The Defender thread

mikefoxo · 31-01-2018 8:45pm

Should I buy a Defender 90 or 110?

Farmers son here. We dont have a jeep so I'm going to buy one for myself and use it on the farm when necessary (it'll probably be 80% of it's use). I had thought of only going for a SWB as I've no experience driving a jeep and it's rare I have passengers. But now I'm not so sure. I do sometimes give 2 mates a lift home after nights out, and might have more than one passenger in the future. If I did go for a LWB it'd have to be pre 1989 as I can't afford the full whack of motor tax.

So which do you think I should go for? TIA

MedusaV8 · 31-01-2018 8:53pm

From my own experience I would totally recommend a 110. You can get dick all in a 90. My husband and I both have a 90 each and yes they may look cooler than a 110 but they really aren’t very practical.

The 110 has better road manners and tows better than a 90.

I’ve had 90’s for nearly 10 years and tbh I would really like a 110.

mikefoxo wrote: »

Should I buy a Defender 90 or 110?

Farmers son here. We dont have a jeep so I'm going to buy one for myself and use it on the farm when necessary (it'll probably be 80% of it's use). I had thought of only going for a SWB as I've no experience driving a jeep and it's rare I have passengers. But now I'm not so sure. I do sometimes give 2 mates a lift home after nights out, and might have more than one passenger in the future. If I did go for a LWB it'd have to be pre 1989 as I can't afford the full whack of motor tax.

So which do you think I should go for? TIA

banjolin · 31-01-2018 9:26pm

mikefoxo wrote: »

Should I buy a Defender 90 or 110?

Farmers son here. We dont have a jeep so I'm going to buy one for myself and use it on the farm when necessary (it'll probably be 80% of it's use). I had thought of only going for a SWB as I've no experience driving a jeep and it's rare I have passengers. But now I'm not so sure. I do sometimes give 2 mates a lift home after nights out, and might have more than one passenger in the future. If I did go for a LWB it'd have to be pre 1989 as I can't afford the full whack of motor tax.

So which do you think I should go for? TIA

In my humble opinion 110s are for old farts (I'm the wrong side of 50 so can say things like that) and surfers, who like to sleep in them. Yes they are better for towing and handle better, and they are practical. But you are young, Grasshopper. Get a 90 and tear the arse out of it.:cool:

foxy farmer · 31-01-2018 10:45pm

banjolin wrote: »

In my humble opinion 110s are for old farts (I'm the wrong side of 50 so can say things like that) and surfers, who like to sleep in them. Yes they are better for towing and handle better, and they are practical. But you are young, Grasshopper. Get a 90 and tear the arse out of it.:cool:

If I wasn't such a careful driver my 110 would get a bit of this treatment once in a while.

https://youtu.be/622GBtENJMg

MedusaV8 · 01-02-2018 12:55pm

foxy farmer wrote: »

If I wasn't such a careful driver my 110 would get a bit of this treatment once in a while.
https://youtu.be/622GBtENJMg

Lol. Poor Landy. That’s some driving, was expecting to see it on it’s roof. Love the out takes.

MedusaV8 · 01-02-2018 12:59pm

This is my 90 on Salisbury Plains many moons ago.

mikefoxo · 01-02-2018 1:42pm

Hmmm food for thought there. I'd be planning on keeping it long term so I don't think I'd be driving the guts out of it

The 90 does definitely appeal more to me but I think I may have to let the head rule. The agony of indecision!

Icyseanfitz · 06-02-2018 3:39am

ive a 110 myself, was in a similar position re farm and everything when i bought it years ago. just having the extra room and options to do expedition type upgrades made me go 110.

Gunth · 12-03-2018 8:40pm

Hi guys, I have a replacement windscreen seal for my leaking Defender and it's not a job that I want to take on myself. Is this an easy job for any windscreen fitter or should I look for someone who has previously fitted them on Defenders? Based near Cork city if anyone has a recommendation. Thanks.

MedusaV8 · 13-03-2018 9:59am

Hi there.
I’ve actually done two with my Dad. There is a knack to it and I would expect a windscreen fitter is more used to bonding in screens on modern cars. We used a paracord to pull the rubber into place and I pushed into place from the outside. If you don’t want to do yourself with a mate then look for a classic car specialist or old school mechanic.

