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jr1104



Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: England
Posts: 78

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Rioja Red
Rioja Red 90
It's taken me a while to get round to making this thread, and given I bought it from another member here it only seemed fair to come and share some info back!

Having purchased this great example earlier this year, I've enjoyed a summer of problem free usage and had a great time taking it all over the country. Whilst putting it to use, I've also been slowly building up that inevitable list of things I'd like to upgrade/modify/accesorise.

As well as sharing some photos of the Land Rover whilst I make these changes, it'd be good to get other peoples thoughts on the best ways to go about doing the work I'm thinking of.


Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge


At the moment I'm working my way through a thorough service (engine, gearbox, t-case oils, new filters, check over of all the underbody parts). I'm planning on doing most (maybe all?) the work myself, which seems like the best way to learn about the car!

I've also started on a few 'extras' to upgrade the car. So far I've added some additonal sealing around the rear windows (reduced wind noise, and slightly less rattling). I also have a central locking kit that I'm waiting for the time to fit, and then a kit of interior LED lights.

After that, some more soundproofing, and replacing the various trim bits that are starting to age (windscreen and alpine window seals). By this point I suspect I'll have found even more to add to the list, but main thing is I'll just enjoy the car for what it is!

I'll add a few more photos when I get some, but if anyone has some good suggestions on mods/repairs that they felt were really worth doing then let me know!
Post #565897 22nd Sep 2016 8:44pm
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RoddyK05



Member Since: 08 Apr 2015
Location: Inverclyde
Posts: 633

Scotland 2004 Defender 90 Td5 SW Yellow
Nice looking car, the Freestyle alloys were always my favourite on the 90, don't see them as much nowadays. One easy mod to get you going (if it's not been done yet) is the 99 relay for your wipers. Search on here - simple, cheap and one of everyones favourites - it's very worthwhile. Oh, and welcome.
Post #565907 22nd Sep 2016 9:06pm
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JOW240725



Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7904

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey
Welcome to def2. Lovely looking 90. One of my first mods and very easy and makes a great difference was a padded cubby lid oh and glove box conversion is useful. I've since had a huge amount done, it's difficult to stop! Shocked 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
Post #565924 22nd Sep 2016 9:37pm
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charcoal



Member Since: 28 Jul 2014
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 942

United Kingdom 2005 Defender 110 Td5 HT Bonatti Grey
Very nice Land Rover you got there Thumbs Up
Mind if I ask where the first picture was taken? It looks familiar.. 1999 Land Rover Defender 110 td5 station wagon
1998 Land Rover Defender 110 County Station Wagon ~ Sold
1995 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Station Wagon ~ Sold Sad
1985 Land Rover 110 ex mod project Tithonus ~ Sold Sad
Post #566086 23rd Sep 2016 3:21pm
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Stiff1



Member Since: 09 Dec 2014
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 595

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
If we are sticking with straight forward mods a big +1 for the 99 relay.

Also rear door gas strut (V2) I have found makes life easier.

Increasing illumination is always good, you can spend £500 on new head lights or start with simple +130% bulbs and an upgraded loom.

You might also want to look into the clutch spring mod if it has not already been done.

Then, if you are covering lots of miles, soundproofing, remap... the list is endless, enjoy.
Post #566143 23rd Sep 2016 8:27pm
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Stacey007



Member Since: 25 Sep 2015
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3745

United Kingdom 
Looks great Smile


Sound proofing, doors so the clunk better, rest of car just quieter .

Rust proofing, so save it Smile

LED lights Crystal head lights or LED (but pricey)

So many mods its hard to say, I have a spreadsheet with links and prices..... Maybe I should put a password on it in case the boss opens it Thumbs Up
Post #566156 23rd Sep 2016 8:56pm
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jr1104



Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: England
Posts: 78

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Rioja Red
Thanks for all the ideas! 99 wiper relay and clutch spring mod are both new to me, and definitely sound worth doing. Already got Wipac Crystals fitted, and the lighting is bright for a halogen bulb.

The underbody has had multiple rustproofing treatments in the past, and I'm going to be giving it a good check over next weekend. The side step rails have gone, but I expect I'll just replace them.

That first photo is from the car park near Snowdonia, so probably is quite familiar if you've been there!
Post #566231 24th Sep 2016 12:41pm
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charcoal



Member Since: 28 Jul 2014
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 942

United Kingdom 2005 Defender 110 Td5 HT Bonatti Grey
Went to snowdonia last year, might well have been one of the places I stopped then Cool 1999 Land Rover Defender 110 td5 station wagon
1998 Land Rover Defender 110 County Station Wagon ~ Sold
1995 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Station Wagon ~ Sold Sad
1985 Land Rover 110 ex mod project Tithonus ~ Sold Sad
Post #566237 24th Sep 2016 2:02pm
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Stiff1



Member Since: 09 Dec 2014
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 595

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black
Also right at the top of the list, security.

Every layer you add makes yours less desirable.

One thing I did recently, got rid of the rear view mirror that sits right in the middle of the windscreen and replaced it with a good quality suction one now at the top of the screen. Can now see out...

Upgrade the wiper blades is a good an cheap mod.
Post #566268 24th Sep 2016 4:37pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10733

England 
Agree with the wiper upgrade to and all i did was to put a long cork from the windscreen to the bottom of the mirror arm to stop it vibrating so you can see out of it Thumbs Up Welcome to DEF2 Thumbs Up 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.

Keeper.

Clayton.
Post #566322 24th Sep 2016 7:15pm
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Pablo90



Member Since: 16 Oct 2016
Location: South West
Posts: 16

United Kingdom 1999 Defender 90 Td5 HT Rioja Red
As a fellow Rioja red owner (mine's called Ruby) I had to browse your post!

Yours looks great. I'm working away from home at the moment, so won't be with mine for another week Sad

Looking at the suggestions for mods, I'd recommend that when you change your windscreen you shell out the little extra for a heated w/s. I haven't done mine yet -this autumn's project- but I'm looking forward to ice- and mist-free driving!

You've already upgraded the headlamps; it's worth upgrading the wiring to have the lights through a relay. Less drop in elec-trickery and therefore brighter lights, but also safer as you won't have all of the power going through the headlamp stalk, so less susceptible to damage.

P
Post #571150 16th Oct 2016 4:49am
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jr1104



Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: England
Posts: 78

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Rioja Red
Good idea about the heated windscreen, it was on my list to do but I'm building up the confidence to try it myself! Wouldn't want to remove the old screen and find I can't fit the new one myself...

A headlamp relay is on the shopping list, the boomslang headlamp loom looks like an easy way to do this.
Post #571966 19th Oct 2016 5:05am
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Teario



Member Since: 04 Aug 2015
Location: Merseyside
Posts: 153

1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Rioja Red
Excellent choice of colour there!
Nice looking Landy. Needs more pictures though Wink

99 relay was one of the first things I did on mine, a really quick job and a great improvement over standard.
Post #574326 30th Oct 2016 9:53am
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jr1104



Member Since: 05 May 2016
Location: England
Posts: 78

United Kingdom 1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Rioja Red
Various jobs now completed, including adding central locking and updating all interior bulbs to LED.

Have spent so much time working on it recently, rather than driving it, that I decided to take it out for a short drive in the sunset yesterday evening!


Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge
Post #584353 12th Dec 2016 6:28am
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10733

England 
Awesome pic's there, that made the drive worth while Thumbs Up 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.

Keeper.

Clayton.
Post #584607 12th Dec 2016 9:25pm
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