Well, i guess I'll kick this thing off with a build thread. I have no anticipation of this job taking any less than 5 years. So if you're looking for a quick resto thread to skim through, this aint it.
After selling my 90 a few years ago, i have to admit, i miss the fun and joy of driving an old landy for the most mundane of task. I bought a 100 series land cruiser to take on camping trips, mountain biking, hiking, hunting etc... but it isn't exactly full of character. (but damn is it comfortable and capable!).
so after pondering for awhile i finally took the plunge back into the land of the green oval, and picked up this 1967 Series 2A 109. It is an ex Canadian Military truck, in need of ALOT of work. No drivetrain, frame falling apart. The body panels are all in decent shape so to me, it was the perfect truck for what i plan on doing. A safari Roof and Galvy rack that came along with it were bonus points.
The plan (subject to change at whim with no reason or justification)
Think of this build as a resto-mod. A few modern touches and levels of refinement (and reliability) but unmistakably a land rover and true to its heritage. It will be a soup to nuts rebuild, and while i wouldn't say time and money aren't an issue, I'm not about to cut corners just to finish a few weeks earlier or save a few pennies.
Body:
Take everything apart, repair whats needed, galvanize all the steel components, and obviously a professional paint job. Good news here is everything is in good starting condition.
Chassis:
New 109 Coiler Galvanized chassis from designa
Suspension/Axles
Probably going to go with a ~3" lift here, coil springs all around. I would like to fit a [skinny] 35 or 36" tire. I would also LIKE to put in disco axles but I'm not sure i want the added width, really like the look of keeping the wheels flush with the body panel and not adding flares. Will have to see about this. Disc brakes and power steering are pretty high on the list of improvements i want to include. suggestions welcome for ideas on this (and everything)
Interior:
I plan on refinishing the whole interior, newer style seats up front (may keep the bench for the rear. will have a local upholster do most of the work, clean and understated yet functional and comfortable is the goal here. also, some added sound proof/insulation will be on the list.
Drivetrain:
Ahhh this is my great dilemma. Everything in my body is yelling 200tdi/LT77/LT230. Both for simplistic reasons and to keep things in the land rover family. However, part of me is saying, go for something domestic that will start everytime, easy to get parts for, cheap and reliable. (i.e. small block chevy or the likes). I'm 99% sure I'm not going the latter route but its still hanging out there in my mind. Good news is I'm a far cry from having to worry about this
Sooo... with that out of the way, today was clean out day, sucked up about 20lbs of dirt, paint flakes, ant colonies, and mouse nest. Starting breaking down the seats and seat box. A few pics to show how we're sitting in the beginning, but next pictures will be broken down.
After selling my 90 a few years ago, i have to admit, i miss the fun and joy of driving an old landy for the most mundane of task. I bought a 100 series land cruiser to take on camping trips, mountain biking, hiking, hunting etc... but it isn't exactly full of character. (but damn is it comfortable and capable!).
so after pondering for awhile i finally took the plunge back into the land of the green oval, and picked up this 1967 Series 2A 109. It is an ex Canadian Military truck, in need of ALOT of work. No drivetrain, frame falling apart. The body panels are all in decent shape so to me, it was the perfect truck for what i plan on doing. A safari Roof and Galvy rack that came along with it were bonus points.
The plan (subject to change at whim with no reason or justification)
Think of this build as a resto-mod. A few modern touches and levels of refinement (and reliability) but unmistakably a land rover and true to its heritage. It will be a soup to nuts rebuild, and while i wouldn't say time and money aren't an issue, I'm not about to cut corners just to finish a few weeks earlier or save a few pennies.
Body:
Take everything apart, repair whats needed, galvanize all the steel components, and obviously a professional paint job. Good news here is everything is in good starting condition.
Chassis:
New 109 Coiler Galvanized chassis from designa
Suspension/Axles
Probably going to go with a ~3" lift here, coil springs all around. I would like to fit a [skinny] 35 or 36" tire. I would also LIKE to put in disco axles but I'm not sure i want the added width, really like the look of keeping the wheels flush with the body panel and not adding flares. Will have to see about this. Disc brakes and power steering are pretty high on the list of improvements i want to include. suggestions welcome for ideas on this (and everything)
Interior:
I plan on refinishing the whole interior, newer style seats up front (may keep the bench for the rear. will have a local upholster do most of the work, clean and understated yet functional and comfortable is the goal here. also, some added sound proof/insulation will be on the list.
Drivetrain:
Ahhh this is my great dilemma. Everything in my body is yelling 200tdi/LT77/LT230. Both for simplistic reasons and to keep things in the land rover family. However, part of me is saying, go for something domestic that will start everytime, easy to get parts for, cheap and reliable. (i.e. small block chevy or the likes). I'm 99% sure I'm not going the latter route but its still hanging out there in my mind. Good news is I'm a far cry from having to worry about this
Sooo... with that out of the way, today was clean out day, sucked up about 20lbs of dirt, paint flakes, ant colonies, and mouse nest. Starting breaking down the seats and seat box. A few pics to show how we're sitting in the beginning, but next pictures will be broken down.