Assessing a Ninety or One Ten
THESE trucks are ideal for anyone new to Land Rovers and the classic car scene. Most parts are in good supply, and the design simplicity means they are relatively easy to maintain and restore. The only question is how to buy a good one, or at least know exactly what your getting into when buying a truck that needs work or even a full restoration or rebuild.
Corrosion of the body and chassis is the main concern because mechanical and electrical issues can be fixed relatively cheaply and easily (except engine and transmission rebuilds). Body corrosion can require new panels and a repaint, and a bad chassis can involve replacement or significant dismantling to effect proper repairs. Prepare for reality by assuming corrosion will always be worse than it looks.
Chassis discussion
On a truck with appreciating historic value it’s great to have the original chassis, even though outriggers and rear crossmember are likely to have been replaced at least once on these 30+ years old vehicles. A replacement galvanised chassis will be long lasting and has value, though I would argue not as much value as a properly restored/repaired original frame. Check the chassis number matches up.
But these chassis do rust badly, especially the upper central, hard to reach section on the earliest One Tens. All chassis frames need a careful and thorough inspection, so remove mud from the top of the front outriggers and extremities of the rear crossmember to check for corrosion underneath, and don’t trust thick underseal. Don’t get over-excited if a new
