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Send me a message if you're looking for somebody in Kentucky. Charlie was recommended to me by Elton at Blue Ridge Diesel Injection after they rebuilt my pump for my 1989 defender 90 2.5TD ROW. I was having some issues with my current mechanic in Savannah, probably won't go back to him because, while I'm sure he's a fine mechanic, I don't think he's a great Diesel mechanic, and I really think he'd rather be retired. Well, he had so much trouble switching out the injector pump, so I started calling everybody I could think of for help.
Charlie was so patient explaining to me exactly how to time and install the pump, and then, when I couldn't explain it correctly to the mechanic in Savannah, he spoke to that mechanic and really helped him out.

He was with Rover's North for 10 years, and is very knowledgeable about earlier model defenders. You can really tell he knows his stuff. He also recommended The Shop in Atlanta, and said they do great work on Defenders, and I would absolutely trust his recommendation.

But if I ever have any more big work to be done on my truck (engine swap perhaps? lol), I'm about to be pulling it the 8+ hours to kentucky to let Charlie work on it, because I know he's good.
 

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Anyone know a place near St. Louis, MO that would have knowledge of 200tdi or 300tdi engines? The only Defender trucks I have ever seen in the area are NAS, and any shop within 10 miles of my house doesn't even know what a Defender is.
Ever find someone? I just bought an 87 V8 and some of it is surely outside my abilities. Would appreciate any suggestions of an experienced mechanic


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334 Posts
Had my D90 engine replaced at Scully Offroad. Tim definitely knows his stuff, however, very poor communications, I had to really chase him. Im not the sort to sit back and wait, I like constant comms on status and told Tim such. When the car was eventually returned (3 months for an engine replacement??):
  • They had charged me for all new parts but had used my original ones (Tim did apologize and send a refund) and some parts weren't replaced at all like Fuel filter.
  • Brake fluid spilled on front bumper (Tim offered to repaint but I did it myself)
  • Bonnet pull inside the car was broken and he said he'd come down and replace it, never did. (I fixed it)
  • He never returned my original block (even after 3 months of asking). He said he'd drop it off, never did.
  • Car had been used offroad and was caked in dust inside and out, took ages to get it back to spec.
  • 9 months later and the main seal is leaking (I know they always do at some point), the manifold inlet gasket has been found to be installed incorrectly and the oil sending unit is leaking. (Car is at Main dealers now for a complete review of the leaks)
However, its never stalled or broken down on me once since the engine install and pulls like a train now, worth it? Yes I think so given the issues I use to have and now the wife loves to drive it too.
Would I do it again? Yes but not at Scully Offroad.
 

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161 Posts
Looking for a shop in the Dallas / Fort Worth TX area to do some wiring work and install some switches and lights on a NAS D90. Want to keep it looking as original and clean as possible.
I know I'm 18 months late but AFAIK North Texas British is the best in the area. They are the lead sponsor of Texas Rovers and while they aren't cheap I haven't heard anything but positive reviews regarding the quality of the work
 

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105 Posts
Had my D90 engine replaced at Scully Offroad. Tim definitely knows his stuff, however, very poor communications, I had to really chase him. Im not the sort to sit back and wait, I like constant comms on status and told Tim such. When the car was eventually returned (3 months for an engine replacement??):
  • They had charged me for all new parts but had used my original ones (Tim did apologize and send a refund) and some parts weren't replaced at all like Fuel filter.
  • Brake fluid spilled on front bumper (Tim offered to repaint but I did it myself)
  • Bonnet pull inside the car was broken and he said he'd come down and replace it, never did. (I fixed it)
  • He never returned my original block (even after 3 months of asking). He said he'd drop it off, never did.
  • Car had been used offroad and was caked in dust inside and out, took ages to get it back to spec.
  • 9 months later and the main seal is leaking (I know they always do at some point), the manifold inlet gasket has been found to be installed incorrectly and the oil sending unit is leaking. (Car is at Main dealers now for a complete review of the leaks)
However, its never stalled or broken down on me once since the engine install and pulls like a train now, worth it? Yes I think so given the issues I use to have and now the wife loves to drive it too.
Would I do it again? Yes but not at Scully Offroad.
Interesting feedback. I live in South Bay and would likely be using Scully for any major jobs. Might have to do some more research.

What motor did you have installed?
 

