Opinions on 130 body configuration please

[rijosho]

Actually I just remembered that ECR 130 (the white one I attached) used FOUR Cantrails cut up and put back together to make that rear section! So using a stock NAS cage, the overall length of the rear bed/section would be one of your biggest fitment issues if you approach the project with a NAS cage. Frogs Island 4x4, SD and some others were selling the NAS-type of cage (sans foam of course) but I doubt they stock anything like this for a 130. If I were doing this project I'd probably just source the A, B and C pillar from them, since everything else would be fab work because of the 130's length anyway.

 

[JSBriggs]

I think my questions may be useful to Rovertrade and I Hope I'm not hijacking, but please let me know if I need to start a new thread.

Jeff could you expand on that idea a little. What I mean is, were there other mods made to increase the leg room other than enlarging the doors? I ask because I have a modded 150" and I've been asking myself the same questions as Rovertrade

Max, same sort of question for you. In particular, what did you do to maximise the functionality of the pickup bed and cover? I've plaid with all the tray back, pickup backends in my mind but I can't begin to get my head around the pros and cons of each.

Olly

Just about everything on that truck is custom. The floor and roof are also a custom length, and the seat box was eliminated as well.

http://www.tawayama.com/gear/crewcab/crewcab.html

-Jeff

 

[justfred]

I'd choose the standard hi-cap, as close to stock as possible. I'd want to pay $40,000 or less for it NEW.

 

[Rovertrader]

I'd want to pay $40,000 or less for it NEW.

Wouldn't we all?! RMR has a green one for $80k currently.

 

[dino2000]

I like the white! Unless you have a green one layin' around.......

 

[tommyd]

How about this:

 

[tommyd]

Wouldn't we all?! RMR has a green one for $80k currently.

Yes, but that is a very rare "1985" Puma!

 

[maxingout]

After owning several Defender 110s and one Defender 130, I have to admit I prefer the 110 for expeditionary travel, but only because I like the smaller turning radius. I have been in lots of sand dunes where the larger turning radius and longer wheel base would have made maneuvering in the Arabian sands a bigger challenge. I also would have gotten high sided more often on the crest of the dunes.

That being said, it sure is nice having the extra length when touring in my Austrailian Defender 130.

When it comes time to make a driving trip around the world, I can take either a 110 or a 130, and I am leaning in favor of the 110 because of the turning radius. Maybe I will change my mind.

 

[Rovertrader]

Dino- she was probably my favorite truck, and miss her often!!

Tommyd- I do like that configuration, and am building one currently near that, but with a full box on the back- in white Dino ;-) Oh, and that is a rare '85 indeed!!~

Dave- I too agree on the radius, but the extra length does improve the ride, and lots more room, which can be a good or a bad thing when traveling. My wife thought I was just joking on our first 'together' bike trip, and I told her I would be generous since it was her first trip. I gave her a while saddlebag, while I shared mine with tools, spares, etc...

Thanks again everyone, and please continue to post. I am trying to figure the highest demand for the most popular configuration. And it may be a 110, but there are a decent supply of those already around. Cheers!!

 

[LR Max]

I'd choose the standard hi-cap, as close to stock as possible. I'd want to pay $40,000 or less for it NEW.

Same here. Sorry but if you build a custom truck and put it for sale for $100k, you might have it on your lot for a while.

In comparison, I read somewhere else on this forum that you can buy a custom BRAND NEW Ford Excusion (take a F250 and make it into an Excusion) for about $80k. So price wise, that is what you are going against. A big towing machine with acres of room inside, all the new fancy gadgets, comfort, and when you stomp on the throttle the 6.7 diesel stomps back.

Not that I have anything against rover diesels. But if I'm buying a crew cab, it better have some decent towing capabilities.

 

[rijosho]

I don't really think it's fair to compare a Defender to a Ford Excursion - sorry, unless you're talking about bed size purely. The Defender I think has a "perceived" rarity that the Excursion does not. The thing is, that people who are looking for a truck to haul lumber around in, will be looking at it from a practical standpoint, and "practical" budgets are usually lower than "frivolous" ones, since practical is usually "daily driver" and frivolous is "weekend fun car". Dale, your margins will definitely be higher on a 110 ST vs. a 130 ST, simply because the kit to make a 110 ST is more readily available, and the modifications needed to put a NAS ST cage on a 110 are lower than would be necessary for a similar cage on a 130.

