Defender guard protector and toolbox

[stealth]

Just thought I'd post some pictures of Defender mudguard protectors I formed up. I thought I'd make use of the cavity in the right side guard and formed up some panels, shifted a few things and turned it in to a useful storage box. Can't be opened unless the bonnet is up.27356

[dullbird]

very nicely done.....

[frantic]

Bloody good design!!! You should line the box, put in a few tie down points and sell it as a replacement! Great place for the snatch strap, shackles , and tyre gear etc even could put in a compressor !! :D
How much did the whole kit cost + time spent?

[weeds]

top job there

[windsock]

Stealth by name and stealth by design uhh. Cool storage idea. Most folk would walk past that and not even see it even if the bonnet was up.

:cool:

[haggisbasher]

What a great idea. Top marks mate!

Chris

[VladTepes]

Outstanding - I was considering the same thing but not sure hwo to go about it.

In the first pic there is a cutout on the guard protector at the front corner... why ?

[KarlB]

Does you your gear stay dry in heavy rain, Stealth?

Cheers
KarlB

[Michael2]

That is so well designed. I have seen a similar set up on a Series Landy, but they don't have the inner guard, so there was a box recessed into the guard, a bit like the optional storage box that fits under the middle seat of the series Land Rovers.

Is the back of the guard (wheel arch) still open on yours?

I reckon you should line it with rubber, and if you're putting anything hard that can rattle, just fit an old thick sock over it first (ie can of WD40 in a sock). Then pad it up with a bag of rags, which are always handy, so that rattles don't do your head in.

Well done.

[isuzutoo-eh]

Thats really great. Thanks for sharing. When is the first batch coming on the market? :D

[Ranga]

Typical - a week after I fit my guard protectors!

[stealth]

Thanks guys fro the compliments. I'll post some pictures of my "centre console/armrest/stubby holder/middle seat" now.

The whole thing cost about $300 just for materials, being the alluminium, stainless steel hinge, nuts and bolts and panel steel for the inner panels which I then got zinc coated. The time involved starts with 'a lot'. It does stay pretty dry mainly because it can't be made dust or waterproof so I allowed for drainage. What water does leak in when driving leaks out the bottom. Because the bottom is not flat the water drains through the lowest point leaving the rest dry. I don't put anything in it that would damage with water anyway. It would no doubt flood with deep water driving. Even if it did get wet, the engine heat radiates into it so it dries quickly. I haven't tried it as a pie warmer yet but that is an option. Except when driving through deep water. Don't want soggy pies.

The small cut out in the corners was just to make it easier to fit the curve of the guard panels. I curved the edges to the limits of the guards both for extra strength as well as preventing water getting underneath even through they are sealed with silicone.

I would love to have the time to make some more as I think I would have no trouble selling them but the hours involved plus time fitting would be prohibitive to finding a reasonable cost.

[VladTepes]

Do you have step by step hotos ?
Templates ? Measurements ? Drawings ? Materials list ? Technques ? Tips ?

If you aren't inclined to make em for others why bnot post as a porject / tutorial on AULRO so we can havea go ourselves ?

[stealth]

I actually made it a couple of years ago before I knew of AULRO forum. I don't have the templates anymore and the tooling I made for forming up the checkerplate has been scrapped and turned into something else. I don't really want to pull it apart just to get measurements but maybe if I posted more detailed photos anyone with reasonable skills should be able to replicate it.

[VladTepes]

No-ones expecting a pull apart !

Some more epiucs would be handy.

DId you line the box with something so that things rattling around dont dent the side of the thin aluminium guard, from the inside ?

[MacFamily]

Great Job Stealth thanks for posting it up :thumbsup:

[alittlebitconcerned]

Clever bugger. Love it!

[Xul]

Nice work mate I really like this!

Might have to have a go at it myself. I'd probably do it without the checkerplate myself (not a fan). I'm thinking sourcing another wingtop and cutting that to shape as the lid could work.

[stealth]

You don't need to line the inside of the box to protect the ally guard panel as the galvanized inner liner of the wheel arch extends right up to the top of the guard and is qite rigid and strong. i don't bother much with anything other than a few rags to stop things rattling and haven't noticed any noise coming from it at all I'll organize some more photos.