What is my D2 worth?
#31
08-27-2014 | 05:38 PM
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 86
I live in Anchorage, Alaska. Finding a Disco up here is easy. They truly are all over. At one point the Land Rover dealer packed up and left the state, but I think that's when they went up to the LR3 and it didn't sell well up here.
There is an excellent independent Land Rover shop up here called Far North Rover. That's all they do. Fantastic customer service.
I picked up a 2004 Disco SE about 6 mo ago with just a slipped liner, in almost new condition for $2k. That included the tow and a new engine rebuild kit. The same week I picked mine up, there was one in about the same condition with the same issue for $1,500. They are all over craigslist most of the time.
FIND ONE WITH THE COLD WEATHER PACKAGE. Those heated seats and the heated windshield are a must. Period. Auto start and an engine block heater are your first priority.
There is nothing like knowing and trusting a car you put the wrench time into, and then having to start over. BUT I drove from GA to Alaska, IN APRIL, and let me tell you it's still full winter once you pass the border into Canada. You need to trust your car from front to back. It hit -25 on some nights I crashed in the car. You don't want to get stranded in some areas that are 200+ miles till the next gas station. Some roads will beat your car to %$#* and could swallow a Corolla whole. Wildlife, ice, rocks, STEEP downgrades, blizzards. It's an adventure for sure, but one to take seriously when it's out of the tourist season and all the little stations and shops/gas are closed. I went 386 miles once between two gas stations. With a low fuel light, a prayer, and $120 for 20g of gas to a 98yo lady at a cabin with a pump....I wont do that again.
Luckily my 4x4 07 Xterra made it OK, but those street Georgia summer tires nearly killed me.
If you have any questions about the area, feel free.
There is an excellent independent Land Rover shop up here called Far North Rover. That's all they do. Fantastic customer service.
I picked up a 2004 Disco SE about 6 mo ago with just a slipped liner, in almost new condition for $2k. That included the tow and a new engine rebuild kit. The same week I picked mine up, there was one in about the same condition with the same issue for $1,500. They are all over craigslist most of the time.
FIND ONE WITH THE COLD WEATHER PACKAGE. Those heated seats and the heated windshield are a must. Period. Auto start and an engine block heater are your first priority.
There is nothing like knowing and trusting a car you put the wrench time into, and then having to start over. BUT I drove from GA to Alaska, IN APRIL, and let me tell you it's still full winter once you pass the border into Canada. You need to trust your car from front to back. It hit -25 on some nights I crashed in the car. You don't want to get stranded in some areas that are 200+ miles till the next gas station. Some roads will beat your car to %$#* and could swallow a Corolla whole. Wildlife, ice, rocks, STEEP downgrades, blizzards. It's an adventure for sure, but one to take seriously when it's out of the tourist season and all the little stations and shops/gas are closed. I went 386 miles once between two gas stations. With a low fuel light, a prayer, and $120 for 20g of gas to a 98yo lady at a cabin with a pump....I wont do that again.
Luckily my 4x4 07 Xterra made it OK, but those street Georgia summer tires nearly killed me.
If you have any questions about the area, feel free.
I will send you a PM, look forward to chatting with you.
Regarding the thin chassis, I guess LR thought they could improve the MPG of these trucks by reducing weight of the frame.
#32
08-27-2014 | 05:43 PM
TReK
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 163
From: CT
From any kind of sensible point of view, the notion of a frame swap on a vehicle that is barely worth the cost of the galvanized frame alone, borders on absurd. Sorry, some of you may not like that sober realism but I've owned these trucks for WAY too long to get romantically invested in them the way some of you do.
The idea that there is going to be a great demand for galvanized frames, I think, is overly optimistic. I've said it before in conversations with Zack. I think if there was ever going to be a demand for galvanized frames it would be for Range Rover Classic models. I know Rover only sold about 35K of them over the years they were legally imported in the US but how many Series Rovers did they import over the roughly 25 years they were sold here. I bet, not nearly as many and yet there has always been a demand for outfitting them with galvanized frames.
On top of that, we are seeing the value of Range Rover Classics increasing every day. I do not see that happening with DI's. They never had the panache a Classic did. I feel the same way about the DII. That's not to say that a handful of devotees won't restore some but the interest and demand will never be like it was for either the old Series Rovers, Defenders or Classics.
The idea that there is going to be a great demand for galvanized frames, I think, is overly optimistic. I've said it before in conversations with Zack. I think if there was ever going to be a demand for galvanized frames it would be for Range Rover Classic models. I know Rover only sold about 35K of them over the years they were legally imported in the US but how many Series Rovers did they import over the roughly 25 years they were sold here. I bet, not nearly as many and yet there has always been a demand for outfitting them with galvanized frames.
