She said YES!!!

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Hi all,

Ant here and as the title say's, my sensational fiance said yes to a brand spanking new 110 after six months of seed planting and ingenious mind play and budget negotiations :D

I'm currently negotiating a deal but have some Defender newbie questions that I hope you experienced old hands can assist with?

I used to dive 90's in the RAA about 20 years ago and by my test drive of the new 110 recently not a heap has changed :p Not true, I'm pretty impressed with the new rig.

I have wish a list a mile long of goodies to add with a kick ass custom drawer system to boot, and this is where I would appreciate your help. I'm in Brisvegas and looking for a very reliable mech and someone to workout an excellent drawer system for me. Please help, and this is my first of many, many newbie questions ;)

Thanks,
Ant.

[YOLO110]

Great!!! Congratulations!

Mine arrives soon too I hope!

So... can you share the words that worked then mate... or patent them! :D

Cheers,

Pete ;)

[cinders]

Good onya mate.
Can't help with the mechanic but if you're handy with a welder why don't you make your own. That's the best thing about these cars, you get to make everything for them yourself and it doesn't look out of place.
If I can figure out how to put piccies up I'll show you my set up.
Cheers

[ProjectDirector]

Great to see another joining the Defender family, well done.
Am in Melbourne so I can't comment on mechanic. With regards to drawer system am building one next weekend with my best man the cabinet maker. We are using black ply with HD drawer rails. Will be heavy but don't care. I will post pics next week.

[YOLO110]

... With regards to drawer system am building one next weekend with my best man the cabinet maker. We are using black ply with HD drawer rails. Will be heavy but don't care. I will post pics next week.

That will be great to see! I am also planning the same. :)

[cinders]

Made mine out of some 20x20 shs which made the frame and draw unit. 5 mm ali plate for the top which I hinged just incase the draw wouldn't open for what ever reason. The draw has 1 50x25mm on each side of it which runs in bearings.
So hopefully the piccies will make sense87105

87108

87110

87113

87114

[cinders]

Yay, it worked.

[ProjectDirector]

That will be great to see! I am also planning the same. :)


If everything goes well we will finish it during the weekend

[DiscoMick]

Would you make me one if I paid you a sensible amount of money?

[ProjectDirector]

Would you make me one if I paid you a sensible amount of money?


Happy to make one but am in Melbourne.

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, very glad to be here :D

As for my choice of words to the better half, well being a star wars fan from way back I borrowed a few choice words such as whilst car shopping at other brands I would wave my hand and say with no facial expression "this is not the car you're looking for".

I recommend practicing in the mirror first ;)

Not much of a welder so will be seeking professional help. I see there are some alloy drawers hitting the market which are super light. Anyone had any experience with these?

[cinders]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, very glad to be here :D

As for my choice of words to the better half, well being a star wars fan from way back I borrowed a few choice words such as whilst car shopping at other brands I would wave my hand and say with no facial expression "this is not the car you're looking for".

I recommend practicing in the mirror first ;)

Not much of a welder so will be seeking professional help. I see there are some alloy drawers hitting the market which are super light. Anyone had any experience with these?

A fella I bumped to in Maree a few years ago had an ali checker plate set up in the back.
Have to admit, it looked good but a fair few of the welds had started to break.
He'd worked his way down from the top end of WA so the corri roads had taken their toll.
I did over engineer mine. I wanted something I could stand on when it was full of tools etc, so when I made it I tested it by putting a 186 red motor in it.
No worries, phew!
So I spose you just have to be careful what you want to put in it and what type of driving you think you might do.
Cheers

[Scallops]

Congrats. Regarding your original question concerning reliable mechanics for these beasts around Brisbane.....

The only place to go (IMO) for mechanical work/servicing is MR Automotive in Redcliffe. Worth the drive.

[EastFreo]

I am a new Defender owner myself after getting the ok from my wife earlier in the year (had to wait a while for the build and shipping).

Anyway, I am also a Star Wars fan and I read your post to my wife. She laughed and wondered if perhaps I employed a similar tactic on her!

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

A fella I bumped to in Maree a few years ago had an ali checker plate set up in the back.
Have to admit, it looked good but a fair few of the welds had started to break.
He'd worked his way down from the top end of WA so the corri roads had taken their toll.
I did over engineer mine. I wanted something I could stand on when it was full of tools etc, so when I made it I tested it by putting a 186 red motor in it.
No worries, phew!
So I spose you just have to be careful what you want to put in it and what type of driving you think you might do.
Cheers

Thanks mate sounds like you did a top job there. I don't really plan on transiting heavy loads so maybe a marine ply and carpet for some flexibility when off-roading is the go so I don't have to worry about the strength of the welds.


Congrats. Regarding your original question concerning reliable mechanics for these beasts around Brisbane.....

The only place to go (IMO) for mechanical work/servicing is MR Automotive in Redcliffe. Worth the drive.

Thank you Sir, I'll be in contact with them shortly!


