SLROC Forum

Hello,

  I suppose I ought to introduce myself, really - I've just bought an ex-utility 2001 Defender 110 that seems to be mechanically sound, but needs the bodywork tidying up - I'm hoping someone on here will be able to help me with a few questions...

  There's a bit of rust on the bulkhead, but nothing too bad (I think) - that said, I'd like to have it checked out by somebody in the know and was hoping somebody here might be able to suggest a good garage/bodywork shop/LR specialist near Elgin who'd give me an honest opinion?

  The doors are quite bad, but as luck would have it, my neighbour has a 90 sitting in his field with a blown engine and rusted out chassis.  I'm going to have a look at the doors, but how can I tell whether they'll fit mine?  Do all Defender doors fit each other or is there a cut-off year where they stop fitting?  Is it the same for the back door?

  Last question...

  I've seen the adverts from Nene Overland for the chassis Waxoyl treatment they do - it seems like a good idea to me, but Peterborough is a very long way to go to get it done.  Is there anywhere in Scotland (near Elgin if poss) that offers the same service and, if so, has anybody had it done?

  Thanks very much

-mudTerrain

Hello and welcome !

Yes, Defender doors front and back are pretty much interchangeable. Take a good look at the doors on the rusted out 90 tho - if the chassis is shot there is a good chance the doors frames will be pretty ropey too. The skin is aluminium - but the frame is steel. The bad news is that new doors are not cheap - well over ?300 for an unpainted bare door and decent old doors are like hens teeth. Good news is that Series doors also fit and modern copies of series doors are quite cheap by comparison. If the current doors still work and are not so ratty as to cause domestic strife then I'd suggest living with them and keeping an eye out on here, ebay etc.

Dunno about Elgin but Strathearn just south of Perth do waxoyling and would also give you an honest idea of how good the chassis and bulkhead are.   

I would also recommend Strathearn for their honesty and advice, they have my D3 in at the moment and have also helped out with my defender.

theres a good place in inverness near highland industrial supplies allan aqms on here will come along with their name i am sure

Waxoyl is available from outlets such as Halfords, as is a cheap application kit.

Hello all,

  thanks very much for your replies, they're much appreciated

  I had a look at the doors on this 90 and they're much better than mine with just a bit of rust along the bottoms of the frames.  The metal strap thing that stops the doors swinging out too far is different to my TD5 - I assume it'll still bolt on, though.

  It's a good point that waxoyl and the spray kit is available from Halfords - does the additional preparation (high pressure cleaning/internal chassis section spraying/temperature controlled spraying) places like Nene offer make enough difference to justify the price they charge?

  Thanks for suggesting Strathearn - I'll give them a go

Cheers

-mudTerrain

Welcome to the forum.
have fun.

I would think its possible that your vehicle got internal chassis protection put in 10 years ago when it was built.
Depends which Utility purchased it,
but the vehicles are never normally cheap & they get the best done to them.

If it lived & worked in the North East & Moray Firth it quite possibly did.

You need to see how the chassis is looking.
If you are going to do the chassis inside now..

You need to get the inside dry & free off Salt/mud/moisture if its in there before trapping that in
with Waxoyl.
(normally during the warmer summer a damp chassis from the winter starts to dry inside & rattle a bit,
go wadding or have a few damp days & its all full of condensation in there again.)

Not really that easy now on an older chassis to get the rubbish out,
& if its already Waxoyl'd or treated inside not worth messing with possibly.
Pumping in Waxoyl yourself without drilling it etc is easy enough tho.
2 x 1 gallon can should do it.

Worth concentration on the extarnal corrosion to the bulk head & body & external chassis before this winter.
the chassis might not rust any quicker from inside than it has up to now..

Would love to see pictures of it if poss.

You have 2 clubs local to you for events within 40 miles.
Buchan Offroad Drivers Club & the Highland Club.
www.bordc.net
www.highland4wheeldriveclub.moonfruit.com

george

Hi
 As Piper5 predicted, the firm you want in Inverness is Inverness 4x4 owned by Hamish Grant phone no is 01463 233303.
 he is generally dependable, a good source of parts & info. Another good contact is Mike Ogg of Frank Ogg in Aberlour, (NOT the similarly named glass palace in Elgin) phone no 01340 871505. Mike has many years of experience on Land rovers of all shapes & sizes.

 Allan

Hi Allan/George,

  thanks for your help and the extra info.

  I've since discovered that, until 2007, my 110 was used by Scottish and Southern in Shetland(!) so, I suppose, if a utility company was ever going to waxoyl a vehicle, it would be this one!

  I've had a good old look at the chassis and it's solid all over as far as I can see, just surface rust in places - perhaps a full-on waxoyl treatment (for 500.00 odd) would be a bit of overkill...

  I've had a look at the two club websites, thanks - do you know what the RTV Lumsden event will be?  Would I be able to come along and watch/ask questions, or will everybody be doing their own thing and not want me in the way?

  thanks again,

Paul

Hi,
i would just make contact with the BORDC through their forum,
 or a direct contact with Alisdair possibly.

They are a very welcoming club,
& like every other club they are looking for & encouringing new members & competitors or supporters/helpers.

Going along to see is really the only way to see whats involved
& if its for you.
Same as with every organisation & pastimes really.

Their RTV's are run very well,
 as are all their events.
 & everything will be explained regarding preparing your vehicle & whats to be carried.
(all pretty basic & common sense stuff,
& the type of preperation that you need for going offroad
anyway.)
The club like all 4x4 clubs is a mine of information/contacts/resources.

Its all just about having fun safely & getting to use your vehicle offroad.
Great for learning & improving your skills IMO.

As you will see,
if you dont take part in Club activities up your way,
there is little opportunity to get offroad.

Plenty of other Motorsport Events & clubs holding Events & Rallies etc in your area,
where Marshalls & helpers with a 4x4 are made very welcome.

hope you have fun.
george

Hi George,

  thanks for your reply - I'll contact them via their forum as you suggest.

  As requested, here's an ultra-cheesy picture of me on the day I bought my new Defender...


  I *really* like having the orange flashing lights

Paul

looks tidy.

the guys at bordc are a friendly bunch - ive just started going along to their RTVs to watch.

my 90s in pieces in the garden atm

Hi Paul,
Nice landy..
I am particularly interested in the side lockers... I have been trying to find info on these.
I assume these were on the 110 when you got it..
Is there any chance you could take some pics of them for me, that would be the door the inside of box and what it looks like underneath, fitments ect...

I think it would be good to post these pictures on this site as Im sure there are quite a few that would be interested.

james

Hi James,

  sorry - I've just seen your reply...

  Which lockers - the top ones or the bottom ones?

  Everything you see was as fitted by Scottish and Southern as far as I know...

Let me know and I'll take some pics for you

Paul

Hi Paul,
Yes its the bottom lockers just in front of the rear wheels.
 I am going to try and fabricate two of these for my 110 and pictures of yours would be very helpful...  As I said various views, underneath ect....
My email address if you want to send them is captainxp@rock.com
cheers
james