Complete Restoration has started (LS3 / restomod)

9019 Views 122 Replies 17 Participants Last post by NateB, 5 d ago

NateB

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2022

9

So, let me start with, I bought my 94 defender because it had low mileage and maybe someday restore it.
When I first got it, the heater didn't work and the speedometer didn't work. So, I tore into it.....

The speedometer didn't work because the cable had come out of the back of the dash just enough. Simple Fix.
The Heater didn't work because it was completely seized. When I actually tore out the heater box, I saw a ton of rust. So I tore off the front right wing. A lot of Rust. So I tore off both wings.
Then, I decided, I might as well start the restoration process.

I've ordered a LS3 / 6L80E from turnkey Engine - ETA is end of April. (including all sorts of accessories required)

https://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com

I've ordered a Puma dash / AC KIT / gauges from Ministry of Defender - I've received the AC Kit and some pieces, but the dash is going to Ruskin for leather.

https://ministryofdefender.co.uk

I've ordered a galvanized bulkhead from Rovers North,I went with the 300 TDI bulk head because it was bigger - ETA is 3 months

Rovers North - Land Rover Parts and Accessories Since 1979 - BULKHEAD DEFENDER RHD 300TDI W/VENTS

I've ordered a new fuel tank from SD-Outfitters - ETA is guess at 60 days

Series-Defender Outfitters: custom parts for Land Rover Defender & Series vehicles (SDO)

Custom parts and accessories for Land Rover Series and Defender vehicles.

www.seriesdefender.com

I've ordered new 4 new Recaro bucket seats, new ceiling liner, new center console, new door covers, new bench seats, from Ruskin. I went with Gryphon color diamond stitching, kind of a baseball glove cover, on everything. This stuff is beautiful.
Gryphon - Ruskin Design - ETA end of July

I still need to deal with Axles, differentials, suspension, and transfer box.
I had a friend offer to help pull the motor, so what was supposed to be a 2 hour job, took 12. But we did it. Pulled the motor, transmission, and transfer case last night, and it was picked up today. Couldn't find anything by the time we finished at 11:00 PM....
More to come as I receive more parts, or pull the body off the frame, so I can fix the rusted spots and have the frame powder coated. Should also make the motor install easier.

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soonermatt

· #2 · Mar 28, 2022

Based on those component choices I think I'm going to enjoy following this.

Was watching a YouTube video where the guy was installing those Recaro seats. Was actually about to start shopping for them. I'll be very curious to see them on your build.

I'm kind of holding out for a set of Range Rover seats.

Have you made decisions on flooring? Cage? Racing steering wheel with the Recaro seats?

Sent from my DE2117 using Tapatalk

NateB

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 28, 2022

I haven’t decided on flooring yet, I have a brand new exmoor kit, not sure if I will keep it, want to see the other items and see if I want black or a different color. I haven’t decided on steering wheel yet, I have seen some wooden ones that look super sharp. Also tempted to put some kind of paddle shifters behind the wheel. On the cage, I don’t know that I want to install one, do you think it is necessary?

soonermatt

· #4 · Mar 28, 2022

I'm not a fan of the soft aluminum roof versus the cages in my other cars. It's not even steel. I have one planned in the long run. That particular injury risk bothers me. (I'm leaning towards NAS style)

I did the fancy Exmoor wooden wheel. The quality was everything I expected. It made me want to do more wood on my build.

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volleymdut

· #5 · Mar 28, 2022

Awesome plan so far! good luck with everything!

vtlandrover

· #6 · Mar 28, 2022

I'll comment on the cage: in my 110, the 4-point internal Safety Devices cage does limit the seat travel of the driver/passenger Puma seats a bit. I'm not familiar with the Recaros, but it is something to consider if choosing between the aesthetics of a ROW exterior and that of an NAS.

o2batsea

· #7 · Mar 28, 2022

Should be a sweet Defenderado High Country. Are you switching to LHD?

WeBeCinYa

· #8 · Mar 28, 2022

o2batsea said:
Should be a sweet Defenderado High Country. Are you switching to LHD?

Bill how is your bitsa coming along?

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 28, 2022

After drawing attention to the cage, I’ve only read a little bit but it does seem very important. I’m looking at lucky 8 6 point external right now. I will contact them today.
As far as the left hand drive, my son convinced me to keep it a right hand drive

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SIIA109

· #10 · Mar 28, 2022

So you have a new bulkhead with vents and a PUMA dash that has no access to vents. I suppose you could rivet/seal them shut with some extra bedding compound as a sealer / gasket to prevent any moisture from getting in. Given the electronics in the PUMA dash and the joy of the vents not sealing that would be a big concern for me.

Having never seen a PUMA dash in real life I don't know how easy it is to see what's going on in there incase the vents where leaking. What's your plan with these?

I am partial to keeping the vents as a staple of the marquee - but I do like the more modern dash.

NateB

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 28, 2022

Great question and point, I have no idea how all of this will go together, when I get the new bulk head and dash, I will see what o need to do to properly seal and close any existing holes that will not be used and I don’t want to trap water. I will provide updates and ask more questions as parts show up.

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 20, 2022

Guess what has arrived???
next item should be bulkhead

I’m wondering where the guy is that jumps out of the box and puts the motor in for me??

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #13 · 12 mo ago

5

Working on taking everything apart still. Seats are out and taking apart doors. Black yuck sprayed on everything…..

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #14 · 12 mo ago

Gonna need new c pillars, probably going to replace b and c

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #15 · 12 mo ago

Got most of the inside out. Now gonna figure out how to take off the roof.

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o2batsea

· #16 · 12 mo ago

The "B" and "C" pillars are one part. We refer to them as "T" posts. They were once cheap and plentiful. Now the opposite. I think you can get the components from YRM and just cut out the bad areas, but the quality is "repair" and not restoration. I don't know of anyone making really nice stuff for this work.

KW1985Def110

· #17 · 12 mo ago

I’m in the process of installing YRM B and C pillars mentioned. They are “repair” quality as mentioned, dimensions aren’t exact replacement. Quality of piece is good, just dimensionally not exact. Although in YRM’s defense, Land Rover wasn’t exactly known for tight tolerances

NateB

Discussion Starter · #18 · 12 mo ago

3

Front tub out, not in bad condition but I think I will get a new one.

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NateB

Discussion Starter · #19 · 11 mo ago

Kids got dad coolest shirt for fathers day

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o2batsea

· #20 · 11 mo ago

We refer to that as a "seat box" which will reduce confusion as you go forward with your parts search.

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