04 Land Rover Discovery II

[MStudt]

For the next project I got these from ARB. These are handles they use on the Outback Drawers. I'm going to make a storage area in the back with sleeping platform that flips forward. I'm also going to add a cooking area to the rear door, but I still need to decide on that setup.

 

[Taco04]

Wow that bumper really cleans up the front end! It looks a lot better than the factory one.

 

[MStudt]

Wow that bumper really cleans up the front end! It looks a lot better than the factory one.

That factory bumper was worthless. Just a bunch a plastic screwed together, and very bridal. I wasn't sure how the new bumper was going to look, but it turned out OK. Now to wire the lights today, look for winches, and bend some DOM for a front hoop.

 

[Taco04]

Not to hi jack your post but I saw a few of these on the pacific coast last week. Can't remember the last time I have seen one in South Texas..

 

[MStudt]

Not to hi jack your post but I saw a few of these on the pacific coast last week. Can't remember the last time I have seen one in South Texas.

You don't see many of those around the US. Land Rover is actually remaking the Defender's, and they look pretty nice. Too bad the wife will never let me get one.

 

[Taco04]

Yeah with the new ones being made by Steyr it should be interesting. Too bad we will probably never see them new on this shoreline due to a bunch crappy politics.. I am sure my wife would drive one in a heart beat so no problem there for me.:cheers:

 

[MStudt]

Yeah with the new ones being made by Steyr it should be interesting. Too bad we will probably never see them new on this shoreline due to a bunch crappy politics.. I am sure my wife would drive one in a heart beat so no problem there for me.:cheers:

It's pretty unfortunate since they would sell like crazy over. The importing restrictions are so ridiculous. Yet we can import a 25 year old Defender that isn't modified.

 

[MStudt]

Just received everything I need for our CB install. I've got some other things going on right now so this is going to have to wait. We decided to go with a Midland 75-822 handheld portable CB. This would give us the option of being to take it as a weather radio when we go backpacking. Along with the Midland we also picked up an K30 magnetic antenna, and a coupling bulkhead. The bulkhead is going to be mounted to the center console for easy removal when we need longer range.

 

[jaimesleo]

Just figured I'd start my build thread here since the LR forums are pretty lame. Nothing to crazy going on with it, just a little bit here and there.





I've already got some parts on order. Ordered a 2" Terrafirma lift, 265/65/18 Falken tires, and all the paint I need to paint the wheels graphite.

Looking forward to this build!! Love the color. I've wanted one of these but my dad already gave me a car.

 

[MStudt]

Looking forward to this build!! Love the color. I've wanted one of these but my dad already gave me a car.

This is only getting started. The parts pile is adding up pretty quick!

 

[jaimesleo]

This is only getting started. The parts pile is adding up pretty quick!

Which would you choose? 4runner or LR disco II

 

[MStudt]

Which would you choose? 4runner or LR disco II

Depends on what you're looking for. But, I'd choose a DI over a DII in heart beat, and a 4runner over both. There are less electrical issues on a DI, and less emissions issues as well. If I could have my way I'd get a P38. They have a little less room, but are quite amazing.

 

[MStudt]

Sleeping/Storage Platform

I'm finally onto the next project. Haven't done anything to the Rover since the head job.

I'm started this project last week by taking some measures, and figuring out the best height. These drawer system is 9" in total height, and 33" deep. It's going to have one full length drawer, a half length drawer, and one storage compartment. The frame is made from 1x1x.065 DOM box tubing. I guess the weight for this to be around 25 pounds.

The top of the platform has a 3" lip to cover up the ARB drawer handles.

I'm also working on a new back door piece.

 

[MStudt]

We had some good weather today, and I finally had some time to work on my own stuff. I spent the majority of the day today building the rear section of our platform. Tomorrow is supposed to be even nicer, and I plan on finishing the drawer fronts, and the top of the platform.

Made some progress today, and I'm very had with how this one turned out.

Added some turnbuckles in the front, and the back to make sure this doesn't shift.

Got the deck on, and the drawers installed.

Since I'm going to be laminating the top I decided to recess the t-nuts flush with the top of the deck.

Two 28" long drawers side by side that are about 7" high.

 

[MStudt]

I was able to get the finishing touches done today. I added a matte black formica to the top, and drawer fronts. I also trimmed up the edging with some black plastic t-molding. For the drawer fronts I was able to use the ARB Safari drawer locks that I purchased awhile back.

 

[MStudt]

Had to show some love to the Rover this weekend. This was still on OEM front pads, and rotors after nearly 90k miles. So it was time to do an upgrade on those. After researching options for about a week I finally made a decision on what to get. I went with DBA 4000 Series rotors, and EBC Green Stuff pads. Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) has long been used on Disco's, and are very good rotors.

Next up was replacing the OEM pan hard bar with a Terrafirma adjustable pan hard bar. Having a little ability to adjust was good since this is lifted.

 

[MStudt]

I took care of some more front end suspension parts this weekend. I was able to replace the steering stabilizer, track bar, tie rod, TRE's, and new passenger side shock. I also took on the task of building some new front sway bar links. Having made a couple sets of sway bar links over the last couple year I thought it would be pretty easy. Hardest part was cutting off the old ones.

The pile of old parts. Most of it is going in the trash since it's pretty well shot. Not sure how the front shock blew, but it had zero rebound to it. The TRE's were pretty dried up, and the stabilizer was dead as well.

Just cut off the sway bar link on both sides.

New drop clevis installed.

On to the heim.

The newly assembled link, and the first set I've ever made for a Rover.

New sway bar link with the new steering, and pan hard bar.

 

[MStudt]

I was also able to help my wife with her project. Funny how this became mostly my project once I started. The headliner has been saggin in this thing since we got it almost two years. I was able to haggle some money due to it since it was supposed to be easy. Well, two years later I'm finally getting to this. The cleaning is done, and the prep work also. Now we have to wait until Tuesday for the new liner to show up. I'm not going to say what that is yet. So you'll have to wait until at least Tuesday.

After peeling off the liner, and dealing with the sicky foam.

Using a body putty knife made quick work of the foam, and I used a shopvac to help in the clean up.

All cleaned up, and now waiting the liner.
[

 

[ritmatt]

That interior is going to look great after you get the headliner in. Love your attention to detail!

 

[rfj62]

Wheels look awesome!


[

QUOTE=MStudt;1837638]Got 4 of the wheels clear coated last tonight. I might get them on tonight, but not sure. Waiting till tomorrow will allow a little more time for the paint to set.

[/QUOTE]