Gunth · 13-03-2018 11:31pm

MedusaV8 wrote: »

Hi there.
I’ve actually done two with my Dad. There is a knack to it and I would expect a windscreen fitter is more used to bonding in screens on modern cars. We used a paracord to pull the rubber into place and I pushed into place from the outside. If you don’t want to do yourself with a mate then look for a classic car specialist or old school mechanic.

Thanks Medusa V8, I checked up online and it seems to be a two person job alright. I'll ring a few places and see if they have fitted one previously on a Defender before I commitðŸ˜ If I can't find a fitter I'll have to have a crack at it myself (no pun intended!)

14-03-2018 12:14am

Met a chap this morning who had bought a defender Monday night... beaming he was

Gravelly · 14-03-2018 12:37pm

Gunth wrote: »

Hi guys, I have a replacement windscreen seal for my leaking Defender and it's not a job that I want to take on myself. Is this an easy job for any windscreen fitter or should I look for someone who has previously fitted them on Defenders? Based near Cork city if anyone has a recommendation. Thanks.

MedusaV8 wrote: »

Hi there.
I’ve actually done two with my Dad. There is a knack to it and I would expect a windscreen fitter is more used to bonding in screens on modern cars. We used a paracord to pull the rubber into place and I pushed into place from the outside. If you don’t want to do yourself with a mate then look for a classic car specialist or old school mechanic.

I'd agree with MedusaV8 here - it's worth having a go yourself, I've put windscreens into a few classics myself. Heat the seal beforehand in hot water, use washing up liquid as a lubricant, and use paracord (or if you're a culchie like me, baler twine) to pull the seal into place. Two man job but not difficult.

Slideways · 20-03-2018 9:52pm

Have a crack (bad choice of words maybe haha) at it yourself.

Failing that any window fitter will be able to put one in. Lots of ag machinery still use these rubbers and you couldn’t call yourself a window fitter if you weren’t able to do one

mikefoxo · 25-03-2018 8:46pm

Are there many/any 5 seater commercial 110's out there?

Marlow · 25-03-2018 8:49pm

mikefoxo wrote: »

Are there many/any 5 seater commercial 110's out there?

I've came across crew-cab 110's (CSW body with no windows in last section) before. Not sure, how common they are.

Crew-cab pickup 110s are more common.

There was a TD5 CSW/Van body one for sale at the 4x4 car dealership near Edgeworthtown last year. I was very tempted to buy that as a second one.

/M

laurpat · 14-04-2018 8:35pm

Guy's is there anyone out there that I can just hand my early 110 to and get a bulk head repaired. It's a begging match every where i go - Is there any garages out there that know what there and will take ownership of the lot?

wexie · 14-04-2018 8:46pm

laurpat wrote: »

Guy's is there anyone out there that I can just hand my early 110 to and get a bulk head repaired. It's a begging match every where i go - Is there any garages out there that know what there and will take ownership of the lot?

Where are you based? Will probably very much depend on what repairs need to be carried out. As in will the bulkhead need to come out or can it be done in situ?

Certainly some garages around that could do a whole restoration if need be. As long as the bill gets payed.

EDIT : could always try asking on Land Rovers Owners Ireland on Facebook, quite a few specialist garages there. Ones I could personally recommend are Kings 4x4 in Wicklow or L.R. services in Straffan. Both do excellent work and are friendly, helpful and honest chaps to deal with

laurpat · 14-04-2018 9:28pm

wexie wrote: »

Where are you based? Will probably very much depend on what repairs need to be carried out. As in will the bulkhead need to come out or can it be done in situ?

Certainly some garages around that could do a whole restoration if need be. As long as the bill gets payed.

EDIT : could always try asking on Land Rovers Owners Ireland on Facebook, quite a few specialist garages there. Ones I could personally recommend are Kings 4x4 in Wicklow or L.R. services in Straffan. Both do excellent work and are friendly, helpful and honest chaps to deal with

Thanks for the reply. It's a bulk head repair rather than full replacement but if I leave it too long it will be full replacement. Longer term (3 yrs+) I'll be putting on a galvanised chassis. Engine just had a complete rebuild and I'm very low on mileage so it's to make it mint...

wexie · 14-04-2018 9:32pm

laurpat wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. It's a bulk head repair rather than full replacement but if I leave it too long it will be full replacement. Longer term (3 yrs+) I'll be putting on a galvanised chassis. Engine just had a complete rebuild and I'm very low on mileage so it's to make it mint...

