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acuss01



Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Top 6 Mods for New Defender
I've just ordered a new Defender and understand folk do at least some aftermarket mods to improve safety, security and performance. I can't do everything at once, but I wondered what people think are the TOP 6 "MUST DO" MODS.

From my reading thus far I think they are:

1. Fit a Skytag or Cobra tracker
2. Replace standard light bulbs for LEDs
3. Fit spacers to improve turning circle
4. Waxoyl or Dintrol treatment to underside
5. Fit underside steering guard
6. Replace door bolts with stainless steel

Obviously I'm not talking 'luxury options', just the top 6 "must-do" things to protect your truck and your investment. I welcome forum members input... 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack
Post #364643 15th Oct 2014 12:32pm
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X4SKP



Member Since: 29 Nov 2013
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2295

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey
Hello acuss01

Not a bad start Exclamation ... but my order (of your choices) would be...

1.
Next... revisit 1. and add selective other layers (personally I would include a serious visual physical deterrent)
4.
3. (try adjusting the steering stops first, with your tyre and wheel set up, before thinking of spacers)
5. (if being used off road)
2. (expensive but some are good, other options are worth considering and much less £)
6. (good, but some ss bolts whilst they don't corrode, they can accelerate the alloy corrosion by electrolysis faster than the standard LR bolts, but the standard offering will corrode before your eyes so either spray on a prevention product or change to ss, or both)

And so it begins... Defender ownership happy days SKIP
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html
Post #364648 15th Oct 2014 12:50pm
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SailingTom



Member Since: 19 Nov 2013
Location: ESSEX
Posts: 1720

United Kingdom 
No need for the last 2 in my opinion although the rest i'd agree with, but no need for spacers unless your on bigger tyres.
I'd add;
Glove box mod as gives a bit more usable storage instead of wasted space,
Gwyn Lewis front mudflap kit as keeps the sides nice and clean. Defender puma dormobile camper
Post #364649 15th Oct 2014 12:50pm
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Venomator



Member Since: 25 Aug 2014
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 2087

United Kingdom 
I did not buy a new 90 and The Mamba did come with a ton of extras and me thinking great, I will not have to do anything to this baby... Rolling with laughter

However, and in the order of importance I personally attached to them, I have now spent another small fortune on the following add on stuff: ... Shocked

1. Add-On Security stuff x3 - mainly for peace of mind following all the scare stories on here and other sites!

2. Momo Millenium (Grey) Steering Wheel - comfort and more driver space in one brilliant package... Cool

3. LED Replacement Side (Front & Rear) and Indicator Lights - perhaps the single best mod for on road visibility & safety imhgo... Thumbs Up

4. MUD Heater Deflector - absolutely cannot live without item!

5. Front Grille & light surrounds in Black - I really do not like the standard Grey my Mamba came with... Whistle

6. KBX Hi-Force Air Intakes - for functionality and looks!


The stuff that was on The Mamba at purchase saved me increasing the mortgage and included the Steering Guard; Safari Snorkel; JLR Roof Rack & Rear Access Ladder; NAS Rear Step; and a CB Unit complete with huge whip aerial... Bow down

And I am sure there will be more to come... Shocked


Or a new Landy in 2015... Mr. Green
 Rog... Mr. Green
The GREEN One...


MY2016 Urban Truck Build Thread - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40548....al[/color]
Post #364651 15th Oct 2014 12:56pm
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Go Beyond



Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: Headcorn, Kent
Posts: 6678

United Kingdom 
Group buy is still running for Skytag

http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic17576.html
Post #364678 15th Oct 2014 3:42pm
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Happyoldgit



Member Since: 14 Sep 2007
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3471

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
Rustproof & security, the rest are superficial. Use the vehicle for a bit and then decide what is best for YOU - not what someone on the net says. Steve.
Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades.
Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW.

[Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc]

http://forums.lr4x4.com

I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic.
Post #364679 15th Oct 2014 3:45pm
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gilarion



Member Since: 05 Dec 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 5109

Wales 2007 Defender 90 Other CSW Trident Green
If you replace the door bolts with SS first use the bolt holes to spray some rust proofing into the bulkhead using a long plastic tube with a 360 degree nozzle.

Then when finished bolt the hinges back on and insert some metal epoxy putty in the bolt heads, that way you have a good chance of keeping your doors attached to your defender from the local Land Rover door thieves
Post #364681 15th Oct 2014 3:59pm
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acuss01



Member Since: 27 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 225

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Montalcino Red
Thanks for the input folks! As I said, I wasn't looking for luxury or vanity enhancements, just the "MUST DO" things that any new owner should prioritise.

