Newbie Questions

[hamiam]

1. I take it if a D90 is a hard-top then it is difficult if not impossible to change it into a convertible?

2. Is it possible/practical/economical to convert a 5-speed into an automatic.

Thanks guys

Regards

MJH

[TerryS]

On the contrary, it is very easy to remove the top of a hard top, or SW. Only tricky part is that you have to remove the rear door, and replace it with a tailgate. (in itself, also very easy to do, except that they don't give them away) You'd probably also want split doors instead of one piece doors.

Changing a 5 speed over to an auto box is easier than vice versa, but requires a different bellhousing, torque converter (usually would come with a secondhand ZF auto)flywheel gets changed to a flexplate, and console, shifter mechanism, and autobox tunnel would be required (the console isn't but it would look hokey without it) You would then just have to remove the clutch pedal box.

Whether it's paractical or not depends largely on what you want to use it for, and how handy you are. Paying someone to do it might get a bit pricey, and might be offset by just buying a soft top '97 D90

[hamiam]

alas, no mechincal skills and no time to do so anyways. I wud have to pay someone to do it for me. Thanks for the help.

[Trigger]

Originally Posted by TerryS

Changing a 5 speed over to an auto box is easier than vice versa, but requires a different ... and console, shifter mechanism, and autobox tunnel would be required (the console isn't but it would look hokey without it) You would then just have to remove the clutch pedal box.

I've driven a '94 converted to an auto that used the same shifter as the manual. Looking at it, the only giveaway that it wasn't a standard was the fact that is was missing a pedal. Driving it was quite weird as you had to know exactly where you were in the shift pattern and count back to get into park. Of course, if I ever decide to convert to an auto this is probably exactly what I'll do.

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by Trigger

I've driven a '94 converted to an auto that used the same shifter as the manual. Looking at it, the only giveaway that it wasn't a standard was the fact that is was missing a pedal. Driving it was quite weird as you had to know exactly where you were in the shift pattern and count back to get into park. Of course, if I ever decide to convert to an auto this is probably exactly what I'll do.

If you say so. I'm having a bit of difficulty seeing how you can put a R380 shift linkage (or an LT77)which is antirely mechanical onto a ZF auto box. The shift mechanism on the '97 D90, is the same cable unit used in Discos, doesn't have an extended H patterm but simply an inline lotion. Are you able to get a picture of this thing? The shift levers aren't even remotely in the same location either.

[300bhp/ton]

Originally Posted by hamiam

1. I take it if a D90 is a hard-top then it is difficult if not impossible to change it into a convertible?

2. Is it possible/practical/economical to convert a 5-speed into an automatic.

Thanks guys

Regards

MJH

1st off which country are you in?

Also what year of Defender.

In short it's real easy to convert from hard top to soft top or truck cab.

Going soft top is real easy as Land Rover used to sell Full Tilt 90's and the NAS spec one with the Bikini style top. All you'd need is the frame and jocky sticks and the canvas. Simply unbolt the hard top, break the seal and lift off. 2 people could have it done in no time.

The only real issue is the central bulk head, NAS spec Defenders are different to most others accept late UK models. Going to a truck cap would be interesting.

As for going auto, well lots of places here in the UK would do the work. It's quite simple just use an auto from a Range Rover or Discovery, it'll mostly bolt up and work. If you don't want to end up with the shifter on the floor however you'll need to fab up a higher centre consol/transmission tunnel.

[chrisvonc]

Originally Posted by TerryS

On the contrary, it is very easy to remove the top of a hard top, or SW. Only tricky part is that you have to remove the rear door, and replace it with a tailgate. (in itself, also very easy to do, except that they don't give them away) You'd probably also want split doors instead of one piece doors.

.....Paying someone to do it might get a bit pricey, and might be offset by just buying a soft top '97 D90

Well, one should define easy. Simply ripping the top off a NAS SW is not hard but time consuming especially if you think you want to put all that stuff back on again at some point. Converting to a NAS spec ST is much more involved and costly but a few people have done it. Here is a write up from Erik Jernburg when he did it:
http://www.d-90.com/mod/sw2st/index.htm

As Terri suggested and which I would agree, if you really want a soft top, I would look into simply buying one rather than spending all the money on the parts and then paying someone to do all the work.

Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton

1st off which country are you in?

In short it's real easy to convert from hard top to soft top or truck cab.

This is a good point, if you have a non-NAS spec truck, it will be a lot simpler.

[hamiam]

im in NYC and intend to buy a 1997 NAS. Ill just hold out for an automatic with a soft-top. Thanks for the advice. Last question: What do I look for when I go and look at them? I intend to bring any one I intend on buying to a LR dealer for a critical look. ....unless anyone has other suggestions. the ones that fit the bill so far are in new england and in nj/penn.

[karlusmagnus]

hamiam, if you are looking at 97's they are all Auto's, so no worries there.

Karl