Range rover body swap (L322 / sport / vogue) on to chassic

[SFTR]

HI guys,

I’m only getting in to Range rovers and there is some conflicting information out there.

From this some post on this site I’m gathering that the new range rover (L322 )is a monocoque body bolted on to a traditional ladder chassis.

What I would like to do then is purchase a new 2003 – 2004 sport / vogue cheaply and bolt it on to a < 1979 chassis so as to avail of classic tax and classic insurance.

I’m a little at a loss for information as to the types of chassis that are available if this were to work. I.e. 2 door 4 door etc.

Any info or criticism would be much appreciated

ABT
Brian

[GKP]

L322 bodyshell/chassis is one unit. Therefore whatever strange hybrid mess you end up with will retain the L322 identity.
Unless, of course, VOSA/DVLA take an interest in which case you'll be SVAd and end up with a Q plate.

[SFTR]

Hi

Thanks for the reply. From my limited research and the below picture it looks like it is a monocoque body bolted on to a traditional ladder chassic. (Thanks in advance to the guy i borrower the pic off )




My question then is could I replace the (new as above)ladder with a 1970 to 1979 ladder chassis. (Would it fit)
The reason for this would be to run in on a say 1979 plate to avail of classic tax and insurance

Thanks in advance
Brian

[kVA]

That picture is a Discovery 3 for starters... not a Range Rover or Sport!

Secondly, it is not a 'ladder frame' chassis - it is hydroformed and shaped specifically for the Discovery 3 and critically has independent suspension. AN older chassis will be designed for beam axles and will have swan necks etc... I hate to think what a monstrosity you would end up with if you tried to match a Sport with a Classic chassis... :O

Sorry, but it can't be done!

[nevyn]

I think the idea is crazy

Even if it was possible, all the time and money spent on the conversion could easily be squrreled away and used to tax and insure the nice shiny L322 for a while.

Buy one, Drive it, enjoy it

Sod the cost.

Or you could have my old P38 if you like

Nevyn

[Steve_D]

I think you will find the last date for tax exempt was Jan 1st 1973 so it will be a pretty old and rusted chassis you would start with.

Bloody silly idea anyway.

Steve

[SFTR]

The date for tax exemption Setev D depends on where exactly you live.

And I thank god don’t live on the same rock as you.(Not to be stereotypical – but typical narrow mindedness, you must be an auld fella)

And the 30 year old chassis we have are not eaten with rust because we do not stupidly dose our roads with salt in icy conditions – That went out in the early eighties. (Welcome to the new millennium- move with the times grand-pa)

[triggersbroom]

Echo the comments above. Pre 1973 for starters, and the L322 is a monocoque, so no chance.

I see where you are coming from, but you are talking about something that would be almost impossible to achieve, unless you have the disposable funds of the Sultan of Brunei.

Move on fella

[dealmaker]

Agreed.

In any event I'd be much more inclined to do it the other way around!!

A nice Classic body on the underpinnings of a moden RR Supercharged would be fab!

[kVA]

SFTR said:

T
move with the times grand-pa)

And who's the one that wants to drive around in a car with a 30-year old chassis?

[triggersbroom]

dealmaker said:

Agreed.

In any event I'd be much more inclined to do it the other way around!!

A nice Classic body on the underpinnings of a moden RR Supercharged would be fab!

Now there's an idea

[triggersbroom]

triggersbroom said:

Echo the comments above. Pre 1973 for starters, and the L322 is a monocoque, so no chance.

I see where you are coming from, but you are talking about something that would be almost impossible to achieve, unless you have the disposable funds of the Sultan of Brunei.

Move on fella

Ah, just seen where you are from - so you get exemption circa 1979? Not fair!!

Honestly, if you have the skills, money, time etc then why not try something.

L322 is a non-starter though.

Personally, I would buy a classic and restore it.

[shirt]

triggersbroom said:

dealmaker said:

Agreed.

In any event I'd be much more inclined to do it the other way around!!

A nice Classic body on the underpinnings of a moden RR Supercharged would be fab!

Now there's an idea

This is today’s musings following some pub chat last night plus the fact I’ve been driving around in an l320 5.0 SC this week and must admit it’s the best version of the discovery they made

The l320 has a 2mm longer wheelbase than the lwb classic, track must be compatible given the chieftain conversions, so what else am I missing? Can only think of bulkhead location.