6x6 defender off road camper build

[Jitterbug]

not sure i would want to be in it in the tropics with a matte black paint job, it would look tough though!

I have been on even more of a spending spree and bought;
-wheels,
-tyres (255/85R16 BFG KM2),
-head unit/gps etc,
-speakers
-VDO gauges
-switches
-interior lights
-solar panels
-6-way fuel tank change over valves
-fuse blocks
-hardware for overhead locker

i have taken a few days off work, plus easter, means that I have 10 days clear to spend on the truck. I am hoping in that time I can get it most of the way there.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Coming along...

 

[Jitterbug]

The progress continues...
The drive shafts are in, the bed frame is nearly done, the boot (trunk) is finished and cabinet maker has measured up and will get started soon. Turbo, hoses, fuel lines etc will be in this weekend, bed frame will be fished and new shock mounts and shocks will be in!
Aiming for on the road in 6 weeks! I finally got around to doing a project plan for the last push and it is doable - just.

 

[Jitterbug]

I will update this build in the next couple of days, there has been some serious progress and we are aiming to have the car on the road in two weeks! We have had to really push to get this done as, in an interesting turn of events, I have accepted a job in Nigeria (not to become a prince and unlock my families' money, don't worry)!

What this means is; I either have the car ready in two weeks to drive up to Port Douglas (1800km each way), or I won't get to drive it for 12 months! At the end of the 12 months we plan to embark upon our 2 year round the world trip so would love a little taster now before I go.

Will I do it??? I finish up at work this week so have 2 weeks to finish the car as well as pack/sell/give away all our stuff. As of yesterday, the car still needs painting, wiring for the engine aux and house systems, the kitchen/storage/bed need building and installing, the radiator needs plumbing in, as does the intercooler, the dash needs assembling, fuel lines and air lines (lockers) need running, the front wings etc need fitting and the rear bar has to be fabricated. Luckily there is more than just me working on this (it has got quite busy with electrician, panel beater, fabricator/painter, cabinet maker, fitter/turner, plus me and Abbey) so there is a chance I will do it in time, but certainly won't be to budget!

 

[LR2]

what a great thread... Unique is an understatement. What will the final exterior color be?

 

[Jitterbug]

Here are a few picture updates:
Pulling out all of the fuel tanks to clean and pain. The two tanks that go under the seats are 70l, the back nope is about 100l.

Doors primed

Trial fit of the mud console

Sound deadening the cab

Cleaning up all of the plastic dash bits

Shiny new turbo and hoses

Trial fitting the new wheels/tyres, going to need a bit of a trim!

Shot of the rear diffs

And finally the kitchen is coming together

 

[Jitterbug]

what a great thread... Unique is an understatement. What will the final exterior color be?

The exterior will be painted the land rover colour 'limestone'. The firewall has already been painted.

 

[echo7tango]

Hi David,

Subscribed! This is a great build project. Your 6x6 is definitely unique and interesting.

On your South America to Canada route, let me know your route. It'd be great to head out to wait and meet you along your route through the USA.

Looking forward to your updates,
Roy

 

[Jitterbug]

Wings are painted, dash installed, wheel arches are cut and fuel and locker solenoids are installed and the back wall is in

 

[Jitterbug]

Hi David,

Subscribed! This is a great build project. Your 6x6 is definitely unique and interesting.

On your South America to Canada route, let me know your route. It'd be great to head out to wait and meet you along your route through the USA.

Looking forward to your updates,
Roy

It will be a couple of years before we are over in the states but definitely keen to meet as many people as we can en-route!

 

[Red90]

Just an FYI, that "sound deadening" is "sound damper". All that is does is prevent flat panels from acting as a speaker. It is only useful in the center of flat panels, covering more than 1/3 of the panel center does nothing useful. If you want to stop sound transmission, you need a barrier or an absorber, which is something completely different.

Just trying to be helpful as most people seem to not understand how different product function and how to effectively reduce noise.

 

[Jitterbug]

Just an FYI, that "sound deadening" is "sound damper". All that is does is prevent flat panels from acting as a speaker. It is only useful in the center of flat panels, covering more than 1/3 of the panel center does nothing useful. If you want to stop sound transmission, you need a barrier or an absorber, which is something completely different.

Just trying to be helpful as most people seem to not understand how different product function and how to effectively reduce noise.

Thanks for that, I am going to do a layer of sound absorbing foam over the top of the deadener in the cab, then marine carpet so hopefully it will be quite effective and blocking some of the noise of that big Isuzu. Aiming to be able to have a conversation at a normal volume whilst driving, ambitious I know!

 

[Gren_T]

Great progress.. & good luck with the new job.

regards
Gren

 

[Jitterbug]

More progress...

 

[java]

Looks good! moving along nicely now. Love the mid locker