upgrading a defender

[eagleman]

Hi folks
just trying to work out best way to go forward here. I was toying with the idea of getting a new ute a smy 2002 130 defender has 360klms on it but still runs really well. I have had her since 30k
But i really do love her and dont want a ranger or cruiser or whatever else, nothing fits the like alandy
sooooo I have decided to spend a few dollars and make her a bit more modern and comfy(if that is possible)
I was thinking new front seats, maybe with the moulded sides, an upgrade on ECU or similar(not sure what Im talking about to be honest) and new led spot lights and hopefully some upgraded parts for the dash
so in nutshell, more power(do i need a bigger intercooler) nicer bits on dash and new seats and anything else you wise folk can suggest
Not even sure if I am in correct section to ask but will give it a crack
Happy New Year Landy lovers

[Discofender]

If you've owned your Defender for 330,000km then I'm surprised your not happy with it as is.

To avoid the obvious downgrade to a modern SUV or ute you really need to think about which of the Defender's design features you find the least appealing and which ones once fixed will return the 'joy of ownership' feelings you had for the vehicle 300k km ago.

For me it was the lack of sound proofing (having had a D2 and 200tdi RRC before it) followed by power, clutch and brakes.

Assuming you have kept the maintenance up then the upgrades you mention of new seats perhaps with sound proofing will add a level comfort that should return some of that new car feel.

By the way I have been tossing up between Exmoor Trim and the more local Stratos seats as replacement for mine.

Cheers Discofender

[Landy Red]

I have a slightly older model Defender to you, (mine's a 1995, with the 300 tdi) and like you I really don't know much about the mechanical side of things. But I have had some success freshening things up, and it's a satisfying way to get a little more diy on your defender. I had a 2017 ranger for a while too, and while they are great you won't love it like you do your landrover.

Just getting new seat foams for your seats is definatly worthwhile, and is something you can fit yourself. (Plenty of easy to follow YouTube videos.) Much, much cheaper than new seats, but they feel like new when your done! Perhaps, put some nice canvas covers on them too?

Sound deadening is easy enough, if noise is really an issue, but some nice new rubber matting etc. would also freshen things up a great deal. As would taking off all the door cards, and refitting new plastic rivets and making sure nothing is rattling or wobbling around. Replacing all the door hinge bolts with nice stainless steel fixings (and replacing hinges too of needed.) Stuff like that makes the car feel fresh again.

Lighting goes a long way too.. you can spend heaps and heaps, but there are decent quality replacement led head lights that give a nice modern look, and combined with some led spotties work really well. This can be done reasonably cheaply too.

Maybe you could look at installing a reversing camera? I've got one, instantly makes car feel newer. If you were to go the intercooler upgrade and ecu upgrade, you would want to have some new gauges to keep an eye on engine temps and exhaust gas temps. All of this would really make the cabin feel more modern.

Good luck with it all! You won't regret it, but you might regret selling it for a new ute.

[Landy Red]

Oh, and there is nothing like new wheels and tyres to get things looking fresh again!

Post some pictures of your Defender too!

[Robmacca]

By the way I have been tossing up between Exmoor Trim and the more local Stratos seats as replacement for mine.

Cheers Discofender

Didn't know it was possible to install a Aftermarket Seat due to the required under seat access??

Would like to know more...

[Phil B]

The existing seats can be upgraded as well. Have a look at the Exmoor website