Parts Availability: RRC vs DI vs DII?

[Mack73]

I am considering purchasing an older rig (LR3 is just too dang reliable ) . I am trying to go with the oldest (RRC with less electronics to go wrong) but I fear parts availability will/already is drying up. This will be a long term purchase (no plans on selling for ~10-15 years). It will be mainly a fun weekend rig. I use the LR3 for the serious off road duty, but it will probably see fire trails/camping duty.


I'm currently leaning towards an RRC based on looks, but I fear getting parts is going to be a big issue in the coming years. The wear items will still be fine, but weatherstripping, trim pieces, glass, etc, can be a problem.

What's everyone's thoughts on RRC/DI parts availability? Or do I go with a newer vehicle that can break more but with greater availability of parts? DII really shouldn't be a problem for quite a few more years since they were made through 04.

Would a DI have better availability over an RRC? Is it really that hard to get parts for RRC's or am I just looking in the wrong places.

[fishEH]

It seems RRC's are more scarce to me. D1's are very common as are D2's. Here's what I would do, errr DID. Buy a D1. Then but a parts D1 for $400. Spare everything!!

[ColoDisco]

Agreed! I have a D1 and there are plenty of used parts around. Fairly cheap too!

[oryxexpeditions]

Many of the parts from a RRC body are the same as a D1. This includes the doors, A and B posts, windshield, door glass, and other small parts, such as door handles and weather seals. What I find scarce as I restore my RRC are interior parts. I have been able to find most of what I need from parts vehicles so far, but because the total number of RRC's is so much lower than Disco's, I fear that over the long run, many parts sources will dry up.

Also, because they are more scarce, even in the UK, vendors aren't producing many repro parts for RRC's, and those that are being reproduced seem to be declining in number. For example, you used to be able to get a repro boot floor for the RRC, but now you would be forced to adapt a shorter Disco floor if you wanted the factory design.

Over time, the remaining good RRC's are going to go way up in value as collector vehicles, I think. So driving them and using them as intended will be a harder choice to make.

Right now I am debating the same question: I've sold my last D1 to my nephew and now do I push my RRC into expedition use, or buy something else less scarce to build, like a D2, or even D3, and keep the RRC intact after restoring it?

David

[Mack73]

Thanks for the comments guys. Still deciding between RRC and DI.. I think I'm leaning toward DI at this point.

[Ray_G]

I'm on my 3rd D1 and the parts availability is one of the reasons why I've stuck with them; or as I expressed to someone the other day I'm driving a D1 b/c I want to not b/c there aren't alternatives like RRCs, 90/110's, or even D2s.
The idea of getting a parts D1 is a sound idea, I just went in with another D1 owner on a 97 parts truck and it's nice to be able to pick out the little things that are really annoying-like interior trim parts.

That's where I fear the RRC will be hard to sustain compared to a D1 or DII.

Between the D1 & DII...that's a different discussion that is oft heard here, Dweb, etc. Best to determine what your requirements are, and preferences, and then use those to weight your choice.

Good luck!
r-
Ray

[highfructosecornsyrp]

Go with whichever one you can find for the best price in the best condition. Unless you have a serious affinity towards one body style or the other, they are VERY similar vehicles.

[dcarr1971]

I have both a D1 and a D2, plus one of each as parts trucks. I feel like there are still lots of D1 parts out there, but maybe not as many as there once were. From what I've seen, you can easily find a rotted out D1 for parts, but for roughly the same $$$ you can also buy a pretty nice D2 that just needs a head gasket. (I actually have one that I bought for parts that I've struggled with b/c it's really almost too nice to part out.)

While I love the RRCs, you don't see as many being parted out or sold as parts trucks, and the trucks that you do see for sale to be driven are often rusting away themselves.

If it's just you and 1 passenger, or you just want an off-roader, I'd get a D1.

[khronus79]

Mack73, I just went through the same process, I wanted another LR to have along the LR3. I ended up buying a Classic, an '87, for the same reason that you state on you post, less electronics. As many have posted, the interior parts are the ones you will struggle to find, although there are a few guys that specialize in getting those difficult to find parts.
So far I'm happy with my purchase, I'm in the process of doing a major tune up and those parts are surprisingly easy to source.

p.s. If you get a Classic I can point you to a few links/people that source parts for the classics.

[Mack73]

p.s. If you get a Classic I can point you to a few links/people that source parts for the classics.

Khronus, please pass them along. I think I'm back to a classic. Something about that look does it for me. The good news is up in the Pacific Northwest, these don't rot away. So I should be able to get some parts cars pretty easily if need be.