109 calling my name

[stu454]

Since I haven't gotten myself into any trouble lately, it seemed like a perfect day to start.

Driving around Marin I saw a shop called 'British Car Restorations' or something like that. I pulled up behind a more or less run-of-the-mill D90 and walked in. Jags, Minis and Astons greeted me, in various states of repair or restoration. Then I mentioned that I was interested in any series rovers that they might have.

It turns out that a client was having a 109 built on a 110 coil chassis. He unfortunately ran out of funds so they now have a running truck that still needs a finished interior and probably other work.

Very clean truck with a 4.0 and an automatic (perfect for an uncoordinated klutz like me that still can't work a manual worth a damn). No floorboard rust. Rockers look about perfect. Doorhinges exhibit a little bit of rust. As the interior is unfinished, it could go in any direction. Beige in color. Not sure if it's a respray but likely, IMO.

What to do, what to do....

-Rhino lined camping/working/piddling rig extraordinare?
-super clean and smooth pimp-daddy ride? (No bling or dubs, of course)
-middle of the road daily driver?

Didn't ask what kind of price they might require. 'Course, a lot of that total would depend on what direction they went in finishing the build.

Crap! What do I need to look for and ask about if I am deranged enough to pursue this any further?

 

[jsonova99]

start with the price, that'll give you an idea if you want to pursue it any further or not

 

[Errant]

Hey Stu, did you notice that was your 109th post?? <<insert eery music here>>

 

[stu454]

Jeez Louis!

That's gotta be some kind of sign.

Now it could be the end of times style sign or an 'unto us a saviour is born' sign.

Hmmmmmmmm. Tricky.

 

[LR Max]

What do you want to do?? Not too many 109s out there wheelin', you want to change that?

Get soundproofing, and lots of it. Look into a couple different kinds, mix n' match but do it right. This'll make the rig a lot more comfortable.

Is it a 5 door? If so, then great. If not, then seriously consider. I daily drive a 3 door and I wish it was a 5 door .

The Defender chassis and running gear is the best setup in my opinion right behind a custom SBC based running gear. The 4.0 will give you're 109 the power it needs while the automatic will make the tricky stuff on the trail easy.

Super clean and smooth pimp daddy ride=waste of a perfectly good truck. This truck is the base for a good work vehicle. Throw a tow hitch on the back and go. Don't worry about paint, it'll get destroyed along the way. IMO, you need to lock the rear (if its a defender salisbury rear, you can get the locker from anywhere like 4 wheel parts for cheap) full skids, side protection (you need this on a 109 unless you are like me and hate the body), and a good set of tires, probably in the 255/85/16 area.

I think you should tell them to keep building it as is. Fix the rust and add the soundproofing, that'll do it. Look into getting defender seats as well since series seats, even the pimp daddy aftermarket ones, are crap compared to defender seats. I've ridden in a 109 with defender seats and it is the way to go. If possible, see if he can adapt some A/C into the vehicle. I don't know about where you live, but here in South Carolina, it gets toasty inside the ole rover. Oh, and an upgraded heater for that matter. Series heaters are crap.

Be prepared to pay a lot of money. This is a NEW truck you are buying, not a second hand vehicle. Be prepared for a new vehicle price since that is what you are buying. The 109 is quite a versitle vehicle but it needs a few creature comforts to make it a great all around vehicle. Just add those few things and it'll be great.