Addiction: I cant stop modifying my defender

[karlz]

I'm sick. I need help.
I really really like to drive my defender as it is, but why do I continually want to modify it. Each forum post here it a potential purchase. What is wrong with me? Why do I keep doing it?

Last night in a fit of desperation, I sweated about it for a while, but then, I just had to do it, I purchased led blinker lights and a "Mud interior light".
I love investigating the options, I wake up in the middle of the night, grab my laptop and search for options.

I created a checklist of the things I "need to do".
I have a room full of bits not yet installed.
It sucks when the weather doesnt allow me to install those bits.
Sometimes, there is no dealer around, I end up doing it myself.

I know Im not normal.
But it might help if I knew theres others out there that are like me.

Any offers of advice?

What can I do? When will this addiction end?

[Rig110]

I have the same symptoms. I feel like I have more unfitted parts than fitted sometimes!

In the shed there's an intercooler, wider flares, snorkel, nugget's sealed air intake, the makings of a set of drawers and more. And yesterday I ordered an APT fuel cooler cover!!!!

[jon3950]

You're not alone.

I'm only 4 months in to this and I'm already spiralling out of control. I seem to have spent the last 4 months either working on the Defender or planning the next mods and I've barely scratched the surface. There is still so much more to do.

Cheers,
Jon

[Jan]

As the sticker says:

"It's a Landy thing-you wouldn't understand ..."

[MrLandy]

Totally understandable guys. Though I have the opposite problem. I'm a minimalist. I had trouble deciding whether to put a bullbar on. Pragmatism won out. But I like my Defender as stock as possible. Maybe it helps to know, there's nothing it needs IMO. Simple.

[Tombie]

Sounds normal. But drive it too.

[landy]

I'm so glad I saw this post. So it's not just me. I actually feel very comforted by this haha.
I have a shad full of spare parts I have accumulated, accessories fitted or waiting to be fitted. I scoured the various web sites looking for bits and look at other peoples Defenders looking for ldeas. I have been knocked back on insurance as the accessories amounted to more than half of the vehicles value:o
And I don't know when to stop.
When I die, the next owner will have the best optioned Defender of its age.
I reminded of the tattooed obsession when you get your first and can't stop. It's a disease. Like drugs, or alcohol.
Lord. Give me the courage to stop the unnecessary, to continue the maintenance and the wisdom to know the difference.

[pommy]

If you can find a cure you will end up a rich man around here I think haha ...( I am highly addicted to modding my fender and this is my 3rd )

[MrLandy]

Well it's pretty clear that I'm actually the wierdy beardy here. You guys are all totally normal. :)

[jon3950]

Sounds normal. But drive it too.

I get to drive mine every day. I get a perverse enjoyment from it even in Sydney peak hour traffic.

Cheers,
Jon

[rijidij]

I'm sick...........
I need help...........
I know Im not normal.
Be assured, you are quite normal for a Defender owner.




What can I do?
When will this addiction end?
Any offers of advice?
Give in to it and keep buying stuff, there is nothing you can do, there is no cure and it will last the rest of your life.
You can only get short term relief from buying another accessory.

I work with Landy addicts every day. It's sad to see their friends and family are also affected by this cruel disease. I've heard stories of wives of addicts not even able to afford a new pair of fancy shoes.

I'm considering opening a legal injecting workshop, where you can bring your Landy (Discreet rear entrance) and inject accessories into your Defender in a private and friendly atmosphere with other addicts who understand what you're going through.

Cheers, Murray

Call the help hotline on 1300BOLTON

[davisshannon]

The injecting workshop would be a great idea. That way we could hide our addiction from significant others who don't understand. Right now I'm trying to find a spare few hours to install a new headlight loom while she's away.

[ProjectDirector]

Solution : called SELF CONTROL [emoji3]

[Tombie]

Solution : called SELF CONTROL [emoji3]



But where's the fun in that.....

[ProjectDirector]

But where's the fun in that.....


Take it to the bush, that's the fun, anyway for me it is.

[Michael2]

...

I'm considering opening a legal injecting workshop, where you can bring your Landy (Discreet rear entrance) and inject accessories into your Defender in a private and friendly atmosphere with other addicts who understand what you're going through.

Cheers, Murray

Idea for the injecting room :

Could you please CAD scan all the plastic bits in a Defender, and then 3D print them out of Titanium.

Imagine when titanium 3D printing becomes compact and cheap - you can have a spare parts list file on your phone and blue tooth to your 3D printer to make parts on a trip! No more spares box.

[Tombie]

Take it to the bush, that's the fun, anyway for me it is.



Oh definitely. I use mine more than I modify or bolt stuff to it nowadays.

Having said that - great tracks are to be had 2km from home!