On top of that, we are seeing the value of Range Rover Classics increasing every day. I do not see that happening with DI's. They never had the panache a Classic did. I feel the same way about the DII. That's not to say that a handful of devotees won't restore some but the interest and demand will never be like it was for either the old Series Rovers, Defenders or Classics.
#33
08-27-2014 | 06:06 PM
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 206
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
That is correct. NO ROAD SALT. Now people do buy it for their own residential use, and sometimes business use it in their parking lots. Mostly around areas where people walk though. Entry ways. Good thing to do is every week or two take it to a touchless wash as they all have underside blasters.
Now what we do use, in the major areas, is recycled tarmac. Ground up, gravel sized, chunks of recycled roads they rip up and redo every year. It's very grippy and keeps you safe on the ice, BUT, when it starts to thaw/dry up that stuff is all over and it tears up the front of your car on the highways. Chips up the front of the car real good sometimes and I say you get a new windshield every year or two.
Now out in the valley, and down south, they use straight up dirt. Makes your car naaaasty to look at, but it doesn't ding up your front end either. All of our cars pretty much look disgusting 5 months of the year.
I'm actually contemplating doing the entire exterior of my Disco with Monstaliner to stem the road wear. Either keep it white, or go with a cool color change. Like a burnt orange. It would be nice not to ever have to worry about the paint chips and parking lot door dings ever again.
Now what we do use, in the major areas, is recycled tarmac. Ground up, gravel sized, chunks of recycled roads they rip up and redo every year. It's very grippy and keeps you safe on the ice, BUT, when it starts to thaw/dry up that stuff is all over and it tears up the front of your car on the highways. Chips up the front of the car real good sometimes and I say you get a new windshield every year or two.
Now out in the valley, and down south, they use straight up dirt. Makes your car naaaasty to look at, but it doesn't ding up your front end either. All of our cars pretty much look disgusting 5 months of the year.
I'm actually contemplating doing the entire exterior of my Disco with Monstaliner to stem the road wear. Either keep it white, or go with a cool color change. Like a burnt orange. It would be nice not to ever have to worry about the paint chips and parking lot door dings ever again.
#34
08-27-2014 | 06:13 PM
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 5,845
Likes: 368
From: Near Bordeaux, France
From any kind of sensible point of view, the notion of a frame swap on a vehicle that is barely worth the cost of the galvanized frame alone, borders on absurd. Sorry, some of you may not like that sober realism but I've owned these trucks for WAY too long to get romantically invested in them the way some of you do.
The idea that there is going to be a great demand for galvanized frames, I think, is overly optimistic. I've said it before in conversations with Zack. I think if there was ever going to be a demand for galvanized frames it would be for Range Rover Classic models. I know Rover only sold about 35K of them over the years they were legally imported in the US but how many Series Rovers did they import over the roughly 25 years they were sold here. I bet, not nearly as many and yet there has always been a demand for outfitting them with galvanized frames.
On top of that, we are seeing the value of Range Rover Classics increasing every day. I do not see that happening with DI's. They never had the panache a Classic did. I feel the same way about the DII. That's not to say that a handful of devotees won't restore some but the interest and demand will never be like it was for either the old Series Rovers, Defenders or Classics.
The idea that there is going to be a great demand for galvanized frames, I think, is overly optimistic. I've said it before in conversations with Zack. I think if there was ever going to be a demand for galvanized frames it would be for Range Rover Classic models. I know Rover only sold about 35K of them over the years they were legally imported in the US but how many Series Rovers did they import over the roughly 25 years they were sold here. I bet, not nearly as many and yet there has always been a demand for outfitting them with galvanized frames.
On top of that, we are seeing the value of Range Rover Classics increasing every day. I do not see that happening with DI's. They never had the panache a Classic did. I feel the same way about the DII. That's not to say that a handful of devotees won't restore some but the interest and demand will never be like it was for either the old Series Rovers, Defenders or Classics.
IMHO, I can't get too attached to anything unless it sells or stands me in at a profit at the end of the day.
#35
08-27-2014 | 06:48 PM
Recovery Vehicle
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 24
We don't have any road salt down my way... north of New Orleans. Not much rust on vehicles here unless they are 50 years old.
My brother puts his boat/trailer in the gulf 10 or 12 times a month and he sand-blasted the trailer frame and had it hot dipped for around $800 about 5 years ago.
There are alot of galvanized boat trailers around here. Never knew of anybody down my way having a car or truck frame dipped though.
So about the sheet metal steel gauge....does the D2 weigh much less than the D1?
Last edited by RicketyTick; 08-27-2014 at 06:54 PM.
#36
08-27-2014 | 07:49 PM
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 86
We don't have any road salt down my way... north of New Orleans. Not much rust on vehicles here unless they are 50 years old.
