Now a 110 owner

[El Rey]

After 7-8 months of Aulro membership, false starts and eons of waiting - I'm finally the owner of a 110.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/359.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/360.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/361.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/362.jpg

Will post about the collection and getting home experience below.

But first, thanks for all the advice, support and direct connection with the dealer who I bought from.

[justinc]

Looks great and love the backdrop and sky ☺

Jc

[El Rey]

Flew from Brisbane to Melbourne in the morning.
Had a burger at a cafe along the beach esplanade at Albert Park.
Then the rain and wind started coming down hard and the temperature dropped, so instead of killing a few hours like I'd planned - I got an Uber ride to the dealer hoping they could fit me in early.

I was in luck - and about 40 minutes later, after all the paperwork, I was driving a Defender for the first time.

Pulled over 100 metres up the road to figure out how to find reverse, and get my route set up on Googlemaps on my phone.

Headed out of Melbourne on the inland route and the weather got worse: strong winds and driving rain. At the same time I suddenly felt very tired - perhaps an adrenalin dump after the excitement of the delivery and the early flight. So about 3:30pm and only an hour into the drive I pulled over, got into the back with my sleeping gear and fell asleep. Not as much room as I was expecting but was too tired to care.

Got up an hour later and hit the road again. Put in some hours then decided to have another break at a rest stop. Got into the back again but this time it was about 9pm and not only was it uncomfortable, it got cold. Tossed around, too tired to try something else but not really getting decent sleep.

Finally got up and headed off again. Then the next time I stopped for a break I tried using the back seat and that was much more successful.

Coming into Brisbane, there was an almighty rainstorm that brought the freeway to a crawl, with cars pulling over everywhere because you couldn't see a few feet in front of you. I was too scared of being rear-ended so kept trundling on, but it was really white knuckle time.

Here's some other observations from the trip.

GENERAL:
? Roads out of Dubbo were pretty bad - bumpy surface roads with suicidal roos.
? Roads heading into Queensland were also average. The most trucks and other traffic, and bumpy tarmac.
? Did one breathalyser test where the cops also checked my permit to drive an unregistered vehicle, and asked about the 110.
? The Hume/Newell/Cunningham route is mostly single carriageway which I don't really enjoy. I'd prefer to be separated from oncoming big rigs by more than a white line.
? Didn't see one single Defender throughout the whole 1700km. Saw a few Discos both new and old.
? Most likely to blast through the speed limit or pull a risky overtake - Toyota Land Cruisers.
? Covered the 1700km in about 26 hours with 3 nap breaks, three fuel stops and three toilet stops.
? The truckies along this route were friendly, helpful and law-abiding. On the Pacific Highway a few years ago the trucks were blasting past on on downhill curves like I was standing still. The trucks this time were sticking close to the limit, and indicated when it was safe for you to overtake them. One truckie helped me locate a small diesel bowser in the middle of the night.
? Lots of dead roos along the way - some of them big. Also had 3-4 small grey ones skip across the road near Dubbo.
? Why are bug guts orange? All the ones that splatted on the windscreen left orange stains.


DEFENDER:
? 6th gear is awesome for freeways. Tractable, pulling from 80km/h through to 120km/h and on.
? Going down the ranges from Toowoomba round those steep off-camber turns was not too much fun - felt very floaty again.
? At one point, came up on an S-turn too fast after a few hundred km at 110km/h - and found that braking while turning at speed is a scary sensation.
? Steering is very floaty and gearing is mostly low, but otherwise it felt quite similar to my 1971 Fiat 124: hot, noisy, mechanical - but with the bonus of working air-con.
? Wouldn't try sleeping in the back again without some modification. Not enough room and wrong configuration.
? Don't expect a hi-flow diesel nozzle at full trigger to cut off the flow of fuel like a petrol one - before it all comes sloshing out the spout.
? Have started doing what some on here have mentioned - rolling off from lights in 2nd gear rather than 1st.
? Had to squirm around in my seat a bit because my left leg couldn't get fully comfortable. Would have liked a foot rest or some ledge to lift it up and rest it so the blood flow could return. Or maybe a more ergonomic seat. Or maybe a cup of concrete so I can harden the @#! up.
? Air con worked fine when I was hot or the cabin got hot.

