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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Auf Weidersehen Munich, Allwite Berminggum
Part 1

Solihull’s most innocent.. (hopefully), adopted from Johnson’s 4x4 in Chertsey, promised she was pure.. but that was from the Arthur Daly of Johnson’s, James, (never again), but Harry’s settling in and adjusting to her new life.

After nearly 2 decades of owning the ultimate driving machine(s).. the epiphany had struck.. could it have been brought on by the Bavarians over enthusiasm not to support warranty, overpriced routine service items, or maybe it was another cracked rim and tyre blown following Rishi’s road network and quality control? Nevertheless, fate had taken its cause. Bye bye heads up display, hello shake, rattle, and roll!

I knew that after such a long relationship with these products of perfection, I had to go cold Turkey.. there was only one contender, others of course caught my eye, but then along came Harriet, and the rest as they say is history.

Within 4 days of the last rim and tyre combo, Harriet was mine. The Beemer taking to the classifieds upon her arrival, then snapped up the same week by my local dealer; (the irony!).

Now just over 3 months into ownership.. I can start to tell the tale..

With all new relationships, the thought of seeing them naked grows excitement and butterflies overlaid with a little self conscious fear of what you weren’t expecting.. (see different website on Thailand).

Harriet was no different, she was very vocal when the her buttons were pressed, a little raw, and simplistic, dirty in some areas, but her hearts in the right place, and with a little kindness and compassion, love and time (cash) she’d start to develop into her inner soul. I know .. I know.. we all say don’t change for “me”.. but.. she was wanting.. and very accommodating.

Her doors flung open, her nakedness dawned.. as pure as the Solihull production line, the testament of Johnson’s PDI exposed.
Post #1001570 24th Jul 2023 4:56pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red

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Post #1001571 24th Jul 2023 4:58pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Part 2

She’s been cleaned.. de-loused off the 15 tonnes of silicon across her inners. No-longer slipperier than a vertically erected pole used in competition of climb; her exterior clay barred, and is now smooth and silky.

She’s had her glass UV protected, privacy at the back of course, a gentle dusting at the front.

Silent coat has covered every inch of her inside, Dodo foam on top, carpet.. and then to respect her deep and dirty wanting; genuine LR rubbers overlay on top.



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Her mis-sold “two-key” locking system, as James quoted, “they all have that” (BS), is now a genuine LR one key set up. (Private note; those single use ignition barrel
bolts are fun to remove).

The doors are smothered with 3 separate courses of Silent Coat too, the full reassuring thud for when they close.

The rear was changed to cargo load rail for maximum options and secure tying.



The roof lining of course was separated, the vinyl binned and a new artificial suede glued in place. The sides of the utility also having the same finish over the Dodo. The plastic covered in Leather, an early attempt at my upholstering skills, so may change again.


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Her 7 pin electrics, modernised to 13 (another James mis-sell), the kit supplied by PF Jones, but the installation instructions from the genuine LR setup. (These show better positioning for the addition aux power line and attachment to the chassis etc than any of the aftermarket kits I saw).

Then there’s the main interior…
Post #1001580 24th Jul 2023 6:44pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10547

England 
Welcome to you and Harriet to the forum Very Happy

What a cracking opening 2 parts, looking forward to more parts Thumbs Up 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up. Keeper.


Clayton.
Post #1001603 24th Jul 2023 9:22pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Part 3

Lucari

Lucari are I’m sure, the marmite of choices. The purists would be debating the urban converters, the traditional users would be rolling their eyes at the French seams on perforated leather. These fine machines have such an eclectic following, Lucari have found their niche.

Nervously I dipped my toe in.. starting easily with their 3mm chequered plate for the sills and rear quarters. The quality is beautiful.
Fitting opened my eyes to the fastidious quality control of the those once BMC workers. Flashbacks to my childhood cruising in the family Maxi, or multiples of.. there were 3 overall. Each once littered with its own personal build characteristics. Harriet being no different, the door gaps being as much as 6mm out at the bottom - no room for plating under some.

