AuthorTopic: £1200  (Read 5925 times)

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Offline jamesledingham

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« on: November 07, 2006, 12:32:42 »
As per my other post, I've just bought a 90TD Truck Cab. Once I get rid of my other car, I'm going to have (hopefully) about £1500 to spend on the defender.

Here's a couple of pictures:



What would you do to it with £1500?

Offline Snooky

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« Reply #1 on: November 07, 2006, 12:48:24 »
Depends what you intend using it for, but I'd start with Snorkle, rock sliders, mud tyres and steel wheels, winch + winch bumper, polybush kit if not on already and maybe upgrade the suspension.


Or if not already one, a TDI engine conversion.
Defender 90- No more
BMW R1150GS
Triumph Street Triple



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Offline drmike

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« Reply #2 on: November 07, 2006, 12:54:50 »
As the man said what do you want to do with it?

The only thing in the list above I'd bother with is better tyres and that's a maybe!

£1500 buys a lot of diesel so you can actually drive it places and have fun.

Mike

Offline paul_humphreys

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« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2006, 13:02:17 »
Quote from: "drmike"

£1500 buys a lot of diesel so you can actually drive it places and have fun.

Mike


I agree, but a winch is a good idea for when you DO get stuck.

Paul
LC 80 series 1993. 285/75/16s Cooper STTs, OME 850s on the front with 25mm packer, 868s on the rear. 4.88 diffs. Winch bumper with 12000lb winch. Factory lockers. HD rear bumper with wheel carrier and winch mount.

http://www.crag-uk.org


Offline Magnum335

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« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2006, 13:04:26 »
I would take the chequer plate off the rear cross member first...
Unpassable you say?!
Just because you own a truck, doesnt mean you can drive..

Defender 90 300tdi at 150bhp & 263lb ft

Offline drmike

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« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2006, 13:07:24 »
And a total PITA the rest of the time.

OK £1500 quid buys half as much diesel if you pay for your mate's fuel  :D

I can never understand this fixation on winches. I agree they can be handy but not that often surely to goodness. I have a Tirfor style winch I take out sometimes.

Mike

Offline speedfreak

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« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2006, 15:04:27 »
If its going to be your only vehicle, id get it serviced and sorted mechanically before fitting goodies....
300 tdi Defender money pit
MG ZS 180 V6

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #7 on: November 07, 2006, 15:05:53 »
Intended use: Everyday use, kayaking trips, camping trips.

I haven't done ANY off roading before, and would like to get into it. Sounds like my kind of thing.

I believe Bristol (which I think is nearest to me) do fun days and for £40 you get an hour instruction and then the rest of the day to yourself.

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #8 on: November 07, 2006, 15:06:21 »
What sort of cost is TDi conversion?

Offline Snooky

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« Reply #9 on: November 07, 2006, 15:11:08 »
TDi depends on who does it, where you source the engine from etc, you can get it fitted ready to go from some places for about £1200, but much cheaper to source your own then try and get a gathering of local owners to all come over and help fit, from what I have seen this seems to be the way to go, wish I had the money to do it.
But, if your engine is OK then no real need for now, just do as suggested and make sure it is all running sweet 1st, I did a basic service as soon as I got mine, oils, filters, glow plugs, grease etc for my own peace of mind, then drove it for a few weeks to see what else needed doing, the probalem soon show up... :wink:
Defender 90- No more
BMW R1150GS
Triumph Street Triple



http://www.tv4x4.co.uk/

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #10 on: November 07, 2006, 15:16:43 »
Yeh - probably best staying off the gadgetry for a few weeks!

I'm a complete novice as far as car mechanics, although would love to leanr how to service my Defender. Any recommendations on how to go about learning other than just trying and failing?

Offline drmike

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« Reply #11 on: November 07, 2006, 15:18:45 »
James I'd suggest the first thing you do is put your money away and use the LR. You'll be pleased with what it does now let alone with all the mods the guys have mentioned.

I'm in a minority of one but I took a lift off my 90, got rid of the snorkel (it was always getting caught on trees and I'm damned if I'm getting a wet bum), I think winches are nasty heavy things but I do like chunky tyres.

Why not try and get into one of the greenlaning trips people organise here. I keep meaning to tag along but get distracted.

Isn't there a play day at Avon Dasset this weekend - does anyone know? Then someone can show James what to do.

