Defender Bodywork problem

Burgundy4X said:

Hi,
Someone, who will remain nameless, reversed our faithful Defender into a tree, and modified the bodywork, photo enclosed. The roof, side panel and the passenger door are affected. We are in Central Beds, and have tried a couple of local bodywork shops who say they can't repair it, and can't get the parts. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Cheers, Ken
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Turboman said:

Welcome to LZ!

If all the lights are working, and there are no jagged edges, you could just do nothing.

But all that is repairable, you could just remove all the panels and cappings and straighten them, or you could got new panels and cappings, rebuild the damaged areas, and repaint. It is almost all just bolt together stuff. And, as far as I know, all those parts are available.

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Alan Crossley said:

Ouch! Try second hand from a number of reputable breakers. Land Rover 4x4 Salvage, Ross on Wye, and there are several others who can supply and deliver, subject to availability

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Burgundy4X said:

Thanks, but Land Rovers have different roofs and side panels, how would I describe mine?

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Alan Crossley said:

Most of the body parts are interchangeable. The only information that you will need is contained within the images that you have already placed with your initial posting.

Your vehicle is a Defender 90. The roof has Alpine Windows, not always present, but readily available if, and only if, you would like to keep them.

The passenger doors are readily available, either from a Land Rover distributer, or an after market supplier, of which there are many.

The side panel, yours is fitted with Windows which look to be fine, are again readily available from numerous suppliers. And, if undamaged can be used again.

A good LR experienced repairer should, as Turboman has already said, should be able to re-shape the roof and side panel by removing panel beating. Without close inspection, it's more difficult to assess the damage to the door. However, replacement doors are available.

You need to determine how much you love your Defender and, how much it is worth. If you use LR original parts it will be costly. If, however, you are prepared to use aftermarket components, the cost will be significantly less.

You might also remember that a Land Rover Defender, without any battle scars, is more than a little unusual and, arguably lacks character!

If you get hold of some Land Rover magazines from your local library, you will find the names of companies who will supply your parts. All that you need is someone to stick them all together and paint it.

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bankz5152 said:

Try CSK Automotive, they take on this kind of work all the time but it isnt cheap.

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Burgundy4X said:

The problem is that the doors don't shut properly, so that needs to be sorted at the very least. I think it probably is repairable, but can anyone suggest a company that will do it.

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