Thread: Engineering Report mod-plate Tasmania

Hi all. So, I have decided I am going to be using my Defender as a daily driver and family car. If it is going to be doing all those extra k’s there is an increased chance of getting interest from police and more importantly of being in an accident, so safety and insurability are priorities for me now.

As it stands, I know my Defender is not really quite legal in terms of modifications but because it’s just been my camping/4wdriving rig I have ‘gotten away’ with it as is, and it handles and performs really well. So, I am trying to decide if I should take it back within standard parameters or get an engineering certificate. Which brings my first question, can anyone out there recommend someone in Tasmania that may be familiar with modified Defenders that could do this?

Here is what I have done that will push it into illegal territory. I have a 2-inch lift and run tyres that are about 1 inch taller (285/75/16) On their own, these mods are within acceptable limits BUT Combined, these would make the car roof 3 inches higher than standard. I believe 2 inches taller roof height from ground in total is legal. Worse, I have -25 offset wheels, so the track width has been increased by much more than the allowable 50mm. I calculate my trackwidth has been increased on each side by +33 (standard) + the -25 so, 58, x2 for both sides to get 116mm total. Someone please correct me if you think have calculated this wrong.

I have a couple of mods which now I am starting to worry about too. My Defender once had the rear seats and is registered as a 9-seater. Do I need approval to take seats out?? It is currently a 5-seater, with a cargo barrier behind middle seats. Furthermore, I have covered the rear windows, is this going to be an issue?

So, do I go down the path of getting a mod -plate/ engineer’s certificate or ‘modify back’ within range? I am thinking best option may be to change down to a 265/75/16 tyre on a +8 wheel to come within track width parameter and total lift height requirement. Only problem is, I have extended flares, so these may look like little shopping trolley wheels. But I guess could always go back to standard flares.. Or do I keep it as is (I do like it a lot as is) and look at getting the engineer's certificate?

I've attached a couple of shots to illustrate. 20180408_152639.jpg20180318_213253.jpg

Thanks so much for the replies. I have actually found some boost alloys with general tyres in 235/85/16, in really good condition for a very reasonable price, 5 of them too. So I think the plan will be to run them on road and keep the bigger mud tyres and wheels for 4wd trips. Less wear and tear, better fuel economy, more power, better steering, and mud tyres will last forever.. actually looking forward to going back to original! If they look funny under the big flares, I have found some original replacements at a wrekers for a decent price too.