Well, after considering buying a restored 95 classic I have decided to go ahead and just do mine. First step today was carpet and console removal. Rust was not as bad as I expected throughout except the drivers side. Will clearly require new metal. Next step is quotes on repaint and rust repair then off the get mechanical items sorted.
Pull that spare tire out and check under there.
I swear, I can't figure it out, but mine gets water under there.
Also, you might want to pull the sub box/cd changer out and check under there.
Those bolts may be bad but the floor back there looks pretty good so far.
Your trouble spots dont appear to be terrible... start scraping that rust and see what ya got...
Driver side is rusted through in spots. Actual holes. The rest is light surface rust. I can deal with surface stuff but will have a body shop do the driver side.
------ Follow up post added January 30th, 2016 08:22 PM ------
Does anyone sell footwells? I am thinking that would be better than just welding in sheet metal
Nah. Just haven't started looking for assemblies, panels, or just plain big parts. I guess I figured the Classic aftermarket to be scant compared to the Defender's.
I think I will probably just do patch work. Holes are not that big and probably enough metal to make it work. I am only looking for a nice clean daily driver, not a ribbon winning show car.
By seatbelt mount do you mean where it bolts into the wheel arch under the small carpet that is glued on? I do have a little rust starting to come through inside the rear door arch over the wheel well. Not exactly sure how/where to inspect that.
glad to see you decided to keep what you know! doesn't look bad from the pics.
I pulled the carpet/padding from mine yesterday...the rear boot pad is soaking wet. Got a leak somewhere for sure. No rust anywhere, but I'm seriously considering leaving the carpet out. That padding is just a giant sponge.
so, starting a list of misc thing I need to make this truck look great. Please let me know if you have any of these items. I will post over on wanted as well:
- rear lift gate lift tabs
- cup holders that fit on the center console (not the push button ones in the dash)
- clean interior carpet set (will try to wash mine but they are rather tatty)
- Rear Window and windshield rubber seals/trim
- Passenger seat base trim - not broken
- front speaker covers (I know, but I have to ask)
- Front driver seat arm rest in good condition
- Spare tire carpet cover
- the little black cover that goes over the nut that holds the windshield wiper on
- decent condition foam matting / sound deadening matting that goes under the carpet up front under the footwells.
I'd throw the foam away, it will just absorb moisture. BTW, I'm using the DynaPad product from Dynamat. I may get their hood liner to replace my old one, which has a tear.
The hood liner is useless stuff. I have it and it does nothing. Well, it does soak up water and dumps it all over when you open the bonnet, so I guess it does provide some entertainment!!
I like the dynamat option and was looking at their web page at the dynaliner and dynapad. My defender is pretty much coated with the stuff so am familiar. There are no dealers around me here in Nashville as far as I can tell - any recommended on-line vendors?
The hood liner is useless stuff. I have it and it does nothing. Well, it does soak up water and dumps it all over when you open the bonnet, so I guess it does provide some entertainment!!
I have a good set of lift tabs for my truck, but I really would like to maybe have a couple metal sets made... The plastic ones go for silly money, maybe we can see how much it would cost to have them made and I have a great powder coater... Interested?
Ok. Some progress on improving the truck and emptying my piggy bank.
New ABS pump, break lines, pads, and accumulator: check
Literally all new suspension bushings tie rod ends, roto flex, rear drive shaft, dampeners, pinion bushing, blah blah blah: check
Repaired and now functioning cruise control: check
AC recharge and refit of instrument and dash bezels (fixing loose radio) : check
New fuel pump: check
Engine tune: check
Now off to paint. I will post pictures of the body repair, rust remediation etc. here she is starting the tear down for paint work, mirrors, door panels, door handles and glass out first...
Work remaining to be done includes paint and body, engine work to include head gaskets, all seals, crower performance cam and bearings, oil cooler lines. Will wait for engine work until this winter if possible. Need cash reserves to replenish first.
Still looking for the following if you have any leads:
1. Good condition arm rests, seat bottoms or complete front seats.
2. Replacement front windshield and back quarter panel weather stripping
3. Front blinkers (mine are okay, just some micro cracking
4. Rear wiper arm nut cap
6. Good condition owners manual. Mine got wet. Leather is fine but pages are ruined.
7. Speaker covers
8. Seat base plastic.
I just ordered these from johncraddockltd.co.uk. Had to search by part #PRC8253, but they appear to be available. I think Rimmerbros may also have them.
Interested to know where you sourced these. I've seen a variety of letters for sale through different outlets, but none looked as original as the OE lettering. Most look like hell actually.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Defender Source Forum
1M posts
24K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to Land Rover Defender owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, overland, classifieds, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!