Wolf Defender 90
Discussion
Got a Wolf 110. Soft top.
When I've got it sorted, it will be a hoot. It was the cheapest one at Brightwells, and I didn't expect to get it for the sum I paid. They seem to be selling for about 3x as much these days.
The engine was described as a "non runner" - it needed some diesel return pipes, some of the bits for the fuel filter and an injection pipe. Other than that, it seems fine. I've done the timing belt to make sure. Gearbox was described as u/s - it needed a new gear lever (£60).
Someone had nicked various electrical bits - fuses, relays, bulbs, the expensive 24 volt wiper motor was missing, but I found it in the back. The alternator had been nicked, but an £80 truck one fits perfectly (you don't need the £700 24v Wolf one).
Outstanding jobs:
- replace the rear brake lines on the axle. They're knackered.
- Weld up the driver's side outrigger. Nothing scary, just some localised corrosion.
When I've got it sorted, it will be a hoot. It was the cheapest one at Brightwells, and I didn't expect to get it for the sum I paid. They seem to be selling for about 3x as much these days.
The engine was described as a "non runner" - it needed some diesel return pipes, some of the bits for the fuel filter and an injection pipe. Other than that, it seems fine. I've done the timing belt to make sure. Gearbox was described as u/s - it needed a new gear lever (£60).
Someone had nicked various electrical bits - fuses, relays, bulbs, the expensive 24 volt wiper motor was missing, but I found it in the back. The alternator had been nicked, but an £80 truck one fits perfectly (you don't need the £700 24v Wolf one).
Outstanding jobs:
- replace the rear brake lines on the axle. They're knackered.
- Weld up the driver's side outrigger. Nothing scary, just some localised corrosion.
Most military LR's are a bucket load of fun but most have led very hard lives, and don't believe they've all been well maintained/serviced; they haven't. Wolf 90's are now somewhat cliche and demand a premium price...in reality, it's the military LR guys who specifically want a Wolf with all the Wolf trappings. For outright day-to-day fun a standard 90 GS soft top is the way to go, it still has the military look with the right military 'bits' and all the fun of a soft top + they're correctly priced. If it's the Wolf 'look' with Wolf wheels you're after, change the wheel studs for longer length and buy a set of Wolf wheels. The Landy Zone guys and girls are a very friendly bunch...it's worth asking the Q?'s there https://www.landyzone.co.uk/forum/101s-and-militar...
They are addictive. Any Defender is a constant drain on the wallet. That's before you start looking at accessories. If you want to spend all your money and spare time working on one then fine. After thirty years of this, I had enough. Took me long enough but I finally saw the light and sold everything. Go for it, but be warned! Mod Land Rovers used to be a good bet because even though everything was knackered, the chassis was good due to the thick undercoating they applied. Don't know if they still do this. However it will only be a matter of time before you start thinking about getting a galvanised chassis. It's never ending. Aargh! Need some more medication now.
Edited by Fallingup on Sunday 4th April 21:32
Thread resurrection.
The prices on these have truly jumped the shark. A LWB hard top with, wait for it, 235 thousand (army) miles on it, and with a completely porous bulkhead has just sold for £7100. Plus VAT + Buyers Premium of 10% (plus VAT on that as well).
Makes my three grand wagon look almost cheap.
The prices on these have truly jumped the shark. A LWB hard top with, wait for it, 235 thousand (army) miles on it, and with a completely porous bulkhead has just sold for £7100. Plus VAT + Buyers Premium of 10% (plus VAT on that as well).
Makes my three grand wagon look almost cheap.
rxe said:
Makes my three grand wagon look almost cheap.
Providing the chassis is totally solid and footwells are not the air conditioning system 
Defender/Series prices are strong across the board with some models increasing almost daily. Of course, the majority are still a pile of crap with many an owner/chancer thinking they own a £40k Stage.I V8.
When in tiptop condition, Ninety and OneTen models with 200/300tdi conversions are the best value with prices readily on the up...especially soft tops as they're easily exportable/ US sought after, built in smaller numbers and come with zero electronics.
v8250 said:
Most military LR's are a bucket load of fun but most have led very hard lives, and don't believe they've all been well maintained/serviced; they haven't.
Sorry that’s rubbish, yes they have at times had hard lives and been used properly. However, they are well maintained properly which is based on mileage and time based servicing and inspections. All parts are genuine Land Rover components and high quality lubricants. Tlandcruiser said:
Sorry that’s rubbish, yes they have at times had hard lives and been used properly. However, they are well maintained properly which is based on mileage and time based servicing and inspections. All parts are genuine Land Rover components and high quality lubricants.
Based on mine, I'd be inclined to agree with this. Pretty much everything I touch has been worked on before. I pulled a wing off recently and the internet warns about awful stuck fasteners that have to be cut out. All mine came out easily, because someone had been there in the last few years. Some of the fasteners were a bit random, and some were missing, but it was all easy. The oil wasn't filthy, and I've found zero bodges so far. Nothing has been "broken" - well used, but not busted and left busted. I'll drag this back from the depths ....
My 110 has sailed through its first MOT, no advisories. I had done quite a bit of work on it, but it is pleasing all the same. Approximate list of work:
- Drivers footwell replaced, and sill outrigger sorted. It was the usual "double skinned barely protected metal, exposed to the full force of the wheel spray" problem. All sorted with a properly ribbed replacement. Passenger side not great, but OK. I've added plastic shields to prevent it happening again.
- All bushes in the suspension replaced. A-frame ball joint replaced.
- Copper/Nickel brake lines all round with proper brass fittings. New servo and master.
- Cam belt
- A couple of ball joints
- Koni Raids all round and new front springs
- New front brake cailipers (leaking)
- Lots of wiring rectification.
It is now subject to the tender mercies of the DVLA who will hopefully register it. I'm not holding my breath...
My 110 has sailed through its first MOT, no advisories. I had done quite a bit of work on it, but it is pleasing all the same. Approximate list of work:
- Drivers footwell replaced, and sill outrigger sorted. It was the usual "double skinned barely protected metal, exposed to the full force of the wheel spray" problem. All sorted with a properly ribbed replacement. Passenger side not great, but OK. I've added plastic shields to prevent it happening again.
- All bushes in the suspension replaced. A-frame ball joint replaced.
- Copper/Nickel brake lines all round with proper brass fittings. New servo and master.
- Cam belt
- A couple of ball joints
- Koni Raids all round and new front springs
- New front brake cailipers (leaking)
- Lots of wiring rectification.
It is now subject to the tender mercies of the DVLA who will hopefully register it. I'm not holding my breath...
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