We are constantly looking for vehicles throughout continental Europe that qualify for import into the US under the 25yr old exemption rule. Since 2012 agents from US customs and border protection have seized a lot of Defenders that did not have the correct engine or gearbox installed and could therefor not be imported. It is therefor extremely important we source the right vehicle with the right components so import through our regular channels is a smooth operation.
The Process
1. Frame
The entire vehicle is build around the frame which is the most important part for the newly built vehicle. Essential for a quality renovation is the lack of rust in frame and body components, so we source most vehicles is Southern Europe where the climate is mild, winters are non existent and salt on the road is a rarity.
Some vehicles are sold in AS-IS condition while others are stripped down for inspection to be recreated again. The frame is sandblasted to bare metal to get rid of all dirt, grease, paint and surface rust. We make sure no spot is left untouched since this is the most important part of the truck. During the build in the Landrover factory numbers are stamped into the frame on at least 9 locations. These numbers will tell us, exact production month and year, batch nr at the Landrover factory. The VIN which is stamped into the right front chassis leg, can be decoded and will give us a short description how the vehicles left the factory, LHD versus RHD, 110 LWB or 90 SWB, Gas or Diesel. All identifications are properly marked before the chassis is rust proofed, epoxy primed and then coated in at least 2 coats.
Mechanicals
On our full rebuilds both the front and rear axles are fullly stripped, cleaned, painted and rebuild using new components like swivels, bearings, seals hubs, brake rotors, calipers, brake hoses. All steel front radius arms, rear trailing arm, A frame bars, panhard rod, steering rod are sandblasted back to bare metal and powdercoated in gloss black then baked to 400 degrees F.
The rolling frame will be build up using all new polybushes in front and rear suspension so the axles can be installed. New shock absorbers, springs, springseats and turrets are installed. The original engines are stripped and cleaned , engine blocks are bored, honed, decked where needed, cranks reground, then build up with new bearings, seals, pistons, camshafts, diesel injectors, fuel pumps.
When the frame is done , the axles are cleaned, painted and rebuild with new components. Front swivels are rebuild with new components, seals, wheel bearings, hubs and brake parts are all replaced and CAD plated. All steel front radius arms, rear trailing arm, A frame bars, panhard rod, steering rod are sandblasted back to bare metal and powdercoated in gloss black then baked to 400 degrees F.
The rolling frame will be build up using all new polybushes in front and rear suspension so the axles can be installed. New shock absorbers, springs, springseats and turrets are installed.
2. Body
The bodies are professional painted and ovenbaked in a state of the art spraybooth as seperate components. The rear tub, floors, roof, sidepanels, wings, windshield surround and doors must all be in perfect condition inside / outside for the build. Upon request we can paint the floorboards with Bedliner / LineX Hotspray for a more rugged look with an indestructable finish.
When the frame is done , all panels are carefully mounted on the frame with CAD plated hardware, correct foamsealer and Landrover body seals.
3. Hardware
When the truck is taken apart all small steel parts like hinges, brackets, mounting platforms, struts, washers, nuts and bolts are sandblasted , then either powdercoated or galvanised , CAD plated and sorted to be ready for assembly at a later stage.
Although this is quite a time consuming procedure, it is an essential part of our detailed build. We keep thousands of parts in stock, all categorized and ready for assembly.
4. Interior
The interior of our creations can be handpicked to choice of our customers. Some of them prefer classic Landrover seats in an period correct fabric whereas others might prefer a combination of a modern updated seat with daimond stitched leather. The variations are endless, color and form of stitching, choice of materials such as cotton, Alcantara ( Ultrasuede), leather or vinyl. There is a choice for everyone taste or budget.
We have a choice of carpets available ranging from std black carpets to Wilton carpets with leather bound edges. The dashboard can be left conventinally simple in black plastic or trimmed / wrapped with matching leather / Alcantara ( Ultrasuede), with matching gaiter for the shifter. Headliners are either in grey ripple as used by Landrover for many years or they can be trimmed in Alcantara ( Ultrasuede) in various colours with matching sunvisors.
5. Accessories
Many customers have specific wishes to customize their Defender, so it suits their lifestyle. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this is your opportunity to personalize your dream truck.
The list with options is endless:
- Alloy wheels, Boost, Sawtooth, ZU, SVX, Kahn in 16, 18 or 20 inch
- Flares in std size, extra wide , Spectre “007” style or Icelandic style
- Step-up NAS rear bumper with receiver hitch
- Std grill, KBX grill, Heritage grill or Bentley style grill with matching headlight surrounds
- 2Din Android Radio / GPS with back up camera
- Safety Devices rollcage with or without ladder and matching roofrack
- Various winch bumpers with WARN winch
- Gloss Heavy Duty front bumper with DRL
- LED light upgrade incl NOLDEN LED headlights
- Aftermarket air-conditioning (front and rear)
- Side steps in black, chrome or color coded
