Finally arrived - new Puma 110 Zermatt Silver

[Gav110]

Gosh 3 months goes slowly....

Just picked her up yesterday - 2010 Station Wagon 7 seater in Zermatt Silver, with the LR Expedition Roof Rack, snorkel and SVX 'Dual Finish' wheels. Also got the original mats, sunroof and tinting, plus dealer fit AUTRON cruise control - so all of it could be covered by warranty.

Only had it 1 day [bigsad] then straight off to Mulgo :cool: for the full treatment incl:

- RovaCraft Tubular winch bar
- Tigerz11 12,000lb winch
- Custom Mulgo side rock slider steps with chequer
- Bonnet & wing chequer
- Diff protectors, steering guard and rear breather extension
- ICOMM 440 UHF
- Custom 12V and anderson plug power outlets all over the shop
- BFG MT KM2 tyres - 255/85/16
- Bonnet, roof rack and rear lights
- Custom Mulgo cavity storage boxes
- Mulgo's back door strut
- Rear wheel carrier
- Fit DVD player and new bluetooth head unit
- a few other tweaks

Will take the best part of 2-3 weeks, split over a couple of phases.

Will post more photos as it develops. Should get a couple of decent runs around the Queens birthday weekend and one down to Melbourne.

Incidentally the AUTRON cruise unit is well located on a stalk just in front of the rear wiper (you can choose location), has a power on/off indicator which changes colour as it's engaged, and has backlit buttons (see photo). I know there was some interest in this from other threads.

5 happy boys.... ;)

[one_iota]

:arms::twobeers:

[Allan]

Looks fantastic, more photoes please when she's all kitted out. All the best.

Allan

[LR D4]

I think the kids faces say it all...... congratulations:clap2::clap2::clap2:

[robbotd5]

Good lookin fender mate!! Congrats!!! Reminds me when I took delivery of my 2004 Discovery classic Zambesi silver. A masterpeice in progress.
Regards Robbo.

[dmdigital]

Looks similar to the one in my driveway... lot cleaner though.

[Scallops]

Great stuff - looks like everyone is enjoying it already - hope you have a good run with it. :)

[lardy]

Hope you enjoy it to its full congrats

[austastar]

Hi,
must be hard having to let it go again for the fit out.
Should be worth the anxiety and pain though.
cheers

[extreme]

If you got it flaunt it, your flaunting it. Congratulations. ;)

[Benny_IIA]

lovely truck mate..... now get it dirty :D

[greenhornet]

Looks great.
Keen to see her when it is fully kitted up.

[Gav110]

Thanks for all the kind words boys - yes it was hard parting with her after 1 day but should be fun getting her back from Mulgo after part 1 next week. Will have a lot of the bolt on kit incl winch bar and tyres on. Stage 2 will be all the electricals (dual batt, lights etc.) later in the month.

Appreciate the wealth of advice from members to all my questions - there's no doubt that membership of the forum has helped enormously in making better equipment/fitting choices, and I appreciate everyone bearing with me to get the details right.

I will post detailed pics into the thread of all mods - Daniel (Mulgo) has some very cool ideas - I think you will love them ! Gav

[Gav110]

Had a few requests for photos - it's not finished yet, but here's a couple of work in progress shots.

Daniel (Mulgo) is working on a custom mount of the number plate in front of the hawse/fairlead, which may end up being a step as well to allow easy access to the bonnet and then onto the roof rack. Also to come are the spotties (bar and roof rack) and antenna.

Will have more in a few weeks when I get it back from Daniel from part 2 of his fit-out.

[juddy]

Had a few requests for photos - it's not finished yet, but here's a couple of work in progress shots.

Daniel (Mulgo) is working on a custom mount of the number plate in front of the hawse/fairlead, which may end up being a step as well to allow easy access to the bonnet and then onto the roof rack. Also to come are the spotties (bar and roof rack) and antenna.

Will have more in a few weeks when I get it back from Daniel from part 2 of his fit-out.

Good looking Defender you have there, not a fan of the wide wheels. and lifts, does it affects how it drives or is it still the same as standard set up????

[Gav110]

Hey Juddy, was wondering who would notice, but all is not as it seems....

They are the standard Land Rover 7" Dual Finish wheels, normal offset.

However, I have fitted a set of 30mm aluminium spacers (bought from UK). The spacers are aircraft grade billet alum - at least as strong as wheel & hub - widen the track slightly and prevent rubbing when fitting larger tyres.

