View Full Version : 1 abused and Lonely Defender for Sale


Mike Hippert
If you want the story read on, if not skip down to the Nuts and Bolts.

Hey Guys, it’s been a while since I have been on here, believe it or not it’s been a while since I have driven my Defender which once was my only car / daily driver. I think it’s been almost 2 years since it has really been driven, the last I can remember it was I think October 2006 that I was out wheeling with Jimmy and a few others from around here when I broke the front Diff. I didn’t have much time to work on it then and I have even less now, I pulled the diff and had it rebuilt, after reinstalling it I soon found out the shop forgot one of the spacers on the pinion and I had to pull it again and this is where the real problem starts, rather then pulling apart the hubs I unbolted the assembly from the axle housing. The drivers side came off fine, but I broke 3 bolts in the axle flange on the passenger side. I was able to get 2 of the bolts out with a torch and extractor but on the third the extractor broke and that’s where it is at. I have since put it back together minus the broken bolts just so it can be pushed around the driveway. It has not been driven in the last year, so the battery is dead, the started has been dead for a while and I am sure there are some other things in need of some work.

SO then why am I selling it? Well honestly I have been abusing it worse in the last 2 years then in it’s entire life, I just let it sit, I don’t have time for it. Sure I could hold onto it forever but I if I am not going to drive it, fix it or do anything to it then I should sell it before it becomes a pile of rust and corrosion so that someone else might have some fun behind the wheel. But that doesn’t mean I am washing my hands of it, because of the amount of work I have done on it since the day I drove it home I’d like to be of some assistance to the next owner. The guy I bought it from disappeared after I bought it, I never heard from him again and I really don’t know much about it before I bought it in 2002, but I can say I have probably turned at least ¾’s of the bolts on that thing, and I know a few quirks specific to it so the next owner has free previous owner tech support. Because of all the help on this site I have been able to do almost all the work on it myself (aside from rebuilding the diffs, I don’t have the tools and I work outside), and well I’m only posting it for sale here, sure I might get a better offer someplace else, or a faster sale or it would be more likely to stay local if I post it on Craig’s list but I think it’s more important that it kinda stays in the family. And if for some reason someone off the list buys it, they are going to be a member here before they drive off with it 

For all those wondering what I have been up to, well I spend a lot of time doing volunteer work for my church, I run a young adult group, help teach confirmation, work with the youth group and a ton of other activities, it’s very fulfilling, it’s where all my friend from childhood are, and it’s where I want to be right now in my life, but it also takes up a bit of my spare time, so the Defender has been lacking because of it. This is an awesome forum, the people here can get you through anything that has to do with a Defender (trust me I have tried it!) and I’m keeping some of the D-90 stickers I have, there’s a new guy in town with a red 95 or 97 and I’m going to stick one on his windshield next chance I get 

The Nuts and Bolts

What you are looking at in these pictures is one used and abused 1994 Defender 90.
Mileage is around 125,000 I think as the OD stopped working at 100k
I would rate the condition as could be better, if you know me at all you know that I don’t exactly take it too easy behind the wheel, it’s seen 95 mph on the road a few times, it’s been in 3+ feet of water a bit, driven in the salty New England winter for a few years, and it’s bumped into it’s fair share of trees rocks and other random objects. I have never been in any major accidents (just a few people who have bumped into the tires and scraped up their own car  ), and it’s never been upside down (just a few close calls)

Things it needs just to drive:
• Remove the bolt stuck in the front passenger side axle flange (the part the Hub bolts too) So no test drives, it’s just not safe.
• 1 Dead mean green starter (so it won’t start)
• 1 Dead battery
• front driveshaft is out
• lubricate the front axle (it’s dry as in needs to be pulled apart to fix)