Seems to me something like the following might be more accurate:

1. Tracker
2. Physical security (e.g. pedal box, disclok etc)
3. More security..
4. Change the standard bulbs for LEDs (nothing OTT, just safety measure - any recommendations??)
5. Dinitrol or Waxoyl - would you really get it done straightaway??
6. Possibly replace or treat the door bolts

Any further suggestions/comments welcome! 2015 110 XS CSW Montalcino Red with Black Pack
Post #364682 15th Oct 2014 4:03pm
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X4SKP



Member Since: 29 Nov 2013
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2295

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey
'MUST DO'.... Nothing then.

1,3 & 5 Highly Advisable (All best on day one) SKIP
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html
Post #364688 15th Oct 2014 4:30pm
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jimbob7



Member Since: 06 Jul 2013
Location: uk
Posts: 2055

As said,security first,waxoil is good but it wont fall to pieces if you don't waxoil it straight away.It is easier to do tho when everything is shiny and clean.Then give it a good polish and wax ready for winter,remember,wax on, wax off Thumbs Up . Pov.spec,ftw. 2006, 110,TD5.
Post #364722 15th Oct 2014 6:23pm
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OldhamLandy



Member Since: 17 Oct 2013
Location: somewhere
Posts: 164

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Hi acuss01 - I would say Items 1 & 4 are good places to start with as the other items can wait.

I have had my Defender from new for 10 months now, left out in all weathers as I don't have a garage and the bolts are only just starting to tarnish slightly, so think you have some time to replace these.

I would say buy yourself a Disklok as this is a good visual deterrent for any passing opportunistic scum bags and is only a relatively minimal outlay. 2016 Defender 90xs SW - Santorini Black with Silver Pack
2014 Defender 90xs SW - Corris Grey with Santorini Black Roof
Post #364727 15th Oct 2014 6:37pm
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big steve



Member Since: 24 Dec 2009
Location: hertfordshire
Posts: 2456

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Montalcino Red
1 BAS remap
2 Intercooler
3 rust protection
4 wheels and tyres
5 LEDs lights
6 mud stuff rear sides 2015 2.2 tdci hardtop xs
3.2 conversion DONE 238bhp and 707nm torque and thats just the start ;-P
hybrid turbo in build -done ready to fit
ashcroft atb in transfer box
6 speed auto in build
Post #364756 15th Oct 2014 8:12pm
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Venomator



Member Since: 25 Aug 2014
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 2087

United Kingdom 
acuss01 wrote:
Thanks for the input folks! As I said, I wasn't looking for luxury or vanity enhancements, just the "MUST DO" things that any new owner should prioritise.

4. Change the standard bulbs for LEDs (nothing OTT, just safety measure - any recommendations??)

Any further suggestions/comments welcome!

You may come across problems if you only change the bulbs to LED, there are plenty of discussions around this topic... Thumbs Up

General consensus seems to be that replacement LED units are a far superior and problem free upgrade... Idea

And they really do look good to - you have a choice of staying true to type and retaining coloured lenses, or you can opt for clear glass! Either way a huge improvement over the standard factory fit... Mr. Green

Bolt on Bits seem to be one of the favoured suppliers of RDX replacement LED units (recommended to me and excellent plug 'n play option!) check them out here > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231108713694 ... Thumbs Up
 Rog... Mr. Green
The GREEN One...


MY2016 Urban Truck Build Thread - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic40548....al[/color]
Post #364760 15th Oct 2014 8:20pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20294

United Kingdom 
All of above is true...
LED fixture in regular fitting = Illegal
LED light units that are E marked from the factory = Legal.
Post #364764 15th Oct 2014 8:31pm
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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1913

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Led head lights were high up on my list along with a remap, dynamat, and amp, sub and speaker upgrade
Thumbs Up 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
2010 110 XS Utility 2.4TDCI
2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8 (gone)
2007 Discovery HSE TDV6 (gone)
1993 110 csw 200 tdi (gone)
1994 90 HT 300 tdi (gone)
1994 discovery 300tdi (gone)
90 hybrid 3.5 v8 (gone)
Range rover bobtail 3.5 v8 (gone)
Post #364766 15th Oct 2014 8:33pm
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