Certainly both those shops (and a few others around the country) would be well capable of putting it on a galvanised chassis along with any other work that might need doing.

If it's just some repairs you may just need a good (and experienced) welder.
It'd very much recommend asking on LROI. Chances are you'll get recommendations for someone (somewhat) local to you.

mcrtchly · 02-05-2018 5:55pm

I’ve just imported a defender 110 td5. It is registered as a light goods vehicle and is due a cvrt (DoE) test. The EGR and pipe work has been removed and blanked. Has anybody had their defender failed cvrt or nct test due to EGR removal or blanking?

Martin

banjolin · 03-05-2018 10:57am

Its a common mod and I have never heard of it causing a failed test. It doesn't impact on the emissions they test for in the NCT and I'm fairly sure it doesn't impact on the CRVT.

dsurf · 04-05-2018 4:34pm

mcrtchly wrote: »

I’ve just imported a defender 110 td5. It is registered as a light goods vehicle and is due a cvrt (DoE) test. The EGR and pipe work has been removed and blanked. Has anybody had their defender failed cvrt or nct test due to EGR removal or blanking?

Martin

I have the EGR and decat done and it's never been an issue with the CVRT.

dsurf · 28-05-2018 12:32pm

Hi folks, as stated above I have the EGR blanked off and the decat done. I've been toying with the idea of getting an ECU remap and I'd be interested in your thoughts on this, in particular any feedback from those of you who've had this done. Where you got it done and the difference it made, is it a worthwhile mod in terms of cost/ value and improvement? Are there any down sides? I'm aware there is a general improvement in power and torque, my question in this regard is, are there any improvements in fuel economy? As much as I like the idea of a boost in power I'd rather not spend any more time and money at the petrol station/ diesel pump. Finally, is there any added strain on the engine and other components with this increase in power?

Thanks in advance!

banjolin · 28-05-2018 10:39pm

Have a look for Stryker on bookface. They bring a guy over from UK to do batches of remaps. I'm sure they would be able to help. Never had the urge myself but each to his own. That's the landy way.

Yawlboy · 30-05-2018 7:06pm

I have a 1993 110 200Tdi with an LT77 gearbox that I want to convert to a more powerful engine (Cummins or petrol V8) with an Auto gearbox. Can anyone recommend someone that could do this work for me.

wexie · 30-05-2018 8:04pm

Yawlboy wrote: »

I have a 1993 110 200Tdi with an LT77 gearbox that I want to convert to a more powerful engine (Cummins or petrol V8) with an Auto gearbox. Can anyone recommend someone that could do this work for me.

I don't know about your neck of the woods but might be worth having a chat with Dave in LR Services in Straffan. He put a cummins in his own 110.

Nice chap as well, very helpful. Also very good so may be busy

https://lrservicesstraffan.com/

Nekarsulm · 08-06-2018 11:21am

Hi guys, the last time Ive driven a Defender was almost 20 years ago, and that was our 1985 90 pick up.
Got a loan of a 2007 Defender pickup yesterday, and I was amazed at how cramped they've become!
Big awkward dashboard that your knee is up against, handbrake up against your calf .. etc etc

How did they keep selling them for so long?

Anyway, here's a few pictures of the pickup they SHOULD have sold...

Leather and Auto, very nice!

wexie · 08-06-2018 11:28am

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Hi guys, the last time Ive driven a Defender was almost 20 years ago, and that was our 1985 90 pick up.
Got a loan of a 2007 Defender pickup yesterday, and I was amazed at how cramped they've become!
Big awkward dashboard that your knee is up against, handbrake up against your calf .. etc etc

How did they keep selling them for so long?

Anyway, here's a few pictures of the pickup they SHOULD have sold...

Leather and Auto, very nice!

You know, I'm not usually a big fan of these pickup conversions (mostly cause they tend to be poorly done) but that looks like it's a pretty tidy job.

Could do with a 2inch lift though :pac:

Nekarsulm · 08-06-2018 11:32am

wexie wrote: »

You know, I'm not usually a big fan of these pickup conversions (mostly cause they tend to be poorly done) but that looks like it's a pretty tidy job.

Could do with a 2inch lift though :pac:

That's converted about 5 years now, by a local crash repair man.
Fully inspected by motor engineer, and it's been very well done.
Garage man says he'll never do another, due to the hours involved.
Don't like the rear trailer lights he fitted to the cab rear, but that just me...