Things that are in need of work:
• Rust on rear cross member
• Rust on seat boxes (if you care about those kinds of things )
• The seats look pretty bad
• Doors, well I have them they don’t look pretty
• Top, guess what all I have is a VERY bad full top (it doesn’t fit and no rear windows) and a pretty nice surrey top
• It’s quirky, but that’s how it should be (see the God’s must be crazy)
• I think the valves are sticking a little as it blows a little smoke when you downshift to slow down

Things that make it it’s own:
• How many defenders come with 36” Irok’s mounted on 15x10 rims?
• It has the quirky ability to keep running even though it’s in a lot of water
• It’s been border to border and in LRM a few times
• Not one straight body panel
• It gets better mileage with the top and doors off, even in the winter, and slightly better with no hood
• It has a 4.0 out of a 97 with a serp belt set up off of a 95 disco (yeah that was a Hail Mary pass)
• I’ve replaced the T-case 4 times, the rear diff twice and the engine once
• It has a Detroit rear locker and Rover tracks rear axles

Questions? Send them my way I’ll try to keep up with them.

Price, I really don’t know the market for Defenders right now, but I would like to get it out of here before winter, it won’t drive on it’s own so it needs to be trailered out, I can help load it on a trailer (I can pull it on with my other truck). So check out the pics and let me know what you think.

Thanks everyone
mike

evilfij
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Let's all get together and fix it for Mike.

Does she have stock gears? I would donate a stock front axle to the cause to get her on the road.

JimC
Gasp! I don't have much of it, but I'll donate time to help if that's whats required!

Mike Hippert
lol thanks guys, yeah it's got stock gears and 36" tires :-) I've been taking time off from work every now and then to try and get it running but it's hard as we are soo booked out right now at work. Even if it did run I really don't know how often I would drive it,,, it's funny some of my friends who know very little about fixing cars have offered to help me fix :-P

CDeWan
Not sure what I can donate to the cause but let me know. I can pull some stuff out of the yards off of discos or classics if they will fit.

TwisteD90
Dude, great to hear from you finally but dont do it.. You'll end up like me and buy another one.. When did the Irok's go on it? I dont seem to remember that.. Just fix it man.. I'll fly your way and help

Follow-up Post:

Oh yeah, I'll donate an AC unit and it will fit your D90 :grin

Mike Hippert
Yeah the Irok's, well they went on a Year ago while I was working on it I decided to replace all the tires because 3 of them were not holding air anymore due to side wall punctures.

Wow and AC unit! Where did you ever find that? Is it still in the box it was shipped in? lol

JimC
Yeah, its paid for, so just sit on it! You will want to get back into it at some point, and lots of guys go back later and want to get their old toys back.

TwisteD90
Ok, we need to hijack this thread badly here. Jim, pretend you didnt see this :)

JimC
See what?

TwisteD90
You're a good man :) And who ever buys it going to be banned :grin

Mike Hippert
You're a good man :) And who ever buys it going to be banned :grin

You can't ban a Defender owner based on them buying a Defender from here! That doesn't make sense?! lol Besides you wouldn't want to loose one of the coolest Defenders from the forum! :-P

And umm I think this is like WAY off topic, I don't want the owner to come along and ban us all for delinquency!

EDIT: Oh and I haven't posted in like 2 years and I still have more posts then anyone else? Whats up have you guys been slacking?

evilfij
So all it needs to run is a starter, a battery and a new hub with some axle flange bolts and a couple quarts of 90wt? You can run if it is missing one axle flange bolt, especially if you don't have a front driveshaft. I am going in the attic to find a hub now. Edit: found one. I have one shiny nice abs hub to bolt with five axle flange bolts. Mike PM me your address.

Ron

PS I think someone on the west coast needs to buy this and drive it home.

PPS I took a picture and now I forgot how to upload it.

Follow-up Post:

I would push start it.

Ren Ching
ron I think he means where the swivel ball bolts to the axle housing. Isn't that a through-bolt?

