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Loz2286



Member Since: 31 Aug 2015
Location: High Wycombe
Posts: 121

United Kingdom 
Bonnet Mounted Spare
I've always preferred my spare wheel to be mounted on the bonnet. It looks better, the rear door isn't under strain and it's not in the way for cycle carriers etc. On my TD5 CSW it is of course rear door mounted. Paddocks do this kit which they say is not suitable for the TD5. Any idea why?

http://www.paddockspares.com/pm1131-defend...-only.html 1999 Td5 110 CSW
1961 Series 2 88 LPG
Post #513546 12th Mar 2016 2:31pm
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davew



Member Since: 02 Jan 2012
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 888

England 1990 Defender 90 V8 Petrol PU Auto Rioja Red
TD5 bonnets are the weakest, thinnest bonnets Land Rover ever made. Put a spare wheel carrier on it and it'll fold in half. Some of that, I think, is because the engine sits quite high so they removed much of the reinforcement to clear the engine but it could have been a cost cutting exercise.

The bonnet prop for the TD5 is also too thin to support the weight of a bonnet with spare wheel having replaced the older scissor support with a thin detachable bar. On the military spec vehicles they used a much heftier prop, it's about 1/2 inch diameter and permanently attached to the bonnet instead of being attached to the slam panel and relying on the prop locating into a slot in the bonnet. http://www.yorkshireoffroadclub.net/
Post #513637 12th Mar 2016 6:34pm
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Loz2286



Member Since: 31 Aug 2015
Location: High Wycombe
Posts: 121

United Kingdom 
Thanks for that info. Shame really as I prefer the look.

Oh well.... 1999 Td5 110 CSW
1961 Series 2 88 LPG
Post #513645 12th Mar 2016 6:47pm
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Fatboy Slim



Member Since: 04 Feb 2008
Location: Bridgend
Posts: 1006

Wales 
Nothing to stop you buying an earlier bonnet with a spare wheel carrier on it.
Post #513652 12th Mar 2016 7:08pm
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VeeTee



Member Since: 06 Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1512

Netherlands 
Or like this...


Click image to enlarge
 Cheers, Vincent
1959 Polynorm 1/4 Ton Trailer, Olive Drab Green (sold)
1970 M416 Military Trailer (Camping Trailer Conversion), Epsom Green (sold)
1975 Series III 88 V6, Light Green (sadly sold)
1996 Defender 110 CSW 300 Tdi, Epsom Green (sold)
2000 Freelander 1 TD4 3-drs, Silver (sold)
2006 Freelander 1 TD4 5-drs Facelift Automatic, Tonga Green (sold)

MySite
Post #513687 12th Mar 2016 9:02pm
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
I bet some jobsworth in H&S at the DVLA would pipe up and say VeeTee's front wheel rack wouldn't meet UK road legislation, along the lines of bull bars. Just in case some 2ft child managed to bounce up the slab front of a 4ft high bonnet and land on the wheel. Because that happens ALL the time.... Big Cry Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #513806 13th Mar 2016 9:34am
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Fatboy Slim



Member Since: 04 Feb 2008
Location: Bridgend
Posts: 1006

Wales 
To be honest I fail to see the difference between being hit by a 1988 90 or a Td5. I'm sure that someone a while ago had evidence that a defender is actually more aerodynamic with a bonnet mounted spare Laughing so you're doing your bit for the environment really Whistle
Post #513813 13th Mar 2016 10:09am
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davew



Member Since: 02 Jan 2012
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 888

England 1990 Defender 90 V8 Petrol PU Auto Rioja Red
Grenadier wrote:
I bet some jobsworth in H&S at the DVLA would pipe up and say VeeTee's front wheel rack wouldn't meet UK road legislation, along the lines of bull bars. Just in case some 2ft child managed to bounce up the slab front of a 4ft high bonnet and land on the wheel. Because that happens ALL the time.... Big Cry


TBH I'd assumed the bull bar was a necessity as that tyre must mean you can only see about 20% of the road ahead so you use the bull bar like a blind person uses a white stick, to know when you've got too close to something.

I tried putting a 265/75 tyre (without a wheel) on the bonnet as a possible way to carry it on an overland trip. Visibility was so bad that we ruled it out as an option. Take the same tyre and lift it up even higher with a set of bars and that must really limit the view. You'll probably get away with it on tarmac but off road you wouldn't have a clue what was in front or to the LHS of you. http://www.yorkshireoffroadclub.net/
Post #513821 13th Mar 2016 10:37am
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shaggydog



Member Since: 12 Aug 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 3346

United Kingdom 1991 Defender 110 200 Tdi USW Arles Blue
I have a 265/75/16 GG At2 on my bonnet and have no viability issues at all.