The tyres are 285/75/16 BFG Mud Terrain KM2 - which you can only fit without rubbing either by using backspaced steel wheels, with the much more expensive "Zu Rim" - or with the spacers solution. The spacers are not legal in all states, but chances of being picked up are next to zero - and they are light and strong.

I decided on the 285/75/16 over 255/85/16 (which are the same diameter) after speaking with several forum members who reported much better on and offroad grip, and an excellent seal on the 7" rim. Just be aware the 'recommended fitment' for this tyre is 7.5" - but there are no issues and anecdotally you can run lower pressures with less chance of rolling off the rim.

The suspension is standard height ! I've only fitted the HD (130) front springs from KarKraft. They stop the nose droop and keep it all level, which combined with the slightly higher under diff clearance, creates a visual appearance of height.

When combining this largely factory height with the around 55mm per side (110mm total) greater track width due to the 30mm spacer plus 25mm wider rubber each side of the centre line - stability is in my view much better than standard.

Have gone with the standard fit Bilstein shocks- but getting them re-tuned slightly in a few weeks to allow for the single rate front springs which are a bit firmer. Ride is very good though, and handling is very assured.

[SVX37]

Love all your extras Gav - a great looking rig. I have a number of the extras you have added but I have noted you have not mentioned a Aux Tank? One of my favourites. You are truly in great hands with Daniel (aka Mulgo). Hope to see more photos soon.

[juddy]

Hey Juddy, was wondering who would notice, but all is not as it seems....

They are the standard Land Rover 7" Dual Finish wheels, normal offset.

However, I have fitted a set of 30mm aluminium spacers (bought from UK). The spacers are aircraft grade billet alum - at least as strong as wheel & hub - widen the track slightly and prevent rubbing when fitting larger tyres.

The tyres are 285/75/16 BFG Mud Terrain KM2 - which you can only fit without rubbing either by using backspaced steel wheels, with the much more expensive "Zu Rim" - or with the spacers solution. The spacers are not legal in all states, but chances of being picked up are next to zero - and they are light and strong.

I decided on the 285/75/16 over 255/85/16 (which are the same diameter) after speaking with several forum members who reported much better on and offroad grip, and an excellent seal on the 7" rim. Just be aware the 'recommended fitment' for this tyre is 7.5" - but there are no issues and anecdotally you can run lower pressures with less change of rolling off the rim.

The suspension is standard height ! I've only fitted the HD (130) front springs from KarKraft. They stop the nose droop and keep it all level, which combined with the slightly higher under diff clearance, creates a visual appearance of height.

When combining this largely factory height with the around 55mm per side (110mm total) greater track width due to the 30mm spacer plus 25mm wider rubber each side of the centre line - stability is in my view much better than standard.

Have gone with the standard fit Bilstein shocks- but getting them re-tuned slightly in a few weeks to allow for the single rate front springs which are a bit firmer. Ride is very good though, and handling is very assured.

I see, i was told recently that spacer's can help improve the turning circle on the defender too. Love the wheels, look really good, bet you are glad the waits over...

[Gav110]

Yes Juddy that's true about the spacers and turning circles - although Mal (another member) was telling me yesterday that you can also manually adjust the steering stops to get more turn. Apparently the factory settings are not great. I have to say, I'm so far very impressed with the spacers.

SVX, yes spot on mate - Daniel is awesome; plus right you are on the cruise control and AUX tank. The AUX tank is being fitted by Daniel (the 45L Doilium one), and the cruise was already fitted by the dealer (Autron AusCruise).

Glad you reminded me about that - I promised the forum I'd send some photos of it fitted. It's a great unit - very good on the highway. Sorry it's a bit dark - that's it on the stalk on the RHS. The buttons are backlit, so always very easy to see.

[prith]

Congrats on your new Landy. You lucky guy. How much did the LR Expedition Roof Rack cost you? Am planning on getting one for my Landy.

[Gav110]

Cheers Prith - mate I think from memory it was about $2K as a dealer fit option - which included the 2-piece ladder (awaiting fitment).

[patclan]

However, I have fitted a set of 30mm aluminium spacers (bought from UK). The spacers are aircraft grade billet alum - at least as strong as wheel & hub - widen the track slightly and prevent rubbing when fitting larger tyres.

Gav, just curious, will you have to remove the spacers before going into the dealer for service or warranty work?

Would like to get some, apart from the legalities I don't think I could be bothered removing them each time it went in.

cheers
Patrick

[Gav110]

Pat I won't be bothering. They are not very visible, and if asked, I can just put the extra width down to the 285s !

