MULGO's PUMA X-Box [Archive] - Australian Land Rover Owners

Drover

29th September 2011, 05:48 PM

I purchased a MULGO X-Box at the expo last Sunday. Daniel generously offered to allow me to fit it at his work shop at Mordale (one Sydney southern suburbs).
There are two thing that I feel compelled to say……………
1/ The X-box is a very clever and well made/thought out unit. Every thing fits, everything works and the end result is all of the vital electric are now 300mm higher. Effectively, water would have to be laying in your lap before anything vital will get wet.
A second benefit is I now have large storage box under the drivers seat.
2/ Mulgo, aka Daniel is without doubt the king of customer service, unequalled. Daniel passion for Landy’s is reflected in is product and his outright commitment to his customers is unlikely to be found anywhere else.
Thanks Daniel, for all your help today - Cheers Mate.

zeus11

29th September 2011, 07:11 PM

Throw up some photo's :)

I agree after speaking with Daniel briefly at the expo. He is very clever and his products are of very good quality.

The Cone of Silence

29th September 2011, 10:14 PM

Drover,

I purchased the Ex Box a couple of weeks ago and Daniel also invited me to install at his workshop, so I'm heading down on Saturday...and I shall also be inserting the seat extensions and having a chat with him about a few other ideas.

I'll take plenty of photos and will upload them accordingly.

I agree with you mate...the man's passion for Land Rovers and sharing his knowledge is wonderfully infectious. Many more could and should learn from him. Great example Daniel...see you Saturday mate!

Rob

cal415

29th September 2011, 10:24 PM

Yes put up some pics, I was impressed with daniels customer service the other day, i was looking at these but wanted to do something a little different to suit my county he was nice enough to mention a few things to avoid when making one, he also told me in detail how they made the skins they use on there 130 extended wagons when i was talking about making new door skins... those 130's are very well made!

Beckford

30th September 2011, 06:57 AM

Daniel had run out of back door gas struts at the Expo, so he couriered one out to me. Arrived on Wednesday.

Very good customer service!

Phoenix12

30th September 2011, 07:08 AM

I have had Daniel fit an x-box, side rails, auxiliary fuel tank, tow bar, custom wing tops and have a few other things on the go........

As said by others - Daniel is the goods, knows the goods, supplies the goods and offers the best customer service experience around.

I have written about this before and am really happy to see that his hard work is paying off. In fact I joked with him yesterday that he may soon have to hire an apprentice.........!!

The x-box is a great bit of kit, and I find that it leaves a really good height of the console for me to rest my elbow on as I cruise along, and changing gears is just a flick of the wrist whilst resting on the console lid.........

Cheers to Daniel at MULGOS for giving us die hards what we need...:)

ScottyD

30th September 2011, 07:10 AM

So far I've bought an Ex-Box, Side Rails and Bumperettes from Mulgo (Daniel). Could not be happier with the design and quality of all of it. Thanks Daniel.

I'm planning to get some photo's of the truck up soon, its only about 8 weeks old :) Just need to find some time...

newhue

30th September 2011, 11:25 AM

Nera Donna

30th September 2011, 11:30 AM

Bought my Ex-box last November while in Sydney on Holidays, I plan to use it (rightly or wrongly) “not as Daniel had intended”. I did discuss with Daniel at the time. So far it’s still not fitted. Only been home twice since then. :(
Everybody is 100% right. Daniel is a good bloke, very knowledgeable, provides a great product and fantastic service.
Thanks and keep us smiling Daniel. :)

chook73

30th September 2011, 11:33 AM

I have been funding Daniels lifestyle for a while now and he has done a fairly significant amount of work on my truck (for me anyway) and supplied even more stuff which I have fitted.

Daniel is not only knowledgable and passionate about Landys but he stands by what he sells and me being the PITA I am he has not hesitated once to have the truck back to fix a problem or replace something under warranty. He is focused on making sure I am happy with the vehicle and the product he supplies and that alone is why I keep going back.

I cannot recommend him enough and if anyone has had the crappy ARB experience I have Daniel is worth a visit.

Regards
Iain

chook73

30th September 2011, 11:36 AM

It is a great product and idea, BUT anyone is fitting an X-box, take the time to put some heat insulation under it. I wasn't bright enough, and though it doesn't get overly hot, now all the wiring is done it's become to hard.

I could not agree more, I am in the same boat, now I have filled it with wiring I completely regret not putting heat insulation under it.

chook73

30th September 2011, 11:49 AM

The Cone of Silence

30th September 2011, 12:58 PM

Righto. I'm heading down there tomorrow morning. Where can I get some decent heat insulation from this evening or pre-9:30am tomorrow?