Only time it is a problem is when trying to park tight to something like a bollard but then I just go as close as I think, get out and look then adjust. Thumbs Up

I'm with the Op on this I think the spare wheel looks great on the bonnet


Click image to enlarge


I would definitely recommend getting a earlier bonnet though. Keep your standard Td5 one and then get an earlier one with the reinforcement and bonnet mounting kit and then get it painted to suit your vehicle.

That way if you don't like it you still have your old bonnet you can just switch back over and then sell your spare wheel one on.

Hope that helps Thumbs Up Running Restoration Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/post323197.html#323197

Self confessed mileage hunter Very Happy
Post #513897 13th Mar 2016 5:45pm
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smurf500



Member Since: 08 May 2015
Location: oxfordshire
Posts: 49

England 2005 Defender 90 Td5 HT Belize Green
i did the same with a 110 double cab i used to own.just bought an older bonnet then fitted a earlier type rear door carrier.the only problem i found was it rubbed the sound proofing cover on the td5 engine
Post #515745 18th Mar 2016 2:35pm
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kevinf



Member Since: 12 Apr 2011
Location: sheffield
Posts: 55

United Kingdom 
I've got a tatty 2nd hand bonnet that I put on to my td5 to carry a 2nd spare when I go on big trips, drove thru France, Spain and Morocco last summer carrying a 235/85 16 bfg with out any vision issues or overheating

2 point to watch I use the heavy duty bonnet stay that came with the 2nd hand bonnet, there's a suitable hole in the bonnet slam panel to receive it and I manage to break the top bit off the alarm bonnet switch which still worked fine with the 2nd hand bonnet, but isn't long enough with the original td5 bonnet, so would be an idea to remove it whilst your running with a different bonnet!

hope this helps
Post #517375 24th Mar 2016 12:44pm
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wimvanzomeren



Member Since: 21 Jan 2021
Location: Leusden
Posts: 2

Netherlands 2011 Defender 130 Puma 2.4 HCPU Barolo Black
VeeTee wrote:
Or like this...


Click image to enlarge


Hi Vincent; waar kan ik zo'n reservewiel dragen kopen?
Post #879912 21st Jan 2021 12:08pm
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discomog



Member Since: 09 May 2015
Location: Notts/Lincs Border
Posts: 2494

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
You definitely need 3 weetabix for your breakfast if you want to lift the bonnet up with a spare wheel on. Working on the engine has its dangers if you accidentally knock the bonnet stay. I also find it very distracting when driving, particularly off road.

I agree it looks the part but looks aren't everything. Defender 90XS SW
Mini Countryman Cooper S
Morgan Plus 8
Post #879918 21st Jan 2021 12:54pm
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Will@LRW



Member Since: 04 May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 124

1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White
I wouldn't be without mine. If you get the correct solid bonnet stay, it locks into the radiator slam panel so can't be knocked out. The clean and jerk method is the best way to open it.

Visibility isn't an issue because a Defender has straight body lines, so you can visualise where the far corner is quite easily. LR Workshop
Find a Defender's history and spec: https://defender.lrworkshop.com
Post #880007 21st Jan 2021 7:44pm
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roel



Member Since: 08 Aug 2009
Location: Lelystad
Posts: 2039

Netherlands 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Caledonian Blue
I have a 1984 bonnet on my Td5.

The engine sound proofing just touches sometimes the internals off the bonnet.
The scissor type support doesn't fit as it touched something under the bonnet. I don't remember what.
So I use the td5 stick, however there is not a real good hole to stick it in so if I do some work I tie it to my rollbar or take it off completely.

On my first 90 I had a bonnet mounted spare. I liked the looks and yes you have some reduced sight just in front off the Land Rover but that was only a problem off-road. I had a 7.50 x 16 not a 265 that makes a lot off difference too.
The bonnet was heavy to open so on my td5 I didn't bother with it. Roel

1984 90 2.5 na Diesel - RR V8 (1994-2001)
1997 Camel Trophy Discovery 300TDI (2001-2009)
2005 G4 Discovery III 4.4 V8 (2008-2018) It's gone but it still hurts.
2003 90 Td5 (2009-now)
Post #881289 27th Jan 2021 12:11pm
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