Just to be consistently unique, front passenger and drivers rear were the furtherest out. Design? Maybe the 70’s work ethic? Perhaps the fitter heard the faint rattle of the tea trolley coming towards, his Pavlov instincts dribbling, meaning he just threw Harry’s doors on? It’s these quirks, flaws, challenges? that bring the community and following, Harriet being no different.

Doors and shuts aligned, the sill plate slipped into place, marked, drilled, bolted.

The rear quarters, should have been simple, one side was.. the other delivering its own particular challenges around panel flex. The solution ending up with a reproduction of the mud flap array ! Harriet wasn’t playing, she kicked and screamed, but her new corners and cuffs finally fitted, and smart she did look.

Lucari!

I’ll come clean. It’s just easier I guess. There was this guy on the bay.. who alleged to have changed his project plans and.. well.. I went to see it all.. and, well the long and short is.. Harriet’s new interior took quite a new direction.

There said it. No huge build up, just got it out.

More on that in the pictures.. because the OCD me then took a hold. Her poor seatbelts had been closed in the doors a few times too many. I’m not too far from a very good specialist (est. 1963), and voila 5 beautiful belts returned.


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I purchased some additional strapping and took to the sewing machine to knock up the matching dog guard allowing a little herd control for the Shepherd.


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The Lucari interior is simply stunning. The rear seat was a cover, so did require removal of the old, and reattach the new. Amazon prime whistled me a cheap (c.£10?) hog ring pliers set, which made it a breeze. Cool calm and patience required.. it’s easy.. but hold your nerve. Once more the Genuine LR manual download provided excellent support to ring locations and seat fittings. New side covers and seat backs were added, as the genuine parts were reasonable and Harriet had clearly been a little abused with loads in the past.. directly purchased from my local dealer, I took full use of the complimentary drinks while awaiting the parts arrival to the service area.


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Next up.. the dash
Post #1001642 25th Jul 2023 9:09am
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Ianh



Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 1802

United Kingdom 
Do you think you have a subliminal urge to convert your defender into a BMW Rolling with laughter
Post #1001668 25th Jul 2023 10:58am
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Ouch! Big Cry
Post #1001704 25th Jul 2023 12:58pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Part 4

Now I can’t lie.. after already procuring Harriet, then accidentally falling down the complete interior rabbit hole.. both of which I hadn’t planned to do.. Harriet had already well and truly sunk her claws into my wallet.

Forums and You Tube are alight with the most have’s and do’s, so one thing I forgot to mention was the Slick Shift. I added this pre carpet, well I was there anyway wasn’t I? It massively changes the feel of the gearbox, you know what’s what, there’s a reassuring engagement, but if I’m honest, I liked her quirky playful find me if you can approach. The real benefits are deemed particularly when towing, and with that all important uphill downward gear needed.. I was sold. I have towed post fitting, and not had any issues at all in locating the gear of choice whenever I wanted.. guess that’s a tick?


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So back to the dash and lack of cash Smile. I bought a windscreen sticky thingy, (technical I know), quad lock if you want the plug. These are brilliant, but.. as you’ll all be aware, the screen isn’t the largest, and frankly the combo of restricted vision from the windscreen and my middle aged eyesite, no ability to link the phone to talk through the stereo, means I couldn’t use the Nav or well, hear it either. Frankly I may as well have got the Ordnance Survey out, and used the bygone years approach.

I didn’t fancy the double DIN.. looked like a pain in the preverbal. I certainly had no interest in the secondary switch panel with the round hole, and the Twisted alternative set up was significantly out of reach.

Flip stereos were the only way forward in my eyes..

Until I researched. Chinese or the choice of… well… 1! The Pioneer. With that model already been a few years old, I had to take stock and revisit my phobia.. the conversion. Which Kit? Which stereo? Arghh!

Days, probably weeks if I’m honest of dabbling the sites, reviews blah blah.. and fate was sealed. The Alpine. Double Din face, single din base. 2 USB ports, appleplay, lots of extra options if I wanted cameras etc later. Found a good (if you squint from far away) price, and next day it was in my hand.

