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Complete Restoration has started (LS3 / restomod)

8962 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.










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Well, I’m getting better, but they still aren’t presentable…… I ordered a foot pedal so i can adjust the amperage And I’m setting up for a purge. I also wore through the blade on the bandsaw cutting so much…. I’m thinking another month of this and maybe just maybe I’ll be ready…..
I just spent the last 5 days welding up an aluminum truck deck and apparently I'm still learning how to weld in akward positions. Too bad you weren't closer, i have buckets of scraps.
Lol…… I’m already needing more stainless steel tube to practice on……. I’ll just fly up to Canada and get some from you :)
You could just practice on regular steel then move to stainless, it welds pretty much the same except the stainless will rat you out if you have too much heat lol
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I like how yrm says 5 to 10 minutes to assemble the new seat box. I think I’ve spent around 4 days to build this…..
old seat box

New seat box nice and powder coated , using the rivet gun was a learning experience


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100%! Why on earth do they not send instructions?!?!
It seems like instructions would be so simple….. I like also the 15 second clip on rovers north…: should be easy…. Not so much :)
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Building my new exhaust…. Getting closer

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Loving your very impressive build.

Tub supports may foul this. Try routing it so not over the cross piece







Most shafts install with slip joint at the T-case side.

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Thank you, I will pull the fuel lines back so the tub supports aren’t on them. I also flipped around the rear prop shaft, I didn’t realize it went that way :(
This build is quite the learning experience and so much fun!
Holy improvement on the welding! Nice fit up as well.

Sean
Thank you, I had someone come help me, I was using the wrong tungsten, wrong size filler rod, wrong cup, wrong amperage, wasn’t cleaning the material or getting a close fit. Learned a ton and love welding!!
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Exhaust is done besides last two hangers at the rear.
Turned out awesome!
I learned all about pie cuts,
So sexy!



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Wow! Definitely next-level stuff.
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You are definitely putting the hand in hand made.
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Building brake lines. Rear lines almost done



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Very nice. That's something I've never done on my own and would love to learn.
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