Hello, I'm new to the forum and live in France.
Last week, I stupidly ran my defender at speed into the back ofa suddenly stopped 40 ft. lorry.
It was pretty bad but no one was hurt fortunately. Gutted about it and I need to find the most reasonable solution to put it right.
I’ve had a local French guy to look at it, he’s going to give mea quote soon, lets see what he comes up with.
In his opinion, apparently the chassis is totally untouched andit’s a “relatively” straight forward case of Shell Off, Shell On, should I finda replacement shell. A couple of weeks workshop work none the less.
I was thinking of buying a 2002-2007 Defender in the UK (I understand thatthis range of shell would fit) , one that has internal problems, cannibalizingthe bits (shell mainly) and then making mine good again. Sell then therest of the spares.
The car has only 22,000 miles on the clock, never been off road, livedin rust free sunshine all its life and as such it was in great condition. Either do the work in the UK or down here in France.
Has anyone done this work before and is it relatively straight forward? Can you recommend someone interested in working on such a project? Where is the best place to find old defenders that can be broken down and used?
Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

Jon

Sorry to hear of your misfortune

No clue on shops in FR to do the work, but I know of City Garage in Neuchatel, CH, ideal if you're closer to that side of France. The chap that runs the place is a good friend and Wizard with defenders. In addition he might be able to find a donor vehicle with a good body. Any specific questions shoot me a PM. I'm guessing you speak French too?

Bonne chance!

 

we have a member on here from you neck of the woods. offroadfrance is his name perhaps you can PM him for some ideas.

Here is a thread he just popped up in

https://landroverforums.com/forum/of...service-82825/