Just starting this as my 80 is almost done.
When I went to see it it looked a right state. A farmer had had it for a year and had done no maintenance whatsoever. Having said that, the MOT history was good, it had been clearly been well maintained from new apart from the past 12 months. Apart from the obvious dented panels, torn off wheel arches and scratched paint, mechanically it was pretty sound.
A buggered alternator saw all the dash lights on, the front discs needed replacement and underneath the mud was so thick it was impossible to even see the chassis, so a few minutes with a pressure washer found out that remarkably, the chassis was in great condition.
The front diff was locking without problems but the rear wouldnt - I could hear it trying but it wouldn't engage so there was a question mark over a potential need for a new actuator. The batteries were bog standard halfords and with the knackered alternator the batteries would need replacement too. On the plus side the aircon worked but needed a re-gas, the gearbox was sound, the engine sounded pretty sweet so the deal was done.
We trailered it over to Pauls and I started on it - seats and most of the interior out for cleaning
a LOT of care and attention later
Then onto the body
Paul had a spare front wing complete with snorkel holes for an iron man - result. A little rust treatment of the inner wing later and we're away. Oh, put a new bonnet on as well
Then the boys started the good stuff - front axle rebuild (and note the new suspension)
New discs at the same time though forgot to get a pic.
Tom did the big end bearings (though the originals were fine, its a 24 valve but I wanted them done to be safe)
New exhaust (side exit, 3" pipe), EGR valve removed by chopping off the manifold and welding up, I took out the aircon pump, condenser and all the pipes as I'm just not bothered about having it, and Toms had a little tweak with the fuel pump. He's also sorted the cam belt and given it a god service all round.
I also replaced the rear drop tailgate as the moronic farmer had clearly bent it and the hinges so new hinges from a breaking vehicle in scotland together with tailgate. Also managed to get a new interior from that vehicle (the grey suede-y leather stuff), inc door cards, new carpet as the old one was unsalvageable, as were the seats. I needed new headlamp assemblies, indicators, new front grille and wing mirror all ably provided by Karl. Batteries were replaced with Unipart calcium, new alternator from ebay.
Then followed new boots, Cooper Discoverer STT 285's shortly to be followed by steel modular wheels. Will be having a new front (winch) bumper made by James Sunderland to fit my Goldfish onto and we're nearly there. Took off the remaining wheel arches to make it "Taliban spec" and we're almost there. I'll also steam clean the underside again, then after its dry spray it with Tetrosyl chassis paint then I can start on making the inside the way I want it for overland travel and camping etc.
Needs an MOT and a spray from Pauls guy and I'll have myself a rebuilt, well sorted and now cared for 80.
More pics to follow once the final few things are sorted.
When I went to see it it looked a right state. A farmer had had it for a year and had done no maintenance whatsoever. Having said that, the MOT history was good, it had been clearly been well maintained from new apart from the past 12 months. Apart from the obvious dented panels, torn off wheel arches and scratched paint, mechanically it was pretty sound.
A buggered alternator saw all the dash lights on, the front discs needed replacement and underneath the mud was so thick it was impossible to even see the chassis, so a few minutes with a pressure washer found out that remarkably, the chassis was in great condition.
The front diff was locking without problems but the rear wouldnt - I could hear it trying but it wouldn't engage so there was a question mark over a potential need for a new actuator. The batteries were bog standard halfords and with the knackered alternator the batteries would need replacement too. On the plus side the aircon worked but needed a re-gas, the gearbox was sound, the engine sounded pretty sweet so the deal was done.
We trailered it over to Pauls and I started on it - seats and most of the interior out for cleaning
a LOT of care and attention later
Then onto the body
Paul had a spare front wing complete with snorkel holes for an iron man - result. A little rust treatment of the inner wing later and we're away. Oh, put a new bonnet on as well
Then the boys started the good stuff - front axle rebuild (and note the new suspension)
New discs at the same time though forgot to get a pic.
Tom did the big end bearings (though the originals were fine, its a 24 valve but I wanted them done to be safe)
New exhaust (side exit, 3" pipe), EGR valve removed by chopping off the manifold and welding up, I took out the aircon pump, condenser and all the pipes as I'm just not bothered about having it, and Toms had a little tweak with the fuel pump. He's also sorted the cam belt and given it a god service all round.
I also replaced the rear drop tailgate as the moronic farmer had clearly bent it and the hinges so new hinges from a breaking vehicle in scotland together with tailgate. Also managed to get a new interior from that vehicle (the grey suede-y leather stuff), inc door cards, new carpet as the old one was unsalvageable, as were the seats. I needed new headlamp assemblies, indicators, new front grille and wing mirror all ably provided by Karl. Batteries were replaced with Unipart calcium, new alternator from ebay.
Then followed new boots, Cooper Discoverer STT 285's shortly to be followed by steel modular wheels. Will be having a new front (winch) bumper made by James Sunderland to fit my Goldfish onto and we're nearly there. Took off the remaining wheel arches to make it "Taliban spec" and we're almost there. I'll also steam clean the underside again, then after its dry spray it with Tetrosyl chassis paint then I can start on making the inside the way I want it for overland travel and camping etc.
Needs an MOT and a spray from Pauls guy and I'll have myself a rebuilt, well sorted and now cared for 80.
More pics to follow once the final few things are sorted.
. Thank you for it. 
