I forgot to add how important it is to pin the nut on the A frame ball joint . Friend of mine Wayne, forgot and the nut came lose on the 401 in Toronto at about 100km/hr - the ball joint came out and spun the axle - the prop shaft was a wee bit 'damaged'!
In the rural part of the UK I live in people are forever dismantling Landrovers, the local Facebook seems to continually have adverts for stuff. Plenty of engines, axles and gearboxes but that does not help when a chassis needs loads of welding. I nearly bought an old Rangerover once, but the more I looked the more serious stuff was wrong, I have driven some junk in my time but this thing was unlikely to ever make it home, engine knocking, clutch slipping, needed a tow start to get it running! Bulkhead and inner wings rotten, fuel leak, interior was lovely though...
Many 25 year old Defenders in UK have been rebuilt on Galvanised chassis AND had all the suspension and running gear replaced. There are companies now rebuilding Defenders as their prime business. They aren't all rot boxes which is why the values are now going up, up, up.
Indeed - but have you seen the prices!?That is why there is a business importing 'cheaper' vehicles like this - and there are a lot more 'cheaper' ones than $100,000 ones
@@BritannicaRestorations Yes, I see the prices. I have a 1996 in UK stored indoors, that I have replaced the chassis , fuel tank, suspension, brakes, seat box and body mounts, alternator, power steering pump, radiator , folding side steps and back door and all bushes. I like to keep this one original.
@@BritannicaRestorations I like how your channel improves my knowledge of english/canadian culture :) Just learned about Red Green (hilarious!) and now I thought "what broom's are they talking about??" - I like the concept :-) It's also known as "Ship of Theseus" - just in case you get invited to your local philosophers club tea party ;-)
I suspect the joint has gone too, but I can only do so many jobs without permission Dumb irons go way back to the days of leaf sprung vehicles where the front of the spring is attached the the chassis and the rear is attached to a shackle which is allowed to move - so the dumb bit means it is static
@@BritannicaRestorations thanks Mike. I've been out there today in temps of around 6 degrees blasting and priming rusty Puma parts. Gone cold now, nearly freezing so I hope the primer will be OK??
That is all kinds of nasty! I really hope he didnt pay too much for that... BTW, the BOGE self-leveller on my '92 110 works really well. The rear springs were saggy when I bought it (the springs fitted to the CSW with the boge unit fitted were softer than standard springs) so I replaced them with standard springs but left the boge fitted. It now rides well on the standard springs, but when Im well loaded up, the boge levels the back nicely.
This type of thing goes for around £5K here in the UK as that is the breaking value. Over here someone would spend £10K on a rebuild and sell it for £25K
Wow the steering lock stop set me off laughing. What a poor life that Landy has had. I agree with you totally! Main problem with land rovers is the bodges and lack of pride people take in their work. Like the brake pipes and the checker plating. I wouldnt even dream of doing that!. Loving the videos. I must admit the older land rovers seem to rot alot quicker than the Puma defenders (currently restoring mine on my channel) but then again i suppose its how they have been maintained.
How have you resisted poking at that silver cladding on the chassis, not to do so makes you a psycho, it's instinct; I'm 3000 miles away and desperate to know, go on, have a little prod!
@@BritannicaRestorations Fair Play to you mate, Love your knowledge on the old beasts, Older landrovers really are a cracking platform if you're willing to look after them 👌👍
You should do a 10 second video on why you shouldn't buy a freelander 😂. Love this Vid along with your other things to look for before you buy a Defender. I am hoping my 1st defender will be my best Landy. Thanks again. 👍
@@347lbs what age freelander is it? My wife wanted a 2005 facelift diesel one but asked around and was advised against it. I have a real soft spot for them so was gutted when I did my research on them. Would you recommend buying one?
@@S90Edg I have a 2009 TD4. Bought Jan 2018. First LR (but I have been around them all my life). Changed battery and brakes, it always starts, it does 36mpg combined, it eats the miles, I have toured the NE and SE UK in it, I am from the NW. Green Lanes are great and then we can drive home in comfort. I would like a Defender, but, I need a car to work, I like my spine, I don't have space to keep a spare car to go out to buy the week's parts. I like a car that has a decent chance of being there in the morning, I don't own a mig. Would I recommend a Freelander? yes, is it a landy? I think so, twice now I have towed cars out of soft sand on the beach and it didn't flinch. It doesn't make a particular statement, much like a Defender doesn't shout your class or wealth, I think the Freelander follows suit. It is a solid commuter that you can play out at the weekend in. 2 years in and I still get excited about driving it.
