 | Home > Maintenance & Modifications > BRAND NEW DEFENDER... WHAT DO I DO?! |
 
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| Rosco Member Since: 03 Dec 2010 Location: Burntwood Posts: 1842   
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KM, good choice in colour
 The interior whilst a little brothel esq at first glance soon grows on you.
Biggest suggestion I think anyone can recommend is drive it for a couple months and see what you think it needs. Each of us has a preference over what it might or might not need. Black grill and surrounds were one of the first things I did on mine, and depending how you go about it, perhaps look at having a second set of arches sprayed at the same time, rather than wrapping. The paint on the arches isn't in the thickest of layers and I'd be concerned that a wrap might lift the paint off when removed. But most of all enjoy it 2007 - Stornoway Grey 90 XS SW - Gone 2002 - Black Discovery II - Gone 2014 - Montalcino Red 110 XS SW |
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30th Apr 2016 4:36pm |
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| yorkshireman Member Since: 28 Mar 2016 Location: North England Posts: 80 |
Hi I too am new to the Defender club and this forum has been superb. I've a 110 Puma SW, had it a few months and like you want o hang on to it. I've gone for a skytag & disclok so far with various subtle security measures, in place as well, PM me for these or Matt at FCX is generous with his advice. Next on my major TO-DO is sound proofing & ECU re-map though this may cause warranty issues depending who you might use. There are lots of threads on these throughout the forum again PM me if you want my personal opinion. Enjoy... I love owning a Defender.
Last edited by yorkshireman on 30th Apr 2016 4:45pm. Edited 1 time in total |
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30th Apr 2016 4:37pm |
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| K.M Member Since: 28 Apr 2016 Location: Salisbury Posts: 300
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Thanks for the replies!
I didn't have much say in the colour with the car been - I assume - factory specced from spare parts! That said I do REALLY like the colour! You don't see too many of them which I like and think it really works for the wagon! I haven't actually seen her yet - she's been scheduled for transport from Land Rover so imagine it'll be a few weeks before I get to meet her properly! Advice noted about the thin paint on the arches . I was only considering the wrap so that everything is reversible. With it been one of the very last I'm keen to make everything reversible. I have ZERO intentions of ever selling it, but given what it is, I'm conscious of preserving it! (rightly or wrongly...)
Again you're spot on with your advice! I will drive it for a few months before I do anything and find out what annoys me rather than spending my money on stuff that annoys other people. Not wishing to fuel the theft of Defenders for parts, where would you guys suggesting sourcing an original LR black pack front set from... apart from the stealers? |
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30th Apr 2016 4:45pm |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5115  
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Adrenalin pedal lock great security, perhaps a removable steering wheel, and a good spare wheel lock.
Lots on here about all three, if you go for the pedal lock mention this forum when ordering and you will get a discount. For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at.. http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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30th Apr 2016 4:48pm |
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| Rosco Member Since: 03 Dec 2010 Location: Burntwood Posts: 1842
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I just bought a set of std black plastic ones and had a body shop paint them up. There was a thread in the eBay section for pre-finished sets for about the same as I paid, not sure if it's still available 2007 - Stornoway Grey 90 XS SW - Gone
2002 - Black Discovery II - Gone 2014 - Montalcino Red 110 XS SW |
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30th Apr 2016 4:48pm |
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| JOW240725 Member Since: 04 May 2015 Location: Suffolk Posts: 7908 
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Welcome to Defender ownership!
Relatively new owner too, just about a year now. You sound like you have the basics covered, security, under seal. I've gone for full sound proofing and spacers for much improved turning circle.
I've just bought a santorini black grille and light surround off a fellow member, am planning on getting it sprayed the colour I want. Keep you're eye out they often come up for sale as people take off for KBX grille. Try here and Angry Puma's on FB. There is a blue set for sale here http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic46084.html could get it sprayed. My next mod is a BAS150 tune, can't wait to get it. Also new wheels and tyres if I can ever decide which ones I want! Enjoy your ownership, they are the best! Ps photos are a must!! |
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30th Apr 2016 5:20pm |
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| miker Member Since: 13 Sep 2015 Location: Surrey Posts: 1768 
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X-Eng Pedal lock gets my vote (partly because I have one).
