V8 Defender, So who thinks that I am MAD!

[G-P]

So who thinks that I am mad to take on a sort of restoration to get this into a usable 90? I have fallen for it as it is a original factory V8 county. Here is a list of the work that I am considering.

• Change chassis to a Richards galvanised chassis.
• Change bulkhead to a galvanised one.
• Have the engine rebuilt.
• Change the rear axle to a Disco one with rear disc's.
• Replace all brake lines, disc's, pads etc.
• Replace Springs/Shocks, and poly bush everything, (No high lifts)
• Locate 6 matching original cloth seats.
• Have doors repaired.

I am fully aware that it will not be cheap but feel it will be worth it as I have always wanted a early original V8.

[GingerWizard]

if I could I would be doing this very thing right now. Good luck with it fella, if like me you have dreamed about having one of these, do everything you want to it. It will be with you till the very end.....

I would have mine in deep deep blue, with a silver pin stripe.

Do keep us informed.

[McSwerve II]

I love my V8 90! Although not an original it's fantastic.

Go for it!

Maybe worth a bit more research on the polly bushing as I've heard differing opinions.

[varsas]

Well, yes, it will cost a lot of money, but lets say all that work costs...£10k ('scotty' very high estimate)...what can you get for that? An entry level Fiesta? I know what I'd rather have, and I also know what will be worth much more in 5 years time.

Go for it, although it would/should be possible to buy one in good condition for less then it will cost to fix that one?

[clarkey]

Nothing wrong with a V8, when my td5 goes bang, I'm going to replace it with a ex-TVR V8 and LPG....

[300bhp/ton]

G-P said:

So who thinks that I am mad to take on a sort of restoration to get this into a usable 90? I have fallen for it as it is a original factory V8 county. Here is a list of the work that I am considering.

• Change chassis to a Richards galvanised chassis.
• Change bulkhead to a galvanised one.
• Have the engine rebuilt.
• Change the rear axle to a Disco one with rear disc's.
• Replace all brake lines, disc's, pads etc.
• Replace Springs/Shocks, and poly bush everything, (No high lifts)
• Locate 6 matching original cloth seats.
• Have doors repaired.

I am fully aware that it will not be cheap but feel it will be worth it as I have always wanted a early original V8.

The only thing I would say, is as good as a stock factory V8 is, especially compared to a TD. They don't actually go any real better than a tweaked TDI. And the LT85 is rather clunky.

If you want it to perform, look at upgrading a few parts. Maybe a 3.9 EFI transplant from an old RR or Disco but retaining the manual tranny

[West4x4]

Do it there are not many factory ones out there. Long as yuou dont muck it about to much it will be a future classic with strong values and you've got to keep the county stripes and lift up handles! Maybe slip in a 3.9 on carbs for some extra grunt

[G-P]

300bhp/ton said:

G-P said:

So who thinks that I am mad to take on a sort of restoration to get this into a usable 90? I have fallen for it as it is a original factory V8 county. Here is a list of the work that I am considering.

• Change chassis to a Richards galvanised chassis.
• Change bulkhead to a galvanised one.
• Have the engine rebuilt.
• Change the rear axle to a Disco one with rear disc's.
• Replace all brake lines, disc's, pads etc.
• Replace Springs/Shocks, and poly bush everything, (No high lifts)
• Locate 6 matching original cloth seats.
• Have doors repaired.

I am fully aware that it will not be cheap but feel it will be worth it as I have always wanted a early original V8.

The only thing I would say, is as good as a stock factory V8 is, especially compared to a TD. They don't actually go any real better than a tweaked TDI. And the LT85 is rather clunky.

If you want it to perform, look at upgrading a few parts. Maybe a 3.9 EFI transplant from an old RR or Disco but retaining the manual tranny

Thanks for all your comments so far.

I am not interested in it going fast or being particularly smooth as it is a 4th car. I just want something original looking with good running gear. The side strips and lift up doors will not be going anywhere!!!

[Sarge 4x4]

Got one the same colour in my yard, I think if you keep it standard it should hold it's value.

Andy.

[cpas]

G-P said:

So who thinks that I am mad to take on a sort of restoration to get this into a usable 90? I have fallen for it as it is a original factory V8 county. Here is a list of the work that I am considering.

• Change chassis to a Richards galvanised chassis.
• Change bulkhead to a galvanised one.
• Have the engine rebuilt.
• Change the rear axle to a Disco one with rear disc's.
• Replace all brake lines, disc's, pads etc.
• Replace Springs/Shocks, and poly bush everything, (No high lifts)
• Locate 6 matching original cloth seats.
• Have doors repaired.

I am fully aware that it will not be cheap but feel it will be worth it as I have always wanted a early original V8.

Chassis about £1200.
Bulkhead about £800.
Engine rebuild - possibly £2000.
Disco rear axle - buy an old Disco for £300 and change axles and possibly other parts - and you may even get one with a good V8 to save rebuilding the one you've got.
Brakes etc probably £100 or so.
Springs etc a few £100's
Seats £200
So it could all be done for £2-3k plus a fair bit of time.

Sounds like a good project.

[G-P]

OK so its going to happen over the next winter as I am moving house and will have a double garage to play in. I have been busy doing some costings and it is coming out at approx 5k, which is allot of money but there is not many original good ones out there for less than that. Will keep you all posted.