rrclassicbt550
Farmer Jon
Update 2/2/2012
I thought I should take some time to update this first post and outline the overall plan for the build of my Range Rover Classic. This build thread started out when I was preparing it for a 6000 mile trip at the end of July 2011. Even though I didn't end up going on that trip, I did still go on a smaller 2700 mile trip, but sadly that trip was not done with my Rover. However, not being able to take my Rover is not something I am planning to let happen again because going on long trips is the main reason I am building my Rover the way that I am.
The overall goal in the simplest term is that I want to make an "Expedition ready" Range Rover Classic for use in long road trips, Overlanding, and as my daily driver.
I do want it to be an expedition ready vehicle with a bit of a difference though, because I want to put in as much luxury as I can without sacrificing functionality. Which I suppose is what the Range Rover has always been about. I still want all of my creature comforts, luxury features, AND have all the functionality/versatility of an expedition vehicle that is ready to go anywhere at the drop of a hat.
In then end I want my Rover to be a vehicle that I am able to walk up to and know that it will actually back up its rugged looks. Then be able to open the door to a luxurious interior which is relaxing, comfortable, has all the "bells and whistles", is entirely functional, and still very versatile. Think of something like….Overfinch meets Camel Trophy/G4.
It has to be able to handle: being a daily driver, one person on extended trips/overlanding with a heavy load and set up to sleep in, two people and two dogs for long trips/short trips/overlanding, and four 6ft+ 200lbs.+ guys comfortably with all their gear for the shorter (few hundred mile) trips.
I will post a "To Do" list and maybe later on a "Done" list that I will do my best to keep accurate.
Anyway, if I think of anything to add to this I will update it later on….
"To Do/Still To Do" List:
IBS dual battery system
Dual electric fans
Drawer system and other misc. rear storage compartments
Safari Snorkel (originally off of a Discovery)
Sway bars
Long range fuel tank
Power inverter
Axle swap w/lockers Front and Rear
Winch in front ( I am thinking about using an ARB Discovery bumper because they look better than the ARB RRC bumper)
Winch in rear
Bed liner the underside
Rebuild power steering pump
Rebuild power steering box
On-board air compressor
Custom rear consoles w/ cup holders
Modified sliders I bought in November
Skid plates for vital areas
Heavy duty springs and Bilstien shocks that I bought in November (not sure how much of a lift they are)
Custom center console with cup holders
On-board water filtered water system with two faucets
Glind shower system
Whatever I have to do to make it so my RRC will have a 1000 mile range between fill ups (i.e. long range fuel tanks and at least 25mpg)
Etc……
Original Post 05-27-2011
So I figured it is time for me to start a build thread, especially with all the work I am doing to prepare the Rover for the 6000 mile road trip I am going to be doing at the end of July.
So the first step is a brief recap of what I have already done to it:
I bought it 3 years ago as a basket case for $550 in Seattle and drove it home 170 miles with 7 out of 8 cylinders firing and a warped water pump that leaked very noticeably. It had engine problems, electrical problems, interior thrashed, exterior had seen better days, but it was straight underneath and had virtually no rust at all. Believe it or not it got me home with only one stop to refill the cooling system. I have since rebuilt the whole top end of the motor, gone through the electrics, restored the interior, and cleaned up the exterior. I then swapped the roof from a 1993 RRC onto it because I wanted the glass moonroof instead of the metal sunroof.
Anyway, without further delay I will get to the pictures of what I have done and the stuff that is going to go on. There will be plenty more pictures in the month to come…hope you either enjoy it or I hope it helps you out.
Have a good one!
Jon
I thought I should take some time to update this first post and outline the overall plan for the build of my Range Rover Classic. This build thread started out when I was preparing it for a 6000 mile trip at the end of July 2011. Even though I didn't end up going on that trip, I did still go on a smaller 2700 mile trip, but sadly that trip was not done with my Rover. However, not being able to take my Rover is not something I am planning to let happen again because going on long trips is the main reason I am building my Rover the way that I am.
The overall goal in the simplest term is that I want to make an "Expedition ready" Range Rover Classic for use in long road trips, Overlanding, and as my daily driver.
I do want it to be an expedition ready vehicle with a bit of a difference though, because I want to put in as much luxury as I can without sacrificing functionality. Which I suppose is what the Range Rover has always been about. I still want all of my creature comforts, luxury features, AND have all the functionality/versatility of an expedition vehicle that is ready to go anywhere at the drop of a hat.
In then end I want my Rover to be a vehicle that I am able to walk up to and know that it will actually back up its rugged looks. Then be able to open the door to a luxurious interior which is relaxing, comfortable, has all the "bells and whistles", is entirely functional, and still very versatile. Think of something like….Overfinch meets Camel Trophy/G4.
It has to be able to handle: being a daily driver, one person on extended trips/overlanding with a heavy load and set up to sleep in, two people and two dogs for long trips/short trips/overlanding, and four 6ft+ 200lbs.+ guys comfortably with all their gear for the shorter (few hundred mile) trips.
I will post a "To Do" list and maybe later on a "Done" list that I will do my best to keep accurate.
Anyway, if I think of anything to add to this I will update it later on….
"To Do/Still To Do" List:
IBS dual battery system
Dual electric fans
Drawer system and other misc. rear storage compartments
Safari Snorkel (originally off of a Discovery)
Sway bars
Long range fuel tank
Power inverter
Axle swap w/lockers Front and Rear
Winch in front ( I am thinking about using an ARB Discovery bumper because they look better than the ARB RRC bumper)
Winch in rear
Bed liner the underside
Rebuild power steering pump
Rebuild power steering box
On-board air compressor
Custom rear consoles w/ cup holders
Modified sliders I bought in November
Skid plates for vital areas
Heavy duty springs and Bilstien shocks that I bought in November (not sure how much of a lift they are)
Custom center console with cup holders
On-board water filtered water system with two faucets
Glind shower system
Whatever I have to do to make it so my RRC will have a 1000 mile range between fill ups (i.e. long range fuel tanks and at least 25mpg)
Etc……
Original Post 05-27-2011
So I figured it is time for me to start a build thread, especially with all the work I am doing to prepare the Rover for the 6000 mile road trip I am going to be doing at the end of July.
So the first step is a brief recap of what I have already done to it:
I bought it 3 years ago as a basket case for $550 in Seattle and drove it home 170 miles with 7 out of 8 cylinders firing and a warped water pump that leaked very noticeably. It had engine problems, electrical problems, interior thrashed, exterior had seen better days, but it was straight underneath and had virtually no rust at all. Believe it or not it got me home with only one stop to refill the cooling system. I have since rebuilt the whole top end of the motor, gone through the electrics, restored the interior, and cleaned up the exterior. I then swapped the roof from a 1993 RRC onto it because I wanted the glass moonroof instead of the metal sunroof.
Anyway, without further delay I will get to the pictures of what I have done and the stuff that is going to go on. There will be plenty more pictures in the month to come…hope you either enjoy it or I hope it helps you out.
Have a good one!
Jon
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