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CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

Soft-top conversion

I've pretty much decided to soft-top my 300tdi, which conveniently will solve a few issues like aftermarket side windows and scruffy headlining - plus I've wanted one for a long time

Shame really, as it has a County roof with Alpine windows, but hey ho.

So, this is my shopping list:

Purely Metal HD stick set, gutter channels and door surrounds. Their sticks appear to include seat belt mounts.

New half rear door / tailgate - not sure where from yet. Maybe used genuine, but will want it side hinged.

Full bulkhead delete bar - possibly from LR Trade Parts or others on eBay

Black Exmoor hood without side windows - chosen thanks to Gingez because it needs no poppers apparently, 90 was originally a truck-cab so has hooks along the tub.

Hoping the existing swing away spare carrier will work.

Tempted to Raptor the tub internally, but there are some caveats to the idea, so jury still out on that for now

Have I missed anything

Project will probably be a slow burner and likely be ready for the snow as my mechanic mate is always very busy

Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top

16th Aug 2019 5:55pm

GREENI

Member Since: 22 Aug 2010
Location: staffs
Posts: 10358

Ginjez had a spare hood.

Honestly, it’s a very easy nuts n bolts job with the option you’ve gone for and can be done in a single garage......

16th Aug 2019 6:13pm

Huttopia

Member Since: 23 Feb 2016
Location: West Midlands
Posts: 1965

What are you doing with the roof, side panel and rear door?

16th Aug 2019 8:19pm

ginjez

Member Since: 18 Sep 2011
Location: huddersfield
Posts: 1749

2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 ST Santorini Black

The vultures are circling

Exmoor have definitely got the hood you require in stock

As for the wheel carrier unless it is the nas genuine it will definitely be in the way of the hood fixing. Good luck.
Just on the raptor - that stuff is so thick I needed to cut it away for the frame to sit properly.
Oh, and you won't require a mechanic - just a mate will do.
I did want to go down route of bulk head delete but thinking about it if I'm out with just bikini hood on and it rains then any water will hopefully remain in the tub and not run forward into the cab.

18th Aug 2019 2:47pm

ginjez

Member Since: 18 Sep 2011
Location: huddersfield
Posts: 1749

The tabs under your tub capping will also need drilling out and removing in order to fit the exmoor s section that runs the full length.
Can't remember who on ebay but there is a company selling half door conversion kit for rear door - it may have been sp panels

18th Aug 2019 2:59pm

CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

Huttopia not sure yet tbh. Side panels have aftermarket windows fitted. headlining is a long way from perfect. I was keen to keep the roof if I can store it simply because it is nice and genuine County, as you will have noticed. Time will tell though and I'll keep you in mind.

Ginjez - thanks for the advice. Yes, seen a few tailgates on eBay including one recommended by a forum member, but many of them seem to have the framework exposed inside. One of the joys of converting from a truckcab i guess. Greeni also advised caution about Raptor from his own experience. Puzzled by the tabs under the capping, that it why I chose Exmoor after you said it avoided poppers, just read an article today in an old LRO and the hood they use from island 4x4 appears to use them albeit on an 88". Need to do some more research I guess. Looking forward to seeing your's done.

Nothing ordered yet

but keen to get going before it's Winter

Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top

18th Aug 2019 3:29pm

ginjez

Member Since: 18 Sep 2011
Location: huddersfield
Posts: 1749

The exmoor hood clips under the s section I'm referring to. The tailgate is from rst land rovers

18th Aug 2019 4:52pm

CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

Thanks.

I can't find the tailgate

Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top

18th Aug 2019 5:08pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Orkney Grey

I believe All Wheel Trim use Purely Metal hoops in their 'package', so might be worth a look? I've nothing against Exmoor (other than the poor service you seem to hear quite a lot), just a suggestion.

Thi thread may be of interest https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic46373.html James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

19th Aug 2019 2:39pm

Welshsurferdude

Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Newport
Posts: 2310

I did this conversion a few months ago using purely metal Galveston hood sticks

Thread is here
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic42756.html 2008 Santorini Black 110 XS USW (Sold)

2015 Discovery 4.5 Black pack Firenze red XS

2008 Corris Grey 110 XS USW (sold)

2011 Santorini Black 110 XS USW (Sold)

19th Aug 2019 5:26pm

CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

Thanks guys, just had a great conversation with AllWheelTrim and yes they do that kit, but don't have it on their website - package price awaited.

21st Aug 2019 4:28pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

I'll be watching with interest! Purely Metals is not far from me so always tempting me

James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

21st Aug 2019 4:42pm

CarMan

Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1777

Quote just arrived with some pics - don't think I'm going to be able to resist, especially as they just happened to mention they supply CoolnVintage

Would have chosen galv for durability but think I'll go with black powder coat though, as the truck is dark blue and isn't 'classic'

Watch this space . . . . . . . . they are only in Witney

Last edited by CarMan on 21st Aug 2019 5:38pm. Edited 1 time in total

21st Aug 2019 5:01pm

JOW240725

Member Since: 04 May 2015
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 7873

Nice touch I saw on a CoolNVintage canvas.

Click image to enlarge James
MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html
MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641
MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557
Instagram @suffolk_rovers

21st Aug 2019 5:36pm

jst

Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7682

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey

Could always cut the current rear door in half? Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop

21st Aug 2019 7:44pm

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