cj7mexicodefender
10th February 2015, 08:51 PM
Hi, everyone, putting this here and hopefully I can get some help. I am in Cabo San Lucas Mexico and I bought a flipped 2010 Defender for a SONG. I've been seeing this particular vehicle in a yard 300 miles from my house for 2 yrs. Since it was flipped I didn't pay attention until I was able to get a close look. Diesel, 2010, 110. I bought from the impound yard after it was in an accident, definitely not driveable. Virtually a useless vehicle here because of customs regulations. Not legal to drive in Mexico unless you purchase brand new from dealer. I am keeping the drivetrain and putting it into my registered and imported CJ-7. Originally I looked into it for a friend and he couldn't buy it as he is in the U.S., so let's not even go there. I ended up buying for a virtual song. Since I bought it almost sight unseen, I am dealing with the inherent issues. I have a good fabricator-mechanics shop that is able to do the swap, BUT the vehicle has no remote and no key..... I was promised both upon payment and they were never delivered. I know the easiest swap is my body into LR frame BUT not smart in case I get checked, which is not uncommon here. I am a mexican national and won't go into details but there's legal issues that this involves.
Here's my issues:
I would love to keep the original frame and drivetrain but cost of fixing it is cost prohibitive for me. Can't import to Mexico and you would still have to fix. I may be able to keep axles (not sure until it goes to the shop) but not sure yet. I am extending my CJ7 frame to turn it into 4 door and 110' WB.
1. No remote, no key.... There's vendors in UK... is this the only way? Post deposit for programmer, pay for FOB key? Do you guys think I can get the FOB key sent without going into the poorhouse? Is it possible with the VIN and frame number?
2. FOB key claims I need to plug programmer into port that's located between front seats, I cant find it.... does the 2010 Def have it elsewhere??
3. My Frame says "PUMA" on it... is this normal??
4. Copper thieves were hungry and cut 2 wires 15-20 each coming out of the computer thats mounted behind motor on firewall. My mechanics are pretty savvy and can look up the wiring diagram but any info is welcome.
5. Theres a female (10-12 pin) plug sans male side of wiring about a foot to the right of the computer (right from looking into the hood). Another battery lead with 2 smaller gauge wires in front of the fuel rail AND a female socket directly on the fuel rail itself.
6 Ive been told I can have a UK vendor"reflash" the ECU to delete the Theft Control Unit and bypass all that, get a new switch and do the swap. Does anybody know if thats possible?
I love the idea of a LR Defender drivetrain in my CJ-7 that I've owned for 18+ years but if this is too much of a headache I'll part out??? Thanks everyone, C U in Baja!
Here's my issues:
I would love to keep the original frame and drivetrain but cost of fixing it is cost prohibitive for me. Can't import to Mexico and you would still have to fix. I may be able to keep axles (not sure until it goes to the shop) but not sure yet. I am extending my CJ7 frame to turn it into 4 door and 110' WB.
1. No remote, no key.... There's vendors in UK... is this the only way? Post deposit for programmer, pay for FOB key? Do you guys think I can get the FOB key sent without going into the poorhouse? Is it possible with the VIN and frame number?
2. FOB key claims I need to plug programmer into port that's located between front seats, I cant find it.... does the 2010 Def have it elsewhere??
3. My Frame says "PUMA" on it... is this normal??
4. Copper thieves were hungry and cut 2 wires 15-20 each coming out of the computer thats mounted behind motor on firewall. My mechanics are pretty savvy and can look up the wiring diagram but any info is welcome.
5. Theres a female (10-12 pin) plug sans male side of wiring about a foot to the right of the computer (right from looking into the hood). Another battery lead with 2 smaller gauge wires in front of the fuel rail AND a female socket directly on the fuel rail itself.
6 Ive been told I can have a UK vendor"reflash" the ECU to delete the Theft Control Unit and bypass all that, get a new switch and do the swap. Does anybody know if thats possible?
I love the idea of a LR Defender drivetrain in my CJ-7 that I've owned for 18+ years but if this is too much of a headache I'll part out??? Thanks everyone, C U in Baja!