So all it needs to run is a starter, a battery and a new hub with some axle flange bolts and a couple quarts of 90wt? You can run if it is missing one axle flange bolt, especially if you don't have a front driveshaft. I am going in the attic to find a hub now. Edit: found one. I have one shiny nice abs hub to bolt with five axle flange bolts. Mike PM me your address.

Ron

PS I think someone on the west coast needs to buy this and drive it home.

PPS I took a picture and now I forgot how to upload it.

Follow-up Post:

I would push start it.

Rod Hayward
I'm good for a starter.

Heck, I'll bet there aren't many here who haven't benefited from Hippert's selfless advice and knowledge.

He needs to be back on the road.

cellulararrest
Don't do it, Mike! I still haven't gotten the opportunity to experience you and your truck on the trail!

Hell I'll absolutely put in some hours getting it back up and running. I don't think I've ever seen brake discs so rusty! Do you even have a top for it?

Edit: Saw you said the top doesn't fit.

evilfij
Ren ching, I thought that too but his description is of the axle flange bolt.

UpnOver
good to hear from you Mike, but don't do it, you will miss it

David

lynchee
If the truck is at his house, I can steal it so we can get together to fix it. I live .5 miles away (unless you moved)

Bozman
They have a term for what you guys are doing . . . "enablers" :)

That being said, count me in. I am only a few hours away and would be more than glad to help out.

I'll throw in a trickle charger.

cgalpin
Damn, I've been hoping you'd show back up one day Mike, but not like this!

Count me in to help get him back on the road again - I owe Mike plenty.

charles

jimmy salmon
Mike, I take it you took the whole lot out in one piece from the axle flange, back side of you CV, Bolts are just threaded, no nuts. I could come over and trailer it to my place and do what needs to be done to get it running. Had the front axles, CV's ect and the starter out a few times on mine so yours shouldn't be a problem. Is your diiff ok now? Even if you do still sell it after it would be worth more being drivable.

chrisvonc
Oh god.. I read the PM from Mike before I saw this listing.

I feel faint

tripm
Um, yeah, I'd like to come see the vehicle for possible purchase. Doh!

I saw the ad come up last night and figured it might be worth checking the truck out and I'm local. Glad I waited a few minutes before I posted. People would be hunting me down, finding my work and home address, printing my mothers maiden name etc. Jeez. Now I feel like I should offer help with the rebuild and I've only met Mike once!

I smell another roverhaul coming on.

cgalpin
I'd like to see Mike at least get a fair price for it, so if we can help get it running I think that would help. Jimmy, let me know how I can help. How about you tow it down to MAR and we have a wrenchathon?

@tripm, have no fear as long as you get her running and use it!

charles

tripm
I have enough non running rovers. I just think it would be nice to have a truck with a roll cage as my kids are in mine all the time and they don't have cages (series truck).


I'd like to see Mike at least get a fair price for it, so if we can help get it running I think that would help. Jimmy, let me know how I can help. How about you tow it down to MAR and we have a wrenchathon?

@tripm, have no fear as long as you get her running and use it!

charles

Mike Hippert
Wow, you guys are awesome! :-) Ok just to clear things up, the major problem is the busted bolt stuck in the axle flange, I think Jimmy knows what I mean but basically if I remove every part of the hub, including the swivle (the axle shaft comes out too) and you are left with the casing of the front axle, there are 6 bolts that thread into the flange and hold this mess onto the end of the casing and well I broke one of them off and in the process and got a bolt extractor (very hard steal) stuck in it. I have tried drilling it to no avail as it is too hard, I have tried heat and even welding too it but it's below the surface of the flange. To get it out i would need to bring the truck to a shop with an EDM so they could zap it out, that or someone who is really good with a plasma cutter they might be able to burn through it, but the EDM is much more accurate. OR I would have to swap out the casing, a major pain as it involves lots of rusted bolts that will probaly break.

The started should not be a big deal, I have a nice new big impact wrench to hopefully remove the 2 very tight bolts holding it in.

