RiverHouse 1985 D110 Build

[Stormer]

So in the spirit of jumping into the deep end of the pool, I finally settled on having a 1985 110 built up by Mike at RiverHouse. Thank you to all the people I spoke with and emailed in the process of making this decision. I really appreciate all of your input and guidance.

The base is a 1985 Saudi spec LHD 300 TDI in decent shape. The end goal is probably more of a rebuild than a restoration. I am envisioning a 2009 SVX as the end product. Interior will be gutted and updated to SVX spec. Exterior will have SVX grill and bonnet with NAS cage (have kids who will ride in this so it's a must). A bunch of other mods also under consideration as well. The goal is to get it done to a proper state in the Netherlands and then bring it across, drive it, and decide which further mods I really want at that point. It will definitely not be a garage queen as I already have a couple of those.

Here is the starting point:

[1of40]

JP, all the luck and keep us posted.

[Stormer]

Thanks! Appreciate the thoughts.

[atpick]

Looks awesome JP!

[Jpayne]

Those pics of the frame look great. That's a good start for sure.

Good luck!

[Ren Ching]

cool. just so you know what you are getting, that is a 200tdi.

[Stormer]

My bad. The existing engine is a blown 200 Tdi and it is being refitted with a 300 Tdi. Should be going in for strip down this week.

[Stormer]

Stripping down for paint prep. Next step is removing 200 Tdi and transmission for upgrade. Some parts like seats and rims starting to come in.

[nathanwind]

Jon - don't know how I missed this thread previously...but I'm subscribed now! It's been nice chatting with you, and keep the pics coming.

[cwilder]

This is going to one good looking Defender. I'm looking forward to seeing the end product. How does the price compare to a NAS 110?

[Stormer]

I'll let you know when all is said and done! I think pricewise it's probably less expensive than a NAS 110 but NAS 110 prices are not really uniform so hard to say. I do like that I can have it done the way I want it and not feel like I'm defacing something that is fundamentally rare like a NAS 110. Some of the relatively silly things like Recaro seats run up the price Also the 300 Tdi had a lot of appeal so I guess it's just different than a NAS 110. Long-winded answer to a simple question.

[97-D90-736]

What seats are those? Does the seat bottom pop out for easy access to the batt box?

[Stormer]

The seats are from Recaro and they come stock on the Puma. Seat bottom doesn't pop out so will have custom rails so battery is easier to get at (and for a little more leg room as both wife and I are tall).

[Stormer]

Stripped down further....

[kpmatt00]

Is there any update on the progress of this?

[Skeena river rover]

This is going to be a very nice 110 when it is done! What colour are you choosing?

[Stormer]

Ended up having Michael restore a 1987 130DC I bought instead. This 110 is available from RiverHouse. It has been painted Santorini Black and is awaiting the buyer to select from a 200tdi or 300tdi.

[323jamie]

nice

[surf110]

Stripping down for paint prep. Next step is removing 200 Tdi and transmission for upgrade. Some parts like seats and rims starting to come in.

Stormer. Where did you get those SVX seats from?

[Stormer]

Michael Baxat RiverHouse in the Netherlands got them. I think he has a few sets.

[mydefender]

Dear Stormer,

I was at Riverhouse yesterday to pickup a set of secondhand trailing arms.
Of course I had a look at your 110 and it looks great!
Great car!

Riverhouse is a good place for buildup Defenders. (I don't have any money in that place, ;-))

Michael is a very nice guy, that know what he is talking about.

Enjoy your car when it's ready.

Best regards from Holland,

Erik