Thread: What to do to a brand new defender?

For what you've posted you're using it for, leave it well alone!
It'll handle all that you need it to do, and more, straight out of the box.
Underbody protection is always good, but from what you've posted, you don't "need" to do anything to it. It's a Land Rover after all, not some Japanese wannabe.
However, I'm sure any accessories supplier would be more than keen to take your money if you really wanted to spend, which as I see, is all it comes down to!

Originally Posted by 51mondays

Thanks folks, for all the tips. ,! Quite a few things to consider.

My driving is primarily a 40km round trip commute about 90km/hr on flowing Tarmac country roads, in central Vic. So perfect conditions for any car. Then some light farm work on a hilly property, light towing, horse floats, nothing too serious. Off-road will be some Vic touring with my young family - not experienced at that ..yet.

I like the sound of the drawer...

Then you have your picnic stuff, blankets, first aid etc on board and tucked away

I was thinking of specifying the LR spec driving lights. But are these LED upgrades amazing. ?

Big choices here, and lots of opinions, start here HID-Lightsdownunder - HID - Lightsdownunder
Will leave suspension stuff etc for after warranty I think.

Thanks for the tip on the front mudguards and wheel carrier upgrade. I quite like the checkerplate look....will have a further look.

Rijidij wheel carrier, and mammouth checkerplate, although factory will save some hassle

Certainly like the idea of sound isolation and insulating from heat (after the 2a!!). Will look more into recommendations for how to do this on the forum...

People have had good results with exhaust insulation wrap, as it is so close to the transmission. Eliminate at source effectively

How did you rust-guard? (Helps with stone noise too?? Or is that a mis-read) You recon its necessary in Victoria away from the Coast?

Cheers

And of course dual battery and a fridge to keep the champers cool

Originally Posted by AndyG

Paint on or spray on? and how much did you use

It was sprayed on by a WA firm called Beam Car Care. Found recommendations for them in here and they did a good job. It seems reasonably thick. Few millimetres at any rate. In hind sight I should have down the whole rear bottom but I tried to save a few bucks. However the standard rust proofing did seem to dull it a bit.

I should say also took some other advice on here and put some foam matting down. Literally I just cut up a double camping mat I bought at BCF for under $20 and laid it in the rear under the standard mats and also in all foot wells. Was also intending to put some marine carpet down as well but felt I haven't needed to yet - and the test has been the wife told me to save my money and not bother!

If you are tall - Mulgo seat extenders.

Firstly this will be an urban truck/defender 90 - my apologies if I have offended "real" defender owners. But I trust you would rather have another Landy on the road than a Jeep

Also I am not that concerned about the warranty as its purpose will be more of a toy than my primary source of transport.

I have already purchased (pre delivery- end February) many cosmetic accessories and replacements ie Steering Wheel, gear shifts, mesh grill, LED a speaker head lights, LED lights, mesh air intake, etc.

The more important question are the Wheels. I have imported Kahn 1982 18' wheels with 285/60R18 XL ZEON LTZ tyres. Will they rub or do I need to lift the suspension - I would prefer not to do so?

This may be if interest to someone who's upgrading or rebuilding a defender I will have many brand new parts ie leather steering wheel and gear shifts. Lights , head lights surrounds and grills. And happy to sell it as a job lot. Not interested in selling individual parts on eBay rather sell it to an enthusiast on this forum / community

I am also planing to sound proof the car and upgrade the Alpine stereo and subwoofer and speakers on the new black edition. There is an opportunity for someone with a 10 - 25 year old defender

Further any upgrades you suggest the swing arm on the spare sounds like a good idea but not sure why? Also please explain the front mud guard issue and the rust protection as I live near the beach?

thanks for the replies folks- keep em coming!

i'm getting a pretty stock defender - just front mudflaps....that's all/


so yep really interested in upgrades that are almost 'essential' for prolonging the life of the car...........or that you've found over the years to be just so damn practical and helpful you wished you had done them earlier



AussieAub is right i'd say, I don't need to do anything ...


however

these wheel mounts seem like a good way of preserving the functionality of the rear door. and if they hold it open too that seems like a good bit of stuff

I see LR do a HID lamp upgrade as an accessory - wonder if it throws out more light for night driving on unlit roads - any body tried the LR ones?

Extra rust-proofing /chassis protection sounds nice - how necessary do you think it is?


I'm 6' so these Mulg seat rails could be handy - will see how comfy I am.



thanks

Originally Posted by LouisW

Further any upgrades you suggest the swing arm on the spare sounds like a good idea but not sure why? Also please explain the front mud guard issue and the rust protection as I live near the beach?

The tyre hangs on the door, and despite Land Rover upgrading the door and the mount several times, it is still a lot of weight on the door and I have seen several crack. I have also seen people bump the tyre on bollards, etc while reversing and buckle the door. The mudguards are quite thin and soft compared to Series mudguards and attract dents, particularly from people working under the bonnet. Some people also see it as a place to put things when you are stopped because it is a flat surface and they think Defenders are meant to have scratches.

Jeff

please don't call it a "truck" if you don't do anything else.