Drago the D110 - 1991 200tdi Hardtop

[Drago.the.D110]

I would like to introduce Drago the D110.

He lived in the nice dry Spain climate from 1991-2019. He was well cared for with next to no rust and only 60,000 miles during his life there.

During the summer of 2019 his restoration began, crafted by Dfenderland‘s Spain partner. Dfenderland is owned and operated by Mariano Garcia in Austin TX, a one man show in the US that takes incredible pride in his work.

Drago’s body received a few new panels and a fresh coat of Coniston Green. By December of 2019, his mechanicals were all serviced and he was ready for the long boat ride to the US.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

My wife and I had been on the search for the right 110 for a couple of years. All the units we considered were either pigs with lipstick or wore terrible builds and came at a crazy price tag. It’s amazing how much complete garbage is out there.

While we were waiting, we enjoyed building our Jeep and took every opportunity to explore our incredible west coast coastline. To aid in our travels, we removed the rear seat and installed a camp set up. This opened up the world to many week-long adventures.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

While on a trip this January, we stumbled upon a Dfenderland listing for an incredible 110 Hardtop that was just restored. The best part was the build was 95% complete and just needed to be trimmed out. This would give us the opportunity to build it out to exactly what we had imagined for many years.

After a couple of days of deliberating and possibly one too many vacation bourbons, I reached out to Mariano with a healthy list of questions. His answers were everything I wanted to hear and I could tell he took incredible pride in his work. I ended our call and said to my wife, “We have found it, we are buying a D110!”

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Over the next few months, Drago was deemed an official US vehicle. Mariano went the extra mile and even sourced a next to new dash for us, then wrapped up a few last service details.

While we waited patiently, we started to compile parts for his arrival. The guys at Rovers North were super helpful and were happy to take our $$$.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Well, our wait finally ended this week and Drago arrived safely here in the PNW.

While he was still on the truck, I finally was able to see my first non rotted out 110 chassis in person.

Our first drive around the block, (our Jeep was glaring at us in the background.)

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Gave him a quick wash and grabbed a few home coming pics.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Now the fun begins. Our build will be of a classic nature with just a few added features for extra off road capabilities.

The first big project this weekend was spraying Lizardskin Sound Control on the doors and rear cabin (the front will see the Exmoor acoustic mat system). You might also spy our new NAS rear bumper.

Tomorrow’s tasks will consist of spraying the Lizardskin Ceramic Insulation and wrapping up a few other exterior projects.

 

[WLNordy]

Congratulations

 

[Northwind]

Looking forward to seeing what else you do. Nice looking truck

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Looking forward to seeing what else you do. Nice looking truck

Thanks, Northwind!

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Knocked out quite a few projects over the weekend. Wrapped up the LizardSkin installation and mounted the Rovers North sliders, rear bumper and Mantec wheel carrier. I just need to do the final adjustments to all the new hardwear at some point this week.

 

[Landy_Andy]

Nice truck....when’s it getting a LS swap

 

[Parrie]

Well, our wait finally ended this week and Drago arrived safely here in the PNW.
View attachment 11746

While he was still on the truck, I finally was able to see my first non rotted out 110 chassis in person.

View attachment 11747

Our first drive around the block (our Jeep was glaring at us in the background.)
View attachment 11748

The smile says it all! Congrats!

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Big day today as another Rovers North shipment arrived. Our Wolfs are finally here and we were able to get our 235/65 Geolandar M/Ts mounted up!

 

[Landy_Andy]

Nice rims, you should think about swapping the wheel studs out to the longer 65mm ones for those as the stock ones look a bit short.

 

[MountainD]

Nice rims, you should think about swapping the wheel studs out to the longer 65mm ones for those as the stock ones look a bit short.

naw. They look perfect. Actually thread on a little more than mine. Longer studs stick out too far and look funny. Just make sure you torque them to the higher setting.

 

[MountainD]

Here you go.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

Here you go.

Thanks man. Just torqued them to 125 ft lb.

 

[Drago.the.D110]

naw. They look perfect. Actually thread on a little more than mine. Longer studs stick out too far and look funny. Just make sure you torque them to the higher setting.

I agree. LR specced the Heritage units with Wolfs and stock studs.

 

[jymmiejamz]

You can also use Discovery steel spare wheel nuts. The are nice because they have a flange so the socket doesn't damage the finish on the wheel. Pic from the Expedition Exchange website.