Overall, I wouldn't want to do the hard-charging run over that distance again, but it was a great way to learn the 110's highway manners and the general operation of the vehicle.

Now I need to stop going outside to drool over it. It's not healthy...

[EastFreo]

Great looking Defender. Also what a great way to start off your ownership of the car. You will find that you quickly adjust to its quirks and love it all the more.

[AndyG]

A big trip on your lonesome in a slowish truck,
You didn't fold the back seat forward to make an apartment?

Brand new, must be one of the last
Let the accessories begin :p

[JDNSW]

A big trip on your lonesome in a slowish truck,
You didn't fold the back seat forward to make an apartment?

Brand new, must be one of the last
Let the accessories begin :p

Slowish? The new Defender is quite capable of maintaining the speed limit everywhere on that route without the slightest problem. Very few hills. I have done that route many times in my County with almost 50% less power without ever feeling it was slow except when fully loaded and towing.

I might comment, however, that I would never consider doing the trip in one run like that - not even with any vehicle. But then I'm not as young as I used to be. (Thinking of the time I did a similar drive, admittedly with a second driver, from near Andado in the Simpson to Sydney, non-stop except for fuel, in a Series 2a diesel. That was fifty years ago, and the roads were a lot worse, but a lot less traffic than now.)

John

[YOLO110]

Best mod!

MUD UK seat rails... or MUGLO seat rails!

Gives LOADS more legroom... no more sleepy legs!

Great truck... congrats mate!

[Wallaby Ted]

Nice looking truck.

I like the seating position in the Puma's and find it really easy to drive long distances. I haven't slept in mine since I drove it back from Darwin over a weekend.

So what modifications have you got planned?

Richard

[Pickles2]

El Rey, Good write up, & a pretty gutsy first drive by you.
You can now relax & contemplate many many years of happy "Defendering".
Congratulations, Pickles.

[El Rey]

Great looking Defender. Also what a great way to start off your ownership of the car. You will find that you quickly adjust to its quirks and love it all the more.

The love affair has begun - cheers mate.

As the dealer said, it has a class-less appeal. I've already had conversations with some cops, a truckie and a young guy and his girlfriend both covered in tattoos. So it's not just the owners who they appeal to.

[El Rey]

A big trip on your lonesome in a slowish truck,
You didn't fold the back seat forward to make an apartment?

Brand new, must be one of the last
Let the accessories begin :p

Arghh. At one point I did fold the back seats down, but didn't try folding them up and away. Thanks for the 'd'oh!' realization.

Accessorising warp drive... engaged

[El Rey]

Best mod!

MUD UK seat rails... or MUGLO seat rails!

Gives LOADS more legroom... no more sleepy legs!

Great truck... congrats mate!

Awesome tip - added rails to the top of my list. Cheers

[El Rey]

Nice looking truck.

I like the seating position in the Puma's and find it really easy to drive long distances. I haven't slept in mine since I drove it back from Darwin over a weekend.

So what modifications have you got planned?

Richard

Full underbody rust treatment
Rock Sliders
Steering and Diff guards
Rear US bumper
Front bullbar and lighting upgrade
BAS remap and intercooler
Foxwing awning
Interior storage (and sleeping?) arrangement
Rear swing away wheel and jerry can holder
Water storage
Extra fuel storage or tank
Easy access rear window upgrade
Ex Box
Dual battery
Rear bumperettes
Roof rack and ladder
Raised air intake with sealing kit
Possibly interior Dynamat insulation
Ashcroft shaft and flanges
... and so on

[DazzaTD5]

Congrats and great pics!
If you haven't already you will soon have the Defender bug..

Ohhh for the wish of driving a Defender on a lonely long trip by myself....

Regards
Daz

[AndyG]

I am in Bald Hills with most of those accessories if you want to check them in the flesh, home all the time after an op, but go back to Png in three weeks,
Best mod for $, exhaust wrap

[AndyG]

Congrats and great pics!
If you haven't already you will soon have the Defender bug..