[ProjectDirector]

Oh definitely. I use mine more than I modify or bolt stuff to it nowadays.

Having said that - great tracks are to be had 2km from home!


Well you are lucky [emoji2], my nearest is 35km from my house, not bad I suppose. I was out last weekend having fun.
School holidays now and next few days heading out with family.

[lump_a_charcoal]

The only cure is to run out of money.

[karlz]

Solution : called SELF CONTROL [emoji3]
Not possible

[landy]

Solution : called SELF CONTROL [emoji3]

Never let fear or common sense cloud your judgement.

[karlz]

Be assured, you are quite normal for a Defender owner.



... there is no cure ...and it will last the rest of your life.
You can only get short term relief from buying another accessory.....

[B]Call the help hotline on 1300BOLTON

Thanks, now that I know Im normal, Im calling that number

[rijidij]

The only cure is to run out of money.

There's always credit, or if you have a redraw option on your mortgage you can borrow against your house. Addicts are pretty resourceful when it comes to feeding a habit.

Borrowing from family and friends is not advised. This often leads to conflict when you turn up with a new bull bar hanging on the front of the Defender, but for 'some reason' you can't afford to pay back the $20 you borrowed.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Mmmmm. Bolt-ons.

[lump_a_charcoal]

Mmmmm. Bolt-ons.

Bit of a subject change, but I agree.

[The Cone of Silence]

The other alternative of course, is to keep going until there is nothing left to modify.


The Unicorn Zone, this is called. I know of nobody who has ever reached this fabled land. Each time I think I've finished, I find something else that's unnecessary but 'nice to have' and out comes the laptop.

[Tombie]

Mmmmm. Bolt-ons.



Glad it wasn't just me...

[DefenderSte]

Im no different i drive mine to and from work everyday and love it she sits at 100k's no bother at all and the view over the top of most vehicles is brilliant.....

I too have a list of mods as long as your arm but unfortunately my pockets are not that deep so most things have to wait, and I'm still paying for her too.

Next main item that I'm gonna get but from the UK is a chequer plate kit. Have on order here in NZ a 42" light bar for the roof hopefully arriving in the next week or two.....:D

I wouldn't be without her now i love my Landy.......:D:D:D:D:D:D

[ProjectDirector]

Never let fear or common sense cloud your judgement.

Nice way to put it, I like it.
Well I have to say I did spend some money on the 110 but they were mostly recovery, protection and roof rack. They are items that are in my opinion essential for going on an adventure.

I must say though I find the steering wheel to big and wouldn't mind a smaller one but this is the only one (http://www.landrovertuning.com.au/defender/interior/sport-steering-wheel-360mm-genuine-leather-black-adapter-cover-with-land-rover-logo-for-all-defender-up-to-2016.html) I like and cant justify the cost.

[51mondays]

Just assumed sleeplessness and obsession was normal.....errrr now you've got me worried there could be another way..!

Jeez it'd be nice if forum members could have some nice pictures of their rides attached to their profiles. I'd like to easily see what all us enlightened are driving.

[DazzaTD5]

All i can say to the OP is....

Well duh... this happens to most Defender owners...

I call it "Defender disease", Land Rover repairers can also suffer this...

Regards
Daz

[kogvos]

I must say though I find the steering wheel to big and wouldn't mind a smaller one but this is the only one (http://www.landrovertuning.com.au/defender/interior/sport-steering-wheel-360mm-genuine-leather-black-adapter-cover-with-land-rover-logo-for-all-defender-up-to-2016.html) I like and cant justify the cost.

I couldn't truly justify it either, but I still got it. Despite all the mountains of stuff I've added to my Defender, that steering wheel is still the best thing I've ever bought.

[MrLandy]

I guess I could be tempted by this... :D

[Jesters Td5]

The day I wake up and don't start thinking about what I want to repair, modify, attach or tweak on my 110 is the day I know I am truly unwell


All i can say to the OP is....

Well duh... this happens to most Defender owners...

I call it "Defender disease", Land Rover repairers can also suffer this...

Regards
Daz

[Jan]

Jesters - posting 02h19...I'm afraid you are ... terminally .... ill ... :mrgreen::mrgreen:

[Tombie]

Jesters - posting 02h19...I'm afraid you are ... terminally .... ill ... :mrgreen::mrgreen:

7 hours ago was only 12:30 am in WA [emoji6]

Many don't go to sleep much before then [emoji41]

[jon3950]

I guess I could be tempted by this... :D

You're not the only one. I've always liked the Moto-Lita but it's been a long time since I've had a car that suits one.

For those of you who have fitted smaller wheels, how do you find them off-road? I've been tempted by both the Startech and the Moto-Lita, but I like the big bus steering wheel when off-road. It just feels right and doesn't have any nasty sharp edges to catch you out.

Cheers,
Jon