Who has done 'unusual' Defender mods? (esp interior)

[VladTepes]

Things like -

Relocating the handbrake

Switching out steering wheel stalks to a more conventional (RH indicator, lights on stalk etc) arrangement

Mods to interior lighting

Basically anything that just makes that little point of difference.



So - what have you done? Why? How did it go? Would you do it again?

[SSmith]

2 of the smaller mods I have done.

Ive been slack and not taken photos of it finished. But the handbrake relocation was well worth the effort. Decent cup holders in the custom centre console as an added bonus.

Why? Dont like the original up against my leg and dont find using it as a foot rest comfortable.

Variable intermittent wipers was also well worth it. I popped a variable resistor in the circuit, rather than the VW programmable relay most do.

Why. Didnt like the operation of the VW relay and variable wipers is just useful.

Could go on for a few more, but thatll get the ball rollinghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/181.jpg

[Wallaby Ted]

I have done some of the following to my Defender

replaced my interior lights with 16 led ones which make a big difference to visibility when you want light inside the car, I think they were either $1 or $2 per light, so really cheap
Also put a lighter plug under the chicken bar to allow the passenger to not have to reach across to the one near the gear stick
Put an anderson plug beside the passenger seat connected to the battery via an auto fuse to run high current devices like the air compressor
Put a 42l water tank in the gap between the rear seat and cargo barrier


Would do them all again and will when I get around to doing some work on the County.

Richard

[Dervish]

Unfortunately the only photo I have is when it wasn't finished. I did put a video on Youtube but I can't find it.

133191

[weeds]

Unfortunately the only photo I have is when it wasn't finished. I did put a video on Youtube but I can't find it.

133191

Defender 5 Gauge Dashboard - YouTube (https://youtu.be/ntgAM-mQ73Q)

[weeds]

Expedition Centre Mulgo Poptop
Walk in robe
Kitchen
Air Springs
Double DIN Radio

Boring mods
70L water tank

[Pickles2]

Unfortunately the only photo I have is when it wasn't finished. I did put a video on Youtube but I can't find it.

133191
EXCELLENT job on the dash, one of the best I've seen, looks O.E.
Only thing I would have had, if it were mine, is that I would've had a tacho replacing one of those gauges.
Top job, Pickles.

[Fubar]

Planning on converting the rear bench seat in my 130 to a pair of fronts seats...the kids are getting big enough now that it won’t be long before they will both be riding in the truck sans seating aids. I'd like them to be comfortable as they later progress into teenagerhood.......... the added saftey aspect is also a driver for this mod.

I will install a centre console for them with storage/charging/lighting/mini fridge for long trips and am toying with the idea of modifying the little single seat (existing passenger side) to drop in (pinned) the same location as the console to retain 5 seat capacity.

I'll have an engineer involved with the engine/gear box swap and thought I'd kill a few birds with one stone and get all my planned mods done at once.

I'll check back in here when I get some progress.

[BigBlackDog]

Interior wise, I built a new cubby box, on a void to run all the power stuff for dual battery accessories. It is taller so it's comfortable to lean on, and has a cutaway at the top for the switches.
On the dash I made a 3 gauge pod, should have just brought one. The little panel in front of the gear stick I've replaced with a piece of aluminium, two ciggy points, switches to control lights in tub, reverse lights and reverse camera - an always on/on in reverse switch.

I've got in the tub a few customs boxes and a frame for my fridge etc on easily removable feet and rails, if you're interested I'll picture you some photos. :)

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[strangy]

Raptor Centre dash and D2 dash.
D2 indicator and wiper stalks along with all other D2 functions.
NAS spec console.
Vlad I sent you have pics of the seats.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/205.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/206.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/207.jpg

[rijidij]

I’ve just fabricated a prototype dash, hoping to get it installed in my County over Christmas. This one will suit an electronic speedo only, but I also had some laser cut to suit the cable driven speedo in the original position. I’m happy with how it’s turning out so far. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/247.jpg

[Phil B]

I’ve just fabricated a prototype dash, hoping to get it installed in my County over Christmas. This one will suit an electronic speedo only, but I also had some laser cut to suit the cable driven speedo in the original position. I’m happy with how it’s turning out so far. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/247.jpgDoes that fit onto the original dash frame?
Looks great!! Are you selling them eventually?
I'd be very interested.

