Top dollar for a '97 NAS that needs...?

chuckc4

Well-known member
What is the most you would pay for a 1997 NAS Wagon that needs at least a new frame and bulkhead due to corrosion (factoring in a paint job and other pieces that will need to be replaced), as well as at least $5,000 budget for mechanical work?

77K (digital speedometer has been replaced)
 

MountainD

Technical Excellence Contributor
Probably in the mid 20’s to 30’s if clear title. Loads of stuff will need redoing, most likely doors too. Maybe low 20’s, depends on rust.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Z.G

1of40

Well-known member
What impresses you about that particular truck? The mileage? Have you gotten any estimates on parts, labor and months to rebuild it? I’d think there is a very good chance you can get into an original in great condition for same or less and certainly sooner.
 

chuckc4

Well-known member
You are totally correct. I personally enjoy working on project trucks and motorcycles -- a hobby that comes with a lot of satisfaction.

What impresses you about that particular truck? The mileage? Have you gotten any estimates on parts, labor and months to rebuild it? I’d think there is a very good chance you can get into an original in great condition for same or less and certainly sooner.
 

1of40

Well-known member
You are totally correct. I personally enjoy working on project trucks and motorcycles -- a hobby that comes with a lot of satisfaction.
That, imo, changes the whole ballgame. Not only do you save on labor but you take a lot of the risk out of the equation. Big manually intensive projects are very difficult for a shop to estimate and as a result become disappointing by the time the truck rolls over the finish line.

The next question is what are u going to do with the truck when ur done? My personal fears of having a real nicely restored truck is I’d be miserable/reserved when using it.
 

chuckc4

Well-known member
That, imo, changes the whole ballgame. Not only do you save on labor but you take a lot of the risk out of the equation. Big manually intensive projects are very difficult for a shop to estimate and as a result become disappointing by the time the truck rolls over the finish line.

The next question is what are u going to do with the truck when ur done? My personal fears of having a real nicely restored truck is I’d be miserable/reserved when using it.

Totally understand that feeling! I sold my '95 to get an automatic. Unfortunately, this one probably needs at least what Barry said: " Sounds like ... about $35K worth of work." That and then some probably Barry.

I am honestly thinking of just buying a new Wrangler and getting another 911. While both impractical, the Jeep is not nearly as impractical as the Land Rover. I have a series IIa to horse around with too.
 

chuckc4

Well-known member
So, I ended up buying this Defender after spending several hours in person with it. I have had it here for about two weeks and have been driving it locally, daily. It is running well, and the only item that needs immediate attention is the reverse light switch at the transmission. The paint is not great, but I knew that going in. And the paint was certainly not a deal breaker as it lends a bit of patina.

Thanks for all of the comments, these and some PM's I received were super helpful!

Chuck
 

chuckc4

Well-known member
Killing some time and found this old post — figured I would share an update.

I have been driving this 90 as my daily run around and work truck since I bought it almost 5 years ago. I did a full tune up / fluids change when I first got it. I replaced the exhaust with a stainless set up back from the Cats, I replaced the OEM shocks and springs with Old Man Emu medium rear/heavy duty front to accommodate a winch and bumper but I don’t leave the winch on the truck all the time. I have also replaced a few things that I would consider way beyond their useful service life for a +25 year old vehicle but nothing shocking.

Overall, a great runner. I have been so happy with it that I keep putting off a frame swap because it really doesn’t need it. I am slowly collecting parts for a frame off and am going to convert to a ST with the Rovers North roll cage that I bought.
 

JimC

Super Moderator
Staff member
Glad to hear this. I’ve been noodling on how to do a “weekend frame swap” for a few years now. Maybe we could get so,e guys together and do that when the time comes?
 
Top