I am a new Defender owner myself after getting the ok from my wife earlier in the year (had to wait a while for the build and shipping).

Anyway, I am also a Star Wars fan and I read your post to my wife. She laughed and wondered if perhaps I employed a similar tactic on her!

Lol just showed yours to mine and got a giggle then a "Hey.... what the hell" :cool: Hope you're enjoying your new truck my friend!

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Quick Update :)

So after getting a royal run around by my local Brisbane dealership and near on being ignored by a representative by the Goldcoast dealership I have had my faith in the human race restored by a truthful young player from a Mackay dealership :cool: So a Silver 110 on the way!

Only downside is a minimum 5 month wait but hey good things and all that :D

[The Cone of Silence]

Hi Ant,

Congratulations on your Jedi mind trick working. I'm still practicing but the missus seems impervious to my efforts.

There's a stack of threads on the forum regarding drawers and drawer systems. Use the Advanced Search function and also check through the members Rides stuff if you haven't already; you'd be surprised at how many non-mechanically minded types have knocked one up themselves.

I did mine without a single weld; just made a frame with slot-together alu box section and then used plywood to create the drawer and the platform that sits on top of it. Very easy to do....the slides were the most expensive part.

Saving a few bucks on a drawer might help with the huge list of other things you're bound to want!

Bobby

[Pickles2]

Quick Update :)

So after getting a royal run around by my local Brisbane dealership and near on being ignored by a representative by the Goldcoast dealership I have had my faith in the human race restored by a truthful young player from a Mackay dealership :cool: So a Silver 110 on the way!

Only downside is a minimum 5 month wait but hey good things and all that :D
5 months seems to be fairly normal, that's what we waited too.
What spec, colour, options will you have?
Jeez, pretty disappointing that living in Brisbane you had to go all the way to Mackay to do a deal?
Pickles.

[baldivistribe]

Glad someone else picked silver, was beginning to think i might be an only child. Ours or i should say mine will be delivered May.
Enjoy the waiting.
Steve

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Thanks Bobby! I'm considering a few different options now including losing the rear seats altogether for a possible bed set up so I'll do some searching. Hang in there bud and may the force be with you :D

Cheers Pickles and yes Sir after reading a few other threads the wait time appears very normal indeed. And as for the dealership musical chairs the chap from the Mackay outlet funnily enough asked me a little sheepishly after we concluded the deal if I had been dealing with a lass at Austral and correctly named her to which I replied "why yes, how did you know that?" to which he replied " well actually I used to work there and you wouldn't believe how much business we get from her potential customers!". [bigsmile] Made me feel better.

As for the new truck specs from the factory I went with Silver top and bottom to keep as much heat out as possible. Would have loved to get a black contrast roof but being a QLD'er and considering turning the back into a bed I thought bad idea Ant. So for some contrast I kept the wheel arches black, got the black steel wheel option, black side steps and the black checker plate protection pack and privacy glass :cool: And some front mud flaps also.

For some after market goodness I got some dark tint with a high UV rating to keep with the anti-heat theme and some privacy in the back if we do set the bed up. As well as these goodies;

ERPS Electronic rust inhibitor
Muglo ExBox with 12 way Fuse Box
Frontrunner 2.8m roof rack
ARB 2.5x2.5 Awning
Nugget Stuff Defender sealed air system
Nugget Stuff Defender Diff Breather Manifold Kit
Muglo rear door adjustment
Dolium Tail Light Protector
Frontrunner steel steering guard
And front and rear APT diff guards

More to come :p

Steve congrats on the order and such a superb colour choice my friend!

[Damo89]

goodies;

ERPS Electronic rust inhibitor


Drop that one, they don't work. Its physics. Just wash her properly after beach work.

[numpty]

Congrats. Regarding your original question concerning reliable mechanics for these beasts around Brisbane.....

The only place to go (IMO) for mechanical work/servicing is MR Automotive in Redcliffe. Worth the drive.

I'm happy to second that. They did all the servicing from new with mine until I moved.

[Tombie]

As well as these goodies;

ERPS Electronic rust inhibitor - Not worth it, just don't work
Muglo ExBox with 12 way Fuse Box - Tick
Frontrunner 2.8m roof rack - Tick
ARB 2.5x2.5 Awning - Tick
Nugget Stuff Defender sealed air system - Tick
Nugget Stuff Defender Diff Breather Manifold Kit - Tick
Muglo rear door adjustment - Tick
Dolium Tail Light Protector - Tick
Frontrunner steel steering guard - APT do a great unit
And front and rear APT diff guards - Tick

More to come :p



That should be a nice set up

[Loubrey]

I agree whole heartedly with Tombie on his post, and I also won't bother with the Frontrunner steering guard (again...)

The aluminium one looks great, but it's soft as butter and will need beating straight every time you've gone out.

APT products are very well made and I would definitely support them, or order a Mantec from the UK if you want one that looks more like the OEM one.

Cheers,

Lou

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Thanks everyone! I'm pretty bloody excited about it all.