Ohhh for the wish of driving a Defender on a lonely long trip by myself....

Regards
Daz

Nothing like 115 litres loaded, iced coffee in the cup holder chiko roll in the hand and an open road;)

[El Rey]

Congrats and great pics!
If you haven't already you will soon have the Defender bug..

Ohhh for the wish of driving a Defender on a lonely long trip by myself....

Regards
Daz

Got the bug big time mate.

And yes, doing a long trip by yourself is a special experience.
I didn't have the radio on once, just listened to the mechanical sounds and watched the landscape. Rolling slowly through small towns in the middle of the night. Dusty roads leading off to who knows where with a battered old mail box up front. Mist sitting low over fields at dawn.

[El Rey]

Nothing like 115 litres loaded, iced coffee in the cup holder chiko roll in the hand and an open road;)

It's a long way... to the shop... if you wanna Chiko Roll!

Like the sound of that. Beats the 6 cans of Red Bull that got me through this last run.

[El Rey]

I am in Bald Hills with most of those accessories if you want to check them in the flesh, home all the time after an op, but go back to Png in three weeks,
Best mod for $, exhaust wrap

That sounds magic. Will PM you.

Cheers for the tip about wrapping the exhaust - added to the list.

[karlz]

Nice one, looks great.
Good writeup of 1st experience, cant believe you havent yet mentioned the turning circle!

As others have mentioned, customising your beast is > 50% the fun.

Work out whats important to you first, seat rails are a must, I only use the extra 1-2 cm's, but its great.

Have a sheetload of fun.

[Wallaby Ted]

Thats a decent list, I am still working my way through a similar list.

Doing bits between my trips as finances allow, hopefully off on a long trip this weekend.


Richard




Full underbody rust treatment
Rock Sliders
Steering and Diff guards
Rear US bumper
Front bullbar and lighting upgrade
BAS remap and intercooler
Foxwing awning
Interior storage (and sleeping?) arrangement
Rear swing away wheel and jerry can holder
Water storage
Extra fuel storage or tank
Easy access rear window upgrade
Ex Box
Dual battery
Rear bumperettes
Roof rack and ladder
Raised air intake with sealing kit
Possibly interior Dynamat insulation
Ashcroft shaft and flanges
... and so on

[El Rey]

Nice one, looks great.
Good writeup of 1st experience, cant believe you havent yet mentioned the turning circle!

As others have mentioned, customising your beast is > 50% the fun.

Work out whats important to you first, seat rails are a must, I only use the extra 1-2 cm's, but its great.

Have a sheetload of fun.

Cheers for the seconded motion for seat rails - will make them a priority.

[Babs]

Congratulations Rey, it was worth the wait, it looks great.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[El Rey]

Congratulations Rey, it was worth the wait, it looks great.

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner


You are right - it was worth it, cheers.

[DiscoMick]

Parking rules applied at Underwood Super Cheap today. Was good to chat - and later wave on the service road. Your Defender looks cool. Your white is brighter than my cream. I strongly recommend the Mulgo extended seat runners - best thing I ever did to mine. I also have the Mulgo rear side door opening fittings, a Mantec rear wheel carrier and the rear door stay. All excellent - should be standard. Really like the look of your Sawtooth alloys. Keep waving.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[MrLandy]

Nice one Mick and El Ray.

Hey most people would factor in a sleep over a 27 hour period El Ray! 😜 Great effort. I guess you had to get back for work? ...Grab a swag, with a pillow, fold the rear seats up next time!

Hope to see you guys on the road sometime. Enjoy!

