Tonks4x4 Defender 6x6 Expedition Camper

I have always dreamed of building a 6x6 to use as a motorhome, I had collected many parts to create such a vehicle over a long period of time however happened across a genuine 6x6 so saved lots of time.

I will keep this thread updated as I go just in case anyone has an interest.


Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

I purchased the base vehicle in August 2012 it had already had a nasty attempt at being made into a camper



The stripping process began and the old body was removed....







At was it this point it was found to have a chequered history and the ID had been changed...

After an 8 month battle with the DVLA, the police and a guy that wrote the book on HCB Angus Coachworks I have finally managed to retrieve its original ID

The last time it was seen in service colours it looked like this




Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

So first task was to rebuild the rear axles and convert them to disk brakes....









Next on the list was to have the chassis blasted and dipped to remove any rust and organic material.

Once this had been done a few repairs had to be made where the metal was thin and some holes had appeared.



Next it was off to galvanising






Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

Very nice. Can't wait to see it finished

Once it was back from galvanising it was treated with solution to create a surface that paint can adhere to it.

It was then painted with several coats of etch primer and then 5 litres of gloss black



Once painted it is now had the axles rolled under to begin the build



I have opted for Terrafirma Big Bore Expedition shocks



So this is where I am up to as of today.

I am only able to complete work in between customers so it will be slow progress but will keep updating as I go...




Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist

The makings of a great thread!

Really looking forward to reading this! Keep up the good work
Butch

Great stuff, keep us posted

Stunning....keep it coming

That is a cooool project.

Very jealous

Echo what the others said. Nice build, good luck with it all :0)

That's going to be a nice motor

shall be watching with extreme interest!

Excellent - keep the pics and info coming.

Looking very impressive, will be following this thread with great interest

Looks good, will be interesting to see a build that is really something different.

Now that's a project!!

Right, It has been a whole day since yesterday, I demand more pics

now thats going to be one hell of a landy keep the pic's coming

Not had much time at all this week, but a little update...

I will be fitting air suspension to the rear of this vehicle. For several reasons.
1. So when parked at night it can be lowered to the bump stops so that it does not wobble around when walking around inside.
2. Depending on weight the ride hight can be altered.
3. On tighter bends the air pressure on the middle axle can be inflated and the rear axle deflated to reduce tyre scrub.

I did not want to use everyday Land Rover air bags as we all know how problematic they can be.
So after much research have opted for a set of Firestone truck air bags.
I can post the specs later of anyone is interested.

The first part was to create the mounting plates for the bottom cone to sit on



I have also utilised the standard lower spring plates so if I get caught out with a blown bag and no spare a standard spring can be fitted.

Once the bag is fitted into position I have used a front spring mount to retain the top of the bag. Believe it or not it is virtually made for the job



This was then repeated on the rest of the rears.
And then temporarily piped up to test heights and travel etc



As I will be building this vehicle as LHD I have decided to fit the later style TD5 swivel housing on the off side for the extra steering arm. I will be using the vented front brake setup and the 110 vented calipers, as the pistons are a larger diameter and give a little better braking.





I will try and post a small video clip of the rear air suspension travel later...




Tonks4x4 - The Land Rover Specialist