Thread: Getting my defender into the garage

I would ring a garage door in the first instance that would probably be cheapest.
I see nor reason why the existing beam could not be lowered with some carful calculations
The concept would be to bolt on to the web of the existing beam two steel angles to each side that
Are 50mm above the e jting bottom flange. This is a shear connection so you would expect to end up with m16 bolts at 150mm centres. You may need to weld extra plates to the bottom each flange to give sufficient strength
You will need to epoxy glue the, and torque the bolts up to as4100.
Once the angles are on you.could plasma cut and grind the web off the rsj and lower to ground.

You will need a mobile scaffold, building permit engineers comps, hire of some lifting gear
It looks like a steel erectors job not a builders job to me.
It is do able but will be several days work for 2 or 3 men.

You will avoid needle and props to prop your house while replacing a beam unsettling your brickwork heavy cranes.


Clive

Originally Posted by Leyland1980

That sounds like more of a PITA than changing a beam once which was the original question.

For some reason I though that given the breadth of defender ownership on here and the wisdom I have seen imparted elsewhere I thought perhaps someone would be able to answer the OP.

I do not need air suspension or to deflate my tyres, nor do I wish to build a car port, change my garage door (it is not an overhead door) or buy a Daewoo Matiz!

I will follow the one reply that was of any use and consult "any builder".

Cheers

John

And here was I going to suggest buying a new house

Better than my suggestion, 1st gear, lock the diff, close your eyes and charge

A full air suspension for a Defender - will be cheaper than modding the house. I'd put a height detection bar (PVC pipe) before the entrance to remind you to air down.