Defender Issue No. 2

[voltron]

When I went to jump into the 110 this morning, opening the back to throw my bag in and I notice the small rear window pushed in and green liquid around where the window seal would sit. The window was still half hanging on but was more on the inside of the car.

I figured I must have hit something and push the side of the car in a little and therefore forcing the window out but I couldnt see any panel damage. There was one little dent under where the seal would sit but only small.

Not being able to figure out what had happened, as I dont remember coming close to anything to hit at such height and no scratches or damage, I pulled the window and seal completely out and drove the car to a mechanic freind of mine hoping he may be abe to pop it all back in.

When I showed him, he shook his head and laughed and thinks someone has tried to steal my window and the green stuff was detergent

Then I inspected some more and its sprayed on the inside plastic as well. Might also explain the minimal damage that had been done as the dent was easy to rectify.

I honestly cannot believe someone would do this, how much can a window and seal cost to replace new?? Is this another Defender quirk

Anyway, I think I could handle a knock and run more then the thought of people
stealing stuff off your car.

[87County]

I think your mechanic was right except it was not so much stealing your window glass but forcing the window out to reach the rear door lock.

With that type of window seal - very easy.

That's why you see aftermarket mesh covers for the rear windows being sold

[voltron]

I think your mechanic was right except it was not so much stealing your window glass but forcing the window out to reach the rear door lock.

With that type of window seal - very easy.

That's why you see aftermarket mesh covers for the rear windows being sold

Noted! That's kind of depressing, but I will get onto those things straight away.

It is a 2012 model and comes with an immobiliser, so if they do open that back door somehow, I'm gonna know about it.

Cheers

I just found this link. It looks like they are very easy to remove


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7lNCN3zMqg"]Defender rear quarterlight window removal - YouTube[/ame]

[RVR110]

I once left my 85 County 110 in a semi-industrial area overnight with my brother in law's surf board inside. Some low life threw a brick through the rear side window. It landed on the surfboard and damaged it to the point that the would be thief no longer wanted it. I had to replace the window and get the surf board repaired. All up it cost about $400 which was approximately the excess on my insurance.

At least your thief was kind enough to use detergent instead of a brick.

I'll remember the video. Might come in handy if I lock my keys in the car...

[voltron]

At least your their was kind enough to use detergent instead of a brick.

I would probably do the same thing with my car, and leave it with gear inside in
an isolated area. Not anymore.

I was thinking the same thing about the detergent and minimal damage.

I semi concious theif.

[manic]

I just found this link. It looks like they are very easy to remove


Defender rear quarterlight window removal - YouTube

Blimey, installing those rear windows is a real PITA, and they just pop out like that ... lame.

I'm not exactly sure how the new Puma door lock arrangement sits but if you have central locking and the internal lock/unlock is still that little tab I'd cut and blank it right off so you cannot unlock from the inside.

[manic]

Also thinking about it....

If you have a 110 the rear side passenger doors are a favorite. The smaller window section takes the hit and they reach in and open the door. For extra security you could blank off the lock tabs and activate child lock on those doors (so long as you have central locking). Annoying for your passengers but a sober thief will always go for the smallest windows and the unexpected stall/failed attempt at getting the door open might be just enough to put them off for the day.

[voltron]

Also thinking about it....

If you have a 110 the rear side passenger doors are a favorite. The smaller window section takes the hit and they reach in and open the door. For extra security you could blank off the lock tabs and activate child lock on those doors (so long as you have central locking). Annoying for your passengers but a sober thief will always go for the smallest windows and the unexpected stall/failed attempt at getting the door open might be just enough to put them off for the day.

I have children so the child lock is already set. Im not sure how you black off the lock tabs, but I think I know what you mean.

Cheers

[Blknight.aus]

Blimey, installing those rear windows is a real PITA, and they just pop out like that ... lame.

I'm not exactly sure how the new Puma door lock arrangement sits but if you have central locking and the internal lock/unlock is still that little tab I'd cut and blank it right off so you cannot unlock from the inside.

not legal......

However you can retrofit it to a different location or set it up on one of those all in one locks that unlocks the lock then opens the door with one pull of the handle, if you leave the child lock engaged the internal handle still wont open the door and there will be no tell tale that the outside handle will now open the door.

[manic]

not legal......

However you can retrofit it to a different location or set it up on one of those all in one locks that unlocks the lock then opens the door with one pull of the handle, if you leave the child lock engaged the internal handle still wont open the door and there will be no tell tale that the outside handle will now open the door.

What if there is a master unlock switch inside the cab that locks/unlocks all the doors, could you get rid of the lock tabs then? Does it only apply to passanger doors? My 90 rear is storage, registered 2 seater, so there shouldn't be anyone in the back anyway.

You can remove the lock tab on the side doors by pushing up the surround to remove it and then disconnecting the tab from the push/pull rod. Get a magnet to hold the rod in a retrievable position in the door and then put the surround back on without the tab. If you needed to you could hook your finger in to retrieve the rod, but a thief is unlikely to give it a go.


Anyway just a deterrent thought - if they are keen they will just smash a big window in.