Cheers

[rijidij]

Full underbody rust treatment
Rock Sliders
Steering and Diff guards
Rear US bumper
Front bullbar and lighting upgrade
BAS remap and intercooler
Foxwing awning
Interior storage (and sleeping?) arrangement
Rear swing away wheel and jerry can holder
Water storage
Extra fuel storage or tank
Easy access rear window upgrade
Ex Box
Dual battery
Rear bumperettes
Roof rack and ladder
Raised air intake with sealing kit
Possibly interior Dynamat insulation
Ashcroft shaft and flanges
... and so on

You're getting a bit excited with your list there, understandably excited though :D The Rear US bumper, Rear swing away wheel and jerry can holder and Rear bumperettes will all want to share the same mounting holes in the chassis, so you might have to shorten the list a little.
It sure is fun to have a list of stuff like that in front of you, the excitement of buying a Defender doesn't end, ever, there's always something else to bolt on somewhere :D

Cheers, Murray

[nate_110]

nice truck mate, looks just like mine 6 months ago!


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/03/257.jpg (http://s1194.photobucket.com/user/nathanccarrington/media/EE4DCE0C-064D-4B58-9841-F313135D3FEA_zps0thvams5.jpg.html)

[El Rey]

nice truck mate, looks just like mine 6 months ago!

This is how I hope mine looks in future - more used and kitted out.

Very nice.

[El Rey]

You're getting a bit excited with your list there, understandably excited though :D The Rear US bumper, Rear swing away wheel and jerry can holder and Rear bumperettes will all want to share the same mounting holes in the chassis, so you might have to shorten the list a little.
It sure is fun to have a list of stuff like that in front of you, the excitement of buying a Defender doesn't end, ever, there's always something else to bolt on somewhere :D

Cheers, Murray

Ahh thanks for the reality check. Maybe in the meantime you can devise a solution that let's me have it all!

[El Rey]

Nice one Mick and El Ray.

Hey most people would factor in a sleep over a 27 hour period El Ray! 😜 Great effort. I guess you had to get back for work? ...Grab a swag, with a pillow, fold the rear seats up next time!

Hope to see you guys on the road sometime. Enjoy!

Cheers

I did have three kips, or two kips and one doze.
Yes, had to get back for work - you nailed it.
I had an inflatable pad, a blanket and an inflatable pillow - but because I was trying to lie sideways in the back like a tool, they didn't help like they should have.
Meanwhile at the stops, you see all the big rigs and wonder what kind of cosy sleeping compartment they are tucked up in.

Seats folded up in future - for sure.

[El Rey]

Here is a n00b question - why the different-colored tail lights I just noticed?

[filcar]

Ahh thanks for the reality check. Maybe in the meantime you can devise a solution that let's me have it all!

Murray already has, check out his web site.


Best gear ever and not difficult to install.

[El Rey]

Murray already has, check out his web site.
Best gear ever and not difficult to install.

It was Murray who posted that I'd need to shorten my list, so I figured he didn't yet have a total 'Transformer' or 'Swiss Army Knife' solution. But maybe he meant that some things like a rear bumper, make other things like bumperettes redundant.

[rijidij]

................ But maybe he meant that some things like a rear bumper, make other things like bumperettes redundant.

Yep, that's exactly what I meant, too many things wanting to share the same mounting holes.
I'm slowly designing new things to solve some of the compatibility issues, for example, I've just made a pair of rear quarter protectors that will fit with the dual rear carrier (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/#/defender-dual-rear-bar/4567122838). They're the same dimensions as Mulgos bumperette wings.
This is the first prototype set which will be powder coated any day now.

Cheers, Murray


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/777.jpg (http://s204.photobucket.com/user/rijidij/media/Wheel%20Carriers/Defender%20dual%20rear%20bar/Bumperette%20Wings/Dual-Bar-Wing_zpsoqfkrvyu.jpg.html)

[El Rey]

Yep, that's exactly what I meant, too many things wanting to share the same mounting holes.

This is the first prototype set which will be powder coated any day now.

Cheers, Murray


They look the business! Great to see them at this stage - cheers.

[filcar]

Yep, that's exactly what I meant, too many things wanting to share the same mounting holes.
I'm slowly designing new things to solve some of the compatibility issues, for example, I've just made a pair of rear quarter protectors that will fit with the dual rear carrier (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/#/defender-dual-rear-bar/4567122838). They're the same dimensions as Mulgos bumperette wings.
This is the first prototype set which will be powder coated any day now.