My brother puts his boat/trailer in the gulf 10 or 12 times a month and he sand-blasted the trailer frame and had it hot dipped for around $800 about 5 years ago.
There are alot of galvanized boat trailers around here. Never knew of anybody down my way having a car or truck frame dipped though.
So about the sheet metal steel gauge....does the D2 weigh much less than the D1?
My brother puts his boat/trailer in the gulf 10 or 12 times a month and he sand-blasted the trailer frame and had it hot dipped for around $800 about 5 years ago.
There are alot of galvanized boat trailers around here. Never knew of anybody down my way having a car or truck frame dipped though.
So about the sheet metal steel gauge....does the D2 weigh much less than the D1?
Ill link to the facebook page but Im not sure if it will be viewable to non members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/land...=group_comment
here are some pictures anyways. Be warned I think it looks like **** but I love the idea of a fully galvanized Disco with a extended frame.
Disco 123 inch part 1:
https://www.facebook.com/vanlieroplu...2841833&type=3
Part 2:
https://www.facebook.com/vanlieroplu...2841833&type=3
Part 3:
https://www.facebook.com/vanlieroplu...2841833&type=1
#37
08-27-2014 | 07:54 PM
TReK
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 163
From: CT
Galvanizing a frame is about the cheapest part of the whole process of doing a frame swap. Back in 2001 my friend and I were both rebuilding our SIII's so we put together ALL the bits we needed regalvanized and I took them up to Duncan Galvanizing outside of Boston. Back then I think it cost $450 for 500 pounds. You could easily do a frame for that amount with weight left to spare.
The money saved by doing the galvanizing yourself makes the notion of a frame swap a lot more affordable.
The money saved by doing the galvanizing yourself makes the notion of a frame swap a lot more affordable.
#38
08-27-2014 | 07:56 PM
TReK
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 163
From: CT
Oh and the body panels in those photos were likely bought and cut to fit. You really can't hot dip galvanize thin metal. It will get distorted in the galvanic bath.
Also, keep in mind that you should do whatever welding you need to do before you galvanize. Welding galvanized metals can be deadly.
Also, keep in mind that you should do whatever welding you need to do before you galvanize. Welding galvanized metals can be deadly.
#39
08-27-2014 | 08:01 PM
Thread Starter
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TReK
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 86
I love these trucks enough that I would myself do something just as crazy as this to my own truck if I had the money. I dont just buy a vehicle because it works good, nor because it gets me where I need to go. I buy a specific vehicle that most appeals to me, a vehicle to speaks to me, a vehicle that feels right to me. I try to take care of most all things I own, but if its something im devoted to and passionate about then I will go further and I get attached. Just how I am and how I choose to be. Thank god Im not the only one. Ive seen many of you replace your engines, transmissions and even the transfer case. Ive seen people on here take a truck that was totalled in a accident, take it apart and completely restore it! Ive seen members install chevy and mercedes engines in their Rovers. Ive seen one guy extend his Disco and convert it to a 6 wheeler. Ive seen the guy above extend his tear his Disco apart, galvanize it, extend it and add a Defender truck bed. People do crazy stuff like this all the time, if its not on a Rover then maybe another make and model, if not a car then maybe you do crazy over the top modifications to your home, or to your body - who knows. We all have our own views and our own reasons for owning a Rover, some more radical than others, but obviously we all are here because we love Rovers regardless of their imperfections. Many other more practical people in the world look at all of us and frown, they might ask why any of us would spend one more cent on these vehicles when all they do is fail. So in a sense every last one of us is crazy and over the top by just owning one of these vehicles. Im not ashamed myself, the only thing that breaks my heart is 2 holes in my frame..... and not wanting to let her go. Not knowing if my next D2 will be any bit as significant to me. I got a good deal on this truck when I bought it from a wealthy family. They should have asked for more $$$$ but money was not an issue for them. It took me a couple months of busting *** at work to make the big payments to the seller that I promised in the contract. Each paycheck I made got me closer to getting the keys to my first D2. When I got it finally I was so happy and I achieved something. Then to find out she has been well cared for and all service records kept? I was hooked. Here we are today.
I praise anyone with the courage to buy, keep, maintain, modify and go where no other dared to travel with a Land Rover.
#40
08-27-2014 | 08:08 PM
TReK
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 163
From: CT
Spot on. Romantic attachment to a heap of rusting scrap metal is absurd unless it's a 30's, 40's or even 50's vintage classic, a Bugatti, Ferrari or Mercedes. Investment is all about RoC unless it's ones lifetime pastime/hobby but like boats 'a hole in the water into which you pour money'
IMHO, I can't get too attached to anything unless it sells or stands me in at a profit at the end of the day.
IMHO, I can't get too attached to anything unless it sells or stands me in at a profit at the end of the day.