My Defender Story

Documenting the ground up restoration of my North America Spec Land Rover Defender 110, #66

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Rover Chrome & More

on November 29, 2021

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We've taken a short break from test-fitting the tub to complete some of the supporting bits we'll soon need. I also happened upon the rivnuts required for the Bulkhead and seat box. These are the gull-wing rear windows from Explore Glazing . Hard to believe I ordered these over a year ago. We also fit the rear window into the rear door, which is tinted to match. I also found a source for the oversized M8 rivnuts that are used in the more modern bulkhead and seat boxes. After a bit of searching the McMaster-Carr website, I was able to find Part number 95105A191 , which is listed as a "Steel Twist-Resistant Rivet Nut" " About twice as strong as aluminum rivet nuts, these steel rivet nuts are zinc yellow-chromate plated for corrosion resistance. A ribbed body holds the nut in place so it won't turn when tightening a screw. Also known as blind inserts, they can be installed when you have access to only one side of...

A Long Overdue Update

In June / July - Jim finally took his assignment in Japan. This left me down not only a pair of hands, but a project manager and decades of experience working on Defenders. Over the course of the project, we experienced tons of delays - many related to Covid and other issues. From sourcing a frame to stripping the original frame, to paint and other delays - we just ran out of time. Early last year, Jim and I had Drew at Coniston Classics do the welding on the original frame. The work was great, and while we were at his shop we were able to get a great look at the work he and Jimmy were doing on their custom builds. From the moment we walked into their shop, Jim and I agreed, that should things go awry - and I find myself unable to finish the project, this was the best place we could take it. Jimmy and Drew have a ton of experience with not just Defenders, but Land Rovers in general. They are factory trained LR technicians, and met while they were working at Land Rover ...

Tub Construction

Yesterday Bernie helped me retrieve the rear tub from the painters - between last night and today I was able to get all of the bracing mounted and riveted in place. I'll probably replace a lot of the hardware that mounts the bracing to the floor with some longer - but its good to have things in place. Also ordered a pneumatic rivet gun. Anything else seems to be too much of a headache.