yes, in the next few months I will be getting the frame galvanized and prepped and gathering parts for the project. I may even ride out the current frame until it fails inspection (I assume) next September.

 

Shaky Disco, whatever you do never knock up the guys on here, in their defence ZGPhoto and Paul Grant are helpful guys and very, very experienced and are often willing to help with many problems. In fact they are a mainstay of the forum community here and almost establishment.

If you feel you have the time and tenacity it's worth preserving the D2 whatever the cost but it's unlikely to make you any financial returns in the foreseeable future but if that's not your primary objective, then go for it, galvanizing the frame and all.

On another note, I visited Landypoint today and the guys were true enthusiasts for everything Landrover amongst other older vehicles. I have to admit it's a rarity in France.

http://www.landypoint.fr/en/land-rover/discovery-2.html

 

At first I was a bit taken aback by ZGphoto's response, but if you read the thread I think you can see it appears we've come to good terms and had a respectful exchange. The only mention I ever made of Paul Grant was that he was 100% on the money with his estimate for galvanizing. The only mention I made of him was completely positive and saying his knowledge was spot on. I have heard a lot about him and it is all positive.

I am not looking for any financial return. I am simply looking to still have a nice Disco for another 20 years.

 

I may be wrong, but seem to remember reading something about '03-'04 frames being thinner than the earlier D2 frames..... or was it D2 frames were thinner than D1 frames.... don't remember.

Good luck. It's something I have also considered. I have a rusty framed D2 that is running well and a non-running D2 with body damage, but an excellent condition frame...

 

From what I understand, all the D2 frames are the same and they are all much thinner than the D1 frame. I guess it was part of their quest to make the D2 more fuel efficient (yes, I know "D2" and "fuel efficient" sound strange when uses in the same sentence! )

it sounds like you have all the parts needed to do the same thing, except you'd have to disassemble two trucks instead of one. What about an engine swap and fixing the body damage on the one with the good frame?

I'll let you know how mine goes.

 

You are correct, 03-04 facelift D2 frames are marginally thinner steel but it shouldn't make any difference to the galvanising process. We are talking a very tiny amount thinner.

 

Sincerely good luck with your project Shaky Disco, keep us posted on your progress and the pros and cons alike.

 

Interesting, I did not know this. I have always been told the frames are exactly the same. Am I going to run into any issues putting a 2000 on a 2004 frame? I hope not because it's too late now!

 

No you'll be fine

 

I’m skeptical of the 03/04 frame being thinner material. Does anybody have any documentation?

im going to check the vehicle weights tomorrow.