Gravelly · 08-06-2018 11:33am

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Hi guys, the last time Ive driven a Defender was almost 20 years ago, and that was our 1985 90 pick up.
Got a loan of a 2007 Defender pickup yesterday, and I was amazed at how cramped they've become!
Big awkward dashboard that your knee is up against, handbrake up against your calf .. etc etc

How did they keep selling them for so long?

Anyway, here's a few pictures of the pickup they SHOULD have sold...

Leather and Auto, very nice!

That's a gorgeous thing. Love it.

banjolin · 08-06-2018 11:38am

Oh really????????:cool:

This is how you recycle a Discovery http://www.rotodama.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Singlecab.jpg

That pickup is a nice job though.

wexie · 08-06-2018 4:16pm

banjolin wrote: »

Oh really????????:cool:

This is how you recycle a Discovery http://www.rotodama.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Singlecab.jpg

That pickup is a nice job though.

Yeah seen then, not a big fan of the design but the whole idea makes a lot of sense.

Apparently they're working on a camper design as well, could be very interesting

Suckler · 05-11-2018 7:58am

I will probably end up doing time if I ever come across the Engineer/designer that put the slave cylinder inside the gearbox on the Puma Defenders.

Nekarsulm · 05-11-2018 11:00am

Suckler wrote: »

I will probably end up doing time if I ever come across the Engineer/designer that put the slave cylinder inside the gearbox on the Puma Defenders.

Hey, at least you don't have to take the gearbox up into the cab to remove it any more!
Who says Landrover didn't keep up with the times?

jonnybe · 25-11-2019 11:14am

Hey folks,

I'm thinking of buying a used defender (around 2015) and have heard from a mechanic friend that they can fail NCT due to emissions, wondering if anyone has experience with this, or would it be older models only?

Specifically I'm looking at a 2015 2.2 Diesel Defender 90 XS. Any other tips or advice on purchase/ownership appreciated, I know this is somewhat a heart over head decision but figure I'm in the right place!

Thanks,
Jonny

banjolin · 25-11-2019 12:09pm

jonnybe wrote: »

Hey folks,

I'm thinking of buying a used defender (around 2015) and have heard from a mechanic friend that they can fail NCT due to emissions, wondering if anyone has experience with this, or would it be older models only?

Specifically I'm looking at a 2015 2.2 Diesel Defender 90 XS. Any other tips or advice on purchase/ownership appreciated, I know this is somewhat a heart over head decision but figure I'm in the right place!

Thanks,
Jonny

Well now Jonny. Where to begin? First, if you have the money to pay for a 2015 90 XS there are any number of other ways to blow that kind of money that will break your heart just as easily. If its a mid-life crisis thing, have you thought about having an affair? Cheaper in the long run.

Anyway, most people who have been on this thread have or want older models - TD5 or older, so not sure how useful it is to ask here. There are facebook pages for the PUMA/ later engines that will tell you all you need to know.

Its probably a no-brainer to buy one if you are depreciation averse, but they are a VERY acquired taste for everyday use if that is your plan. There is no way a 2015 model is going to fail a test on emissions if it is in good order.

If you want it, buy it. But haggle hard. Really stupid money being asked for late 90's. If you don't like it, as long as you haven't been rode on the price, you will get your money back.

jonnybe · 25-11-2019 3:18pm

Thanks so much for the advice! What sort of money do you think a low mileage 2015 Xs should be going for? Everything appears immaculate.

Cheers

banjolin · 27-11-2019 11:23am

I'd have to see it. Commercial or SW? Dealer or private? XS is top of the range and would have been top price when new. Is it standard? So many are tricked out and pimped it is hard to price them without seeing them. Have a look at UK prices and get an average, work out the VRT on the customs and excise website and you have a fair idea.

jonnybe · 28-11-2019 10:52am

Are there mechanics everyone here goes to or can recommend with some defender knowledge? My main worry is keeping it in good condition

emaherx · 28-11-2019 11:05am

jonnybe wrote: »

Hey folks,

I'm thinking of buying a used defender (around 2015) and have heard from a mechanic friend that they can fail NCT due to emissions, wondering if anyone has experience with this, or would it be older models only?

Specifically I'm looking at a 2015 2.2 Diesel Defender 90 XS. Any other tips or advice on purchase/ownership appreciated, I know this is somewhat a heart over head decision but figure I'm in the right place!

