oneandtwo Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I am considering selling my partners 300tdi hardtop and replacing it with a genuine soft top 90 Wolf. Hers is a standard 300tdi 90 that I rebuilt 2 years ago onto a richards galvanised chassis, galvanised bulkhead, puma doors and td5 bonnet. My main concern is that I would be getting rid of a totally sorted vehicle for a potentially unknown one. Does anyone know how the Wolfs are fairing rust wise? Anyone seen a rusty one? (obviously I'd be avoiding any wading equipped ones) How complex is the chassis compared to the standard chassis - more potential rust spots from more internal reinforcements? I don't think I've got another defender rebuild left in me so would be looking at buying a good one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I would keep the existing 90 & just fit a soft top to it, simply because you've done all the hard work & won't get what it's really worth to you in parts & man hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Having been in the UK armed forces I wouldn't ever buy an ex MOD vehicle, well that's not completely true but I would buy it expecting problems. Unless you get an ex reserve low mileage truck it will have been abused during it's lifetime and had a hard life. It will have been driven like it was stolen on more than one occasion although they are fitting trackers now to monitor this, they still get driven hard over rough ground, "prangs" are frequently covered up and can be hidden very well!! You would be surprised how the thought of getting busted for damage can spur your ability to disguise damage!! Lots of them are also frequently overloaded and chassis no matter how HD can get a little out of shape. Also just because it's not got a wading kit does not mean it has not been bonnet deep in water!! The lack of a wading kit would just be seen as a challenge! A lot of the genuine wolf's get released from the MOD as damaged through Withams, (There are two in their current tender sale at the moment) and then people put them back together, some are probably great and some not so. Like Ralph says if it is a soft top that you are after, just get the bits and convert your existing 90, it's not that difficult and can be done in an afternoon. Jason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neonovice Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Having been in the UK armed forces I wouldn't ever buy an ex MOD vehicle, well that's not completely true but I would buy it expecting problems. Unless you get an ex reserve low mileage truck it will have been abused during it's lifetime and had a hard life. It will have been driven like it was stolen on more than one occasion although they are fitting trackers now to monitor this, they still get driven hard over rough ground, "prangs" are frequently covered up and can be hidden very well!! You would be surprised how the thought of getting busted for damage can spur your ability to disguise damage!! Lots of them are also frequently overloaded and chassis no matter how HD can get a little out of shape. Also just because it's not got a wading kit does not mean it has not been bonnet deep in water!! The lack of a wading kit would just be seen as a challenge! A lot of the genuine wolf's get released from the MOD as damaged through Withams, (There are two in their current tender sale at the moment) and then people put them back together, some are probably great and some not so. Like Ralph says if it is a soft top that you are after, just get the bits and convert your existing 90, it's not that difficult and can be done in an afternoon. Jason. Agree with that but would also add that ex MOD ones are over priced. People seem to pay over the odds because it's been in the army. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oneandtwo Posted February 2, 2015 Author Share Posted February 2, 2015 Point taken about MOD abuse, although I'm not bothered about the mechanicals, it's the bulkhead and chassis that are my concerns. Normally I would agree that mod landrovers are overpriced compared to their counterparts but as the wolf is significantly different then I don't mind paying 'over the odds' for one if it is in vgc. Im still in two minds, although a 90 soft top doesn't do it for me, it would have to be a wolf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Paint yours green add a few mod specific parts job done looks like a wolf will be cheaper probably more reliable let's face it you don't need a slightly different chassis and rear axle. Your chassis is galv so better, your axle is standard so no special, hard to find parts. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken Drumstick Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Im still in two minds, although a 90 soft top doesn't do it for me, it would have to be a wolf. Sorry, I have trouble comprehending this. It's not as if Land Rover haven't built or sold other full tilt 90's. Apart from saying you want a Wolf, is there any technical reason to why you want one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete3000 Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 And if it's a genuine wolf it will most likely be 24v. This means electric bits can be pricey. e.g 24v wolf wiper motor assemblies can go as high as £500. Alternators are a similar story. Bulbs are 24v which means halfords etc won't carry them. As said above unless there is a specific reason, then a standard one with a galv chassis is going to be worth more and appeal to more people. Whilst the wolf will be worth slightly more to a few specialist collectors. The wolf isn't all that different mechanically, the chassis is prone to usual build quality rust. The 300tdi engine is of the egr variety with an additional oil cooler. Axles on the 90 are standard parts (rear may be a rover diff) as far as I can recall. The 110 used a HD axle that are like rocking horse poo to get hold of. The roll cages and hard top/soft top are unique to type as are the side mounted spare wheel brackets. Soft tops can be had for £100-200 on ebay from time to time. Now if you wanted a wmik wolf then you are into another price bracket, for the bits....... If you wanted a makeover to the nato variety on your current vehicle, you could do it for much less hassle. I.e paintjob change doors for two piece sliding/lift up, 90 softop frame and 90 hood. Along with tailgate and bits etc. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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