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Thread: Buying a 130 - looking for some roll over protection

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    Buying a 130 - looking for some roll over protection

    Hi all,

    I recently put down a deposit on this 2000 TD5 130 and I'll be collecting it hopefully within the week.



    I'll be doing some routine maintenance for a vehicle this age (injector harness, fuel pump etc.) but one thing that worries me about the Defender is its performance in a roll over.

    With Landybitz bringing in Safety Devices cages I was looking at this 4 point cage:


    THe one thing that worries me about it is that while the front mounts to the bulkhead, the back seems to just bolt through the thin aluminium roof panel. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether this is likely to be of much use?

    I'm not looking for a full competition style cage and I don't have an unlimited budget. I'd just like to be able to drive the Defender with some added protection as I've seen some photos of rolled Defenders and I don't like what I see.

    Another option I'd been considering is fitting a strong roof rack. I have a spare roof rack I took off my 109 Series III when I fitted the Dormobile roof. It is made of heavy gauge steel and seems like it might absorb some of the energy in a crash, especially as it protrudes well forward of the windscreen. Am I dreaming if I think this would make a meaningful difference in a roll over?



    many thanks
    Phin

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    AndyG's Avatar
    AndyG is offline YarnMaster Silver Subscriber
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    How about a hoop in the tub, suitably braced that links the chassis rails to the existing roof rack, then it's a load carrying mod and not a safety mod.

    And
    http://www.landroverclub.net/Club/HT...iff_jumper.htm
    By all means get a Defender. If you get a good one, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
    apologies to Socrates

    Clancy MY15 110 Defender

    Clancy's gone to Queensland Rovering, and we don't know where he are

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    Thanks Andy, I'd thought a little bit about the rear tub, the only thing is that the front can crush a fair bit before the vehicle is resting on the rear hoops and bull bar. Perhaps it could be the way to go though.

    When I get the 130 home I'll have a decent look at mounting it on the back, but this photo shows an interesting set of rear hoops, much bigger than the standard ones and braced across the top. Has anyone seen these before?



    cheers
    Phin

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    PS I like the capstan on the Coast Guard 110 that went over the cliff!

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    I'd second a hoop. It drastically reduces the crush zone, which they say is from the top of the hoop to the front of the engine block. You may have to duck your head but it's definately a massive improvement. That hoop in the pic doesnt have the support coming back onto the chassis which I am told is very important. I had my roll cage custom built and while it copped some flack on here. I trusted the experienced cage builders opinion more.

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    AndyG's Avatar
    AndyG is offline YarnMaster Silver Subscriber
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    I believe, that if you brace a 130 too much and it can't flex it can lead to chassis cracks. But only what I've read
    By all means get a Defender. If you get a good one, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
    apologies to Socrates

    Clancy MY15 110 Defender

    Clancy's gone to Queensland Rovering, and we don't know where he are

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    Quote Originally Posted by AndyG View Post
    I believe, that if you brace a 130 too much and it can't flex it can lead to chassis cracks. But only what I've read
    130's crack with heavy use and high loads.
    I wouldn't worry about the potential consequences of a cage.

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    Sounds like a hoop across the front of HCPU tub using the same profile as the existing hoops could be the go. I'll have a look at how thick the existing tube is when I get the car. Would there be much benefit in having the Safety Devices front 4 point hoop at the front as well to take some pressure off the windscreen?

    thanks
    Phin

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    Hi Phin,
    I've got a 130 dual cab too and are also a bit concerned about the lack of roll over protection. I'm a boilermaker and are gearing up to make a four point type cage as they seem very expensive. It will be similar to the safety devices 8 point cage for a 130 but wont have the internal B pillar or the rear tub bars. I don't want it for full on high speed comp work, just added safety for touring etc and will also be a good strong roof rack for firewood etc. You might be too far away but let me know if interested and I could take notes and make another one while I'm making mine.
    Cheers,
    Andrew.

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    Quote Originally Posted by phin View Post

    I'll be doing some routine maintenance for a vehicle this age (injector harness, fuel pump etc.)
    Phin
    While you are doing preventative maintenance, ask the mechanic to drop the sump and put a spanner to the oil pump bolt. It's a known defect from the factory that the oil pump bolt on some TD5's were not loctited and can work loose. Best to remove the bolt, clean, loctite and do-up. While you are at it, give the oil pick up a clean.

    Best of luck with the roll over protection. As an owner of a 130 roll over protection has never crossed my mind nor have i ever had cause to think it necessary. That said I'd have a different opinion if was to have a high speed rollover on a country road. If you go the HD hoop design a diagonal cross bar for lateral support would go a long way to keeping the hoop in shape in a roll over.

    Enjoy the 130, great touring truck, a massive amount of space.

    MLD

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