I had the same concern about the time faffing to "secure" it, and knew that if my pedal lock was a big thing that lived in the back I wouldn't bother. the x-eng takes me ~10 seconds to flip up as I jump out and ~20 seconds to unlock and flip down when I get in! |
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30th Apr 2016 11:49pm |
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| Clemmo Member Since: 03 Aug 2012 Location: Mile Oak Posts: 1230  
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Congrats!..great colour!
you might find a few ideas here............. http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic35268.html Clemmo Make today a little better than yesterday but not so good as tomorrow....
Defender 90 HT............Pangea Green BMW X3 Msport............Carbon Black Mini Electric................Grey. (wow!) MGB Roadster……..........Vermillion 17k miles Honda Benly CD200....Maroon --------McLouis Fusio........7.4m of fun |
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1st May 2016 6:13am |
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| Joe the Plumber Member Since: 18 Dec 2013 Location: Midlands Posts: 915 
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Get your Disklok, Adrenaline pedal guard and other security sorted straight away.
Before you worry about customising it (and remember, Land Rover will be very happy to void your warranty if you go overboard, and you have to declare everything to your insurer too), I'd get it drowned in rust proofing. The 'corrosion resistant steel' parts a lot of it is made of will only resist corrosion until it first gets water on it. I used the wonderful British Dynax products from here: www.bilthamber.com I also fitted some of the mudflap adaptors and muck guards from here, which are very good: http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/product-category/mudshields/ I added some of my own, too (scroll down the topic a bit): http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic32129.html And if you're 5'10" or above and it has the bulkhead behind them, raise the front seats about 1 1/4" on 8mm penny (or 'repair') washers (you'll also need longer high tensile M8 bolts) which will allow them to move back a bit further and makes the driving position much more comfortable. |
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1st May 2016 7:27am |
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| Cuthbert Member Since: 26 Oct 2013 Location: Up North Posts: 1535 |
Agreed - offers peace of mind when parking up in The Badlands. Also prepare yourself mentally for the frustrations of driving a vehicle that is assembled from some of the cheapest, value engineered components available in the global automotive marketplace. Head down to your local main dealer and introduce yourself to the Service Reception staff. Make friends with them as you are going to need their support to handle all the usual warranty claims. Driving it on a good day will put a big grin on your face but the JLR workforce never did master how to build a reliable Defender that really is The Best 4X4 By Far. This weekend I ventured overland to the AGA Store for kitchen components, we actually completed the return trip without major incident and I enjoyed a couple of friendly waves from other Defender drivers - that's another benefit of buying into such a niche product. You may also find strangers approaching you in car parks to discuss Defender issues - they are usually friendly but some appear to members of a cult of total adoration. |
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1st May 2016 10:27pm |
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| Cuthbert Member Since: 26 Oct 2013 Location: Up North Posts: 1535 |
Agreed - Absolutely key if you want your Defender to look half decent after a couple of winters - that rear cross-member will start to fade and corrode very quickly if you don't treat it regularly. |
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1st May 2016 10:31pm |
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| K.M Member Since: 28 Apr 2016 Location: Salisbury Posts: 300
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How quickly is quickly?
This is towards the top of the list of things to do but does come after security... I've read a few things on here about DIY jobs... how feasible really is this? I think the best price I've seen is £750 + VAT for 10yrs protection...? |
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1st May 2016 10:33pm |
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| custom90 Member Since: 21 Jan 2010 Location: South West, England. Posts: 20593
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£750 +
I did it myself.... |
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1st May 2016 10:35pm |
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| K.M Member Since: 28 Apr 2016 Location: Salisbury Posts: 300
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Clemmo - I've read your thread several times - before knowing I was getting a red one - and must say I like it very much! How easy / difficult was the speaker upgrade? I really do like the Montalcino Red but it does look so much better with the black pack so I'll be following suit with the lettering and grille etc... My only uncertainty is what to do with the wheels. As it was factory specced it comes with the diamond cut duel finished wheels so it'd be a share (having paid for them) to just have the painted black..... |
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1st May 2016 10:37pm |
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