Cheers, Murray


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/777.jpg (http://s204.photobucket.com/user/rijidij/media/Wheel%20Carriers/Defender%20dual%20rear%20bar/Bumperette%20Wings/Dual-Bar-Wing_zpsoqfkrvyu.jpg.html)

I'm assuming these go between the rear of the vehicle and the dual wheel carrier?


Watching and waiting for production.

[rijidij]

I'm assuming these go between the rear of the vehicle and the dual wheel carrier?....................


Correct, they sandwich between the dual carrier bar and a rubber gasket which is against the chassis.

Cheers, Murray

[lump_a_charcoal]

Correct, they sandwich between the dual carrier bar and a rubber gasket which is against the chassis.

Cheers, Murray

Put me down for a set Murray.
I still haven't fitted the rear bar... :mad:

[El Rey]

Three weeks of Defender ownership and I'm yet to turn on the radio.
Still enjoying the rev sounds of the engine and the other assortment of characterful noises it makes. I also enjoy looking around at the landscape more because of the elevated seat position.

[lump_a_charcoal]

Yep, it's easy to feel high and mighty in one, eh!

I often commute sans music for the same reasons, I feel like I tend to think a bit more.
Often I am thinking about what to upgrade next though... $$$:o

[MrLandy]

Three weeks of Defender ownership and I'm yet to turn on the radio.
Still enjoying the rev sounds of the engine and the other assortment of characterful noises it makes. I also enjoy looking around at the landscape more because of the elevated seat position.

I agree with you, love the purr of the Puma, from the air intake strategically located just below driver open window. ...but El Rey, when you first crank the stereo be sure to turn the subwoofer up a couple on your favourite track for the full experience. Not a bad stock stereo system I must say 😎 Enjoy!

[cuppabillytea]

Yep, that's exactly what I meant, too many things wanting to share the same mounting holes.
I'm slowly designing new things to solve some of the compatibility issues, for example, I've just made a pair of rear quarter protectors that will fit with the dual rear carrier (http://rijidijoffroad.bounce.com.au/#/defender-dual-rear-bar/4567122838). They're the same dimensions as Mulgos bumperette wings.
This is the first prototype set which will be powder coated any day now.

Cheers, Murray


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/04/777.jpg (http://s204.photobucket.com/user/rijidij/media/Wheel%20Carriers/Defender%20dual%20rear%20bar/Bumperette%20Wings/Dual-Bar-Wing_zpsoqfkrvyu.jpg.html)
I'm too late for this one. I'll have to bang out the bent bits to fit them but please put me down for a set Murray.

Three weeks of Defender ownership and I'm yet to turn on the radio.
Still enjoying the rev sounds of the engine and the other assortment of characterful noises it makes. I also enjoy looking around at the landscape more because of the elevated seat position.
Late again to congratulate you El Rey. great looking Defender. I like the way you're heading with the mods as well.

I agree with you, love the purr of the Puma, from the air intake strategically located just below driver open window. ...but El Rey, when you first crank the stereo be sure to turn the subwoofer up a couple on your favourite track for the full experience. Not a bad stock stereo system I must say �� Enjoy!
I spend half the time listening to the car and half the time listening to the sound system, Which is awesome, by the way. On those rare occasions when I'm being a little bit silly, I open all the windows and sun hatch and play' The Ride Of The Valkyrie' at full noise. It's amazing how it can split your eardrums without being distorted.

[Greg4427]

I agree with you, love the purr of the Puma, from the air intake strategically located just below driver open window. ...but El Rey, when you first crank the stereo be sure to turn the subwoofer up a couple on your favourite track for the full experience. Not a bad stock stereo system I must say 😎 Enjoy!
Agree, love the Alpine.

[El Rey]

I have a trick safety lock on the rear door that keeps engaging automagically, giving the rear a lot more character. Love it!

[AndyG]

Wait until You get the Nugget plumbing and a mantex snorkel, a whole new sound, a real gurgling noise ;)

[noyakfat]

I have a Safari snorkel with a Syklone head and Nugget's sealed plumbing kit. I do enjoy the gurgle :D

[MrLandy]

Gurgle? Hmm isn't a snorkel supposed to stop you drowning? ....Or is it a growl?

