First Defender restoration. Tools needed?

You wanna pig?

@top-cat s new girlfriend, found on a lane in Derbyshire ...

Is that a cheetah-pig? Only ever saw a fossilised one, in a museum.
Apparently cheetah-pigs can beat a stock Series over 100m,
whereas a Defender is a bit more of a challenge.

So, the semi camo'd Defender is the HiCap I just bought.
The Defender posing on the beach, maybe the end result I'll go for. With a sand coloured canopy over the tub. But, am still looking for ideas online. Want to keep it as stock looking as possible, while updating the cab, sorting out the minimal surface rust and repainting it. The whip antenna isn't just for effect. It has a working Clansman radio attached.
I was half tempted to 'improve' the military look that a previous owner gave it. But, that could be problematic, given where I'm based

Ooh I like that...

UlstermanAbroad said:

Is that a cheetah-pig? Only ever saw a fossilised one, in a museum.
Apparently cheetah-pigs can beat a stock Series over 100m,
whereas a Defender is a bit more of a challenge.

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It could be, but Tim was on a promise ....

doriz said:

Ooh I like that...

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Spoke to the guys that rebuilt this, yesterday. Was asking about canopy options. But, we got talking, as you do.
The Defender was essentially rebuilt from the ground up. TD5 engine fitted, I think they said.
Was a 'money no object' custom job. Ended up in Switzerland.
So, if I attempt something similar, it'll be aiming for the same look. But on a Lidl budget
But, that's part of the fun, if you've Scottish blood in your veins / pockets!

UlstermanAbroad said:

So, the semi camo'd Defender is the HiCap I just bought. View attachment 156327
View attachment 156328 The Defender posing on the beach, maybe the end result I'll go for. With a sand coloured canopy over the tub. But, am still looking for ideas online. Want to keep it as stock looking as possible, while updating the cab, sorting out the minimal surface rust and repainting it. The whip antenna isn't just for effect. It has a working Clansman radio attached.
I was half tempted to 'improve' the military look that a previous owner gave it. But, that could be problematic, given where I'm based

Click to expand...

A very quick roller of the bonnet, grill and roof with some matching nato paint will instantly tidy it up in the short term and having block colour rather than camo makes it slightly less military. But the body work look s fairly straight which is surprising for a hicap. The one on the beach looks good though, throw one a beige canvas and it would be very nice if that is the direction you are going for. If yours is mechanically good all you needs is a good clean paint and polish.

tailhook said:

I could maybe solve world hunger and take on a project like building a hydrogen fuel cell; Trevor

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I did try leading a couple of tech / media start-ups, while I was too ill to do anything else. But apart from being a massive learning curve of what NOT to do, nothing
much came of either. Partly down to me. Partly down to my tech 'partners'.
I'd still like to solve something Trevor. But, I figure that it'll make itself known, as I gather up an eclectic mix of skills over the next year or three.
Definitely be good to compare what we're doing. As I found with leading a start-up, it can be a lonely business working from home and time spent with like minded
nutters is usually time well spent

dag019 said:

The one on the beach looks good though, throw one a beige canvas and it would be very nice if that is the direction you are going for. If yours is mechanically good all you needs is a good clean paint and polish.

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Well, I've yet to get under it Dag, but I was assured by the seller (who has an excellent rep) that mechanically, its all good. So, yep, essentially its a clean, paint and polish job.
I 'get' the sentiments about turning Landys into weekend gin palaces on wheels. But, I figure that if the economy picks up post the B-word, people will spend again and leisure related
vehicles will be in demand. Time will tell. Being stuck in the ass end of the UK makes things a bit tricky. But, if you're offering something fairly unique and develop a good rep, then I know distance isn't an issue. One of the best classic Mercedes restorers in the UK, is barely 20 mins from here.

I want a hicap now

See If he will swap it

doriz said:

I want a hicap now

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I have wanted one ever since I saw an article in LRO as a teenager about one they had fitted unimog axles to! Unfortunately just not practical for my needs though.

Edit: found the pic from the article.

Had a quick look online last night and they are stupid money. I saw a camel toe’phy replica last year for £7000 and now wish I’d pulled the trigger.

UlstermanAbroad said:

So, the semi camo'd Defender is the HiCap I just bought. View attachment 156327
View attachment 156328 The Defender posing on the beach, maybe the end result I'll go for. With a sand coloured canopy over the tub. But, am still looking for ideas online. Want to keep it as stock looking as possible, while updating the cab, sorting out the minimal surface rust and repainting it. The whip antenna isn't just for effect. It has a working Clansman radio attached.

Click to expand...

Both look great and bags of potential and options for you. Not sure if you're going to LRO 2018 but I am and hope to sort out my own canopy there amongst those guys; happy to ask around regarding a Hi Cap cover and hoops. Plus, you never know what else can be lurking around these shows!
Let's try and meet up for a chat soon and will PM you at some stage, if it's a goer?
Trevor

My mobility comes and goes Trevor, so having just driven the LR back from GB, I need a bit more time to recover.
I only saw an ad for it yesterday, otherwise I might've gone. If you see any good condition hicap sand coloured canvases,
I'd definitely be interested. If we don't meet beforehand , I'll pm you my mobile. I'm sure you'll have a ball

UlstermanAbroad said:

Definitely be good to compare what we're doing. As I found with leading a start-up, it can be a lonely business working from home and time spent with like minded
nutters is usually time well spent

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Mike, I THINK I've sent you a PM but the jury's still out! Maybe you could confirm if it has actually happened, sometime?
Trevor

lol, it arrived Trevor. And thanks. Will reply now. I know what you mean. A new forum system can be a challenge at first

doriz said:

Had a quick look online last night and they are stupid money. I saw a camel toe’phy replica last year for £7000 and now wish I’d pulled the trigger.

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Ha ha, the bloke across the road from me had quite a nice td5 Hicap he was selling for five and a half grand last year he'd only bought it for some hard to get hold of parts that he wanted for the camel trophy one he was also doing up to sell

Mike,
Someone on this thread did mention the 200 piece socket set and I have this one, or similiar, from Halfords; excellent quality and it carrys a life-time guarantee. Just be aware that Halfords agressively discount this kit from time to time; several years ago, I bought it for £99 and can highly recommend it; you will definitely use it!
Socket Set
Trevor

tailhook said:

Mike,
Someone on this thread did mention the 200 piece socket set and I have this one, or similiar, from Halfords; excellent quality and it carrys a life-time guarantee. Just be aware that Halfords agressively discount this kit from time to time; several years ago, I bought it for £99 and can highly recommend it; you will definitely use it!
Socket Set
Trevor

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+1