[rijidij]

Does that fit onto the original dash frame?
Looks great!! Are you selling them eventually?
I'd be very interested.

Yes, it’s a direct replacement. I’ve also made a replacement steel binacle.
The version with the electronic speedo in the middle will require a section of the dash pad to be cut out, the one with the speedo in the standard position might also require the cut depending on the depth of gauges.
If all goes well I will offer them as a Rijidij product. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/248.jpg

[POD]

I had a discovery 1 handbrake assembly lying around, installed it between the seat and cubby box when I had the transfer out last year. Nice to have it away from my left leg, although the original didn't bother me so much that I would have spent money to do it if I hadn't had the disco parts already. Took me ages to stop reaching for it in the wrong place. Late model lower door seals was probably one of the most worthwhile interior modifications.

[ninetubes]

nothing too noteworthy, but thought I'd contribute:

In the front i have kept everything really neat and as standard looking as i can:

Insulation and full front carpet kit from exmoor uk, plus corner protectors
Leather boot kit, covering slickshift upgraded gear selector
MUD Glovebox & visor nets (super handy wallet spot)
Shevron dashmat
Single DIN flip up radio with GPS & reverse camera
RAM tablet and phone mounts
Spotlight, rear flood and fuel transfer switches filling the factory blank spots
Remote UHF
LET interior bulbs


No real option to do that in the back though:

Rear seats out
Carpeted plywood false floor
50L water bladder under
40L fridge on top
Cargo barrier net
Roof net
plenty of frontrunner crates
cargo door bag



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[Marbsy]

Simple but effective, cb was perfect size and fridge dos'nt move an inch [thumbsupbig]

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[Zan]

Hey I was just wondering the details of your single DIN radio/ flip up reverse camera? Been looking to do similar, but haven’t found a decent model.

Cheers, Zan.

[ninetubes]

Hey I was just wondering the details of your single DIN radio/ flip up reverse camera? Been looking to do similar, but haven’t found a decent model.

Cheers, Zan.

Clarion NZ502E. Not cheap, but neither was the double DIN facia kit option. Plus it looks less showy to would-be thieves.

[Robmacca]

Finished another part of Landy for the upcoming trip....

Made up a folding Table on the rear Door which came up pretty well..... Wood Grain Top - Black underside

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Going to try and make a 2nd one that will fold down in front of the fridge slide...

[ezyrama]

Removed rear seats and installed a plywood/carpeted compartment with a 60ltr water bladder in the floor-well.

Fitted a draw under the cubby box that slides out into the rear load area. I keep all the service paperwork
and booklets in there plus a few more things. It has raised the cubby box by 70mm with is a nice height for leaning on.

Seat rails to give a bit more leg room.

Drop down table on the back door, 80ltr Waeco and a storage box next to it houses 2 x 105a/hr deep cycle batteries
and a lot of other stuff. Put a line of LED strip lights around the back window to light up the table.

Turned the passenger side cover above the grab handle into a glove box.

(Yeah I know, it needs tidying up in the back)

[rijidij]

Finished another part of Landy for the upcoming trip....

Made up a folding Table on the rear Door which came up pretty well..... Wood Grain Top - Black underside

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Going to try and make a 2nd one that will fold down in front of the fridge slide...

You won’t regret fitting the fold down table, we use ours on every trip, a lot.

[rijidij]

I got the dash units back from powder coating just in time for the Xmas break. Hope to get one fitted up in the next couple of weeks.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/618.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/619.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/620.jpg

[DiscoMick]

Love the fold down tables. Can I ask if they are mounted to the door trim or to something in the door?

[cjc_td5]

I got the dash units back from powder coating just in time for the Xmas break. Hope to get one fitted up in the next couple of weeks.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/618.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/619.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/620.jpg
Looks great. No tacho?

[rijidij]

Looks great. No tacho?

Don’t take any notice of the gauges, I just bunged in what I had lying around to see how it looks.

[rijidij]

Love the fold down tables. Can I ask if they are mounted to the door trim or to something in the door?

The usual way is to replace the whole door trim with something stronger than the plastic, like aluminium, ply etc, then hinge the table off that.

[DiscoMick]

The usual way is to replace the whole door trim with something stronger than the plastic, like aluminium, ply etc, then hinge the table off that.
Yes, I thought so too, but the pictures above appear to show original trim, so I wondered.