Thanks,
Jonny

I'm sure any car can fail due to emissions if there is a fault. Did your mechanic friend specify the more modern engine that would be in a 2015 model?

I've a 2003 TD5 just past DOE/CVRT test and has never had an emissions issue in 15 tests. But maybe CVRT is not as strict as NCT?

jonnybe · 09-12-2019 10:36am

Hey all,

Can't find defenders at all on the VRT calculator website, wondering if anyone knows how much VRT on a 90 XS 2016 with about 30,000 miles would be?

The person I called working in VRT department said they can't say until it's presented!

Thanks

ballinadog · 09-12-2019 12:45pm

jonnybe wrote: »

Hey all,

Can't find defenders at all on the VRT calculator website, wondering if anyone knows how much VRT on a 90 XS 2016 with about 30,000 miles would be?

The person I called working in VRT department said they can't say until it's presented!

Thanks

Is she a Hard Top or a Station Wagon? When I registered my 2016 90 XS HT in Jan 16 it was €200 and I presume it’s still the same. If it’s a SW then it’s a percentage of the OMSP, total guesswork without the online calculator...

jonnybe · 09-12-2019 3:48pm

It's a SW (Front facing back seats) if that makes any difference? Cat A seems to be 36/37% of an OMSP that I can't find anywhere, seems prohibitively expensive unfortunately.

ba_barabus · 16-12-2019 7:24pm

Hi Folks. A quick question for those more knowledgable than myself. I'm considering buy a SIII for restoration however I'm not sure how much work is involved with the following and if the parts are hard to source. I'm looking at a SIII pickup that's been parked up for a number of years. It's got a 2.3D Nissan engine fitted and the gearbox is missing. I know it had some rust in the bulkhead (not sure how bad) and that the chassis has some rust to the rear. I've yet to go and look at it but I've been told that much.

Is it a world of pain I'd be getting into or suitable for the amateur to work on.

iwillhtfu · 16-12-2019 8:11pm

ba_barabus wrote: »

Hi Folks. A quick question for those more knowledgable than myself. I'm considering buy a SIII for restoration however I'm not sure how much work is involved with the following and if the parts are hard to source. I'm looking at a SIII pickup that's been parked up for a number of years. It's got a 2.3D Nissan engine fitted and the gearbox is missing. I know it had some rust in the bulkhead (not sure how bad) and that the chassis has some rust to the rear. I've yet to go and look at it but I've been told that much.

Is it a world of pain I'd be getting into or suitable for the amateur to work on.

If it's been sitting outside for a number of years I'd say the missing gear box will be the least of your worries. Most likely rotten to the core, bulk head,outriggers,chassis,floor,doors inspect pretty much everywhere. If you consider the running ones are pretty much a rolling project I'd be going in with eye wide open.

Nekarsulm · 16-12-2019 8:15pm

Yes it's a world of pain, but on the other hand everything is available new.
If you have the money, nothing is impossible.
If the back cross member is rusted away, expect the rest of the chassis to be closely following suite.
S111 have a more "vintage" look, but an early 90 would be a lot nicer to drive in my opinion.
They even had disk brakes at the front!
PS , early 90 from about 1985 will be rotten too.......
Buy a few issues of the Land Rover magazines to get an idea of prices for parts.
There was a guy in Co.Down had extensive spares, both new and S/H

ba_barabus · 16-12-2019 10:38pm

iwillhtfu wrote: »

If it's been sitting outside for a number of years I'd say the missing gear box will be the least of your worries. Most likely rotten to the core, bulk head,outriggers,chassis,floor,doors inspect pretty much everywhere. If you consider the running ones are pretty much a rolling project I'd be going in with eye wide open.

I'd best describe where it's been parked as "damp".

Walk away I think.

iwillhtfu · 16-12-2019 10:44pm

ba_barabus wrote: »

I'd best describe where it's been parked as "damp".

Walk away I think.

No harm in taking a look if it's a project you're after. In reality they all need some work and some need more than others. If the price is right and you don't mind getting your hands dirty it could be a runner. If the chassis is rotten I'd walk away unless you've budgeted for a galv chassis.

covey123 · 17-12-2019 2:01pm

Hi all, about a quarter way through this forum,still a bit left to read! but seeing some serious love for the defender.
A question I have is about rear side bench seats in a defender 90,are these legal to use?is it possible to get insurance for these?

The Defender thread

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