In the course of this year I came upon both a D1 and D2 for sale. Got both. D1 is out of the shop and running great, D2 just went in. Bad news from the shop, though. It's a pile of rust underneath. The frame has been repaired at least once and the mechanics all strongly suggested I sell it or part it out. It's disappointing because everything on the interior in that D2 is great. I would rather not sell it to someone and put them in the same situation I'm in. That doesn't seem right. On the other hand, when I find another D2 up for grabs and make sure it's mechanically sound, I can use this one as a donor for parts. I'm not sure what to do.
Would you...
1) Sell it outright and hope nobody wants to look underneath
2) Sell it for parts
3) Hold it and use for parts donor when a new D2 comes along
4) Throw caution to the wind and replace everything, spitting in the face of reason and frugality

Also accepting "Other" choices!

 

My vote is #3. How is the rest of the body/mechanicals besides the frame? Check body mounts especially up front under the radiator where the foam is to direct air into the radiator. Also pull up the tread plates under all 5 doors look for rust. If that all checks out another option is to remove the frame if you have the ability/money.

 

IIRC there was a guy on the Land Rovers Only forum that was selling a D2 rolling chassis (frame, axles, and some other stuff with no body on it). Maybe do that and swap the body and good parts from this one on a good frame?

 

I’m mostly with zski. A parts vehicle is invaluable. On the other hand, if your D1 suits you, you might want to consider just going with a good D1. I also agree with you not to try to sell it off to someone as a good vehicle. But there’s nothing wrong with disclosing what you know is wrong to a prospective buyer. Then he/she can make an informed decision and you can feel good about yourself.

 

IMO only possible option is to get a new chassis if thats the issue.

 

Thank you for the inputs so far. I really appreciate having opinions from folks in the know.

My D1 is mechanically sound but the interior is an unholy mess. It’s a project for me.

There is, of course, the option of driving the D2 with or without a frame swap. The former is a gamble and I would have to be careful. The latter is a matter of cost…spending on a new frame and swap on a D2 base model vs finding a potentially better model in better shape for a few K more.

Truth is, I really love that D2. Family liked it and they weren’t embarrassed to be seen with me in it! The D1 will take some work to get it to that point. I suppose I’m crazy enough to want both in my driveway.

 

"It's a pile of rust underneath. The frame has been repaired at least once and the mechanics all strongly suggested I sell it or part it out."

I would get a better handle on this. A rear 1/4 frame can be replaced reasonably easily ($2500-3500). Exactly how bad is it? And more important, where is it bad?

In the event a full frame is needed, you might get lucky and find something like this....
https://discoweb.org/index.php?threa...ame-d2.101410/

There are breakers that may have inventory such as Will Tillery.

 

Highly detailed showroom shine for $26,000? No Thanks. Even with the miles it's a first class rip off. And it's not even modified.

 

you are still local to your posted location I have an 03 with a pretty good frame. It's a southern rig same as the 99 daily driver we have, it's obvious the fit and finish isn't as good as it has surface rust, not bad but it's a shame a luxury vehicle suffered a such a lack of proper assembly at the factory. Frame is available, the axles, suspension and body are not as of now

And I'm always in the market for a parts Rover priced so stupid I can't say no to it 😂

 

3. Parts cars are never a bad idea as long as you have space.