I've done a bit of research on the rust protection system and these guys have a good wrap from the mining industry, surf clubs etc. and are Aussie made with a bit of history so I'll give it a go and report back. I also went for the 10 couple model for "extreme use system suitable for 4WDs and 12 volt trucks, tractors and agricultural equipment". :twisted: So if it doesn't work then I'll tell the world. Here's the link

Electronic Rust Prevention, Rust Proofing, Rubber Paint, Lanolin, Rubber Rust Prevention - ERPS (http://www.erps.com.au/)

For the steering guard well I'm a bit confused now. The website said the Frontrunner was heavy duty steel, and the APT version was alloy?

Here are the links;

APT Fabrications Steering Guard for Defenders | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/vehicle-protection/underbody/apt-fabrications-steering-guard-for-defenders.html)

Front Runner Steering Guard for Defenders - Steel | Buy 4x4 Land Rover Toyota Nissan Accessories and Parts Online Store | Expedition Centre Australia by Mulgo (http://www.expeditioncentre.com.au/online-store/vehicle-protection/underbody/front-runner-steering-guard-for-defenders-steel.html)

Cheers,
Ant.

[Tombie]

Erps has been tested - it doesn't work.

You won't know because a new car shouldn't have issues for years!

The way it works only functions on immersed structures, not vehicles...

You're fooling yourself - that money can buy more toys!

Lara the Tombraider defender is going strong 12 years later - her current owner just gives her a good wash and some normal loving..

[Loubrey]

For the steering guard well I'm a bit confused now. The website said the Frontrunner was heavy duty steel, and the APT version was alloy?



Ant,

The Frontrunner plate is good solid steel, but it only clamps to the existing "scaffold trestle" steering guard already there. That piece of pipe work is as much use as a chocolate kettle with the Defender's weight behind hitting a dirt embankment when offroad. So yes, the guard is pretty solid, but the foundation is very weak and you'll end up with it on an angle after your first time out. Add to that the fact that unfortunately Frontrunner's powder coating has become very suss in recent times. It used to be well primed and thick coated, but I think even they have started cost saving...

The APT and Mantec guards are laser cut steel frames that replace the trestle thing completely and then bolts a thick aluminium plate to the front of the frame. Worse case scenario would be to unbolt the aluminium plate and a quick straighten with a lump hammer before fixing the 4 or 6 Allen head bolts back.

Mantec, good enough for the Camel Trophy good enough for me!

Mantec | Quality Land Rover Accessories (http://www.mantec.co.uk/productdetail.cfm'theProductID=61166421-15C5-F4C0-9937D769D6D37103)

Cheers,

Lou

[GypsySamuraiAnt]

Thanks for the guidance gentlemen :) I will be opting for the APT guard and ditching the rust prevention for a dual battery set up! Plus have added a few other mods to the list that I will run by you in the new year.

Has anyone had their Defer sound proofed with Dynamat by anyone exceptional in the Brisbane area?

Cheers,
Ant ;)

[AndyG]

My 2c
Joe at Austral is the man to buy a Defender , ex MRA mechanic
Solar style for your tint
Downey Street rustproofing for rustproofing, Doh
APT all the way

[Loubrey]

My 2c
Joe at Austral is the man to buy a Defender , ex MRA mechanic
Solar style for your tint
Downey Street rustproofing for rustproofing, Doh
APT all the way

Andy,

Does the Downey Street mob do a spray on rust proofing or the electro cathodic bumf?

Looking for someone over here in WA to do a semi permanent spray on protection like the Wax Oil solution in the UK. I'm not really interested in the DIY fish oil, linseed oil or "wax in a can" solutions that's been discussed and recommended on many previous posts. The associated mess and dripping on the driveway is just not an option.

If their's is a spray on, I might contact them for a product reference and maybe there is someone doing it over on this side of the Country.

Cheers,

Lou

[Tombie]

Buy some of this
88658

And one of these
88659


It's harmless, just park on the grass and go for it, spray it in the chassis, into drain holes in doors, up under the panels, any join....

:)

[Loubrey]

Tombie,

Mate no getting past, it I just can't be asked to get covered in lanolin and definitely in the too hard basket in my opinion. One of those jobs I'll gladly pay someone else to do...

I use Tactyl whenever I fit new items and the front and rear end of the chassis has been treated where I can reach to without having to spray upside down.

Surely there is someone out there with high pressure spraying equipment to rustproof the chassis and bottom of the car?

Cheers,

Lou

[AndyG]

They offer both, but in my case full job, inc inside doors , using Tectyl for $700. For the hours they put in I though a fair price.

Yes, it would make sense they know of a counterpart in W.A, or ask the Tectyl distributor for for such a person.

Beats crawling under a car in the driveway and doing a half arse job like I normally do.

[Tombie]

No worries Lou... Although it makes your skin soft for days - lol

What I hate about most rust proofing mobs (in the past) is they still into the body / doors to spray in there and then shove a plug in.

I hope they've evolved since then.