[cuppabillytea]

Gurgle? Hmm isn't a snorkel supposed to stop you drowning? ....Or is it a growl?
Yes it is a growl. Accompanied by a slight whistle from the turbo.

[AndyG]

Yes it is a growl. Accompanied by a slight whistle from the turbo.

Or a burble :confused:

[cuppabillytea]

Or a burble :confused:

If you like but I would equate a burble with a V8 sound. A more mellow deeper tone. :)

[El Rey]

Thanks to MarkM on this forum I now have some MUD seat rails fitted and they create a great deal of leg room. I can see how these would make a huge difference on a long journey.

Appreciate the tip from folks here to put them in, and thanks again to Mark who has a really nice 110 I enjoyed looking over.

(It was amusing to remove the seats and see the different number of spacers that were under each seat screw)

[DiscoMick]

Thanks to MarkM on this forum I now have some MUD seat rails fitted and they create a great deal of leg room. I can see how these would make a huge difference on a long journey.

Appreciate the tip from folks here to put them in, and thanks again to Mark who has a really nice 110 I enjoyed looking over.

(It was amusing to remove the seats and see the different number of spacers that were under each seat screw)
The extended seat rails do make a big difference, hey. I couldn't get comfortable with my long legs before I fitted the ones from The Expedition Centre. Now I don't even need to push the seat all the way back.

[El Rey]

The extended seat rails do make a big difference, hey. I couldn't get comfortable with my long legs before I fitted the ones from The Expedition Centre. Now I don't even need to push the seat all the way back.

That's it. I don't have long legs, and with the seat slid all the way back I would have to stretch to apply meaningful pressure to the pedals.

[jimr1]

Congratulations , nice looking Defender . Yours is quite distinctive . When I picked mine up I found it skipped about a bit as well . I checked the tyre pressure , the rear was 46 psi I let them down to 35 psi that made a big improvement to driving . 46 is ok when loaded up , but empty they skip about . I'm sure you will have lots of pleasure driving your new truck , good luck Jim . :)

[El Rey]

Congratulations , nice looking Defender . Yours is quite distinctive . When I picked mine up I found it skipped about a bit as well . I checked the tyre pressure , the rear was 46 psi I let them down to 35 psi that made a big improvement to driving . 46 is ok when loaded up , but empty they skip about . I'm sure you will have lots of pleasure driving your new truck , good luck Jim . :)

Cheers mate. Appreciate the tip about the tyres.

Tonight when I went outside to head to the gym, I sat there for 5 minutes playing with the headlight adjustor while the beams were on the garage door, so I could see what it did. Before now I've tried it on the road and couldn't see any difference between the settings, but against the flat surface you can see the light moving slowly up and down.

[cuppabillytea]

Cheers mate. Appreciate the tip about the tyres.

Tonight when I went outside to head to the gym, I sat there for 5 minutes playing with the headlight adjustor while the beams were on the garage door, so I could see what it did. Before now I've tried it on the road and couldn't see any difference between the settings, but against the flat surface you can see the light moving slowly up and down.
I drive around with 28 PSI in my tires. Its more comfy, I get almost no axle tramp (skip) and it helps with drive train backlash as well.
On the subject of lights: I put the switch up to the second highest setting, then adjusted the beam, with the adjuster screw on the lights, to cut off just below the window of an average normal car. That way I don't dazzle other drivers and I can still notch it up one when I don't want to use high beam.

[DiscoMick]

Congratulations , nice looking Defender . Yours is quite distinctive . When I picked mine up I found it skipped about a bit as well . I checked the tyre pressure , the rear was 46 psi I let them down to 35 psi that made a big improvement to driving . 46 is ok when loaded up , but empty they skip about . I'm sure you will have lots of pleasure driving your new truck , good luck Jim . :)
I remember when we got the Defender being shocked at the pressures recommended on the door label. Lately I've pumped them up to 46 at the rear and 36 at the front and it definitely handles better on smooth bitumen and doesn't wallow so much. Off road is a different story.