Britannica Restorations Ltd , So as I suggested above, but 15/ 25 year old VIN plates (if allowed), purchase all the parts needed for a new Defender, bung then in a container and ship them across. Then build it. You could end up with a fantastic Defender that would last a long time
Lancashirelad , Possibly cheaper, in the long run, than trying to keep a 20 year old running, and bringing it to a good condition. The specifications for the Land Rover 90/110, Defender chassis are well know. Could it be cheaper to get a chassis made in Canada, whichever Province you live in.
Usually because they rattle For some places a cat has to be present for inspection if it was fitted originally - there are not many places that have annual emissions test here and the Ontario diesel emissions test for diesel was no smoke at idle - now there is no test
Land rovers themselves do odd mechanisms had one when you put the brakes on at the stop crossing then went to move off it took a minute before the brakes released so you could drive off ,the brakes had a weight comporsater valve at the rear pipe in at the top one coming out at the base cheaked the brake calipers out all ok no stick on looking at the manuals had two books both where saying that the pipes going to the weight compensator valve different opinion one in the top one out the bottom so took it off never been off you can tell fresh factory fitted so it wasn't seized but didn't release as much as it should do because the pipes had been fitted upside down holding on the pressure hydraulic fluid got a new one fitted old one nackerd sorted by putting the pipes in the right inlet and outlet so one of the manuals drawings was wrong upside down pipes
As the young people say ,OMG!!! DFR engineering must have had a hand in looking after this vehicle's welfare. (Apologies if there actually is a DFR engineering )
Duct tape on the rear crossmember?????? Says it all really. Treat that as a project base for a full rebuild. My bid is scrapping price, harsh but there it is.
I would disagree about the cost of parts. I regularly have stuff sent via 2-day air and even if you factor in the cost of shipping, you’re only paying about 10-20% more than they pay in the UK because VAT comes off the top. I never pay brokerage fees, just taxes. Which is what I’d pay locally anyway. I’ve done the math and even shipping heavy items like brake rotors is cheaper than buying locally or from a North America based seller. As far as 15+ year old vehicles go, Defender parts are pretty darn cheap...even if you are buying quality parts!
The problem is Mike is in Quebec with a 10% provincial sales tax... Here in Alberta, I agree. Shipping is usually about the same at the VAT, so overall cost is the same. Hopefully Mike is not paying duty. If he is, he needs a new import agent. All parts for cars over 25 years old are duty exempt. You should only pay sales tax.
...that Landy's a bigger pup than my Saint Bernard........and it's costing me about £3500 to rebuild my 90 with the galv chassis and all the other bits that need replacing....not a cheap game...
why not just say ,,, dont buy a defender , unless your sick of having a car you can depend on spare time spare money no oil stains on your clothes no oil stains on your drive warmth economy comfort any chance of selling it to recoup your outlay ...
I think if you lived in the UK with easy access to parts at reasonable price and rebuilt it yourself, time permitting, then maybe it’s worth doing, or should I say undoing someone else’s poor workmanship!
There are hardly any here for parts. This would be a good parts car IF the price was right AND the parts people want are in good order - sadly not (doors, interior, running gear etc)
Britannica Restorations Ltd NewZealand the same plenty of Discos and early series trucks, but not many Defenders and most of those that do exist are imported. Good thing no salt on our roads so they actually last pretty well!
Indeed, when I was there over 25 years ago I bought a 1967 Austin 1100 as I knew them inside out - great car and not a speck of rust - wish I shipped it back here! Were Defenders officially imported?
I forgot to add how important it is to pin the nut on the A frame ball joint . Friend of mine Wayne, forgot and the nut came lose on the 401 in Toronto at about 100km/hr - the ball joint came out and spun the axle - the prop shaft was a wee bit 'damaged'!