[cjc_td5]

Don’t take any notice of the gauges, I just bunged in what I had lying around to see how it looks.
Thanks. The reason I asked is the VDO tacho is 80mm diameter so would need a different size hole cut?

[rijidij]

Thanks. The reason I asked is the VDO tacho is 80mm diameter so would need a different size hole cut?

If all goes well, I’ll be able to supply customised layouts to suit individual requirements.

[travelrover]

Thanks. The reason I asked is the VDO tacho is 80mm diameter so would need a different size hole cut?

You can get 52mm VDO tachometers also...

[Robmacca]

You won’t regret fitting the fold down table, we use ours on every trip, a lot.


Yes true.... Ended up making another table that folds down in front of the Fridge and it gets stored beside the fridge. Not sure how it will go but time will tell133919

Now packed and ready to hit the road for the Defender's 1st Family Trip.....

[DiscoMick]

Yes true.... Ended up making another table that folds down in front of the Fridge and it gets stored beside the fridge. Not sure how it will go but time will tell133919

Now packed and ready to hit the road for the Defender's 1st Family Trip.....
Can I ask if that is the original door trim you have attached the table to or if it has been replaced with something stronger?

[rijidij]

Finally got my new dash fitted, not all gauges are operational, I'm going to replace some with matching VDO gauges when I get the chance.
I'm happy with how it came up, and having everything pulled apart gave me a chance to tidy up a lot of the old birds nest that was hiding in there [smilebigeye]
I took it for a run today and calibrated the new electronic speedo.

Cheers, Murray

[Robmacca]

Can I ask if that is the original door trim you have attached the table to or if it has been replaced with something stronger?

No, it’s not the original but a sheet of 9mm plywood with marine carpet..... it has worked a treat on our current trip.... but we haven’t used the 2nd table I made....


Got a few repairs to do after being absolutely smashed by a wild storm that hit us while we camping at The Gorge along the Clarence River....

[In A Landy Down Under]

Talking of tables, I recently made up one for the rear of mine, I didnt want to obstruct the rear door or access in anyway (some people have complained the fold out ones are a pain if you need to access the drawers when its down....everyones set up is different though!) and it was more of a secondary table and on-the-road table to use. Its been fantastic for the stove and quick stops for making sangas on etc.

Ive recently added the MSA drop down fridge slide too so when the fridge is out its great because I can access the fridge from the table top/stove top for ingredients/sauces/butter when making lunch or dinner. Been fantastic for me.

Also good having an extendable leg so regardless of if your on a hill or not you can get it pretty even for cooking on.

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[JoeFriend]

Talking of tables, I recently made up one for the rear of mine, I didnt want to obstruct the rear door or access in anyway (some people have complained the fold out ones are a pain if you need to access the drawers when its down....everyones set up is different though!) and it was more of a secondary table and on-the-road table to use. Its been fantastic for the stove and quick stops for making sangas on etc.

Ive recently added the MSA drop down fridge slide too so when the fridge is out its great because I can access the fridge from the table top/stove top for ingredients/sauces/butter when making lunch or dinner. Been fantastic for me.

Also good having an extendable leg so regardless of if your on a hill or not you can get it pretty even for cooking on.

134584134585134586Hah, I had the same idea and reasoning, but was toying with the idea of having it fold down off the ladder and having it semi permanently there so it takes less space inside (and I would run a gas line from the bottle that's going on the bottle mount in the rear and add a water line once I get the tank).

Might just do what you did though, seems a fair bit easier! What did you use to attach it to the back of the truck? Any other photos?

[In A Landy Down Under]

Hah, I had the same idea and reasoning, but was toying with the idea of having it fold down off the ladder and having it semi permanently there so it takes less space inside (and I would run a gas line from the bottle that's going on the bottle mount in the rear and add a water line once I get the tank).

Might just do what you did though, seems a fair bit easier! What did you use to attach it to the back of the truck? Any other photos?

I had the exact same thoughts, but I decided against it folding down off the ladder because a) it wouldn't look all that pretty (that matters to me lol), and b) I do use the ladders from time to time and it would get in the way. Doesnt take up too much space but I am looking at where I can store it permanently inside.

Thats the next step, running a gas line from the rear gas holder (RHS) through to a quick-connect plug next to the table (so I dont have to take the gas off every time).

