Hi + PUMA accessories opinions wanted

[n plus one]

Err so, long-time listener, first time caller and all that.

So, cutting to the chase, just about to buy a 07/09 plate Puma wagon (Silver) thought it might be time to transition from a lurker to a poster.

The Puma won't be a cherry-popping experience for me though - used to own a 2003 TD5 wagon and loved it - only sold it due to financial needs and spent the last 3 years being simulateously ****ed off and excited everytime I saw one drive past.

That ain't happening again though - they'll be prising it out of my cold dead fingers next time around...

List of bits from the dealer is currently shaping up as:

Wingtops (black)
Tow bar (still works with the Opposite Lock aux tank - which will be enough)
Front mub flaps
Tint
HD front springs.

Other bits straight up:

Bullbar (probably ARB)
Light Force XGTs
Wind Cheeta (Opposite Lock) expition rack and 2 piece ladder
Rear wheel carrier - probably Opposite Lock
Rear drawers - Black Widow?

And plenty of other stuff down the road.

I've searched heaps to get to this point but any opinions on the bits would be well appreciated - particulalry with regard to sidesteps as I can't really figure out which way to go with these.

Options include:

Couple of factory folding steps
Factory side steps
Custom rockslider/steps
TJM intergrated steps and brush bars (might mean I need a TJM bullbar too?)
Nada - just as god intended.

Anyway hi to all - and let the feedback flow.

[JLo]

Err so, long-time listener, first time caller and all that.

So, cutting to the chase, just about to buy a 07/09 plate Puma wagon (Silver) thought it might be time to transition from a lurker to a poster.

The Puma won't be a cherry-popping experience for me though - used to own a 2003 TD5 wagon and loved it - only sold it due to financial needs and spent the last 3 years being simulateously ****ed off and excited everytime I saw one drive past.

That ain't happening again though - they'll be prising it out of my cold dead fingers next time around...

List of bits from the dealer is currently shaping up as:

Wingtops (black)
Tow bar (still works with the Opposite Lock aux tank - which will be enough)
Front mub flaps
Tint
HD front springs.

Other bits straight up:

Bullbar (probably ARB)
Light Force XGTs
Wind Cheeta (Opposite Lock) expition rack and 2 piece ladder
Rear wheel carrier - probably Opposite Lock
Rear drawers - Black Widow?

And plenty of other stuff down the road.

I've searched heaps to get to this point but any opinions on the bits would be well appreciated - particulalry with regard to sidesteps as I can't really figure out which way to go with these.

Options include:

Couple of factory folding steps
Factory side steps
Custom rockslider/steps
TJM intergrated steps and brush bars (might mean I need a TJM bullbar too?)
Nada - just as god intended.

Anyway hi to all - and let the feedback flow.

G'day
I wouldn't bother with the fold up steps on the sides as they hang down a fair bit and will cause grief. First choice would be custom rockslider/step, to replcae lower sill; My second choice would be LR sidesteps as they seem to hang down the least from my experience (unless they have changed them).

Cheers
JLo.

[Grockle]

Why are you looking at HD front springs.

[n plus one]

To accomodate the weight of the bullbar - why? Possibly unnecessary?

I'll ultimately be fititng an electric winch, but that's a long way off.

[dullbird]

no HD springs in front is a good idea if getting a bullbar and winch I'm yet to do this mod on ours...just need a bit of spare cash and I will do it just to bring the front back up to level again

[juddy]

What would the cost be for this upgrade???


no HD springs in front is a good idea if getting a bullbar and winch I'm yet to do this mod on ours...just need a bit of spare cash and I will do it just to bring the front back up to level again

[Grockle]

Thats why,we can only fit soft plastic a bars over here.

[dullbird]

To accomodate the weight of the bullbar - why? Possibly unnecessary?

I'll ultimately be fititng an electric winch, but that's a long way off.


What would the cost be for this upgrade???

I think it is under $200 for these springs from memory
dm_td5 has brought some recently I'm sure he will chime in soon and give us the price

[n plus one]

I think it is under $200 for these springs from memory
dm_td5 has brought some recently I'm sure he will chime in soon and give us the price

Hope so - I'm still waiting for a price from the dealer for mine.

