Thread: Dash mods

Originally Posted by scott oz

As I’ve indicated in other posts I’m looking to do a “dash” modification. It gets more extensive every time I look at the current layout.

I’ve looked at the various pods out of the UK and none seem to give me exactly what I need. Nut if it all gets to hard then I certainly will give one of them a go.

I’ve got three VDO 52mm(?) gauges, engine guard, MAD EM 1 multi gauge, turbo timer, 2 radio remote heads and wish to change the standard switches and add quite a few. All switches will be standardised.

I’ve taken the first step and purchased from a wrecker a “dash swab” to use as a template. I’ve also purchased off “exploz” their “Ex Box and intend to relocate all the electronics currently under the drivers seat to under the center console.

I keep looking at the fuse/relay location. Given I’m moving the electrics from under
the drivers seat I’m thinking of relocating the “fuse & relays” up higher into the redesigned dash.

“If” memory serves me correctly last time I had the dash apart the main wiring harness to the fuse/relay box ran down from the top of the dash. So I’m thinking there will be no problem with wiring length. I don’t wish to cut/join wires in the harness.

I’m wondering if anyone on the forum has done a similar mod or if apart from time there are any technical reasons I can’t or shouldn’t do it.

I’m not in any great hurry and it will probably take six months before I get it done.

PS
Daniel (exploz) is a top bloke to deal with and was able to redesign the lid so it clips “off and on” rather than hinged. This suits the Rovercraft lockable console I have and the back fit-out which will not allow the console to tilt back.

are you moving the comp from under the seat as i believe you can get a land rover extended loom to do this from the u.k. for 160 quid, this is for vehicles who tend to go swimming a lot this enables the driver to stick it on the roof support out of the way

lardy,

I'm looking to move everything from under the driver’s seat to under the cubby box, between the two front seats.

The Exploz box takes the place of the two wooden stringers which are under the standard cubby box and uses the same attachment points. In substance it uses the space under the cubby box.

While I haven’t fitted it yet I understand there is no need to extend any wires at worst I may have to loosen the brake sensor wires at one point where they attach (routing) to the body/chasie. The current harness is long enough.

Interesting a wiring loom to the roof

Is this mod possible for the Puma?

Originally Posted by pbroz

Is this mod possible for the Puma?

pbroz,

Not sure which mod you are talking about? If it's the cubby box for a puma then I'd ring Daniel and ask 4wd accessories - recreational vehicle conversions - exploz pty.ltd. - australia.

If it's mounting the ECU etc on the roof as indicated by lardy he may know.

It it's the dash mod itself. I'm having a go at doing a "home" job. There are a coulpe of good after market kits for TD5's and before. Not sure about the Puma which I assume you have?

The old saying "anything can be done with $"

Originally Posted by scott oz

lardy,

I'm looking to move everything from under the driver’s seat to under the cubby box, between the two front seats.

The Exploz box takes the place of the two wooden stringers which are under the standard cubby box and uses the same attachment points. In substance it uses the space under the cubby box.

While I haven’t fitted it yet I understand there is no need to extend any wires at worst I may have to loosen the brake sensor wires at one point where they attach (routing) to the body/chasie. The current harness is long enough.

Interesting a wiring loom to the roof

Thanks Scott for all these compliments.

Correct, no need to extend the wiring loom if you want to move the electronics under the Cubby Box. Wires are all long enough.
In case you have ABS you might need to undo some of the cable ties mounted to the chassis to pull enough wire through.

Cheers,
Daniel (aka Mulgo)

Originally Posted by pbroz

Is this mod possible for the Puma?

Hello pbroz,

Short answer is yes.

Working on it as we speak. Just give me another few weeks and it will be ready. Will let you know.

Cheers,
Daniel (aka Mulgo)

G'Day Mulgo (aka Daniel),

I'm also looking at moving the ECU along with all the other electrical componentry (relays?) under the driver's seat of my 2004 Defender 110 using your Ex-Box. I will also replace the original cubby box with a Rovacraft lockable cubby box. I have some questions :-

1. Is moving the ECU and other componetry something that someone reasonably handy can do ? It doesn't worry me that it might take me a few days to do (slowly and carefully) but it would worry me if it required specialised auto-electrical knowledge and/or specialised tools.

2. Is there a written set of instructions/guidelines and/or sequence of steps and/or tips and/or photos other than what you've contributed to this thread that come with the Ex-Box.

3. My Defender is fitted with ABS. If by some chance it is not possible to free sufficient length to enable the brake sensor wiring to reach the relocated ECU, is it possible to extend this wiring? If so, what is the best way?

4. As I will be replacing the existing cubby box with a lockable cubby box, I wouldn't want anyone who chose to break into the Defender to inadvertently gain access to the Ex-Box in attempting to enter the locked cubby box. That being the case, how is the lid of the Ex-Box secured to prevent it from being opened?

Many thanks.

Mellow Yellow (aka Doug)

Originally Posted by Mellow Yellow

G'Day Mulgo (aka Daniel),

I'm also looking at moving the ECU along with all the other electrical componentry (relays?) under the driver's seat of my 2004 Defender 110 using your Ex-Box. I will also replace the original cubby box with a Rovacraft lockable cubby box. I have some questions :-

Hello Mellow Yellow,

Great to see there is another one of these rare Golden Yellow Land Rovers....

Q1. Is moving the ECU and other componetry something that someone reasonably handy can do ? It doesn't worry me that it might take me a few days to do (slowly and carefully) but it would worry me if it required specialised auto-electrical knowledge and/or specialised tools.

A: No specialised knowledge necessary. It is plug and play.

Q2. Is there a written set of instructions/guidelines and/or sequence of steps and/or tips and/or photos other than what you've contributed to this thread that come with the Ex-Box.

A: Yes, instructions/guidelines and photos are supplied with the Ex-Box.

Q3. My Defender is fitted with ABS. If by some chance it is not possible to free sufficient length to enable the brake sensor wiring to reach the relocated ECU, is it possible to extend this wiring? If so, what is the best way?

A: I have fitted an Ex-Box into a vehicle with ABS - it is possible to free sufficient length of that cable, no need to extend the wiring.

Q4. As I will be replacing the existing cubby box with a lockable cubby box, I wouldn't want anyone who chose to break into the Defender to inadvertently gain access to the Ex-Box in attempting to enter the locked cubby box. That being the case, how is the lid of the Ex-Box secured to prevent it from being opened?

A: Hinge at the back. Pull down latch with provision for a padlock at the front.

Hope this helps - otherwise you can also send me an email on daniel@exploz.com.au or call me (number on website).

Cheers,
Mulgo