--defender--

Bit pricey for my pocket - and it's wood! Thanks for the link.

Yes I've thought about this and not out-ruled it totally, it's cheap, available and I guess if you use marine ply would be quite stable and not soak up moisture?

Stokbord looks nice and cheap and would certainly do both sides from one 8x4 sheet. The chequer plate still looks my best option. Thanks for the idea.

It's a Watling front tow bracket that has two offset receivers for sliding in a detachable tow ball hitch for pushing a trailer if needed.

I was tempted to ask Land Rover whether they could supply one un-painted but was worried what I'd end up with! Yes, it's a European spec'ed International 684, just over 2.5 years old now.

Thanks, I'm loving the lifestyle.

Hi, Well the 110 HT arrived a couple of months ago, I can confirm that it pulls my rig! I might need to chip it tho, it's a tad underpowered but has the grunt I need in low gears to get things moving... Thanks for everyone here who helped me in making my final decision.

Hi, I've a new 110 Hard Top that I'd like to protect the side walls from internal damage. I'd also like to mount some lugs to mount some strops to tie equipments agains the walls etc. I've been looking at alloy (3mm 5-bar) & plated steel sheet metal. Has anyone done this? What's the lightest & cheapest material to use (not wood)? Cheers!

There's a thread in the Tech Archive about Waxoyling.

Thanks guys for links and tips...

OK back to the topic. Waxoyl it is, 7.5l to start off with, nice and warm to spray. Got an extension hose to get into chassis members etc. Looks like a disgusting, messy and smelly job. I assume if external chassis surfaces are coated it'll offer more protection but it'll act like a fly paper to dirt and gravel? Do or don't?

Point taken, where water can get in, it'll sure rust it! Door frames, doors and bulkhead...

Hi, I've read somewhere about a spate of Defender thefts. What's the cheapest way to dramatically improve security? I'm looking at improving the security of the rear door as well. Any ideas, manufacturers, links, examples etc? Thanks in advance, John

Hi, I'm taking delivery of my new LRDHT in a couple of weeks. I've ordered 5L of Waxoyl, high-pressure pump (Jeez, wish I'd not sold my compressor!) and an extension tube. I've read the other threads here about general guidelines etc. What I'm looking for is some basic advice where else to spray/inject/paint that will offer long term protection. Having changed many chassis items on a 60's S2A many years I ago, I've a pretty good idea what rots on the chassis and will of course be my focus. Are their any other areas that would also benefit from a dap of this black gold? Thanks in advance, John

That's amazing, should shift my trailer ok!

Thanks for everyones help in deciding what to do. I ordered my Defender 110 hard-top today in Zermatt silver. Arrives June...

Thanks alantd, all positive comments. What sort of MPG does yours return?

Yes, good point...

That's one of the reasons for trading from a D3 to a Defender 110 hardtop, to have more storage space and all out of view too. My only remaining concern is it's ability to tow like the D3? I wish I could have one for a day and tow my rig around? On paper my D3 yields @ 440Nm, 187hp (after chipping), the TDCi 360Nm, 122hp. The 110's unladen weight is 200k lighter than my D3. I suspect the 110 is better at getting the rig moving, what with it's lower gearing, anti-stall feature and bottom end torque - well, that's what people say and how it reads? I expect it'll get the job done well? After doing the power to weight ratio comparisons, there's very little in it...

Thanks Orange, The turning circle difference (circumference) between the 90 and the 110 is 0.5m according to the specs. I suspect you're right by some judicious tweeking things could be improved. Some forward planning driving is the best course of action, what with your home pulled behind you! Thanks for the tow-bar tip, I'll endeavour to get it bundled in with the final deal, we are still in a recession you know!

In the process of chatting with my local dealer for a 110 now. No, not a dedicated off-roader...

I know on paper this should be just a big open space, but could someone post me some photos of the interior of the rear load space please? Thanks in advance.

Thanks for the feedback.

Thanks for the feedback.

The feedback is pointing more to a 110! My D3 is manual anyway. I know the Defender will be less comfortable and noisy. There is far more to go wrong with a D3, I don't use it much, only 9k miles in over two years. The road tax is over £400 a year. I move my van infrequently and I need more storage in my vehicle as I spend most of my time living in my caravan. Having a hardtop 90 or 110 will allow loads of stacker boxes and it'll all be out of view. The D3 is great if I had a family to lug around too. Just me 90% of the time and I know how to fix a basic Land rover. The D3!...