To give you an example of what a friend of mine was looking for, at a somewhat comparable budget, here's the list he gave me.
-Budget - around $80k
-Arles Blue
-110 or 130
-Engine - flexible, but must be strong - likely a 4.6 instead of diesel
-Seating - for him, his wife, his infant, his toddler, his 4 year old, plus add one or two more kids in the next few years. Read that as multiple row seating (baby seat, jumper seat or whatever you call them, etc.)
-All seating must be forward-facing - prefer Puma seats
-Room for luggage for all of them in the back, plus a double stroller
-Automatic
-Air Conditioning
-Soft top - read as including gutter kit, and a nice top - see http://www.allwheeltrim.co.uk/LR-Mohair.html#Mohair for examples.
-Nice but not crazy audio
-No title questions
-Look - stock-ish - didn't want it to look like a crazy off-roader.
-Ability to tow a small-ish boat if necessary

Basically, the utility he was looking for was something fun that not everyone else had, that he could bring his entire family in for weekend trips to the Cape or for ane extended stay on Nantucket, or elsewhere, where he'd also be bringing friends or occassionally clients out who might also be staying close by. The practicality aspect only related to keeping his wife happy, and for the safety of his kids, and everything else was fair game. Most of those people are willing to pay a premium for that type of a car/truck.

 

[Rovertrader]

Well, first off, I just sold my '11 F250 diesel w/ 400hp and 800ftlb torque, and Rover has nothing in that league- not even close. However, as Josh states, neither is a 130/110 normally even remotely considered simultaneously with an Excursion/F250. And the 250 was $60k+ w/ heated and cooled seats, etc. The two markets are looking for two completely different trucks.
I have been building Defenders for many years- from bone stupid simple from spare parts to $100k+ trucks. I have to be making some choices as my body, yes my human body, is giving up the ghost and it is time for more replacement parts. So why this thread? I am trying to capture or I guess maintain my niche in the Defender arena, but with having a couple folks who help me, go from part time to full time. One of which grew up in S. Africa and was working on Rovers as long as he can remember. All that said, to build and focus on 110s, or 130s? I am on my third 130 currently, so am intimately aware of the build process and securing/modifying parts, especially body parts. However, is there a market as Josh outlines quite accurately above, to consume high dollar multiseat Defenders? Most all of us start with 90s, have kids, need to move to 110s, etc. Sadly, in the 110, after seating 5, there is either room for luggage or a couple more seats. In the 130 wagon or s/t, their is room for 8 or 9 plus luggage, aka Excursion/Suburban?Expedition EL. Many of these families enjoy the outdoors and travel/expeditions, so there is a 'need' for the room, and I believe a 'want' for the uniqueness/ruggedness of a Defender, and throw in a s/t and it becomes a great do all truck. Will it tow 20k#- no way. Will it be the only one at the soccer match- you betcha. Look around Nantucket and tell me how many 90s and 110s- then how many 130s? And finally- is it because they don't exist, or because there is no market??
In all reality, it is the same for the expedition world, except most expedition trucks house only two people, so the 100" wheelbase works great for wheeling and moving two folks with gear.
Lastly, Josh- tell your friend we can fill his needs ;-) A commissioned stretched NAS90--->130 s/t wagon 4.6 auto!!

 

[ersatzknarf]

If I may, it sure sounds like you're leaning towards the 130 and that sure sounds like a niche to fill before others do.
As you've got the experience with them and surely the sourcing as well, it seems to make sense.
There are a lot more 110s around than 130s, as you said.
If you've got a production "system" that works well for you to make 130s, it sure sounds like a good way to go.
Folks with the wherewithal for 110s will surely think twice when there could be a 130 instead ?

 

[rijosho]

Lastly, Josh- tell your friend we can fill his needs ;-) A commissioned stretched NAS90--->130 s/t wagon 4.6 auto!!

Trust me, you were on the list! He's had some family stuff taking up his time instead of this so I should actually follow-up with him on it and see if he's still interested. At the very least it gives you an idea of what a late 30's something with a growing family and some disposable income would like to see out of a Defender that is not a daily driver.

The auto seemed to be a big one with him, since his wife wanted to be able to drive it around as well...and since we're in traffic land here, she didn't want to have to pop a clutch every 5 feet on a trip to the beach, sitting in traffic. I'm sure you've seen the newer Ashcroft consoles that mimic the NAS auto console - he liked the finished look of those.

 

[Rovertrader]

Thanks for the vote!!
I may know of a NAS console or two... I have typically built the Tdis, but most of the Cali gang wants petrol and power w/ auto. So, I may give it a go and see what happens- certainly easier to source and build- glad we kept a bunch of petrol take-outs.