landy
27th April 2014, 09:32 AM
I was lucky enough to be able to add/replace a few items on the Defender over the last 18 months and thought I would post a product review on each item. They are
1. Front runner roof rack 2.8 metre.
2. Front runner gull wing rear doors.
3. MUD UK snow cowls LH and RH and
4. Exmoor trim retrim kit front seats in Techno.
1. I could not park the Defender in the new car park at work as the old roof rack was to high. As it was to heavy to to be practical to remove and replace when needed I purchased a 2.8m FR Slim line II rack.
This has so far proved to be an excellent rack. It's low fitting and allows access to 2.2 metre car parks unloaded and without extra fittings. It came un assembled and was easy to assemble with basic hand tools. It is also considerably lighter than the old Tradsman rack. I really like the slotted system and it makes fitting and removing of extras such as kayak racks really easy. However, I also bought the expedition rails as I thought they looked good! An absolute waste of money. They are flimsy and for what you get, really overpriced. Don't bother with these! Rack scores 9 out of 10.
2. I was frustrated trying to load up the back with the fridge in place so bought the gull wings. Without doubt the best thing I have added to the car. Loading and access are second to none. I can not recommend these enough to any defender owner. Worth every penny! 10 out of 10.
3. Where I live there are a lot of trees/bushes that drop this really fine leaf stuff! This stuff cost me a heater motor as it blocked the drain tube and filled the vent ducting with water. My fault I know but annoying none the less. I fitted the cowels and I have noticed that I no longer mist up on rainy Brisbane days and the vent ducting remains water free. I added both sides just to even up both sides but you only need the LH vent really. Score 8 out of 10 just because they are ABS Plastic and would crack if stood on. (I stand on my bonnet to load the rack) would be better made of metal.
4. Lastly, the front DS seat back foam fell apart and the frame wore though the seat back trim. I didn't want to do just one seat so bought a two seat kit from exmoor trim. The quality of the kit is just simply excellent! The instructions are very simple and there is a youtube tutorial to follow as well. The fabric is very close to the original pattern, just slightly smaller but hardly noticeable. It has transformed the look of the seats. Well worth doing if the front seats are a little tired. The biggest improvement though is before I used to get really bad sciatica after about 2 hours driving and now the seats are fine. No pain in my legs or back. Score 10 out of 10.
I hope this helps someone who is contemplating doing any of these upgrade in the future.
Cheers all.
1. Front runner roof rack 2.8 metre.
2. Front runner gull wing rear doors.
3. MUD UK snow cowls LH and RH and
4. Exmoor trim retrim kit front seats in Techno.
1. I could not park the Defender in the new car park at work as the old roof rack was to high. As it was to heavy to to be practical to remove and replace when needed I purchased a 2.8m FR Slim line II rack.
This has so far proved to be an excellent rack. It's low fitting and allows access to 2.2 metre car parks unloaded and without extra fittings. It came un assembled and was easy to assemble with basic hand tools. It is also considerably lighter than the old Tradsman rack. I really like the slotted system and it makes fitting and removing of extras such as kayak racks really easy. However, I also bought the expedition rails as I thought they looked good! An absolute waste of money. They are flimsy and for what you get, really overpriced. Don't bother with these! Rack scores 9 out of 10.
2. I was frustrated trying to load up the back with the fridge in place so bought the gull wings. Without doubt the best thing I have added to the car. Loading and access are second to none. I can not recommend these enough to any defender owner. Worth every penny! 10 out of 10.
3. Where I live there are a lot of trees/bushes that drop this really fine leaf stuff! This stuff cost me a heater motor as it blocked the drain tube and filled the vent ducting with water. My fault I know but annoying none the less. I fitted the cowels and I have noticed that I no longer mist up on rainy Brisbane days and the vent ducting remains water free. I added both sides just to even up both sides but you only need the LH vent really. Score 8 out of 10 just because they are ABS Plastic and would crack if stood on. (I stand on my bonnet to load the rack) would be better made of metal.
4. Lastly, the front DS seat back foam fell apart and the frame wore though the seat back trim. I didn't want to do just one seat so bought a two seat kit from exmoor trim. The quality of the kit is just simply excellent! The instructions are very simple and there is a youtube tutorial to follow as well. The fabric is very close to the original pattern, just slightly smaller but hardly noticeable. It has transformed the look of the seats. Well worth doing if the front seats are a little tired. The biggest improvement though is before I used to get really bad sciatica after about 2 hours driving and now the seats are fine. No pain in my legs or back. Score 10 out of 10.
I hope this helps someone who is contemplating doing any of these upgrade in the future.
Cheers all.