[Mulgo]

Agree with JLo in regards to the rock sliders/side steps. Not worth bothering about the fold down LR steps. Custom sill replacements is the way to go or the genuine LR side rail (although probably dearer).

Personally I would also think about protecting the rear corners with bumperettes/rear steps. Although often seen, the checker plate protections are not the way to go as they only cause more damage further up the side panel in case you hit something.

Cheers,
Daniel (aka Mulgo)

[geckos]

someone mentioned on here ARB has bought a DC110. so soon they'll have more goodies for the defender range. just bought a wind cheetah roof rack it looks good not on yet car is in getting other goodies on. selling an ARB roof rack thts off a defender. pm me if you want pics of the new one.

[n plus one]

Thanks for the info gents.

I think I'll probably go for the factory sidesteps or a similarly designed aftermarket item.

I'd prefer sliders but for the sake of the better half and some relatives being able to get in an out easily I think this type of step may prove to be the best compromise. Also the factory steps will make it easier to load mtbs onto the roof rack

I can't see sliders proving to be a particulalry useful fulfilling these functions? (please prove me wrong as they are my preference :D)

Another question, storage drawers - who's got what and which ones are the best?

[spudboy]

I've got factory side-steps on my 90, and in my opinion they hang down too low.

First weekend out in the mud and rocks and I bent the driver's side ones by about an inch. Luckily, they are so far away from the body, that there was no other damage, but wasn't that impressed.

When I get time and $$ I will be taking them off and putting on some sliders that sit closer to the bodywork, and won't bend.

[n plus one]

Yep, that's pretty much confirmed my thinking - buuger it we're going sliders.

On another note, after much discussion the game is afoot - deposit on the Puma will be made tomorrow morning :arms:

[frantic]

"If" you push hard enough you should be able to get the dealer to throw in the HD front springs + the side steps and spin a bit of "truth" that will end up with you getting the rear wheel carrier for nix. ( several "friends/ relo's / my prev defender" ( your pick)had problems with rear door mounted wheel carrier shifting through repetitive off road jolting);) If you really want to push say your looking at an asian fridge that has the snorkle included to see if you can get that as well! GOOD LUCK!

[n plus one]

"If" you push hard enough you should be able to get the dealer to throw in the HD front springs + the side steps and spin a bit of "truth" that will end up with you getting the rear wheel carrier for nix. ( several "friends/ relo's / my prev defender" ( your pick)had problems with rear door mounted wheel carrier shifting through repetitive off road jolting);) If you really want to push say your looking at an asian fridge that has the snorkle included to see if you can get that as well! GOOD LUCK!

Noted, although I've already been playing two dealers against each other so the deal seems to be about as good as most have gotten - from what I've read anyway.

[JohnR]

For Checkerplate wingtops I'd be calling Rovercraft, WAY cheeper and just as good. Go the custome rock sliders then you can have strength and what you want, no comprmise :) Also, what about a snorkle? Safari seem to be the best.

I call defenders a blank canvas, you keep adding accessories and they keep looking better! Enjoy it, you'll love it!

Cheers,

[spudboy]

For a snorkel - check out Mantec's "Plastic Jobbie" (that is what they call it - don't ask me...). A quick search should find it.

Got mine from RoverTech for $500. Took about 15 minutes to fit it.

[n plus one]

Ah yeah, forgot to mention the snorkel - I was planning on going for the Mantec unit. Although I'm open to persuasion...

As for the checker plate, I'm only going factory due to the deal I've been offered.

That plus the fact I want it fitted ASAP - I've seen plenty of guards dinted the first time someone popped the bonnet for ellook and lent in beer in hand...:eek:

With regard to the snorkle, I assume you mean Kedron Rovertech in QLD?

[spudboy]

I should have typed RoverCraft, not RoverTech, and they are in Perth (with another branch in Sydney too?). They shipped it off to me in Adelaide and I got it in 2 days, so very impressed with the service.