Mike

Offline SteveG

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« Reply #12 on: November 07, 2006, 16:08:27 »
Join a local club and attend some of their play days and laning days. Don't be intimidated,  all clubs welcome newcomers. Let them know you are new and you'll find more than enough people offer to help and show you their bad habits.  :wink: Just take it easy at first and ask lots of questions.

As for basic items consider getting the following..

Good recovery points front and rear
Spade
Tow rope, rated or a rated recovery strap
Some rated shackles for attaching strap/rope

This will cost you about 70-90 pounds.

You can use the Defender as standard, but I would consider the following if you are going to do plenty of playdays and laning..

Some good diff guards
Side sill bars
Pair of Waffles
4ft Hi-Lift jack
Pair of sumo tracj rod and drag link bars

That will set you back about 400 pounds

Get someone to show you how to use Hi-Lift jack properly or read up online.

As for tyres, what have you got on? AT's are good mix for on-road, laning and for most play sites. Mud terrains if you plan to do more laning and want to go most places on a play day site.

It's a good idea to get a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit too.

Cheers

Steve

Offline drmike

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« Reply #13 on: November 07, 2006, 17:06:09 »
I think Steve has made some very good suggestions there. Your local clubs would be Midland Off Road Club who are very friendly and have monthly events. They will give you excellent advice www.midlandoffroadclub.co.uk. There's also the Mid West Off Road club who I am sure won't mind me saying that they are rather keen in that their events are quite remarkable. Not for the uninitiated although once again they will help all they can.

There's also the AWDC and you are between the Yellow Area and Pink area, how nice I hear you say but is pink my colour, it's so nineties. They have regional colours - I have no idea why. Once more very friendly and you'll get some solid advice there. Check out Calendar at www.awdc.co.uk

They generally all organise competitions which are fun if you don't get too competitive!

Mike

Offline jaws

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« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2006, 18:14:13 »
as mentioned before,just drive it standard!the only things you need to buy are good m/t tyres a couple of ropes/straps and shackles for towing.a steering guard,diff guards an a pair of wellies!thats it!
if only i was as intelligent as i look!
why do ex's never get the hint...STOP STALKING ME,THIS MEANS YOU!
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Offline burgerman

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« Reply #15 on: November 07, 2006, 18:55:02 »
As a suggestion-- the awdc is holding a driving day @ broxted common, This sunday (12th)  which is nr bordon , hants.


   I have been to slab common which is very close by and there is something for every one, But consists of  virtually all sand, which can be intresting (espaecilly if it rains) But in general is non damaging if you wish it to be, I usually take me old scratched disco, but me misses takes har almost new TD5 90 round also,  we will be there for sure,
TD5 with a few Tweaks ;o)
a bit more fuel friendly than the V8

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #16 on: November 07, 2006, 23:57:03 »
Steering guard looks easy enough to fit. What about diff guard and rock sliders...are they easy enough?

Never fiddled with cars before but v keen to learn on my Defender!

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #17 on: November 07, 2006, 23:58:25 »
Quote from: "Snooky"
mud tyres and steel wheels


Why do you say steel wheels?

Offline Nick666

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« Reply #18 on: November 08, 2006, 00:16:13 »
Cheap to replace, cheap to buy in the first place! Might as well save the money you'd spend on alloys and spend it on something more useful :)
Big Red - Defender 110 Hardtop TD5 (2001)[/color]

Offline Jim-Willy

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« Reply #19 on: November 08, 2006, 01:42:54 »
Sell the gay alloys for £250-£300 and put steels on and m/t's.  then you are ready for a hell of a lot of fun, just make sure you have front and rear recovery points.  Save the money for breakages, Defen'ers are good offroad anyway.  TD is famously fragile but if you have a good one why upgrade?  get a new engine when that one is boogered :D


Enjoy!!!!!  Defen'ers are the mutts nuts 8)
'ear all, see all, say nawt; Eyt all, sup all pay nawt; An' if ivver tha does owt fer nawt; Allus do it fer thi sen.

     

Offline Jim-Willy

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« Reply #20 on: November 08, 2006, 01:59:52 »
drmike speaks the truth, 90's are great out of the box wi' no mods other than tires, also i have looked at your avatar and i would say get the truck on a ramp and see if it is sound as the chequerplate may be hiding all sorts.  My truck is stock suspension with m/t's and goes most places, i have a snorkel though due to my wading addiction.