I used to drive the 401 daily - 12 lanes at some points (still less stressful than Montréal - or Boston)
Anyone who wants to buy a defender MUST watch this. I learnt the hard way. Cheers again Mike
Yeap - I had a guy call in today who wanted one for his wife - he was shocked at the prices
Love the opening comment, should be a LR advertising blurb “landrover..... Europe’s cast off” 🤣brilliant
In the rural part of the UK I live in people are forever dismantling Landrovers, the local Facebook seems to continually have adverts for stuff. Plenty of engines, axles and gearboxes but that does not help when a chassis needs loads of welding. I nearly bought an old Rangerover once, but the more I looked the more serious stuff was wrong, I have driven some junk in my time but this thing was unlikely to ever make it home, engine knocking, clutch slipping, needed a tow start to get it running! Bulkhead and inner wings rotten, fuel leak, interior was lovely though...
Seems to be common with RR classics and there are not a lot of aftermarket panels to fix them up
Many 25 year old Defenders in UK have been rebuilt on Galvanised chassis AND had all the suspension and running gear replaced. There are companies now rebuilding Defenders as their prime business. They aren't all rot boxes which is why the values are now going up, up, up.
Indeed - but have you seen the prices!?That is why there is a business importing 'cheaper' vehicles like this - and there are a lot more 'cheaper' ones than $100,000 ones
@@BritannicaRestorations Yes, I see the prices. I have a 1996 in UK stored indoors, that I have replaced the chassis , fuel tank, suspension, brakes, seat box and body mounts, alternator, power steering pump, radiator , folding side steps and back door and all bushes. I like to keep this one original.
They get to be like Triggers broom!
@@BritannicaRestorations mine is really turning into Trigger broom despite my best efforts to keep it original.
@@BritannicaRestorations I like how your channel improves my knowledge of english/canadian culture :) Just learned about Red Green (hilarious!) and now I thought "what broom's are they talking about??" - I like the concept :-) It's also known as "Ship of Theseus" - just in case you get invited to your local philosophers club tea party ;-)
Mine was bad.patched it up for a couple of years and then put new chassis under her.cost about 6 000 to have done.dont regret tho as I love my truck.
eye opening thanks !
Glad it was helpful!
Defenders are so stupid expensive here in the USA. That's why I've been fixing up my 1992 Range Rover I purchased for $1200 a few years back.
If anyone writes a book titled "What Not To Do In A Car", that Defender would be a good example to be in that book, imho.
Hi Mike very well done as always very great help many thanks Eliot
Thanks!
Mike
Interesting. I have to say you have a very keen eye.
I try!
That one really is abit shoddy. In the UK it wouldn’t got for half what I imagine it wouldn’t in Canada. Great work
I can't tell you here but send me a PM
Mike
Hello again Mike. 11:45 that A Frame ball joint gaitor is shagged!! 23:20 Do you know why they are called "dumb irons"?
I suspect the joint has gone too, but I can only do so many jobs without permission
Dumb irons go way back to the days of leaf sprung vehicles where the front of the spring is attached the the chassis and the rear is attached to a shackle which is allowed to move - so the dumb bit means it is static
@@BritannicaRestorations thanks Mike. I've been out there today in temps of around 6 degrees blasting and priming rusty Puma parts. Gone cold now, nearly freezing so I hope the primer will be OK??
Not the optimal temperature but should be ok
@@BritannicaRestorations I'm using primer and paint from a company called Corroless. It can be used as low as 2 degrees!!
Hi Mike 🤔 great video as always thanks again for sharing this information 👍 definitely wark away 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Yes Denis - some points to negotiate on price here
There all worth it at the right price.
Looks like a LixToll garage Land Rover🤭 all it needs is 2 inches of underseal and it's ready for the four court
Very informative review! Thanks for video!
Agree! 👍
Glad it was helpful!
@@BritannicaRestorations Looking forward for the review of a new 2020 Defender from the mechanic's view...
That is all kinds of nasty! I really hope he didnt pay too much for that... BTW, the BOGE self-leveller on my '92 110 works really well. The rear springs were saggy when I bought it (the springs fitted to the CSW with the boge unit fitted were softer than standard springs) so I replaced them with standard springs but left the boge fitted. It now rides well on the standard springs, but when Im well loaded up, the boge levels the back nicely.