I'm in North Sydney and heading towards Mortdale!

Rob

chook73

30th September 2011, 01:23 PM

Supercheap Auto, its called heatshield material and about $55 per sheet.

Drover

30th September 2011, 02:26 PM

It is a great product and idea, BUT anyone is fitting an X-box, take the time to put some heat insulation under it. I wasn't bright enough, and though it doesn't get overly hot, now all the wiring is done it's become to hard.

Just crawled out from under the PUMA, it doesn't look too hard to install some heat shield from underneath, lots-a-room.

From below it is apparent that you should go right the way across, not only on the X Box.

How is the heat shield material from Supercrap attached ? Glue ?

The Cone of Silence

30th September 2011, 02:32 PM

Copy that, Chook and Drover.

Nice work - thanks lads.

newhue

30th September 2011, 06:34 PM

I used Sikkaflex, the one designed for auto applications. Bunnings or most auto stores will sell it. I stuck the supercheap heat shield from on the trans tunnel with Sikka and it worked well.

Didge

1st October 2011, 09:09 PM

Well thanks guys, I haven't used Daniel yet (haven't had the need) but your endorsement is more than enough for me and I'm sure it pleases Daniel. I have seen one of his rear guard storage boxes that looked interesting.
cheers Gerald

chook73

2nd October 2011, 04:52 PM

Hey rob how did you go the other day? Did you get it all in?

The Cone of Silence

3rd October 2011, 11:38 AM

G'day Chook.

Yeah, got it all in. Was having such a good time that I forgot to take "in progress" photos...but I do have a couple of insights and tips that might be useful to people doing this modification and a "finished product" pic that I took today. Will post in greater detail tomorrow.

Love the height of the armrest - changing gears with a flick of the wrist is surprisingly easy.

Daniel is one of a kind. Everytime I had a question or came upon a head-scratcher, he would drop everything he was doing to come and help and offer solutions, let me use his tools (I want an air compressor rivet gun now) and make sure I was happy, confident and that the job was done properly.

Very impressed with his product. Even more impressed with his attitude towards his customers. Thank you Daniel.

Rob

chook73

3rd October 2011, 02:21 PM

Fantastic rob good to hear your happy I hope to see you out on the tracks soon.

The Cone of Silence

3rd October 2011, 03:48 PM

A few handy things to know when installing the Ex-Box...in a roughly-chronological order:

1) This is much easier with two people unless you already really know your way around the Defender. I'm pretty new so having a mate with me to run ideas past and for poking and pulling and wiggling wires and bashing things was a big help.

2) It's all pretty straightforward and methodical, but some things can be daunting. For me, removing the plates that the relays are currently mounted on was a bit scary. They required a good bashing with a screwdriver and hammer. I was pretty glad Daniel was there to show me first and tell me how people hate doing that part!

3) Before removing the fuse box and relays from under the driver's seat, take a couple of photos first, just so you know where they all go back to once they're in the Ex-Box.

4) When pushing the wires out of the driver's seat space and into the space above the transfer box, make sure nothing is too tight...and be really careful of cable ties that may restrict the loom. I cut my cable ties then put new ones on afterwards. This really helped with the tension on the loom.
A good tip here is that when you remove the power cable from its conduit and put it in with the main wires going into the Ex-Box, re-use the discarded conduit for the poor old central locking cable that will still reside under the driver's backside, all on its own. This will help protect the cable.

5) When removing the existing plate that sits under the cubby box, definitely rivet the two fuel line brackets before undoing the bolts. I know it doesn't appear on the instructions and that some people have suggested doing it, including Daniel, but to me this is a no-brainer as it makes life easier and only takes 2 minutes to do.

6) When retrieving the central locking wire back through the grommet, there are two ways to do this. Either take off the white connector and put it on again afterwards, or get two long screwdrivers and a ham-fisted Queenslander and poke and wiggle it through taking GREAT CARE not to damage the other wires. it can be like spaghetti junction in there so this requires patience! When pushing the wires up into the Ex-Box, push through the big relays first...and hold them out of the way while you poke the others through. This is when it's awesome having a second pair of hands.

7) When they're all through and it's time to bring the rubber grommet up from beneath the car and into the Ex-Box through the hole, pull it through a bit at a time, wiggling it upwards until it seats in place. Maybe use a screwdriver to help. Do NOT do what I did and pull it all the way through and then try to push the collar of it back through - the hole is 2mm in diameter too small to allow this to seat properly. Daniel helped here and solved the problem in a matter of seconds by starting again.