[KarlB]

Wouldn't the spacers be fairly obvious if the dealer took a wheel off? I would image your problem if the dealer becomes aware of them is you may well have done your warranty on a large part of the drive train, especially wheels, axles and associated bearings, etc. Also possibly brakes and diffs. and even the gear box. This warranty situation may then be made worse by having wider tyres. Whether the tyre size is road legal or not (in Australia) is irrelevant if the size of the fitted tyres are not recommended for fitment by Land Rover. The insurance issue would be an even bigger nightmare if you are in a prang. Not only for you but also any other poor bugger involved. After all, you are knowingly driving an unroadworthy vehicle. I would suspect the onus would be on you to show that the spacers did not adversely contribute to the handling of the vehicle at the time of the accident. You are a braver man than me Gav. Good luck.

[nayto]

Yes Juddy that's true about the spacers and turning circles - although Mal (another member) was telling me yesterday that you can also manually adjust the steering stops to get more turn. Apparently the factory settings are not great. I have to say, I'm so far very impressed with the spacers

Hey mate, do you have any info on what adjustments can be made on the steering for a better turning circle?
I like the idea of spacers, but im scared of getting pinned for them in the event of a crash etc

[patclan]

Hey mate, do you have any info on what adjustments can be made on the steering for a better turning circle?
I like the idea of spacers, but im scared of getting pinned for them in the event of a crash etc


I found these instructions online, think they are the right ones, will have a look at mine at the weekend.

http://www.bellautoservices.co.uk/Defender-Steering-lock-adjustment.pdf

[Scouse]

Pat I won't be bothering. They are not very visible, and if asked, I can just put the extra width down to the 285s !Be careful what you say here. Land Rover do visit here from time to time.
If you wish to change anything you've typed, get in touch with the relevent mod for this section.

[Gav110]

I think it's just about being sensible with the mods we make - but then again we buy a Defender to mod it ! Frankly I think fitting dif locks is a greater risk of warranty issues than the tyres/spacers.

A lot also comes down to the relationship you cultivate with your dealer and the way you deal with them - and I've dealt with mine for 10 years with never an issue which couldn't be resolved with a bit of common sense. No plans on editing comments - I've nothing to hide.

[justinc]

I think it's just about being sensible with the mods we make - but then again we buy a Defender to mod it ! Frankly I think fitting dif locks is a greater risk of warranty issues than the tyres/spacers.

A lot also comes down to the relationship you cultivate with your dealer and the way you deal with them - and I've dealt with mine for 10 years with never an issue which couldn't be resolved with a bit of common sense. No plans on editing comments - I've nothing to hide.

As regards the 2 comments above, I have had a Defender customer who had warranty work performed quite happily even though he had a Rear ARB locker installed, as it was pinion and crownwheel wear that was the issue, not the locker or the installation. You just need to talk to people at LR or the Dealer with common sense.(Although after the diff failed Again a year later he opted for a Salisbury conversion....)

JC

[Gav110]

Agreed mate - and in my case I have laid out the extra $3K to extend the warranty to 6 years so my commitment to both LR and the dealer is in black and white, combined with my 3 previous purchases.

My focus now is just on sorting out my 'clunk/clatter' and slight engine 'hesitation' issues - booked in for 5 July after I get it back from Mulgo. Can't wait to get my wheels back ;)

[povman]

Gav110, Awesome Deefer mate, Love the mods...Mines going in to ARB on the 9th July, so hopefully will look something like yours when it's done..
I'm actually going for the 120 litre long range tank, will post pics when I'm done.

[JohnR]

Agreed great looking Defer, Puma's Rock and look tough as hell when accessorised :)

Cheers,

[fishobob]

Any update on your beast Gav? How's the fitout progressing and do you have any updated pics including some of your custom sliders?

Cheers and all the best,
Rob

[Gav110]

Sorry for the slackness guys - we're almost complete. It's going back into Mulgo after the Sydney LR show, hopefully to complete the mods. But it will be there at the show too and may be on his stand depending on what time I arrive.

Yes have had the custom sliders fitted, along with all lights, extra 45L tank, RovaCraft bar, extra interior lighting (like aircraft style), twin batteries, flip-down number plate holder/step, exbox, CB, extra cupholders, 6 x spotties, rear and side worklights, BFG MT tyres and sound insulation....

Once it's all done I will get all the photos up.

