Rebuilding a Land Rover from the ground up is a project which is not to be taken lightly. There were times when I wished I'd never started! But the end result has been worthwhile. I also took the opportunity to implement some improvements whilst renovating all the various bits.
Trying to get the sections to "flow" has been a challenge; I think the best way to present the information in a useable format is by having three main sections.
- "Dismantling" - obviously taking bits off
- "Renovating" - cleaning and repairing the bits which have been removed
- "Reassembly" - putting things back together and hoping they fit.
Having sections like this means some tasks are covered in all three sections. So don't forget you can always use the search box below if you're looking for something specific.
So how did this website come about? Well, I used to own a 1979 Series III 109 Land Rover, and much as I enjoyed driving it, I really longed for a V8 110. I found a 1983 model on Ebay and was the successful bidder. I then sold my 109, and had room in my garage to commence restoring the 110.
Here she is before work started, having survived 10 previous careful owners:
And here's the end result:
From past experience, I was aware of the importance of keeping a photographic record when dismantling and renovating something - despite having a comprehensive parts diagram and workshop manual. As a result, this site has a considerable number of photos, depicting the dismantling, renovating, and reassembly processes. I started off with an ordinary Sony Cybershot DSC-72; but half-way through the rebuild it died, so the remaining photographs were taken with my wife's Nikon D-80 - and a very nice camera it is too!
This entire rebuild was done single-handedly, with the exception of the rear body. I enlisted the aid of a friend in carrying the rear tub out of the garage. My wife then assisted in manoeuvring the rear tub for stripping and painting, and then moving the renovated rear tub back into the garage, this time with the aid of an office chair on castors!
Have a look around - you can use the navigation menu above or the sitemap below. I hope you enjoy your visit - you may even find some sections useful for your own project!
Oh and by the way, there used to be a Facebook comment box at the bottom of each page, some of which garnered comments. However Facebook was constantly changing things, so a lot of the comments went missing. I have now (2021) re-designed the entire site, making it https-friendly - and at the same time implemented a new comments system using Disqus.
Table of Contents:
- Dismantling
- Roof Removal
- Seatbase Removal
- Rear Body Removal
- Wiring Loom Removal
- Bulkhead Removal
- Transmission Brake Removal
- Petrol Tank Removal
- Drop Arm Removal
- Steering Column Removal
- Front Axle Removal
- Rear Axle Removal
- Renovating
- 110 Badge
- Bulkhead Removal Bar
- Bulkhead Repair
- Chassis Renovation
- Dashboard Renovation
- Diff Lock
- Footwell Replacement
- Front Axle Renovation
- Front Suspension and Steering Renovation
- Fuse Box Upgrade
- LT95 Gearbox
- Handbrake Renovation
- Hard Top Renovation
- Heater Renovation
- Indicator Switch Modification
- Instrument Panel Renovation
- LED Instrument Lighting
- Mud and Rust Traps
- Outrigger Replacement
- Painting - Part 1: Introduction
- Painting - Part 2: HVLP Sprayer
- Painting - Part 3: Results
- Petrol Tank Renovation
- Propshafts and Universal Joints
- Rear Axle Renovation
- Rear Body Renovation
- Rear Crossmember Replacement
- Rear Suspension
- Seatbase Renovation
- Side Lockers
- Starting Handle
- Suspension Bush Removal
- Wheels Renovation
- Wiring Harness
- Reassembly
- Brakes
- Bulkhead Alignment and Doors
- Central Cubby Box
- Dashboard
- Electrical
- Engine - Part 1 : Oil Change
- Engine - Part 2 : Kenlowe Fans
- Engine - Part 3 : Carburettors
- Engine - Part 4 : Water Pump
- Front Axle
- Front Wing Reassembly
- Fuel Tank Replacement
- Garmin GPS Installation
- Heater Installation
- Instrument Panel
- Pivlock Spare Wheel Carrier
- Rear Axle
- Rear Suspension
- Rear Tub Replacement
- Roof and Roofrack
- Stainless Steel Exhaust
- Swivel Housing
- Tree Sliders
- Windows and Door Glass