Defender Source Forum banner

Complete Restoration has started (LS3 / restomod)

9015 Views 122 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  NateB
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)
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.
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

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










See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 3
1 - 20 of 123 Posts
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?
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
  • Like
Reactions: 1
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.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
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??
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 2
5
Working on taking everything apart still. Seats are out and taking apart doors. Black yuck sprayed on everything…..




See less See more
Gonna need new c pillars, probably going to replace b and c
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Got most of the inside out. Now gonna figure out how to take off the roof.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
3
Front tub out, not in bad condition but I think I will get a new one.

Attachments

See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Kids got dad coolest shirt for fathers day

Attachments

See less See more
Well, I’ve got enough pieces to start working on this . Is anyone interested in the original frame? Or do I just take it to the steel recycling?
Roof is off. As I have been disassembling, I have been taking pieces to painter for paint

Attachments

See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Taking the bed apart, fun stuff…. So many pop rivets!
See less See more
Well I’m definitely lacking the popeye style forearms so I’m thinking a pneumatic rivet gun
3
Bed off! You should not try to lift off by your self, or you can spill lots of old diesel fuel :(


See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 3
5





Prepping metal for paint
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 4
6
More prep and some paint





See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 5
I have successfully transferred about 14 gallons of diesel fuel out of this tank, without making a mess!!
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Lol…. I had no idea…. Thank you for the tip.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 123 Posts
Top