Hi All!

Last week I purchased a 2004 Green Disco. Its in good shape but there are a few things that I need to work on and some questions that I have. So here is the list. Any help is appreciated!

1) some time soon it will need its head gasket work. I need a good shop for this. I have had quotes from $900 to $5300. How much should I expect to pay for this service?

2) As I am in Orange County (Southern California) there are so may places to choose for the head gasket repair. What shops should I look at and what should I ask?

3) The headliner is in need of some work. Right now it is not horrible, but I figured I would get everything done and out of the way now. Where should I go to have this work done?

4) Before I found this Rover, I test drove 6 other 2004 (and one 2003) Discoveries. I noticed that in some of the others I had more leg room. In mine I can not get my legs under the steering wheel and I am only 6'. The seat is all the way back and down, and the steering wheel is up as high as it can go. Is there some adjustment I can make or do the break/gas pedals adjust some how? Or is there a kit to make the seat move back farther? I cant drive very long in this uncomfortable position.

5) My Rover came with the one-line nav stereo system. Because the batter was recently replaced it is electronically locked and asking for a security code. Is there another way of getting this code other then going to the dealer?

6) My headlights lenses are foggy and someone said this could be fixed. I did a search but have had no luck. Is there a process to clean/fix the plastic?

7) I have contenplated adding some type of silver trim to the door handle and side mirrors. Something like this: door handel cover crome finish | eBay

 

hg work 1500-2500 - be sure it includes both heads being machined at a machine shop. That shop will also do the valve seals as part of the work (they come in the hg kit). You want some one who has done Rovers.

Put in a 180F thermostat to keep HG from being a problem after it is fixed.

Evaluate the front drive shaft, if no grease fittings it can snap with almost no warning and poke hole in transmission. Upgrade to fully greasable.

Plenty of head liner shops in SoCal, and write ups in here.

I am 6'3" and fit in a D1, not sure if your seats are moving to their limits.

The lenses can be cleaned up with a variety of DIY kits at the auto parts stores. Or make a trip to some of the largest boneyards in the country, some in SoCal boast 8000 parts vulturez (DIY mechanics) on a weekend.

Dealer can provide unlock code if you provide VIN and have proof of registration.

The whole shop manual and owner manuals are linked on this site, good idea to look over it even if you are planning to pay for the wrench work.

 

4) take the lower seat button and push it down while keeping it level, the whole bottom should move down, not just tilt. If not than something is broken.

 

2) if U R looking for a very good very fair mechanic, and U R willing to drive a little ,there is this very nice guy (Samuel) that works in his house on discovery's and old range rovers only, he can even get U any part U need for very good price, at any given time he has at least 5 to 6 disco's in his place, (I have seen up to 11), I personally done business with him and been extremely happy, you can find him on (Craig'slist la) if U go to cars& trucks and type (I pay cash for land rover), you may need to drive 45 miles from O.C. (he can also reset every thing in a rover 4 U)

 

Boo2oo2, thanks. I have met Sam as I bought my Rover from done 1 in Burbank. He seems like a nice knowledgeable guy, but 900 for a HG and he does the machining himself for the head. Does he warranty his work?

 

How much should I expect to pay for the head liner? I got a quote for 750 already.

As for the HG, if anyone can point me to a sub 2000 shop thats reputable I would be appreciatave. How does the 180f thermostat help? What else should be changed with the heads? Spark plugs? Wires? The wires look newish. What about new valve covers?

As for the front drive shaft, its with out greasable cv joints. So I will replace it. I found this online: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KLN...QPT64CQB8RKAAZ
anyone tried this one?

 

Well $900 seems very good price if you ask anybody here, machining himself I don't understand? Does he have a milling machine? If not then maybe he is using a machine shop he knows? For warranty ask him yourself and come to agreement, he is usually very good about that, definitely a man of his word.(in my experience).(I don't think $900 is for both heads, perhaps for 1).