Overland Journal: Discovery I, 5-speed

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Why did you order the steel wheels? Is there some issue with the factory alloys? Did you need a less expensive second set of wheels to mount off-road tires? Or is this a cosmetic change, sort of an "East Africa" look?

Chip Haven

Mostly a cosmetic change - to understate the vehicle a little more. I want this Rover to come back to it's roots (legacy) as much as possible.

I will also most likely have a road wheel set and a trail set.

[Scott Brady]

Very nice. It would be interesting to see the budget of the build as well. One thing that a lot of people fail to include in their builds, likely due to not keep track of expenses over the years, is total cost of the build. The $ might be helpful for those who are pondering a similar buildup.

I do plan on that. One of the main reasons I purchased this vehicle is the whole concept of buying "pinnacle" vehicles. Buy the vehicles that were at the pinnacle of trail performance and robustness, yet also had fuel injection and 70 mph road stability. But also buying just before the ridiculous luxo SUV phase, where everything is over-complicated and electronic.

I believe (just IMHO) that the Defender, Disco I, FZJ80, Trooper, Gen. 1 Tacoma and early 90's Truck, all of the EFI 4Runners to 2003, and maybe a few others (like the Jeep Cherokee) represent that. The vehicles were still built with the concept of utility, before the soccer mom killed the whole segments usefullness.

I will still build modern platforms, but will likely wait until a diesel is available.

It will almost certainly be a 4-door, long bed Tacoma or the JK Unlimited.

[blupaddler]

I always knew you would end up with a LR again.
Let the fun begin.

[kcowyo]

I enjoy your build threads almost as much as your trip reports. Looking foward to seeing what you've got cooking. Your Disco lessons, if you will.


White, because it makes for a better base color when shot with Camel Trophy Yellow?

[Andrew Walcker]

White, because it makes for a better base color when shot with Camel Trophy Yellow?

LMAO!!! ...and I thought I was the only person thinking that

At this point I wouldn't be surprised if Scott pulls a set of brand new Michellin XZLs out of thin air!

[FourByLand]

This is going to be a cool build, I can't wait to see it come together!

[locrwln]

Like most people on here, I have a soft spot for those and the defender series, even though they have their problems, they just speak.

Looking forward to the build.

Jack

[erod]

awesome, can't wait to see the progress!

[Roemer1]

Wow!
Creampuff was an understatement.
Nice foundation for a build, Scott.

Britt

[p1michaud]

Essentially, the build will come over three parts:
1. Suspension, tires and wheels. Electronics and power
2. Camp systems and storage
3. Armor and recovery. Traction and trail considerations

Oh boy, I'd better have a seat and watch this thread closely!