1986 NINETY HARD TOP WITH 300TDI

GARETH TURNER, RETIRED ELECTRONIC ENGINEER, FIFE , SCOTLAND

How did you find this project?

I purchased the Ninety from a neighbour way back in 2013. At the time it had a200tdi engine that had been taken out of a Discovery. If I have to be honest, I would say it had been pretty badly fitted, so I knew I would have to do something about it at some stage.

What’s the story so far?

As with lots of projects, I decided to first run it for a couple of years and only then did I take the decision to take it off the road and give it a full rebuild, in Jan 2018. What engine are you running now?

I had to make a decision when ordering a new Richards chassis and I opted for the 300Tdi powerplant. I needed more than just a standalone engine and so I sourced a 300Tdi auto Discovery to be used as the parts donor. At around the same time I found a R380 gearbox from a Disco. Finally, I was beginning to make progress. What are you trying to create with this project?

I am trying to retain as many of the original features as possible, however I am happy to use later and improved parts that are known to solve historical problems. I want a 90 that will be easy to maintain and not break the bank when I have to fix something. I have also decided to use galvanised and stainless steel parts wherever possible to limit future corrosion problems .

Will you take it off-road when it’s done? Yes, so to be fully capable I have gone for ARB’S Old Man Emu shocks and springs and fitted a rear limited slip diff, plus a heavy-duty four pin to the front. Both of the axles are 20-spline, with discs all round.

What about the interior?

It has to be a bit special yet practical, I was thinking Scottish leather combined with Harris tweed.

Where are you now with this project?

I am happy to report that it is a full rolling chassis with engine and transmission fitted. The bulkhead and wings are all fitted and finished in a top coat using original colour and 2K paint. The custom wiring and electrical system is also complete. Once I have added the fluids the engine can be fired up.

What are the next jobs you will be doing on it?

I need to complete the transfer gear linkages then fit the fully-painted rear tub, van sides and roof. Then it will just be a matter of assembling the doors, as I have to fit new skins.

What has been the hardest part of this project so far?

Sourcing parts for the engine conversion to a manual and upgrading items like headlining. Then there were the modifications to the seat box to accommodate R380 and 300Tdi set-up. The wiring was also a challenge as I wanted it all to be hidden.

When will it be finished?

I hope to get it through a MOT by the time this magazine is on sale.

Who is helping you with the project?

I’ve done all the work myself other than the transmission, which was rebuilt by Ashcroft, the upholstery trimming and the TIG aluminium welding.

Anything to add?

I think that the final specification is fairly unique and I hope to end up with a very reliable yet fun to own and drive Ninety. Hopefully once done it will make for a great feature in LRM.