Hmmm, I need to see if i can get some time off from work to make this happen, but if i can find a shop with an EDM then I just need to get the Defender to it,, if I can borrow Jimmy's trailer (I actually have a vehicle that can tow it now) I can strap it down with the part exposed and have them zap out the stupid extractor (NEVER NEVER apply more then 20 ftlbs of force to one!) bring it home and reassemble it.

hmmmm

JSBriggs
PS I think someone on the west coast needs to buy this and drive it home.



Too much rust for us west coasters. Besides, I think it needs to get running and stay where it is.

-Jeff

chrisvonc
Yeah Mike... get that running, dont get rid of it. Once you get it rolling at least in 2WD, you'll be loving life again and it will get you motivated to fix the rest.

... besides, D-90 Source moderators needs to have at least one Rover... running or not.

jimmy salmon
Mike i could bring my trailer over to you or you could pick it up and leave it parked at your dads place till you have finish with it
i have the ratchet straps as well

evilfij
I thought you meant the hub axle flange not the swivel flange, sorry.

I have a spare axle case you can have. Let me know if you want me to ship it up to you. If you give me a night or two I can hit it with the wire wheel and paint it as well. It does not have sway bar mounts (not that you would care). I can probably scrounge up some spare bolts as well to replace those that broke.

Ron

PS "Quote:
Originally Posted by evilfij
PS I think someone on the west coast needs to buy this and drive it home.

Too much rust for us west coasters. Besides, I think it needs to get running and stay where it is.

-Jeff"

This was meant to be a joke in reference to the whereisjaney saga.

jimmy salmon
This was meant to be a joke in reference to the whereisjaney saga

I knew what you meant Ron :)

tripm
I was going to ask if anyone had a spare axle but not knowing their worth, I figured I'd shut my mouth. A fair amount of work to replace, but probably less than dealing with removing the broken stuff.

If it's cheaper to ship to a business, you can ship it to my office and I can drive it up to Manchester or down to Methuen.

Mark


I have a spare axle case you can have. Let me know if you want me to ship it up to you. If you give me a night or two I can hit it with the wire wheel and paint it as well. It does not have sway bar mounts (not that you would care). I can probably scrounge up some spare bolts as well to replace those that broke.

Ron

evilfij
No worries on cost of shipping or value of the part. I owe Mike . . . in addition to the AC vents in my sig (which has been there since my first D90), he has done more and given more than anyone should without any expectation of anything in return.

cgalpin
No worries on cost of shipping or value of the part. I owe Mike . . . in addition to the AC vents in my sig (which has been there since my first D90), he has done more and given more than anyone should without any expectation of anything in return.
:clap :clap :clap

Bozman
This thread makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

I still think a work weekend would be a lot of fun, so let us know if you need/want help. It sure would be nice to put a face to all these Avatar's.

TDI Guy
Hey Mike, Long time no see... Get it ready for MAR next week... We can wheel it.

Troys
Randy;

I think you are on to something. If we can get it to MAR. It can become this years "MAR Project Truck". Repaired on site and driven home!

With enough notice and organization this could actually become fun!

Troy

cgalpin
I agree!
Jimmy, let me know how I can help. How about you tow it down to MAR and we have a wrenchathon?

evilfij
Bring to MAR. I can bring the axle housing (still waited for mike to PM me back as to whether to ship it or not) and a spare battery down with me.

edit: I call shotgun!

rover4x4
Keep it Mike. Glad to see you back on the board.

Rod Hayward
btt :)

cgalpin
Update please?

evilfij
Yes, do you want me to ship the axle case or bring to MAR?