[fishobob]

Yes have had the custom sliders fitted, along with all lights, extra 45L tank, RovaCraft bar, extra interior lighting (like aircraft style), twin batteries, flip-down number plate holder/step, exbox, CB, extra cupholders, 6 x spotties, rear and side worklights, BFG MT tyres and sound insulation....

Once it's all done I will get all the photos up.

Sounds sweet, looking forward to some pics!

[VladTepes]

Yes bring on the pics !

[Carlos]

Certainly a smart looking vehicle, but I'd get it to Sydney for a coffee real quick if I were you.

[Gav110]

Guys, sorry for the radio silence - have been a *very* busy boy- not only building up the 110 but also a new 109 based camping trailer (well a re-build).

OK, here's a link to my Picasa gallery with a whole pile of photos of most of the mods, including the underfloor storage boxes, glovebox, custom rock slider steps and rear quarter bumperette steps etc.

Picasa Web Albums - Gavin Ger - Photos for 4W... (http://picasaweb.google.com/Gavin.Ger/PhotosFor4WDAction?authkey=Gv1sRgCJu0ld3J_PDgwQE#) (press slideshow)

Now, while I was up in Gloucester building up the interior of the 109 camper trailer with DRIFTA, 4WD Action asked if they could do a photo shoot of it, so there will be some glossy piccies and a whole story on it coming out in Issue # 160 of Australian 4WD Action which goes on sale on FEB 23.

It should show the 'Cruiser and patrol guys just what's possible if you use your imagination and do something original - i.e. a Defender !

The vehicle now has 17,000km and has been running beautifully overall - engine and transmission loosening up nicely. I still get some gear change clunking if I rush it, but have just accepted it as it's not that bad, but it's been fantastic towing the trailer and all my gear which is seriously heavy.

All the mods have worked fantastically. I have changed the stereo over for a Philips CED-370 unit as it has a fixed LCD screen so less moving parts and simpler to use, but generally all good with a few minor tweaks.

Also, if anyone is interested in seeing my build-up of the 109 camper trailer, click here: Picasa Web Albums - Gavin Ger - Trailer Build Up (http://picasaweb.google.com/Gavin.Ger/TrailerBuildUp?authkey=Gv1sRgCOHE_a2KkuSdwQE#) (press slideshow)

I will post a separate link for this in the camper trailers forum.

Have fun guys. Gav

[LowRanger]

Gav
Looks good.I particularly like the rear bumperettes.Did you make them or are they commercial units?

Wayne

[Gav110]

Cheers guys.

Wayne, the bumperettes are custom versions of Mulgo's standard units. My request was to use tubular steel and chequerplate to match the sliders, and to extend the 'step' around the side for further protection and also to make roof rack loading easier.

[PAT303]

Gav,your vehicle is what I like in a build,the storage in the floor and rear guard are not only neat but a smart use of space,allot better than the normal jacked up big wheeled crap from the jap camp.Nice work mate. Pat

[LowRanger]

Cheers guys.

Wayne, the bumperettes are custom versions of Mulgo's standard units. My request was to use tubular steel and chequerplate to match the sliders, and to extend the 'step' around the side for further protection and also to make roof rack loading easier.

Thanks Gav.They are exactly what I have been searching the net for.Every other type,including Daniels standard type only protect the rear corner,and not the full length of the lower rear panel.I think they are basically just a 90 Bumperette that fits on a 110.
Will give Daniel a call,or catch up at the club meeting and organise some for my old truck:)Should double its value:angel:

Wayne

[Gav110]

Guys the article on my 110 is on p72 of this month's 4WD Action Magazine (issue #160). Cheers Gav

[KarlB]

Guys the article on my 110 is on p72 of this month's 4WD Action Magazine (issue #160). Cheers Gav
Picked up the mag. over the weekend Gav. Good article; nice pictures; and excellent vehicle. You also did the forum proud with your praise.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[nugge t]

Excellent rig with some great innovation. Came up a treat in the mag..congratulations.

[Gav110]

Thanks guys - I mainly went through with the article to share the learnings with others and say thanks to the guys (including the forum members) who helped me do it. Plus, to give some inspiration to those potential future 110 owners who may just take the 'safe' choice with a Patrol or Cruiser.

[portafilter]

that is one sweet rig, is that a landrover roof rack? if you dont mind me asking where did you source it from?
Justin

[Gav110]

that is one sweet rig, is that a landrover roof rack? if you dont mind me asking where did you source it from?
Justin

Yep it's a standard accessory - the 'Expedition Roof Rack'. From memory cost was around $2K with ladder. Worth every cent!