[dullbird]

I should have typed RoverCraft, not RoverTech, and they are in Perth (with another branch in Sydney too?). They shipped it off to me in Adelaide and I got it in 2 days, so very impressed with the service.

And a branch in Melbourne this is where Stuart is based:)

[Mulgo]

New South Wales

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
D.R. Rovacraft Pty Ltd (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
Unit 3, 1307 Botany Road
Mascot NSW 2020
Phone: 02 9700 8920


Victoria

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
D.R. Rovacraft Pty Ltd (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
U2/69 Acacia Rd
Ferntree Gully Vic 3156
Phone: 03 9758 5211



Western Australia

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
D.R. Rovacraft Pty Ltd (http://www.rovacraft.com.au/)
Unit Two, 105 Broadway
Bassendean WA 6054
Phone: 08 9377 0080

[Jock The Rock]

Hey mate sorry missed half of this thread

I have a TJM bar and sidesteps. Luckily I got mine second hand, would have been bloody expensive otherwise

I can't recommend them highly enough, the bar is great and the steps and brush bars are very solid. I rolled my old Defender with them on it and only bent one of the mounts slightly, had to pull the oxy out to straighten them up. In deep ruts they sort of guide you because the piping is so thick that it doesn't cut into the banks.

Also the brush bars are great for opening gates :p I'm not soft on them either

Here's a pic:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/1823.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/1824.jpg

[rocket_rod]

Other bits straight up:

Bullbar (probably ARB)
Light Force XGTs
Wind Cheeta (Opposite Lock) expition rack and 2 piece ladder
Rear wheel carrier - probably Opposite Lock
Rear drawers - Black Widow?



We had the Front Runner/Wind Cheetah rack fitted and looks the business. Was crawling around on it half the weekend fitting a side mount table bracket.

[n plus one]

Hmmm, might have to get a price on that TJM set up - got offered a good deal on an ARB bar today though. Any thoughts on the difference in quality?

With regard to the roof rack I'm thinking I might fit mine the opposite way round to that - any thoughts?

PS It's pretty much a done deal now, just waiting on paperwork to get signed - hoping to get the big girl for this weekend with any luck :arms:

[n plus one]

Hmmm, might have to get a price on that TJM set up - got offered a good deal on an ARB bar today though. Any thoughts on the difference in quality?

With regard to the roof rack I'm thinking I might fit mine the opposite way round to that - any thoughts?

PS It's pretty much a done deal now, just waiting on paperwork to get signed - hoping to get the big girl for this weekend with any luck :arms:

[Larry]

With regard to the roof rack I'm thinking I might fit mine the opposite way round to that - any thoughts?

What, legs up???:p:p:p

[n plus one]

What, legs up???:p:p:p

Yeah, wondered if that required further explanation :D

The other way round will hopefully address a few issues - first, getting the thing under the carport, second, easier to get gear onto the rack while standing on the bonnet area, third, neater way to store the 2nd spare at the rear of the car and reduce wind noise.

Dunno - seen it done elsewhere, thought I might try it out?

[Larry]

Yeah, wondered if that required further explanation :D No, I couldn't resist.:lol2:

The other way round will hopefully address a few issues - first, getting the thing under the carport, I assume the carport slopes to one end?

second, easier to get gear onto the rack while standing on the bonnet area, third, neater way to store the 2nd spare at the rear of the car I would have put the spare towards the front as most of the weight when loaded is at the rear (for me at least) and reduce wind noise.

Dunno - seen it done elsewhere, thought I might try it out? As you say, give it a try.:thumbsup:

Mark.

[Jock The Rock]

Hmmm, might have to get a price on that TJM set up - got offered a good deal on an ARB bar today though. Any thoughts on the difference in quality?

With regard to the roof rack I'm thinking I might fit mine the opposite way round to that - any thoughts?

PS It's pretty much a done deal now, just waiting on paperwork to get signed - hoping to get the big girl for this weekend with any luck :arms:

To be honest they are much of a muchness, I prefer the TJM. I reckon they look better with the bend in the middle, wheras an ARB is plain straight. If you have a look the bars just below the headlights on an ARB bar are much thinner than the TJM

I think its like Ford and Holden really :p

[n plus one]

Yep - sloping carport. I'll give 'wrong' way round a go and see how it works out.

