conversion of 88" series II to non-landrover chassis

[I Leak Oil]

There are certainly some technically sound conversions out there, some even done by owners and/or non-professionals. If you personally like it or dislike it is a matter of opinion. I think the crux of the conversation is if there is another vehicle that a series body would fit on easily and inexpensively. I personally think the answer is no.
Jason T.

[leafsprung]

I think the crux of the conversation is if there is another vehicle that a series body would fit on easily and inexpensively. I personally think the answer is no.

I guess it depends on your idea of ease and cost. There is certainly nothing expensive about such a project UNLESS you have to pay someone else to do it. There is also nothing really difficult about it either provided you can run a tape measure and a welder. In this case, for this guy, it doesnt make sense. But for someone else with the inclination, it shouldnt be that expensive or difficult just time consuming.

[I Leak Oil]

Agreed Ike.
Jason T.

[SafeAirOne]

I find it hard to believe that it would make more economic sense to swap a whole rover body onto another vehicle than to replace the engine with a decent take-out engine.

Even if your mechanic worked for free, I think you'd spend more. It's not just bolting the body up to a bunch of tabs you've welded onto a jeep chassis--Now you've got to deal with making the front wheels turn when the steering wheel moves, getting a fuel tank to fit and plumb up to the filler costs money, etc. It's always the little bits that add up to giant wodges of cash that people don't consider.

[Terrys]

Im sure if you haven't seen it, it doesn't exist.

I know that was a tongue-in-cheek remark, with no malice intended, and I'm amused, if not flattered that someone with your talent, and obvious experience seems to disagree with me so often. I have no doubt that there are plenty of good quality transplants out there, done with a high degree of skill. There was a series truck that showed up at the Metal Dash meet a year or two back, something like a stretched 130. It was essentially, going from memory, an F series Ford with enough Rover sheet metal to fill the gap between front and rear bumper. It was obvious to see that it was done with a thorough knowledge of fabrication and construction. In the end though, was it a Land Rover, or only a Ford, that resembled a Land Rover.
My only comment with regard to doing such a major transplant of an 88 to another unrelated vehicle chassis and drivetrain is that the original poster made no reference whatever to a failing drivetrain or chassis, just that he had a cracked block. If I went to the doctor complaining of constant headaches, I think I'd want another opinion if his only reccomendation was a *** change operation. Undeniably, there are some great Toyota axle swaps that make sense, and a host of nice, alternative engines out there too. I personally love the 4BT engine, and KevinNY's Isuzu powered 88 is an excellent example of using something other than LR. Nonetheless, the original poster sounded as though he might have been misled as to the ease or economy of an entire backbone swap, when I felt he had many easier and less costly options. Thanks for the pictures though.

[leafsprung]

Terrys,
No question that the swap is not a good idea for this person. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone. The only thing I disagreed with was your assertion that no good swaps have ever been done. The discussion of whether it is still a "land rover" does not interest me. If it serves its owners needs and is well made, I can appreciate it.

[daveb]

In the end though, was it a Land Rover, or only a Ford, that resembled a Land Rover.

Was it noisy? Did it leak? Then it may have been a Land Rover...

If I went to the doctor complaining of constant headaches, I think I'd want another opinion if his only reccomendation was a *** change operation.

Well, perhaps this doctor was just telling the patient what he wanted to hear. Or maybe the constant headaches were caused by the Land Rover...

[dulinm]

thanks for all the good advice

Wow, I never expected 20 replies. Thanks for the advice. I'll talk to the mechanic and re-think this whole thing. I'll also check the hybrid board---it would be nice to keep it all Landrover. I'm going to delete my question in a couple days --no since upsetting more folks by them hearing from someone toying with the idea of butchering an old Series II. I also need to have him put it on a lift and see the condition of the frame. It could be narly and that also spells $$. Anyway, thanks again for all the help, Mark

[Leslie]

No need to delete; good discussion for people to stumble across.

If chassis is good, swap in an engine. If the chassis is toast, swap the body onto a RRC or a Disco....

Good luck....