Aftermarket instrument binnacle supports

[steveG]

Looking at getting an aftermarket instrument binnacle support to replace the broken crappy plastic one.
Both Raptor and APT Fabrications make them, and for a similar price.
Any comments on quality and fit of either brand from those of you that already have them fitted?
Any other manufacturers??

Steve

[GuyG]

I've got the APT one fitted, was all pretty easy, excellent quality, fairly sure it was the best priced at the time.

[Wallaby Ted]

Hi Steve,

I don't own one of those, but talk to Ben at APT as he is a fellow Defender owner and a member of the Land Rover Owners Club of Brisbane.

He is easy to talk to and has lots of information.


Richard

[harro]

Hi Steve, I have the Raptor one fitted.
Well made, easy to fit and peace of mind on those corrugations:).

Cheers,
Paul.

[Dave_S]

I bought a Raptor one quite a while back, plus a new instrument panel. Both original parts in my County were totally shot and held together with about a dozen makeshift repairs. The Raptor part went in easily and the new instrument panel fitted no problems.

Having said that, I've just installed one of Ben's steering guards (APT) and it fits well. I've no reason to believe his stuff wouldn't be just as good as the Raptor support.

[steveG]

Thanks all. Think I'll support local and buy the APT one.

Steve

[Bigbjorn]

Anyone got photos and where are these people?

[steveG]

Anyone got photos and where are these people?

APT Fabrications:
APT Fabrication for Land Rover parts - Binnacle mount (http://www.aptfabrications.com.au/defender/product/62-binnacle-mount)

Raptor:
Defender & S111 Binnacle Mount (http://www.raptor-engineering.co.uk/defender-s111-binnacle-mount)

Steve

[Bigbjorn]

APT Fabrications:
APT Fabrication for Land Rover parts - Binnacle mount (http://www.aptfabrications.com.au/defender/product/62-binnacle-mount)

Raptor:
Defender & S111 Binnacle Mount (http://www.raptor-engineering.co.uk/defender-s111-binnacle-mount)

Steve

Thanks, steveG, but what I had hoped to find was a metal binnacle. The County already has a steel binnacle mount. The plastic binnacles only seem to last a couple of years before breaking up.

[Judo]

Thanks, steveG, but what I had hoped to find was a metal binnacle. The County already has a steel binnacle mount. The plastic binnacles only seem to last a couple of years before breaking up.

I'm not so sure... If we're talking about the bracket that joins the binnacle cluster to the dash structure, then mine is definitely plastic....and broken. As a result this thread has been quite helpful! I might end up with an APT bracket as well.

There's possible confusion with the heater vent on the right side tho. I think that forms part of the mount bracket maybe? Which is plastic, however the vent structure might screw into a steel bracket.

[dlatn]

Does anybody produce an entire replacement dashboard out of steel?