Defender completion during lockdown
Discussion
Hi OP, how is the paintwork going?
I'm pleased to report that mine sailed through the MOT once I finished the last bits of work. My local independent garage, which wouldn't look out of place if you were filming a drama series set in the 1930s, are still open and working so I spoke to them and decided that if they were still open, then they needed supporting. I haven't driven it far yet, I didn't tax it as there seems no point when we can't really use it - maybe next month.
Back to the paintwork. As I mentioned previously, I Plastidipped mine but it's looking tired and needs doing again. The Plastidip should peel off although it seems now that I didn't add enough coats for it to pull off easily, so it's all going to come off in small bits. I'm thinking of following your example and enamel painting it. You did say, I believe, that you were brush-painting? How much paint did you need and did you prime it first? Any more tips would be welcome!
I'm pleased to report that mine sailed through the MOT once I finished the last bits of work. My local independent garage, which wouldn't look out of place if you were filming a drama series set in the 1930s, are still open and working so I spoke to them and decided that if they were still open, then they needed supporting. I haven't driven it far yet, I didn't tax it as there seems no point when we can't really use it - maybe next month.
Back to the paintwork. As I mentioned previously, I Plastidipped mine but it's looking tired and needs doing again. The Plastidip should peel off although it seems now that I didn't add enough coats for it to pull off easily, so it's all going to come off in small bits. I'm thinking of following your example and enamel painting it. You did say, I believe, that you were brush-painting? How much paint did you need and did you prime it first? Any more tips would be welcome!
CAPP0 said:
Hi OP, how is the paintwork going?
I'm pleased to report that mine sailed through the MOT once I finished the last bits of work. My local independent garage, which wouldn't look out of place if you were filming a drama series set in the 1930s, are still open and working so I spoke to them and decided that if they were still open, then they needed supporting. I haven't driven it far yet, I didn't tax it as there seems no point when we can't really use it - maybe next month.
Back to the paintwork. As I mentioned previously, I Plastidipped mine but it's looking tired and needs doing again. The Plastidip should peel off although it seems now that I didn't add enough coats for it to pull off easily, so it's all going to come off in small bits. I'm thinking of following your example and enamel painting it. You did say, I believe, that you were brush-painting? How much paint did you need and did you prime it first? Any more tips would be welcome!
Congratulations on passing the MoT - great news! I finished mine today as work got in the way. I say 'finished' but in reality it needs taking back down and for another couple of coats. It also needs four new doors, but given current circumstances I'm going to make do and mend for the time being. I'm pleased to report that mine sailed through the MOT once I finished the last bits of work. My local independent garage, which wouldn't look out of place if you were filming a drama series set in the 1930s, are still open and working so I spoke to them and decided that if they were still open, then they needed supporting. I haven't driven it far yet, I didn't tax it as there seems no point when we can't really use it - maybe next month.
Back to the paintwork. As I mentioned previously, I Plastidipped mine but it's looking tired and needs doing again. The Plastidip should peel off although it seems now that I didn't add enough coats for it to pull off easily, so it's all going to come off in small bits. I'm thinking of following your example and enamel painting it. You did say, I believe, that you were brush-painting? How much paint did you need and did you prime it first? Any more tips would be welcome!
I sanded mine back with a P120 orbital disc and then with P180 wet and dry, etch priming any corroded aluminium. Then I painted it with a brush, trying to tip off as much as possible. It's not perfect but it looks pretty good at 10 feet. More photos here (sorry about the window reflection on the first one):
I had to replace the front section of the exhaust yesterday due to the failure of the flexible joint. I had forgotten that the x-member needed to come out, which was predictably less than straightforward. Getting it back involved forcing it back in with grease and a hydraulic jack!
Edited by w1bbles on Sunday 7th June 21:59
w1bbles said:
Getting it back involved forcing it back in with grease and a hydraulic jack!
I thought that was the standard and/or only way! 
Took the dogs out in mine today, it's running nicely although it does now have a significant clonk/rasp coming off and on the gas at around 50mph, which I'll need to investigate. Didn't notice that with the previous engine and box. Maybe the axle, maybe one of the props - I hope. Don't want it to be the gearbox or transfer box!
I bought four new doors a year ago and have finally started to paint them and swap the internals. I’ve done this on two previous Defenders but they were 90s and this is a 110. The second row doors are an absolute pig to fit the glazing to and I have grazes all over my hands as a result. But the reason for the post is the state of the old doors. Check this out…
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