A PERSONAL REBUILD FOCUSED ON CRAFTMANSHIP.

This rebuild is personal. After 25 years with Keith Gotts, our former manager Richard Gross decided to spend his own time restoring a Defender 90 soft-top using parts sourced from our parts department.

The result is a hands-on restoration that celebrates heritage, attention to detail and pride in doing things properly. This project wasn't a commercial contract; it was an appreciation of what sensible, methodical restoration looks like when carried out by someone who knows the vehicle inside out.

Restorations like Richard’s show that quality isn’t just about shiny surfaces. It’s about decisions made at the right time with corrosion prevention, correct suspension geometry, and the patient repetition of checks and tests. For owners considering a rebuild, this project demonstrates how careful preparation extends life and reliability.

Your Land Rover or Range Rover doesn’t need a full restoration to benefit from expert attention. Whether you’re planning targeted repairs, technical upgrades, or general maintenance, we can support any stage of your project with the same level of care we apply to full rebuilds. Our parts department holds more than 100,000 items in stock, with access to genuine, OEM and high-quality aftermarket components. We can source parts for rebuilds, ongoing repairs, and bespoke enhancements, with fast lead times and expert guidance to ensure you receive exactly what your project requires.

For parts enquiries, sourcing support or technical advice, please contact our parts team directly.

PARTS, CLEANED, REPLACED & PREPARED.

Richard began by cleaning and inspecting every component. Sourcing parts through Keith Gotts meant access to both genuine and high-quality aftermarket components. Cleaning is more than cosmetic: it’s how you reveal hidden damage, worn threads, and fatigue that would otherwise be missed during reassembly.

This matters because reusable parts can be correctly identified, while failed components are replaced before they cause future faults.

CHASSIS REPAIR, SANDING & CORROSION PROTECTION.

The chassis was repaired where necessary and thoroughly sanded to bare metal. Richard applied a two-stage protective system: red oxide primer for adhesion and corrosion resistance, followed by a durable grey top coat that provides a stable, protective finish.

Proper surface preparation is imperative as the priming stops corrosion at source and ensure coatings bond correctly, which makes your chassis last decades longer.

SUSPENSION, BEARINGS & WHEELS.

With the chassis ready, attention moved to suspension, wheel bearings and wheels. Bushes, bearings and mounting points were checked and renewed as required, then tyres were fitted and torqued to specification. Correct suspension reassembly preserves ride height, tracking and tyre life. The suspension geometry and bearing condition directly affects handling, tyre wear and safety, making it hugely important.

FINAL CHECKS & PANEL FITMENT.

Before anything cosmetic, Richard completed systematic checks: fastener torque, alignment of mounting points and clearances for the soft-top. Body panels were refitted and aligned to factory tolerances where possible to ensure doors, bonnet and tailgate sit true. This is important as correct fitment prevents water ingress, panels rubbing and premature seal failure.

The engine wiring was re-routed and secured, and the engine was refitted prior as well. Wiring was routed away from heat and moving parts, connectors checked, and circuits tested. The final commissioning included electrical tests, fluid checks and a controlled start-up procedure. The last mile of the rebuild is important as incorrectly routed looms or loose connectors can undermine weeks of hard work.