This type of thing goes for around £5K here in the UK as that is the breaking value. Over here someone would spend £10K on a rebuild and sell it for £25K
Wow the steering lock stop set me off laughing. What a poor life that Landy has had. I agree with you totally! Main problem with land rovers is the bodges and lack of pride people take in their work. Like the brake pipes and the checker plating. I wouldnt even dream of doing that!. Loving the videos. I must admit the older land rovers seem to rot alot quicker than the Puma defenders (currently restoring mine on my channel) but then again i suppose its how they have been maintained.
How have you resisted poking at that silver cladding on the chassis, not to do so makes you a psycho, it's instinct; I'm 3000 miles away and desperate to know, go on, have a little prod!
Landrovers must be hard work to look after over there Mike, with parts having to be imported etc, we take it for granted in the UK I suppose
They sure are!
@@BritannicaRestorations Fair Play to you mate, Love your knowledge on the old beasts, Older landrovers really are a cracking platform if you're willing to look after them 👌👍
You should do a 10 second video on why you shouldn't buy a freelander 😂.
Love this Vid along with your other things to look for before you buy a Defender. I am hoping my 1st defender will be my best Landy.
Thanks again. 👍
I'll give you a tow to the garage in my Freelander.
@@347lbs what age freelander is it?
My wife wanted a 2005 facelift diesel one but asked around and was advised against it. I have a real soft spot for them so was gutted when I did my research on them.
Would you recommend buying one?
Its 2005 2.0 td4
2 owners
Same owner since 2007
68,000 miles
@@S90Edg I have a 2009 TD4. Bought Jan 2018. First LR (but I have been around them all my life). Changed battery and brakes, it always starts, it does 36mpg combined, it eats the miles, I have toured the NE and SE UK in it, I am from the NW. Green Lanes are great and then we can drive home in comfort. I would like a Defender, but, I need a car to work, I like my spine, I don't have space to keep a spare car to go out to buy the week's parts. I like a car that has a decent chance of being there in the morning, I don't own a mig.
Would I recommend a Freelander? yes, is it a landy? I think so, twice now I have towed cars out of soft sand on the beach and it didn't flinch. It doesn't make a particular statement, much like a Defender doesn't shout your class or wealth, I think the Freelander follows suit. It is a solid commuter that you can play out at the weekend in. 2 years in and I still get excited about driving it.
That defender has definitely been in ACE MOTORS
Or Mr Smiths...
Can you do a video on the self leveling unit ?
Nope, as I never see them, then are not serviceable, they are unobtainable new, and most people take them off and fit heavier springs
Ok thanks
That thing has been ridden hard and put away wet, no thanks. Great video.
Thanks for sharing, lear a lot
Glad it was helpful!
Second.......and My god..... there are someinteresting "modifications" there!!
AND even with the extended steering stops - it still caught on the radius arms - needs a football field to turn it round
What's that bolt welded on the chassis at the front for... putting a huge gash in ones head during maintenance?
No idea - there are 2 at the back and 2 at the front - snowplough maybe?
That would be a fair amount of weight and force applied to what looked like an m14 bolt attched with shonky welds.
Interesting inspecton . How much would you say to sort that little lot out?
Probably as much as the vehicle cost - needs 5 doors for a start
Britannica Restorations Ltd ,
So as I suggested above, but 15/ 25 year old VIN plates (if allowed), purchase all the parts needed for a new Defender, bung then in a container and ship them across. Then build it.
You could end up with a fantastic Defender that would last a long time
@Lancashirelad ,
Are you not allowed to replace a Defender chassis with a new one? Can you then transfer the VIN to the new chassis?
Lancashirelad ,
Possibly cheaper, in the long run, than trying to keep a 20 year old running, and bringing it to a good condition.
The specifications for the Land Rover 90/110, Defender chassis are well know. Could it be cheaper to get a chassis made in Canada, whichever Province you live in.
Has anyone ever imported a td5 into Canada? Never hear about them out there
Yes there are a few, but people want Tdi's - frightened of electronics!
@@BritannicaRestorations what about the members who go for the 4litre v8? They need to know the performance of mapped td5 and the fuel save cost
I have not seen a retro fitted 4.0 V8 - but I am working on my 4.3 GM Vortec project with GM box - this could be interesting!
@@BritannicaRestorations am meaning the dico 2 v8 as it still has electrics comparing to a td5 which mapped has better economy and power
Would it be cheaper, in this case, to buy VIN plates, import brand new parts (for a complete Defender( and build a new one)?