8) Heatshield. Do it. Attach to the bottom of the Ex-Box using rivets....or if you have the softer stuff, I guess an adhesive might do the trick.

9) The bolts that held the plate on under the cubby box may be a bit short...so you might need to just put plenty of pressure on the box to get the nut to "bite" and screw on....but it will go down. Be firm with it.

10) Make sure everything is nice and sealed - with sikaflex and/ or neoprene tape.

As I already had my UHF installed and fitted to the cubby box, this could have caused issues with opening the box so I pulled the power and aerial cables through more and then wrapped them up in a conduit.

Also, just to be tidy(ish) I got some carpet from Bunnings and cut it to fit the rest of the box. Looks smarter and will be kinder to my phone should I keep it in there.

Sorry I didn't take pics of me actually doing the install. I got a bit carried away and didn't think to stop. Very naughty of me, I apologise.

I hope these comments help. Happy to elaborate further if it's helpful. PM me if you like.

Love the Ex-Box...it's a great bit of kit. Thoughtfully designed and manufactured too. I'm seriously impressed. Well done Daniel...and thank you again for your help.

Rob

gouldier

9th December 2014, 07:56 AM

Throw up some photo's :)

I agree after speaking with Daniel briefly at the expo. He is very clever and his products are of very good quality.
Hi all, My Wife ordered a X-box on 20th November for my xmas present . 2 weeks later no x-box , 1 week later she had to email , no response called the other day . Turns out he is waiting on product to come in . No email/phone call to say there is a delay on the order. My first impressions aren't that good. Was going to get some dash switches for my compressor and spot lights , having second thoughts now.

pannawonica

9th December 2014, 10:54 AM

I have just ordered one, though having too wait for production too catch up with orders! I presume the insulation referred too is on the bottom outside surfaces?

filcar

9th December 2014, 02:53 PM

Hi all, My Wife ordered a X-box on 20th November for my xmas present . 2 weeks later no x-box , 1 week later she had to email , no response called the other day . Turns out he is waiting on product to come in . No email/phone call to say there is a delay on the order. My first impressions aren't that good. Was going to get some dash switches for my compressor and spot lights , having second thoughts now.

Very different to my experience with Daniel. I got an immediate email after putting my order in online to tell me about the delay and a follow up phone call from him. I believe that he was overseas for a time and I think it may have been around the time you put your order in?

Wallaby Ted

9th December 2014, 06:57 PM

Hopefully they will ship soon, I ordered mine on 28/10 and got an email on 3/11 saying they would ship mid November. I have just emailed Daniel for an update so will wait and see.

Richard

AndyG

9th December 2014, 07:10 PM

Hi all, My Wife ordered a X-box on 20th November for my xmas present . 2 weeks later no x-box , 1 week later she had to email , no response called the other day . Turns out he is waiting on product to come in . No email/phone call to say there is a delay on the order. My first impressions aren't that good. Was going to get some dash switches for my compressor and spot lights , having second thoughts now.

The products are no1, the instructions need a refresh, almost a copy of a copy, email is intriguing :o, on occasion nothing, or at 0130 in 10 secs later. , maybe PC's are not his thing. Would I buy again, definatetly, in fact hoping for a visit in February, oh those gull wing windows :)

Doc130

9th December 2014, 09:04 PM

I have had to wait a few times for things getting mixed up with couriers BUT Daniel was great in sorting it all out no need to worry

Wallaby Ted

9th December 2014, 10:25 PM

Hopefully they will ship soon, I ordered mine on 28/10 and got an email on 3/11 saying they would ship mid November. I have just emailed Daniel for an update so will wait and see.

Richard

Got an email back from Daniel, he has just got some this morning and has more at the powdercoaters. He also said he was expecting all to leave by mid next week.

Looks like Christmas break is going to be wiring on the 110.

Richard

Tote

10th May 2016, 08:44 PM

Since this thread already has some good info on fitting the Ex Box I though I'd add my comments after fitting mine over the last couple of nights. All went well although allow yourself at least the 3 hours specified in the installation manual.

That spray bottle that you filled with soapy water and carried across the Simpson is your best friend when working with the grommets on the loom. A small spray and the gronmmet happily moves up and down the loom. It also makes fitting the grommets into the ex box easier.

My 130 has heated seats, the loom for the drivers seat has to be separated with the central locking loom and fed back through the hole left by the power feed under the seat. This loom is then a little tight, the connector needs to be fed through the grommet and plugged in under the seat box.