The conversion options for the dash are mind blowing. With air vents and the clock bit? Without? Prices from £80 without, £180? With.. up to.. just look at Twisted’s price!

Hello AliExpress.. be brave I thought. Ordered 2 USB ports, and the Facia with vents for under £120 delivered. Await the slow boat from China and hope.

Meanwhile usb.. need a glove box - incomes the MUD conversion kit, a further LR style USB and a new aerial.. Nakatanenga, as I watch the £££’s slip away..


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The panel arrived. The feel and quality is that of the original. It has the round hold of doom that I don’t want.. but I have a saw and I’m more than happy to use it.


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Quick cut off the “roundy” bit

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After a gentle sand on the corners (240), first dust of satin black engine paint. (Had it on the shelf already)


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Voila?

Fitting the panel is a synch. Plenty of write ups on all this stuff, hence I’m not hitting the detail. Did I hit the problem of getting all the wires in. Yep. Did I remove brackets behind. Yep. It’s all here in the forum by others, who quite frankly do an incredible job of laying it out on a tray for others to follow.

I’ll lay the pictures out.. nothing you’ve not all seen before..


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And that’s where I am.. so far..

Wheels.. probably next.. I’ve a strong leniency towards to Bowlers.. just waiting that deal.
Vents will follow, maybe LED, maybe DRLs.. maybe maybe maybe..

For now I need to stop.. I’ve a track bike that needs focus, so Harry gets a breather from the surgeons knife…

In fact just this morning I took her swimming, let her enjoy her play too..

Introducing Harriet..



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Post #1001727 25th Jul 2023 3:21pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red

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And post swim.. a dirty girl… Rolling with laughter
Post #1001728 25th Jul 2023 3:23pm
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Barneyboy



Member Since: 19 Nov 2014
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 1586

England 1986 Defender 90 2.5 n/a Diesel ST Nato Green
Hi Shafski Thumbs Up is that Tarr steps? great work on the Land Rover, that’s looking really nice, look forward to the next mod Thumbs Up cheers Paul
Post #1001742 25th Jul 2023 5:35pm
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NickMc



Member Since: 01 Oct 2014
Location: Norn Iron
Posts: 1572

Northern Ireland 2006 Defender 90 Td5 HT Bonatti Grey
Looking good. What front seats are they you have fitted? Been looking at options for mine, I already have Masai Brown puma seats, after sitting in a customers Genuine Recaros I fancy a set, but can’t quite bring myself to spend that much on them Shocked

What’s the company called that did the belts? I’ve seen them before, but lost their details.
Post #1001744 25th Jul 2023 5:40pm
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Moo



Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: Bath
Posts: 1065

Ukraine 
I hope you gave Harriet a good soaping and rub down afterwards...... Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.
Post #1001745 25th Jul 2023 5:41pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Barneyboy wrote:
Hi Shafski Thumbs Up is that Tarr steps? great work on the Land Rover, that’s looking really nice, look forward to the next mod Thumbs Up cheers Paul


OMG! It was Tarr Steps… great spot! I was the only one having a dip.. so a few photos taken.. Harriet may have “accidentally” filled the professional photographers assistants wellies.. what’s one to do? 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️
Post #1001754 25th Jul 2023 6:12pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
NickMc wrote:
Looking good. What front seats are they you have fitted? Been looking at options for mine, I already have Masai Brown puma seats, after sitting in a customers Genuine Recaros I fancy a set, but can’t quite bring myself to spend that much on them Shocked

What’s the company called that did the belts? I’ve seen them before, but lost their details.


Hi! I looked at Masai and the first defender I saw had a Masai kit.

https://www.lucari-solutions.co.uk/lri1001...ender.html

These however blew me away! Recaro equivalents are a kidney.. these are are expensive… but cheap at half the price?
Post #1001755 25th Jul 2023 6:15pm
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Shafski



Member Since: 19 Jun 2023
Location: Chilterns
Posts: 77

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Montalcino Red
Moo wrote:
I hope you gave Harriet a good soaping and rub down afterwards......


She wishes… I’m camping down here… the dirtier they are, the more people have envy….
Post #1001757 25th Jul 2023 6:16pm
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