side body capping rust

[kailanayacht]

I am disappointed to see rust growing on the side body capping on my Defender 2007. At this stage rust only on the rear sections of the capping. I am hoping to replace this capping instead of rust repair as I am sure the rust will eventually present itself again. I have a suspicion that the side panel capping on older Defenders (Series) was galvanised (and often not painted) and these did not rust? Can anyone confirm this and if the old ones are galvanised can I buy a new galvanised set anywhere (or know of wrecking in WA)? I assume the new capping (fitted to my MY2007) is all steel? Rust not shown in pictured (for capping part identification only).

[Dopey]

Ashtree Landrover International | Doors (http://www.ashtreelandrover.com/Pricelist.html)
At £295.00 they are a little bit expensive, however being Ashtree they are of a very high quality.

Land Rover Defender Galvanised Cappings - YRM Metal Solutions (http://www.yrmlandrover.com/Land-Rover-Defender-Galvanised-Capping-Kit)
At £150.00 odd pounds they are a bit cheaper, however out of stock at the moment (you would need option "B" when ordering).

MWC4662 - Capping Galvanised RH 2 Piece Type 11O Station Wagon (http://www.johncraddockltd.co.uk/land-rover-defender/defender-90-and-110/parts/body-and-fittings/mwc4662-capping-galvanised-rh-2-piece-type-11o-station-wagon.html)
At £110.00 a bit cheaper again, however as far as I know they are also out of stock.

DEFENDER2.NET - View topic - Replacing body cappings 110 Hard Top Job specification? (http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic5283.html)
A link to a bit of info about replacing the capping, also have a look at the photos on the link to the French site.
The article is about a 110 TD5, but pretty much the same as doing it on a 110 TDCI.

Regards,
Mike.

[JDNSW]

Body capping on Landrovers was galvanised from 1948 to some time in the 90s. Rust has been a problem with it since then.

John

[BilboBoggles]

I would go back to landrover and ask for warranty help. Whilst it's just outside of the 6 year rust warranty if you ask nicely but firmly they may help. They did on my rusty defender.


Fyi I believe the cappings on 2012 onwards are zinc plated again....

[BilboBoggles]

Another option might be to pull the existing cappings and get the rust ground out and welded, then get them galvanised.

[BilboBoggles]

One thing I forgot to mention. It's possible to rust proof the existing cappings. I use Inox on mine and that seems to work quite well. I can tell it's working because it wicks so well, the rivets are still wicking Inox 6 months later!. A quick squirt once a year may stop the rust in it's tracks and save you a fairly major repair.

[kailanayacht]

Thank you everyone for your input. I will look at all options and will post the outcome at a later date when the job is completed. Rust is always going to be a problem with my vehicle parked next to a marina…..

[kailanayacht]

I ended up purchasing the new Galvanised capping set from YRM and installed them by removing the rear windows (one side at a time) and supporting the roof using bottle jack and timber. No need to completely remove the roof as suggested by others during my previous google research. However, the rear door needs to be removed to install the drivers side capping and this is the only part that required 2 people for the job. I am very happy with the result and sure the galvanised capping will last much longer than the crap originally supplied with the 07' Defender. Pics attached.

[JDNSW]

Good on you! Obviously you are planning to keep the Defender long term. Of course, there is always another alternative - move inland!

John

[kailanayacht]

Thanks John, yes I will keep this one and run her into the ground...(if thats possible for a LR?)...... Just over 100,000 on the clock and fortunately no issues mechanically since we purchased at 69,000km a few years ago. I'm a fan of the Puma engine but not to sure about the 'bulldog' bonnet..... Moving inland is not an option, I have seawater in my veins, ha, ha!

[BilboBoggles]

That looks really nice on a white Defender! How long did it take you?

[kailanayacht]

Thanks BilboBoggles, I like the look too and has the added bonus of not require any paint maintenance in future! It took me one full day to complete both sides. Best tool on hand was the air rivet gun. Too many stems to pull using a manual gun......

[rar110]

I coated the underside of my capping with wax oil when it was replaced. I did think of getting the capping galvanised (as did most other bits) but was a bit short on time. No rust after 8 years and I live 150m from the bay. So its been effective. Gal on white looks good.

[manic]

I ended up purchasing the new Galvanised capping set from YRM and installed them by removing the rear windows (one side at a time) and supporting the roof using bottle jack and timber....

Right way to go. It gives your puma an extra serve of classic land rover character. I think it will look even better when the galv has dulled down a bit. Shame they no longer come out the factory like this.

[Didge]

Definitely not gal on a 95 build