Ron

scoloco
I think mike dropped off the deepend again. Anyone know exactly where he works? May have to go kidnap him from work.
With some planning and getting the right stuff lined up, the few locals can get it drivable pretty quick. But, someone needs to go get Mike first...
FWIW: I've got a fibreglass hardtop nearby. Although, any one who picks that truck up may not be interested in that... But, we are in new england... so who knows.
-scott

Mike Hippert
Hey Guys, as I kind of said before things get crazy and I don't have much time to reply. Just looking at my calendar I don't have any free weekend time until mid November (Sat 22nd) to be able to work on it, and my work schedule doesn't open up until after Thanksgiving. As much as I would like to get it running before I sell it I am really not too hopeful that it is going to happen.

ron
Mike call me @781 640 264zero

mountainviewrover
Looks Like Ron Is Going In........?

ron
yep I want to take a look at it. The last time i saw it it was in SORRY shape. Mike give me a call so we can set up a meeting.

781 640 264zero

weissbrewer
Ron like I said last time I saw You, Sw for cold and ST for warm...the perfect driveway. Did You get rid of the Rangie?

evilfij
I am standing by to ship parts.

Ron

cellulararrest
Ron, if I have this right, this will complete your d-90 culturing? This'll be your first 94!

ron
chris this would round out my NAS 90 ownership.
1 1995
2 1997
hopefully a 1993 110 in the future

Steve it is nice to have the best of both worlds we will see. I still have the RR HSE my neighbor wants it but needs to sell his 2000 RR hse to buy mine. he want $6300 its on boston craigslist

Ron i would be up with helping Mike put the truck back together if that is what he wants.

I always enjoyed seeing him drive it in a snow storm with no doors or top. : )

weissbrewer
did you tow the 90 to Moab with it?

JimC
Ron, if Mike wants to fix his truck and you still want a cheap ST, let me know. I have an extra defender right now.

ron
stephen no I drove the defender round trip 5,213 miles in 2 weeks . the last leg i was on the road for 26 hours from Kansas to MA.

Jim what do you have?

are you in MA?

here is a picture of the neighbors truck.he is running one of my hurracanes.

JimC
I've got my Russia truck for sale - its a 94 NAS ex-POE which is now a soft top. PM me your email address and I'll send you a bunch of pix.

Follow-up Post:

I'm in MA, but the truck is in NY.

ron
ahh is this rons old truck????


ill pm you.

your in MA, you need to go wheeling with the NE crew.

The fall heritage is in VT this week end and guy fawkes is in NY in 2 weeks.

bitz
Come on post a couple of pics up here so we can all see. What are you asking?

JimC
Yeah, Ron's old truck - "Yeastie."

I'd love to go wheeling, maybe this summer. I'm pretty much swamped right now. The whole "back to school" thing.

I'll start a new thread instead of pirating Mike's thread.

evilfij
Yeastie is a good truck. I have a lot of background on her for those interested.

The first owner was a true Land Rover nutter. The truck "grew up" in switzerland (at that time NAS D90s were less expensive than ROW trucks) and then moved back to the US.

cgalpin
Man, you guys and your "trucks with history" :grin

Mike Hippert
Hey Guys,

I am sorry to say I just don't have the time to work on it, so I am going to have to sell it as is. My parents would really like it gone soon, as it's sitting in their driveway and it makes clearing snow a bit more of a pain. So I am asking $10,000 but I am open to offers.

Thanks!
Mike

madcowdungbeetle
I wish I had the means to buy this truck. I've always wanted an Arles D90.. it's my favorite color of the D90's.

Best of luck to you with the sale.

edit// if i could come up with the means by some miracle, i would drive that thing home.

Mike Hippert
Some more pics per request!

ron
Mike if you have an interest in selling the truck contact me.

Ron
781 640 264zero

madcowdungbeetle
Mike, left you a voicemail.

Abrooks
Mike, would you like me to send you the pictures I took of it yesterday?

madcowdungbeetle
Mike, would you like me to send you the pictures I took of it yesterday?could you please send them to me.

madcowdungbeetle @ gmail dot com

johnpiero
very interested, please call me 914 374 9845
Thks
John