Thanks - I kinda' suspected TJM v ARB was a bit like that.

I think the decision will come down to price and availability - I'm loathe to drive around here without a bar for any length of time - the place is thick with skippies :eek:

[n plus one]

Pick up the Puma this Thursday @ 4pm ;)

Factory tow bar.
Black wing tops.
Tinted windows.
Front mud flaps.

ARB bullbar and Safari snorkel to be fitted on Friday - I'll size up driving lights as soon as the bar is fitted.

Many other mods to follow.

Watch this space.

[dullbird]

Congratulations on the purchase:)

[n plus one]

Right so I've picked up the Puma but have a bit of a dilema.

I was chatting to the dealer who mentioned that LR (and VW) are being a bit harsh on warranty claims.

He copied me a notice to dealers about he illegalty of dealers fitting non-approved parts to cars and also that service agents should note the fitment of non-standard parts in order to invalidate warranty claims on 'consequential damage'.

In part this sucks, but to some degree I also see it as fair - if you fit some ridiculous piece of crap to your car which wrecks something, the damage shouldn't be covered by warranty.

The devil is in the application - my concern is that I'm booked in to fit a bullbar and snorkel tomorrow.

While I didn't tell the dealr what I'm planning on doing, he mentioned that I should consider the factory A bar instead of an aftermarket bullbar - I'm reasonably happy fighting the good fight with regard to warranty claims and fitting a bullbar.

My main concern is the snorkel i.e. you have modified the induction system, the induction system is part of the engine, we deny your damaged engine warranty claim.

What have people's experiences been with this kind of thing?

[spudboy]

They'd have to use a lot of imagination to reject a warranty claim if you've only got a snorkel and a bullbar fitted.

[n plus one]

They'd have to use a lot of imagination to reject a warranty claim if you've only got a snorkel and a bullbar fitted.

Yeah, that's the way I feel myself. Just wondering what others have experienced - particularly those with snorkels fitted.

[spudboy]

I've put a Mantec snorkel on mine and don't have any worries about warranty at all. My dealer knows it's on there. Nothing's been said.

[Mulgo]

I've put a Mantec snorkel on mine and don't have any worries about warranty at all. My dealer knows it's on there. Nothing's been said.


Mantec is standard Land Rover - so should be no issues at all. IMHO Mantec is actually one of the best snorkels anyway.

[spudboy]

Yeah -I liked it the best.

It's one of their "new plastic jobbies" with the swish looking head on it. Easy to fit too, took less than an hour (I was being careful, drilling into brand new paint :eek:)

[Mulgo]

Mantec, I believe, is still one of the only snorkels which is not pointing towards the driving direction, hence not sucking all that dust.

Their design allows most of the dust to be spin out, this prolongs the life of the air filter.

Had one of those snorkels on my 110" and was very happy.

[n plus one]

Well, I've been a bit slack - but it's about time I posted a few piccies of the fendy.

Taken on a trip to the Vic high country over Christmas.

One taken near Craig's hut with SWMBO at the wheel and the other crossing the Murray near Tom Groggin.

[KarlB]

Why no snorkel? You said in your post of 18 Aug 09 that it was to be fitted in a few days.

Just curious
KarlB

[n plus one]

Why no snorkel? You said in your post of 18 Aug 09 that it was to be fitted in a few days.

Just curious
KarlB

Dealer was banging on about warranty crap - figured I didn't need it on immediately so I stuck it in the shed (it's a Safari snorkel) to be fitted when I can be bothered.

It's a fight I'd be more than happy to have if push came to shove (unlikely), bit I figured I'd get a few ks on her and see .In the mean time I've been busy fitting the Hannibal rack and awnings, ARB lights, Black Widow drawers and new speakers.

Next comes compressor &stereo head unit (also sitting in the shed awaiting fitment), UHF, wheel carrier, rock sliders, reversing/work lights, dual batteries and possibly a roof console.

That ought to keep me busy...:D