Problem is you cannot register it without importation papers - you can build as a 'kit car' but the insurance is eye-watering
Why would you remove the internals from the cat and not just replace it with a straight-through pipe?
Usually because they rattle
For some places a cat has to be present for inspection if it was fitted originally - there are not many places that have annual emissions test here and the Ontario diesel emissions test for diesel was no smoke at idle - now there is no test
Land rovers themselves do odd mechanisms had one when you put the brakes on at the stop crossing then went to move off it took a minute before the brakes released so you could drive off ,the brakes had a weight comporsater valve at the rear pipe in at the top one coming out at the base cheaked the brake calipers out all ok no stick on looking at the manuals had two books both where saying that the pipes going to the weight compensator valve different opinion one in the top one out the bottom so took it off never been off you can tell fresh factory fitted so it wasn't seized but didn't release as much as it should do because the pipes had been fitted upside down holding on the pressure hydraulic fluid got a new one fitted old one nackerd sorted by putting the pipes in the right inlet and outlet so one of the manuals drawings was wrong upside down pipes
As the young people say ,OMG!!! DFR engineering must have had a hand in looking after this vehicle's welfare. (Apologies if there actually is a DFR engineering )
COmpared to this, mine, look´s like he is still in the Auto Stand...... :D
Regards
Learn my lessons..lol , Make Defender Better Again..
Hope u had made, this video one year ago
I am not a good welder - but I am better than that :-)
Duct tape on the rear crossmember?????? Says it all really. Treat that as a project base for a full rebuild. My bid is scrapping price, harsh but there it is.
Yeap - parts cars
What's that duct tape holding together? And I bet you can get 7" round headlamps in Canada still :-)
Steve P they’re the same headlamps that fit Jeeps and many others
@@srpacific Yes, and older motorcycles. So there is maybe one part he can buy locally :-)
I would disagree about the cost of parts. I regularly have stuff sent via 2-day air and even if you factor in the cost of shipping, you’re only paying about 10-20% more than they pay in the UK because VAT comes off the top. I never pay brokerage fees, just taxes. Which is what I’d pay locally anyway. I’ve done the math and even shipping heavy items like brake rotors is cheaper than buying locally or from a North America based seller.
As far as 15+ year old vehicles go, Defender parts are pretty darn cheap...even if you are buying quality parts!
You are obviously not commercial
The problem is Mike is in Quebec with a 10% provincial sales tax... Here in Alberta, I agree. Shipping is usually about the same at the VAT, so overall cost is the same. Hopefully Mike is not paying duty. If he is, he needs a new import agent. All parts for cars over 25 years old are duty exempt. You should only pay sales tax.
...that Landy's a bigger pup than my Saint Bernard........and it's costing me about £3500 to rebuild my 90 with the galv chassis and all the other bits that need replacing....not a cheap game...
And that is not rebuilding engine, transmissions, axles etc!
You've got it mate...expensive but worth it 😂
Money pit and I bet that rear chassis is rotten
You've just described every Defender I've ever had the misfortune to know.
why not just say ,,, dont buy a defender ,
unless your sick of having
a car you can depend on
spare time
spare money
no oil stains on your clothes
no oil stains on your drive
warmth
economy
comfort
any chance of selling it to recoup your outlay ...
I think if you lived in the UK with easy access to parts at reasonable price and rebuilt it yourself, time permitting, then maybe it’s worth doing, or should I say undoing someone else’s poor workmanship!
There are hardly any here for parts. This would be a good parts car IF the price was right AND the parts people want are in good order - sadly not (doors, interior, running gear etc)
Britannica Restorations Ltd NewZealand the same plenty of Discos and early series trucks, but not many Defenders and most of those that do exist are imported. Good thing no salt on our roads so they actually last pretty well!
Indeed, when I was there over 25 years ago I bought a 1967 Austin 1100 as I knew them inside out - great car and not a speck of rust - wish I shipped it back here!
Were Defenders officially imported?
First!
well done
That motor is dog shit
So the moral is to take someone who is familiar with these when looking for one - will save you a fortune in the long run
Just buy a Toyota land cruiser stop messing about
Sadly the Toyota's rusted out so bad here , they stopped importing in the 80's