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Complete Restoration has started (LS3 / restomod)

8964 Views 122 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  NateB
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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.










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Thanks, I’m having lots of fun. Any suggestions on the heat shield? I got the tank from Jason at Series Defender
Stock Rear prop shaft is about 3.5 inches short :(
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I’m shocked….. no one said that’s what she said…..
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X disc hand brake powder coated and installed


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Rear fuel line mounted and secured to frame.
Fuel pump swapped and new lines inside pump installed




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Rear prop shaft added length and installed


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Looks great, I have a big tank on mine and I've been wondering what to do for a rear sway bar since it hangs down below the mounts. Have you thought about that yet?

Still love that frame lol.

Sean
so Sean, you were right… it did not fit. I found a 1 inch spacer from lucky 8 . Works great!


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Thanks, I’m having lots of fun. Any suggestions on the heat shield? I got the tank from Jason at Series Defender
These are the covers that came fom Nick. You could easily make some.
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Oh, I do have those, I didn’t realize what they are for…… I hadn’t seen anyone using them
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Motor mount covers installed. (I’m an idiot and first tried to install them the wrong way….don’t ask)



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Today I got my welder all setup to tig. I’m going to build my exhaust out of some stainless steel pipe while learning to tig for the first time….. should be exciting. Stay tuned!
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That's a new series I really like for tig welding, I might even do his course one day.

Sean
Hey thank you. I’ve been watching lots of videos and will check this out. If I get stuck or they turn out like crap, I was gonna ask for your advice
Haha, all I know for sure is if it’s working, don’t stop. Same if it’s not, come back the next day lol.

Sean
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Got a little bit done today. Started mounting the new bulkhead. I welded shut the vents , turned out pretty nice.







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Bulkhead to chassis mounts installed

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Heat shielding installed on engine compartment of bulkhead


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How’s the welding coming along. I forgot to mention when we talked that you can put solar flux on the inside of the stainless tube instead of back purging it with argon, way easier and cheaper.

Sean
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