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Rogeo1983

Member Since: 18 Nov 2015
Location: Horsham
Posts: 30

2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Zambezi Silver

Planning a new project

Hi everyone,

Having just sold my 2010 defender xs, I am back in a car, but looking at a new project. One thing I have always wanted is to build or buy a 90 soft top. So having done some very initial research, I have narrowed it down to two options.

1. Svx style front external and aft internal cage with retractable hoops to shape the hood, exactly like the svx.

2. Simple hoop install and canvas or mohair hood.

I prefer the svx style canvas, however I have not been able to source the cage. Anyone any ideas? Also the simple hoop style with canvas doesn't offer any protection in case of rollover. I am not planning to do any off-road trials, but it could happen while travelling at speed.

My preference for a vehicle would be a td5 pickup, do the following.

Upgrade to all led lights.
Roof mounted spots (not sure if a bar would fit, but otherwise on the roll cage)
Dlr front bumper.
Dash board upgrade, and maybe an overhead storage compartment.
Discovery transfer gearbox. In fact I think I would probably get a recon R380 and disco box.
Engine overhaul, rings, bearings seals etc.
Possible a small lift.
Strip to chassis, blast galvanise, and paint.
Complete polybush conversion.
Axle overhaul.
Radial wheels with slightly bigger tyres, not sure what yet.
Full respray

I am not planning on having rear seats, just three seats in the front. So I will probable require a seatbelt mount for the seats. I think I will leave the bulkhead in place, as I will be using the vehicle for transporting items, and may put in a canvas behind the front seats.

With regard to the respray, I have a friend who would do it for cost, and the engine overhaul the same. So my big expense is going to be the cage, hood, and purchase.

Project will be starting in about 3-4 months, when I get access to the garage.

Any thoughts what I should go for?

Am I mad?

Cheers

7th Jul 2016 6:14pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

We are all mad.

Now that that's cleared up, Welshsurferdude is selling one.

7th Jul 2016 9:37pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

If you're going to build one, go for option b. The SVX hood just looks like an old fashioned SilverCross

Knowing what I know now, after building the v8, I would just start with a new chassis! Saves a lot of hassle.

7th Jul 2016 10:26pm

Rogeo1983

Member Since: 18 Nov 2015
Location: Horsham
Posts: 30

Hi Greeni,

Having spent all last night looking at photos of both, I can now kind of agree with you. So if I forget the svx model, and just go for the hoops and canvas. Now I still want to have a roll cage, external on the front, which will flow inside on the rear. I don't need the rear covered with a bar, but just want it attached to the back behind the cab.

So here is a question.

Can I have a frame that is external in the front, but goes inside through the hood behind the cab, and that if required I could put the truck cab back on for the winter months?

I would still need the seat belts to be attached to the bar.

Any ideas?

I like the idea of these pictures

Click image to enlarge

8th Jul 2016 1:26pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7905

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

Might be of some interest:-

http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic46373.html James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

8th Jul 2016 7:12pm

Rogeo1983

Member Since: 18 Nov 2015
Location: Horsham
Posts: 30

I just found a roll cage that will fit standard canvas hood, plus with removal of the seatbelt mounts on the frame, I could reinstall the truck cab if the cold got too bad!

It would just require a bolt on attachment for the seat belt mounts.

I've emailed for a price...... That will probably hurt. So with the canvas and the door frame to buy it could be an expensive build. I'll have to weigh it up.

I could just do a simple canvas conversion, but I would like the option to swap back, and I want a roll cage on the front for protection.

Or if anyone knows where I can get the cage from this pic, great.

Click image to enlarge

8th Jul 2016 9:45pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10381

Hi, that looks possibly like a Protection and Performance cage (PPcages). Though it looks like A Nene advert.

It's generally known as a NAS spec cage and hood. North American Spec. Have a look on Rovers North's website for parts listing.

8th Jul 2016 10:30pm

I Like Old Skool

Member Since: 23 Feb 2015
Location: Manchester
Posts: 808

1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi ST Coniston Green

Standard canvas military hood on a 110 here. Did most of the last two winters with the back rolled up! If it is too cold then you are to old/soft

Seriously, there is a pretty beefy body mounted roll hoop with the military spec frame and this should cover most typical roadgoing situations as well as a normal hard top.

9th Jul 2016 11:33pm

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