
But I know what you mean, in many ways I think the Disco 1 is the best vehicle LR ever produced. Big, comfy, reasonably refined for it's day, full width rear door, loads of room inside and very good off road, and very simple mechanically.
Mine does need fairly serious work to the A & B pillars, inner wings, and the boot floor, which was replaced about 10 years ago, has also gone again. It's the Meccano quality of the 90 that attracts.
Although if I'm honest, a 110 would be better. I think you are right, perhaps have a knock around underneath it. If it could be patched up with the body off, it might be worth it, would need to have a serious think about the work involved otherwise...
Thanks again.
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