WINCH - No need.  If you need a winch on a lane you shouldn't be there and you should have a mate to tug you out anyway, laning alone on unfamiliar lanes is stupid , take it from someone who has been there and bought the T-shirt.  On pay and play sites there is allus someone with a winch or a rope to recever you.

ROCK SLIDERS - Get hung up and stuck on a slider or bend a £2.50 sill......  No more explanation required.

LIFT KIT - Defen'er can clear 33" tyres anyway so unless you can afford 35" why bother...........?

Fact is most of this bolt on crap is pointless as LR's can do the job anyway, the rear corner protectors are a good buy as are offroad biased tyres but just go and get it filthy, enjoy it and see how extreme your tastes get.
'ear all, see all, say nawt; Eyt all, sup all pay nawt; An' if ivver tha does owt fer nawt; Allus do it fer thi sen.

     

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #21 on: November 08, 2006, 09:58:01 »
Any recommendations on steel wheels?

Also, what tyres would be recommended? Mostly on-road driving with a bit off off road...maybe advancing to lots of off road!

Is it advisable to use your only vehicle for off roading? Is it just a matter of taking it a bit more easy than you would if you had on especially for off roading?

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #22 on: November 08, 2006, 10:04:37 »
Just tried to start it this morning...no luck! Battery's dead. Didn't leave anything switched on over-night! That'll be fun to sort this weekend!

It drove beautifully on the 2 hour drive home from collecting it.

Only a coupleof niggles I've noticed - one of the indicator repeaters has falle  off, the driver door does not seal top or bottom, it's got the original 1989radio in it which doesn't work - what would you advise with regards an aerial?

They're all pretty minor things. As far as getting someone to havea look at it, would you just go for any garage or a LR specialist?

Offline TDi90

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« Reply #23 on: November 08, 2006, 11:41:40 »
Quote from: "jamesledingham"

Is it advisable to use your only vehicle for off roading? Is it just a matter of taking it a bit more easy than you would if you had on especially for off roading?


this is the case with my vehicle too... i still ofroad, just take it more easy - exactly like you said... also i tend not to throw her about either as i know i will probably have to use her the next morning for driving somewhere!
TDi90
~The DFYTR Moderation Team~


Offline Magnum335

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« Reply #24 on: November 08, 2006, 13:50:54 »
If you arn't doing much offroad then AT's or Maybe a AT/MT intermediate if you still want to be capable. I know lots of people that use alloys for light offroad, but if you are worried, go with steels, a set of 8 spokes/modulars would do, (there are others)
Unpassable you say?!
Just because you own a truck, doesnt mean you can drive..

Defender 90 300tdi at 150bhp & 263lb ft


Offline Magnum335

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« Reply #26 on: November 08, 2006, 14:42:28 »
For the intermediate i was thinking this...
http://cc.oulu.fi/~thu/LC/Tyres/CommTraction/. i may be getting a set of these when my current trac edges wear out. Normal AT's dont quite cut what i need them to do, but i cant justify full blown muds with the road mileage i do.
Another pos is the cooper ST.
Unpassable you say?!
Just because you own a truck, doesnt mean you can drive..

Defender 90 300tdi at 150bhp & 263lb ft

Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #27 on: November 08, 2006, 14:59:12 »
What's the on-road to off-road ratio on those?

Offline Xtremeteam

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« Reply #28 on: November 08, 2006, 16:18:33 »
Quote from: "jamesledingham"
Any recommendations on steel wheels?

Also, what tyres would be recommended? Mostly on-road driving with a bit off off road...maybe advancing to lots of off road!

Is it advisable to use your only vehicle for off roading? Is it just a matter of taking it a bit more easy than you would if you had on especially for off roading?


I use my only motor for some serious offroading as Miniman & JW will agree,i aint afraid to push it, :lol: i would recomend a set of BFG muds personally,as i rekon that if you buy AT's it wont be long before your wishing u had bought MT's
Mike
I can Drive.. You can criticize..
I too can criticize like you.. but can you Drive like me??


Offline jamesledingham

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« Reply #29 on: November 08, 2006, 16:25:22 »
I suspect my driving is likely to be 90% road, 10% off road though... maybe stretching to 80 20.

I have a 40 mile round trip to work every other day (lift sharing is brilliant - saves a fortune!) and I do a 140 mile round trip every Wednesday and again most weekends (Girlfriend!)

Estimate 20,000 road miles a year...may be pushing it a little! Tyres though will need to suit this!

 






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