Range Rover Classic - restore or not to restore

[ClaphamGT3]

What do we think?

I have a 1982 Range Pover Classic 4-door. 82k miles from new, 2 previous owners, never welded and never painted. A proper time warp car. It has a few corrosion bubbles and a bit of scuffing on the paintwork and, around the door frames, there's increasing - so far surface - rust.

so, do I;

• Leave it completely original & put up with a bit of scruffiness
• Get it completely sorted & immaculate
• Do localised repairs on an 'as little as possible to stave off deterioration' basis

[neutral 3]

Hi , i have owned several early RRs , shame its not a 2 door. My advise would be localised repairs to stop it getting any worse. Whats the Colour ? Sandglow ? Bahama Gold maybe ( lovely colour on a Rangie) Any pics ?

[ClaphamGT3]

Hi. Sandglow. Will try to post some pictures later.

[a8hex]

I can't help thinking an immaculate Ranger Rover is all wrong. It would be like owning a clean pair of wellies.
If you're going to own a tractor it should look like it's been used.
One of my nephews turned up at a family party on Sunday in a suitably care worn early 4 door, looks so much better like that.

So I'd second the vote to just stop it deteriorating any further.

[ClaphamGT3]

[austin]

Very nice but it will start to hurt your wallet, (I had one exactly the same!)

Manual 4 speed V8 petrol, you could watch the petrol gauge move at high speed!

It's gone now but a mixture of corroded break pipes and worn drive shafts did for it in the end.

[SB - Nigel]

austin said:

Very nice but it will start to hurt your wallet, (I had one exactly the same!)

Manual 4 speed V8 petrol, you could watch the petrol gauge move at high speed!

You either get used to high petrol consumption and put up with it and collect every petrol loyalty card going or you never get use to it and it hurts all the time

You can't be told about high petrol consumption you have to experience it to fully understand

If you don't tow anything and it's in good condition and serviced properly then perhaps 12mpg in town and perhaps 16/18 mpg average(?) - owners will know better than me

You could get it on LPG if you're going to do a good few miles but be careful where you get the work done

I regret missing the chance of LPG V8 manual, couldn't afford it now

[ClaphamGT3]

Our family car is an Audi RS6 so nothing - and I mean NOTHING - could feel worse. The RRs 15mpg average feels pleasingly frugal

[SB - Nigel]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Our family car is an Audi RS6 so nothing - and I mean NOTHING - could feel worse. The RRs 15mpg average feels pleasingly frugal

in that case buy the Range Rover too and I'll send you copies of my petrol loyalty cards as your cards must burn out frequently

[BLUETHUNDER]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Restore it and keep it original. I take it from your P.H name that you live in Clapham??.Never seen the Range Rover about.

[pugwash4x4]

lift carpet and check the footwells to see how rusty they are. have a look at the rear cross member to see how rusty that is, looks like you'll need a new upper tail gate. Have a look at the doors, especially down at the corners.

basically you need to work out if its a complete rust bucket- and they can hide it VERY well.

To do it properly you would need to do a body off restore job- now to be honest its not that difficult, but it is time consuming and if you have pay someone then it will cost you a LOT of money!

Having said all that an early classic in a mint condition would be an absolutely lovely vehicle.

[ClaphamGT3]

Hi guys

I've owned the car for over a year now. It's been up on ramps a few times now & its properly solid. Since I've had it, its seen enough waxoyl to sink a battle-ship, so not too worried about it structurally; its the cosmetics & the conservation ethos that is troubling me; I just can't work out whether to 'stave off decay by daily care' or go for a more comprehensive refurbishment.

You'll often see it around Abbeville village although we now live in Telford Park rather than Clapham 'proper'

[52classic]

No doubt in my mind.

Regular servicing and good quality local repairs as needed. Treat it as if a 2 or 3 year old car that has to be looking good.

No bodges or compromises and that'll last for ever.

[pugwash4x4]

in 10-15 years its entirely possible that a well maintained/sympathetically restored original classic could be worth a fair amount of dough. they are all falling apart (i've accounted for 9 by myself!).

Thing is that if you're going to do a proper restoration you might as well get a rare vehicle like a CSK in the first place!

[BLUETHUNDER]

ClaphamGT3 said:

Hi guys

I've owned the car for over a year now. It's been up on ramps a few times now & its properly solid. Since I've had it, its seen enough waxoyl to sink a battle-ship, so not too worried about it structurally; its the cosmetics & the conservation ethos that is troubling me; I just can't work out whether to 'stave off decay by daily care' or go for a more comprehensive refurbishment.

You'll often see it around Abbeville village although we now live in Telford Park rather than Clapham 'proper'

There used to be a Landrover specialist just off Abbeville road. Long since gone. I have a mate that lives on Cavendish road. Always used to have his black CSK 002 parked outside. B.t.w i think that is well worth spending the money on. You dont see many good original examples like that. And its a fast appreciating classic.

[jimmyjam]

Lovely period colour, looks great. I'd go for keeping on top of jobs as and when.
Does anyone know any good classic RR fettlers in South London. My old man has one and is forever taking it all the way to Charlton as its the only place he knows and trusts.

[BLUETHUNDER]

jimmyjam said:

Lovely period colour, looks great. I'd go for keeping on top of jobs as and when.
Does anyone know any good classic RR fettlers in South London. My old man has one and is forever taking it all the way to Charlton as its the only place he knows and trusts.

Quadratech
53a Brading road
SW2 2AP
0208 671 8100

Over 30 years with all the LandRover marques. Range Rovers a speciality.

[ClaphamGT3]

As a number of people seem interested, here are a few more images

[BLUETHUNDER]

Very nice.

[neutral 3]

I have had a lot of these , mainly 2 Doors and one 4 door and they Rot Terribly , but she is in a rare colour and if the chassis and inner body are good ( Sills , floors , A and B posts ) then do all you can to keep her that way. There arent many early 4 doors left and she is in a Nice Period Colour .