Put some heat shielding on the bottom of the box while its out.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/Defender/IMGP3084.1_zps4jz7ilg2.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/toteau/media/Defender/IMGP3084.1_zps4jz7ilg2.jpg.html)

I also put some at the rear of the floor under the cubby box, you can see the silver in this photo.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/Defender/IMGP3083.1_zpsrp5zvwoc.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/toteau/media/Defender/IMGP3083.1_zpsrp5zvwoc.jpg.html)

Another trick for stretching wiring grommets is to use a set of these, ask your local farmer mate if you can borrow a set :eek:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y127/toteau/Defender/IMGP3093.1_zpsg8uae0vy.jpg (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/toteau/media/Defender/IMGP3093.1_zpsg8uae0vy.jpg.html)

All in all a very good product, it transforms the feeling from the drivers seat as well as providing somewhere else to stash some electronics.

Regards,
Tote

Toxic_Avenger

10th May 2016, 11:02 PM

Give the grommet stretcher a good wash first though ;-)

roverrescue

12th May 2016, 11:22 AM

Tote,
I am yet to do this - and want to sort the heat shielding from the get-go
My 130 came pre-loved with tonnes of extra heat shielding and gap filling - the only source of heat into the cabin is the bottom of the centre console.
If I fit an exbox I will endeavour to fix this.
Looking at your photos down through the floor, instead of stick on insulation to walls and exbox base, would there be room to fit in place a curved aluminium sheet roughly following the shape of the seat box - but curved with it held off the actual panels with spacers? Would sit below the fuel lines and wiring in your photo.

Im thinking reflective insulation is always going to be better (think exhaust/ turbo heat shields) in this sort of setup. Could always put some foil backed foam in as well to seal up noise and stray heat?

My guess is most of the radiant heat comes from exhaust and the gear bags...
Would be nice to reflect it away and then only have to deal with what can transmit through the heat shield.

S

Tote

12th May 2016, 12:19 PM

There would be room to fit a curved heat shield there but I'm not convinced that the heat is all radiant heat, I reckon some of it is hot air. I wrapped the exhaust pipe and that made a significant difference, the stick on shielding should fix the rest I reckon. There are some more details in my build thread.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/231870-another-130-build-thread.html

Regards,
Tote

Rolly

5th June 2016, 04:28 PM

Afternoon,

For those who have installed the Mulgo Ex Box into the 2.2 Puma....I have a Q.

How did you get the power cable for the bass box into the ex box. I'm thinking I'll have to drill a frigging great hole in the wall just above rear footwell to get it up towards the Bass Box.
I don't see how I can get the large plug up through the rubber boot......

Frustrating

karlz

5th June 2016, 05:16 PM

Toxic_Avenger

5th June 2016, 05:34 PM

I don't recall having any such issues rolly...
If anything, when you move the fuse block into the ex box, you will have an excess of cable. I do recall that there was a bit of wrangling involved with re-routing the wire bundles to make it all sit right, and not chafe against the top of the T-case.

The power feed for the fuse block is straight off the main MEGA fuse on the battery positive terminal. There will be 2 wires at the battery- one which goes to the starter motor (fused @ 500A) and a smaller gauge wire which is attached before the mega fuse, which goes direct to the fuse block.

Rolly

5th June 2016, 06:44 PM

Yep, it's going to be too short. I've made the cut and tomorrow at Daniel(Mulgo)'s suggestion I'll get some trailer wire(as each wire is different colour) to rejoin and provide the length I need.
Another benefit was I was able Feed the bass box wire into one of the two rubber boots and not drill another hole into the base of the Ex-Box.

Each step I learn a little more.

Toxic_Avenger

5th June 2016, 07:11 PM

Silicone spray is your friend too. Helps when cramming those wires in that hole.
For some wires, I fed a coathanger from in the ex box to the undercarriage, and tied / taped off the wires to the coathanger and planety of spray, and pulled it all back thru.

THere are also a few moulded nipples on the big grommets that install into the bottom of the ex box. For smaller wires you can snip an end off and feed wires thru easily.

Rolly

5th June 2016, 08:00 PM

Thanks Toxic,

Unfortunately it wasn't just the wires I was trying to get through but also the plug....it were mission impossible.
Combined with this there was not enough length for the loom to enter the ex box and reach the bass box. I'll extend it and world is good again.

Cheers

kogvos

6th June 2016, 06:29 AM

Rolly

6th June 2016, 07:59 AM

Thanks for that however I've already made the cut. Fortunately this also removed the need for another hole in the base of the ex box.
Also the last of the pumas produced have a deeper wiring loom and as such the attachment points of circuit/CB board needs to be raised by 30mm on far left and 60mm on single point on right otherwise the wires beneath the board are compressed and rub on base of ex box.

karlz

6th June 2016, 07:38 PM