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Thread: DIY pop top roof conversion - 110 defender

  1. #1
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    DIY pop top roof conversion - 110 defender

    Hey Guys

    I am new to the forum and I have just purchased a low KM defender 300 tdi 110. I am planning a pop top conversion, has anyone attempted to DIY a conversion? Any help with parts or photos would be hugely appreciated. The first main hurdle I can see it to source a suitable waterproof hinge for the front - I am aiming for sleeping 2 adults in the roof space and the 2 kids on fold down beds.

    Mulgo is an interesting conversion but too $$$ for us - the conversion costs more than the landy!

    Again and help or ideas much appreciated,

    Cheers,

    Jay

  2. #2
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    I've often thought a side hinged roof like the Dormobile would be best, but have it fold out a full 180 degrees (sort of like a roof top tent). This would give you heaps more usable room.

  3. #3
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    would a roof top camper be better value, and can move cars if you update?

    leaves top for you guys and inside for the tin lids..
    (REMLR 235/MVCA 9) 80" -'49.(RUST), -'50 & '52. (53-parts) 88" -57 s1, -'63 -s2a -GS x 2-"Horrie"-112-769, "Vet"-112-429(-Vietnam-PRE 1ATF '65) ('66, s2a-as UN CIVPOL), Hans '73- s3 109" '56 s1 x2 77- s3 van (gone)& '12- 110

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by digger View Post
    would a roof top camper be better value, and can move cars if you update?

    leaves top for you guys and inside for the tin lids..
    too top heavy - and makes parking in multi story a nightmare!

    also the wind noise when not being used and a pain if you have to fit it each time you want to go away camping.

    180 degree roof is an intresting idea - but i can see problems with the canvas already.

    Any other thoughts?

  5. #5
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    Motorhome Gallery - RV Roof Air Lifter Systems

    examples of dormobile style and straight lift tops......(not shown on l/r's)



    pop top, lifting roof, camper conversion, recreational vehicle conversions - mulgo pty ltd - australia

    shown on a defender... although a high roof when closed doesnt look too bad.. will still make some car parks a challenge.



    BUT

    "Pricing
    Ranging from $9500.00 to $12000.00 incl GST depending on your specifications. Please call us for a quote."

    ouch!

    this one is from South Africa I believe but check it out, wow!

    LandRover Defender | GRTravelTops

    another Sth African one

    2003 Land Rover Defender 110 Td5 | A nip here, a tuck there




    just for laughs, (although I like the concept. no drilling etc just fit!) here is a lift roof for the series vehicles! From Canada I believe

    X-Panda-Cab camper
    (REMLR 235/MVCA 9) 80" -'49.(RUST), -'50 & '52. (53-parts) 88" -57 s1, -'63 -s2a -GS x 2-"Horrie"-112-769, "Vet"-112-429(-Vietnam-PRE 1ATF '65) ('66, s2a-as UN CIVPOL), Hans '73- s3 109" '56 s1 x2 77- s3 van (gone)& '12- 110

  6. #6
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    You need one of these
    Attached Images Attached Images

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by jerryd View Post
    You need one of these
    Also interesting, but is it not impossible to buy the diy kits in OZ?

    I am surprised more people haven't tried to make a lifting roof themselves - landy nuts seem to be willing to make everything else!

  8. #8
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    We coverted our 110 to a pop top in 2003

    Sorry old thread, but I have just seen it.

    We did our own pop top and it was very easy. I can't understand why there are not more of them either? We never saw any in our travels of Australia. There are heaps of them in Germany.

    Cost in 2003 was:
    $1500 Aluminium and welding of spacer/roof. The main thing is the 10 (or 11cm?) spacer panel to clear the rear door. The biggest pain was making the original roof flat at the front (as it goes up around the windscreen). Next time I would just use a series model tropical roof as this is already flat. I used 4 large hinges accross the front as this is what was available at the time. A long piano hinge would have been better. I riveted on a rubber strip over the hinge to seal it, and sikaflexed automotive rubber around the other three sides. We used pine slats for the bed. These could be slid together to create more room.
    $800 painting (456 savarin white)
    $800 canvas and stitching. We had big fly screen windows on all 3 sides.
    $300 gas struts - these need to be out side the canvas to allow it to fold in better (lessoned learned).

    The pop top was an awesome thing. Undo two clips, give it a little push and job done. You have standing room and can access all your gear. A roof top tent simply doesn't compare. Jaffle our pop top did us proud for 10 years, including a 12month trip around Australia and 18 months through Russia/Mongolia and Europe. We are a bit lost without him

    Our current plan is to make a 130 station wagon, then put on a left side hinge and have the roof fold over 180degrees. Us sleeping on fold out and kids at roof level over the front and back seats. Just have to find an unmolested 300tdi 130 dual cab....

    Here are some scans of photos of the build.

    Hope this helps,
    Alan
    Attached Images Attached Images

  9. #9
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    More photos
    Attached Images Attached Images

  10. #10
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    Hi Danialan, looks like a very neat piece of work. Congratulations. My Trayon camper folds out to the passenger side and one of the benefits is the shaded area this creates, not to mention the full length headroom. The Trayon uses pivoting aluminium poles and cross bars which are pulled into position as the top opens. The middle poles are extended to tension the canvas and maximise headroom. A pair of fairly strong gas struts aid both the opening and the closing action. Cheers, 130man.

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