Some more pics attached, I spent HOURS in Bunnings looking for something that would do the job, these were the best thing I could find. They are for door locks, they come in two pieces and I used a rivet gun to attach the back plate to the truck, and then some gel metal glue to attach the front (I used gel as it had more of a bonding surface area than normal metal glue)
LINK HERE (https://www.bunnings.com.au/lane-security-satin-stainless-steel-platinum-architectural-euro-square-escutcheon-lock-set_p4080218)

I cant recall the name of the bolts that slot into the table itself, but they were a perfect fit into the above slots and hold it pretty steady.


134606134607134608134609

I also grinded off the bolts on the hinge but dont have a pic of that.
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I also want to add spirit level into it at some stage, just to improve it a little for cooking. No big drama without though.

[ezyrama]

Love the fold down tables. Can I ask if they are mounted to the door trim or to something in the door?

I had some 3mm Aluminium cut and folded up to mount/screw behind the door grab handle using the same bolts, then sikaflexed some rubber mounting blocks to the back of the vertical sheet down low to stop movement. I had to line the aluminium with chequer plate contact adhesive as aluminium oxide can leach out into food if prepared directly on the bare surface. Capped the edge with small door trim, card table hinges from bunnings and a bit of jack chain onto a 5/32" hex head screw to hold it closed when not in use.

[gusthedog]

Another option to attach a table to the outside is something like this for caravans:

CaravansPlus: Table Wall Support, 2 Piece 490mm | Tables, Legs & (https://www.caravansplus.com.au/table-wall-support-2-piece-490mm-p-1053.html)

Simply lift up the end not attached to the wall and it unclips. Thinking of something like this on the outside of my van.

[VladTepes]

Bumping this to bring it to people's attention...

What unusual / brilliant / thinking 'outside the square' mods have you made to YOUR Defender ?

[Gillie]

Came across this mob about a month ago Land Rover Custom 90 - Ministry of Defender (http://www.ministryofdefender.co.uk/) I haven't seen it on Aulro yet but haven't read Aulro from cover to cover either[bigsmile1].

Some interesting things they do
motorised vents
heater and AC that recycles the air so it actually works.
Check out the Dash. The Ultimate Interior Upgrade - Our Puma Dashboard™ Conversion...Available for all models from 1983 to 2007

but then check out the costs [bigwhistle]


There is more info on their facebook site and a video of the electric motors on the bulkhead flaps Ministry of Defender - Retained bulkhead flaps with electric motors... | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ministryofdefender/videos/1922291381405364/?comment_id=1922392668061902&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D)

[butundede]

I installed Renault scenic RX4 rear seats into the rear of our defender on a custom made frame so I can use the seats with their sliding function and clip in and out easily. I made it so when the seats are fully back, I can comfortably sit in the back (i’m 6’6” and have mulgo seat extensions in the front). I bought a wreck for $100, took out the seats and sold it for $100. Can comfortably sit 5 adults and remove all three seats in about 45 seconds, if I take out just the centre seat, the 40 litre fridge fits in perfectly, if I take all three out and replace it with a false floor, it’s ready for solo trips up the coast.

https://imageshack.com/i/pl9GPoPKj
https://imageshack.com/i/pluqCj7Qj
https://imageshack.com/i/plHrVe4Kj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmnOswy4j

[Vern]

I installed Renault scenic RX4 rear seats into the rear of our defender on a custom made frame so I can use the seats with their sliding function and clip in and out easily. I made it so when the seats are fully back, I can comfortably sit in the back (i’m 6’6” and have mulgo seat extensions in the front). I bought a wreck for $100, took out the seats and sold it for $100. Can comfortably sit 5 adults and remove all three seats in about 45 seconds, if I take out just the centre seat, the 40 litre fridge fits in perfectly, if I take all three out and replace it with a false floor, it’s ready for solo trips up the coast.

https://imageshack.com/i/pl9GPoPKj
https://imageshack.com/i/pluqCj7Qj
https://imageshack.com/i/plHrVe4Kj
https://imageshack.com/i/pmnOswy4jThis one uses the same. Looks very neat. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190703/9a3f84474b9f7e13d834731bf49d8db1.jpg

[butundede]

Vern,

I saw that one, only difference is that I replicated the Renault’s seat attachment to utilise the sliding and lift out features. Once the position of the seats was worked out it was quite easy (although I remember swearing a few times!)
I was going to install a standard seat, but it was very difficult to source and the prices were a little over the top.
Had them in for a year now and cant fault them, kids love the seating position, and theyve been nice and easy to remove/install, would highly recommend for anyone that has the “back seat blues” in their defender.