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If you're in the LA / So Cal area, I had a great experience getting my Defender serviced/worked on at Absolute on Hoover in the Hollywood area. It's nice to find a shop that knows the Defender so well and are honest. It makes you feel good when there are several Defenders in there...regular NAS ones, not the crazy remakes getting "drug lord" upgrades. I'm not dissing crazy upgrades, but some shops (I'm not saying all) that are experienced in Defenders don't want to waste their time on just a service (I made a few calls). My 90 has 47,000 miles and I wanted a major service done as well as I had some minor issues which I listed for them. In a nutshell, this is the first time I had it serviced since I bought it in October '21 and it runs so much better now. Most of the little things I listed as fix-it's, Alan said they were included in the major service checklist and just needed lubrication / adjustment. He could have very easily charged me. I found their price reasonable, but most importantly is that they know the Defender.

Absolute on Hoover
 

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1989 110 soft top
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75 Posts
Any good shops in the Charlotte, NC area with V8 & SU carb experience? Performance Rover isn't working on older stuff for now. V-12 Motorsports said they could get to it in 7-8 months. Elite Vehicle Restorations said he didn't know when he would have time, and Southern Overland Co. was pretty backed up on projects, too. Local would be great, but if I have to drive I will.
 

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14,484 Posts
Send me a message if you're looking for somebody in Kentucky. Charlie was recommended to me by Elton at Blue Ridge Diesel Injection after they rebuilt my pump for my 1989 defender 90 2.5TD ROW. I was having some issues with my current mechanic in Savannah, probably won't go back to him because, while I'm sure he's a fine mechanic, I don't think he's a great Diesel mechanic, and I really think he'd rather be retired. Well, he had so much trouble switching out the injector pump, so I started calling everybody I could think of for help.
Charlie was so patient explaining to me exactly how to time and install the pump, and then, when I couldn't explain it correctly to the mechanic in Savannah, he spoke to that mechanic and really helped him out.

He was with Rover's North for 10 years, and is very knowledgeable about earlier model defenders. You can really tell he knows his stuff. He also recommended The Shop in Atlanta, and said they do great work on Defenders, and I would absolutely trust his recommendation.

But if I ever have any more big work to be done on my truck (engine swap perhaps? lol), I'm about to be pulling it the 8+ hours to kentucky to let Charlie work on it, because I know he's good.
Charlie Haigh is in Salem Virginia.
 

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84 LR 110
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1 Posts
I thought it would be helpful to start pulling everyone's favorite shops together in one thread and especially helpful for those traveling to have a list in case they are broken down in an unfamiliar place.

So, I will start with my two local independent rover places. Both are great and run by great people with good service and fair prices.

http://www.roverrepairs.com/

Frank Dalahan, 301 Macdade Blvd, Collingdale, PA 19023 (outside Philadelphia) 484-494-9133

RoverLab.com is for sale | HugeDomains

Trevor Griffiths, 2477 Old Hershey Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (outside Harrisburg) 717-367-0176

If you use this format, at the end of the thread I can pull them all together and put them in excel.
I thought it would be helpful to start pulling everyone's favorite shops together in one thread and especially helpful for those traveling to have a list in case they are broken down in an unfamiliar place.

So, I will start with my two local independent rover places. Both are great and run by great people with good service and fair prices.

http://www.roverrepairs.com/

Frank Dalahan, 301 Macdade Blvd, Collingdale, PA 19023 (outside Philadelphia) 484-494-9133

RoverLab.com is for sale | HugeDomains

Trevor Griffiths, 2477 Old Hershey Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (outside Harrisburg) 717-367-0176

If you use this format, at the end of the thread I can pull them all together and put them in excel.
This is great I’m new to the forum any recommendations for reputable shop in California Central or Northern
 

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88 Posts
I thought it would be helpful to start pulling everyone's favorite shops together in one thread and especially helpful for those traveling to have a list in case they are broken down in an unfamiliar place.

So, I will start with my two local independent rover places. Both are great and run by great people with good service and fair prices.

http://www.roverrepairs.com/

Frank Dalahan, 301 Macdade Blvd, Collingdale, PA 19023 (outside Philadelphia) 484-494-9133

RoverLab.com is for sale | HugeDomains

Trevor Griffiths, 2477 Old Hershey Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (outside Harrisburg) 717-367-0176

If you use this format, at the end of the thread I can pull them all together and put them in excel.
I've heard of Trevor but whenever I reach out to him I get no response! I'm under the impression he's the best ? I heard a rumor he's out of business ?( not sure if thats True or not) There is no one in the hunt valley area or North of Baltimore I could even add. For me this site has been a wonderful friend in my corner. I'm in Northern Baltimore County if anyone knows anyone close to here. Would like to know if there is anyone good along RT 50 or at the beach in Ocean City MD. I doubt it.
 
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