The problem here is the difference between spending the bulk of one's income on a VEHICLE vs. exploring. Despite what many would claim, working on a Land Rover is not an adventure.

 

Again, i don't disagree with you, and, for most people this is "sensible" advice. I'm pretty sure that most Overland travel in North America could be most cost effectively conducted in a Subaru Wagon or a Tacoma.

Here's the thing though. If the experience gained by wrenching on his truck and preparing for his adventure actually turns into his career of choice (Land Rover Indy mechanic) then the cost of his journey wouldn't really be that high, certainly not when compared to today's cost of a College Education.

I have a friend that rode from the top of the Dalton hwy to the southernmost point in Argentina on a 50 year old, ill maintained Air cooled Moto Guzzi. He'd previously been offered a free, brand new Kawasaki klr650 for the trip but declined because it removed some of the challenge.

10 years on, his book and travel photography have made his career, with the old Guzzi featuring prominently in both the story and photos.

 

I really don't understand why this is a discussion. Binvanna it is none of your business how anyone spends their money; this thread is about building and repairing a truck, not unsolicited financial advice. You called the OP a fool for spending money on a (very nice) Land Rover in a Land Rover forum! The man works in Alaska and other places and I think he can figure out finances and need not explain or justify them here or anywhere. Apologize and move on with some real advice.

Triarii seems to have a misfire and maybe some bad cats. But for those probably minor issues he has the 20 year truck we would all like to have, complete with top hat, flanged, liners (unless I am misememebring). Let's help him fix it. Then he can save money for whatever else he wants to buy.

 

That really is a great story. I'd like to do the same in a land rover.

 

me too. the man is my hero. What I learned from him is that the visceral experience provided by the vehicle can be as much a part of the journey as the experiences that you have on the road.

his website is guzzigalore.nl
since then i've been completely fixated on travel blogs with vintage or unusual modes of transportation.

I'd love to do the drive in my 109

 

Because the OP made it the discussion. He started reconsidering the vehicle, discussing "old vs. new" and different philosophies of use.

Are you sure you don't just lack appreciation for my comments because they're not supportive? I made it clear it's not a personal attack on the OP. He considered his negative feelings toward his DII, and I affirmed their sensibility. It's just a truck. Fix it, drive it or sell it, and move on. Make it so there's more to show for your life than that truck.

 

Better check your math there.
I too have questioned Julian's priorities. Its not really my place but it is he who has come here and volunteered info, so therefore everyone is entitled to there opinion.
I have a hard time with the permanetly mounted HiLift and 4 jerry cans on the roof. Sure it looks cool but lets face it, this truck isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And when it does I doubt it would be 500 miles between fuel stops and warrant 4 jerry cans.
There's also the haphazard troubleshooting that is leaving me disinterested.
And lets not the forget the gem of a For Sale ad on Facebook.

My point is when you open yourself up to the world on Facebook and forums you have to take the occasional ball busting. Not everybody is going to hold your hair back while you're puking.

Cheers!!

 

Career advice: Indy Land Rover mechanic jobs are in decline. There's still shops that maintain the classic rovers, but the demand for them is declining. I'm sure there will always be a minimum level of demand, but RRC, D1, and DII created most of the demand, and those vehicle populations are all declining rapidly. Ten years ago, the aftermarket was hot for them, now it's down. The Defender population in North America is too low to make more than a few people a career of it. This means Indy shops are closing, aftermarket parts makers and going away, and the outlook for the next 10 years is poor. Most indy mechanics that are keeping busy are working on LR3, LR4, RRS, and the full size Range Rovers. Working on a DII is not the right introduction. Mechanic school, ASE certification, Land Rover factory training is more like it. Even so, wrench work is physical. It wears you down. It's not a wise choice in the long term. By the time you're 50, you'll be looking for a career change. You won't want to keep tweaking your back on other people's junk.

Motorcycle adventure is not a bad idea. I considering suggesting an R1100GS before the motoguzzi was brought up. My own adventures were on a piece of junk Triumph -- the Coventry-made two-wheeled equivalent of Land Rover in every sense. At least with a bike, it doesn't take that much to get it going and keep it going. You can focus more on where you're going instead of how you get there. If I were to do it again, maybe I'd get the BMW -- the equivalent of a Land Cruiser or G-wagen -- but it's not the vehicle that matters.

 

Yes, maybe. I dip in and out of this thread just to see how it is going. The OP has invested big time and money in this project but that's because he's not concerned about resale value. I have probably 45k in my Disco II including the original purchase price, so I can identify. I think I truly durable, well built and maintained vehicle that is paid off is worth a little more. I have several (7. I walk the walk).

I read back for additional context and see where you are coming from, somewhat. So, you have my apology.

I think the OP is currently low on funds and has a lot invested, so he just needs some help crossing the finish line. Quitting or going back are not options and I interpreted his comments as mere frustration in a thread that has over 250 posts, so close to the finish, but I understand why you took it another way.

 

We're hijacking Julians build thread here, perhaps we should move to an off topic thread to continue the discussion?

Don't tell my local Indie that his work is in decline. Right now he's booking a month out due to a huge uptick in work on Classics, D1's, D2's, P48's and Defenders. (Plus my 109, the token Series truck)

He actually ended up apologizing but he won't take my wife's lr4 or my brothers evoque. Just too much work. Ok back to the build thread...

Reading between the lines, I suspect that OP is struggling with frustration stemming from thinking that once the new engine was in, that he'd be able to start enjoying his truck, hence the hilift, gas cans etc. Instead he's stuck trying to debug misfires while funds are depleted and he's lost access to a local rover mechanic. Super frustrating and I do feel his pain.

As a community, when someone has a low moment with their truck, I feel that it's on us to provide support and occasional cold truth. As such I don't think that the feedback is out of order. Hopefully Julian appreciates the candor.