What do you think?

Matt · 22 January 2022, 21:02

I have a 1989 V8 90 CSW. Going to tart it up a bit and can't decide:
Stay hard top (with windows)
Go convertible
White with Black (To match the boat) or Blue, but brought up to date a bit.

I was originally completely against keeping it blue - but I think the below looks fairly smart actually.

What do you guys think?

Pikey Dave · 22 January 2022, 21:13

It’ll hold more value as close to original as you can keep it.

Matt · 22 January 2022, 21:19

Good point. But I’m also not a purist in that regard, happy to have it as the vehicle I want even if it changes some original stuff. The engine isn’t original anyway, the old 3.5 was dead when I bought it, so has 3.9efi now, so the originality horse has already bolted. Plus bits are cheap to return it to any desired spec.

GuyC · 22 January 2022, 21:30

My favourite configuration of Land Rover was soft top followed by a truck cab followed by full hard top.

Mine had removable door tops so you could do the whole soft top experience.

Matt · 22 January 2022, 21:37

Yeah, when I replaced the doors a couple of years back I went with series 3 style doors. I prefer the simplicity of the sliding window setup and more cab space.

jakew009 · 22 January 2022, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

I have a 1989 V8 90 CSW. Going to tart it up a bit and can't decide:
Stay hard top (with windows)
Go convertible
White with Black (To match the boat) or Blue, but brought up to date a bit.

I was originally completely against keeping it blue - but I think the below looks fairly smart actually.

What do you guys think?

This probably isn’t what you want to hear, but you’d be much better off selling it and buying a newer one.

The depreciation on them is basically zero, but you could easily spend 10k on yours and not add very much value to it.

The newer ones are much more refined to drive as well, we had a 1989 very similar to yours, and it’s chalk and cheese compared to the 64 plate Puma 90 we have now.

Matt · 22 January 2022, 21:55

Yeah, you are right. But. I like doing the work. And it’s a factory V8. So it’s not about the money, its just because I like it. Cost me 1100 quid in 2008, so I think it’s appreciated OK. If I need a daily driver, I’ll buy a ford ranger or something

The Black Pig · 22 January 2022, 23:04

I’ve had both soft and hard tops and I think it depends on your circumstances and how you use it

My soft top seemed to rot every three years in a costal area so I now prefer a hardtop it keeps the heat in marginally better and less draughty and maybe more secure

Colour wise the option of white and black is cool with hard top

lakelandterrier · 23 January 2022, 00:03

Having spent a lot of my younger years bouncing around in both soft top and hard top FFRs, I'd go for hard top every time.... lot warmer and with a hard top a lot more options on the internal layout. I've never liked the separate truck cab and rear compartment configuration. Just MHO.

Matt · 23 January 2022, 10:03

Thanks. I don’t mean truck cab, I mean full soft top.
But I think I’m won over, I’ll stay hard top/station wagon and make the interior a bit nicer.

And I think white and black, it’ll match the boat. Boat towing is its primary purpose.

A1an · 23 January 2022, 10:18

It would be the original blue with defender decals for me. That blue one in your picture is bang on my taste. Original with a modern twist.

wgc851 · 23 January 2022, 14:20

That's a very tidy model you have there. I would be in favour of keeping it as it but I fully understand your thinking

Orwell boy · 23 January 2022, 15:28

Blue is spot on ,looks great ,when i bought my last one i considered no windows but it was a definite no ,i have had eye surgery and looking into the black hole behind made reversing difficult ,as we all get older getting enough light in your eyes becomes very important for vision
On a second note i saw a hilux with a sticker in the back saying "one life live it " and then underneath saying "dont waste your time mending old land rovers "
was quite apt but then no landrover owner would argue ,just tell you it was their indulgance

Matt · 25 January 2022, 11:54

Yeah, they're all a rusty pile of junk. But I like that it's British and has a V8.
I have no interest in a diesel one at all - I'd do as above and just buy something else. The 50th anniversary V8 would be OK - but not worth the money they (or any landrover) commands. I don't think I'd buy one now if I didn't already have it - I'd probably buy a Stag instead.

Was planning on the tub capping already - I have that "in stock", but hadn't spotted (was hidden), this was a bit rusty too. Going to need a bit of fabrication to repair..

Matt · 31 January 2022, 19:14

That particular piece of rust is now banished.
It's a decision to stay with the hard top, but still mulling over the white vs blue prospect.

Nasher · 01 February 2022, 11:04

Matt

I remember you rocking up at my place with the 90 and a trailer twice it's size to collect my huge old Colchester.

I'm glad to see it's still going.

Matt · 01 February 2022, 12:06

Oh yeah! It's still going but looking pretty tatty now so it's getting a couple of coats of looking at. Will do the body this year (maybe) and it'll get a new galvanised chassis eventually - whenever it needs it, but I'd like it to make 40 years old on the original, if I can.