Build a "Defender" from a Range Rover???

[hermanpj]

http://www.difflock.com/buyersguide/...rn/index.shtml

This link to a DVD which tells the story about using a Range Rover Frame and engine to build up a Defender from parts got me thinking - I could do that. Some things i'd have to get sourced, but most of it I could do. Probably take me a couple years... Then came the questions below -does anyone know answers to some of these?

1. what are the legal / registration challenges in building a hybrid vehicle and getting it registered for road use? assuming i were to take a salvaged classic range rover frame, and a salvaged motor, e.g. a Bosch 4.6 off of a wrecked SII discovery, what would be the first hurdle? what are the problems caused in certifying a car for road use by combining parts from other cars? - which of these restrictions are at a national level vs varying by state?

2. where can i get the kind of details in terms of plans, diagrams, schematics etc - assuming simply getting shop manuals would not be good enough

3. assuming I go to Rover dis-assemblers for most of the body parts, but does anyone have better idea?

4. your opinions: sane or insane idea?

[Disco]

Not worth the trouble.

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by Disco

Not worth the trouble.

"Worth" is a relative term.

To start with, it's a very rewarding, fun process.

Many states have provisions for the registration of home built vehicles, without the need to have a prior title and donor vehicle. It requires a thorough state inspection and assignment of a state VIN number

Rovers North had a batch of brand new 100" Range Rover frames. There have been a few documented projects, building a 100" Defender, which could be argued is a better 'all round' truck than either a 90 or 110.

Every part you would need is available. The only testy protion of building a 100" is shortening a 110 (three door) tub. but a good sheet metal shop would make quick work of that.
Almost every other body panel is available from George Laird at Rovers Down South. In fact, he frequently has complete rolling chassis with suspension, axles & wheels (he has a new 90 rolling chassis now)
Realistically, it will cost about $30k, but when you consider you will have a new truck when completed, and don't cost your own labor into the mix, it is comparable to buying something already out there, worn, if not worn out.

[Thor]

I believe the donor frame for a 104" LR series/defender project happening in Colorado Springs is from a RR donor!

[hermanpj]

Thor, oddly enough though i live in Dallas i work in COS. Tell me more of this local project... :-)

[p76rangie]

Know a number of people that have done it. Not uncommon here. In Oz it is classed as a body change rather than a new vehicle. So the overall vehicle must comply with the regulations associated to the chassis.

The easiest conversion is to a cab-chassis.

[Thor]

Well an Australian moved here, built an 1988 RR with 35x10.50 Simex Jungle Trekkers and used it to it's fullest. He then built ShortA** the bobbed Disco that competed in the Outback Challenge this year with Rover Tracks owner Keith. The RR became a parts truck and upon his move back to Australia the frame was sold/donated (don't know witch) to Peter on this board. So if AlohaRover wants to fill in details and if people are interested, we'll wait for him to happen along. Most of what I know is from the Solihull Society website under a thread covering winter projects.

[Disco]

I do have to agree with you TerryS that it would be a fun project if you could afford to do it. I have a 3.5 motor and gearbox out of my 91 that I've been meaning to do something with.

[p76rangie]

It is only as expensive as you want it to be.

[Art Vigil]

http://www.roverhybrids.com/D100_build_up.html

[hermanpj]

Guys thanks a ton... i'm going to start researching based on what you've provided...