[Tote]

Made an adapter to put a ram air snorkel head to the cab air intake
Pressurises the air intake enough so it doesn't suck hot air from the engine bay
Allows the fan not to be used when moving
I have a snorkel sock that I put over it which cuts most of the dust coming in to the cab.

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It's sprayed black now so the panel looks a little more civilised

Regards,
Tote

[spudfan]

Tom Sheppard did this to a Defender 300 tdi 90.
Land Rover were supposed to have had a "good look" at it. Imagine if we had got this with the Puma...we would have front air vents.

[Plutei]

One of my earliest mods; I couldn't stand the position of the internal rearview mirror blocking half my vision so I cut out part of the stem, rounded it off, mated to a hole in the base, and epoxy'd it in. Has been solid, good viewing angle and came with me when I switched defenders.

Could have made it shorter but now there is a mud stuff roof console and this is the perfect length to still fit under it.

Requires cutting of the visors but if paired with a mudstuff roof console you can use the provided end caps to make it look nice. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/9a875231c754430b101103bf9b689d31.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/91019da0b7c8a6a36b3fd0ebda3e5b0f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/f859a9c5141adb664a30d575b4d23329.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/2bd868e9be27bf3ad18521f2cd4e0818.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/93c6b80408227412babc6228208c4569.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/fda4290bd8e91c0b1f109ae0c91fb92f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/b40f7c7345c8b06fe7d121cf8aecdd88.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/58ea5944fcc5288f9b91927ebf92d8b7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190718/26a89bee200d8be79c911c81774671cb.jpg

[Dave110HardTop]

Does the interior being eaten by a parrot count? :-)

[ezyrama]

Does the interior being eaten by a parrot count? :-)

Norwegian Blue?? Beautiful plumage! [biggrin]

[travelrover]

Norwegian Blue?? Beautiful plumage! [biggrin]

Is it now an ex parrot?

[DiscoMick]

Has expired, departed, kicked the bucket, checked out?

[Dave110HardTop]

The parrot incident happened under the PO - though I've met the culprit. Very chatty and friendly, though sometimes bitey.

152964
Norwegian Green perhaps?

E' must 'ave muscled up to the headlining, and ripped it apart with his little pecker - voom.

(Also took a bite out of the steering wheel - presumably when driving).

[DiscoMick]

Hope he never hooks on to her nose, or it will be an ambo ride to hospital.

[Dorian]

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This is a shelf I made for the rear of my Defer. We use it for all the light items when we go camping. Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags etc

Cheers Glen

[Gillie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMRHNBxWSFA

[Polarblair]

I hope I won't get in trouble posting links to another forum.

https://content.invisioncic.com/r226025/monthly_2022_12/IMG_20221210_163348.jpg.e532d3b111cfdf1cd41ab49ca3 0b96e9.jpg

130 CSW Flatdog Cargo Cage & Seats - Page 2 - Defender Forum (1983 - 2016) - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum (https://forums.lr4x4.com/topic/111205-130-csw-flatdog-cargo-cage-seats/page/2/#comments)

For anyone wanting to add some cupholders and increase the storage in what are otherwise shallow recesses in their automatic centre console, I'm happy to share the stl. files for 3D printing.

I'll get the files uploaded to thingiverse if anyone's interested.

Thread has a few other mods - still a work in progress.

[Tikka7mm08]

May be not unusual. Defo +1 for swapping in the adjustable wiper relay. Mud red/white courtesy lights, momo steering wheel, 2 Din wireless android stereo with reversing camera, some optimill billet alloy fixtures and grab handles off aliexpress, roof console bin with cb, Mercedes air vents to replace ugly Ford Fiesta ones. Rear I put in pre-Puma drop down seats and a rear door table.

Getting a flexible solar panel and mppt for Xmas so going to wire that in but not sure how...perhaps attach to dog guard.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/201f0be8b411e355fafb1eaf52c6db0f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/71bfdc2e7652d89982269be7508caa11.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/de627ad1c856228469cd6b20d684c711.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/b4a1ce4feb9d18b9f3279c3ffd70e0be.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/8c6ac519ca5ffb9e68f4c78380fc96c5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221218/c1e0c8f9b5e05e3b3704cfdca50136d6.jpg

[VladTepes]

Bumping this thread - always interested in people's interesting interior mods. What else ya got?