Defender Wolf as a first Defender project?

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thomas379

New Member
Posts
6
Hello,

Firstly, I'm new here, so I apologise if this is in the wrong section.

I want to buy a Defender, partly because I've always thought they're fantastic cars, and partly because I want to learn how to work on the mechanics of a car.

If I was to get a Wolf, I would plan to leave it mostly stock, the only thing I'd want to add would be a stereo. I understand I'd need a 24v system, or get converters to convert 24v to 12v.

Would this be a sensible idea for a newbie, or would it be better to get a civilian vehicle and work on that?

Thanks,
Thomas
 
Nothing hard about 24v systems, they are generally better than 12v in my opinion. Get a truck radio, or tap a line into the negative on the second battery (12v)
 
Welcome :).

Personally.
I would say there is nothing wrong with a 24v system, BUT:p .
Check the prices for good replacement's and availability like alternator/starter/bulbs.

So at the end of the day converting to 12v and selling the 24v stuff could make everyday use of it alot easier.
As it is/maybe a project, you need to decide what you will use it for.

J
 
kermit_rr said:
Nothing hard about 24v systems, they are generally better than 12v in my opinion. Get a truck radio, or tap a line into the negative on the second battery (12v)
Click to expand...
Thank you, good to know that it shouldn't be too bad.

marjon said:
Check the prices for good replacement's and availability like alternator/starter/bulbs.
Click to expand...
Thank you for mentioning this, I'll certainly take a look at those points.

marjon said:
As it is/maybe a project, you need to decide what you will use it for.
Click to expand...
A small amount of offroad work, potentially trailing in the future (I know if I got a WOLF I'd need a NATO trailer or put a standard towbar on). I enjoy aviation photography so driving to airports/air bases with my ladders to enjoy hobbies like that. I don't plan to use it as an everyday car.
 
marjon said:
Welcome :).

Personally.
I would say there is nothing wrong with a 24v system, BUT:p .
Check the prices for good replacement's and availability like alternator/starter/bulbs.

So at the end of the day converting to 12v and selling the 24v stuff could make everyday use of it alot easier.
As it is/maybe a project, you need to decide what you will use it for.

J
Click to expand...
bulbs you can get from any truck stop.. alternator/starter can be rebuilt in the unlikely event parts are hard to get, though its my understanding these bits last longer anyways, likely due to the lower current and a reduced current drop
 
thomas379 said:
Hello,

Firstly, I'm new here, so I apologise if this is in the wrong section.

I want to buy a Defender, partly because I've always thought they're fantastic cars, and partly because I want to learn how to work on the mechanics of a car.

If I was to get a Wolf, I would plan to leave it mostly stock, the only thing I'd want to add would be a stereo. I understand I'd need a 24v system, or get converters to convert 24v to 12v.

Would this be a sensible idea for a newbie, or would it be better to get a civilian vehicle and work on that?

Thanks,
Thomas
Click to expand...
Generally a Wolf is an expensive way to get a poor road going Defender. Unless it is super cheap there are much better Defenders to buy.
 
300bhp/ton said:
Generally a Wolf is an expensive way to get a poor road going Defender. Unless it is super cheap there are much better Defenders to buy.
Click to expand...

Good to know, thank you. Perhaps a civilian model would be best and then I can customise it slightly to make it my own instead.
 
thomas379 said:
Good to know, thank you. Perhaps a civilian model would be best and then I can customise it slightly to make it my own instead.
Click to expand...
Depends what you want. There is nothing wrong with a Wolf. But generally they are basic spec and may well lack things you’d perhaps want. I haven’t checked prices recently, but in the past they have been expensive. I accept that they are likely to retain this premium when you come to sell. But ultimately means you’ll have to shell out more initially.

Is there a reason you are looking at Wolfs?
 
300bhp/ton said:
Is there a reason you are looking at Wolfs?
Click to expand...

I've always had a passion for Military aviation, and realise I could never own an ex-Air Force aircraft, so an ex-military car is the next best. I've also always loved Defenders, so it's a good combination.

300bhp/ton said:
generally they are basic spec and may well lack things you’d perhaps want
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The idea of it being quite bare bones is appealing to me, as I'd want to keep it rather basic and true to its military days, adding a stereo/hands-free call kit and an airband radio at most. If I could adapt it, some more modern lights might be advantageous but not a disaster. The satisfaction of learning how to work on that and doing it is something I'm after.

It wouldn't be my primary car, so lacking some creature comforts in exchange for an exciting project at weekends to unwind from office work is what I'm after.
 
There are other Defender models available ex military that are not the "heavy duty" Wolf version but are closer to the civilian model often it is just military colours and some basic fittings. When it comes to mechanics it would be hard to find a more basic vehicle today other than an older model Landy.
 
thomas379 said:
I've always had a passion for Military aviation, and realise I could never own an ex-Air Force aircraft, so an ex-military car is the next best. I've also always loved Defenders, so it's a good combination.



The idea of it being quite bare bones is appealing to me, as I'd want to keep it rather basic and true to its military days, adding a stereo/hands-free call kit and an airband radio at most. If I could adapt it, some more modern lights might be advantageous but not a disaster. The satisfaction of learning how to work on that and doing it is something I'm after.

It wouldn't be my primary car, so lacking some creature comforts in exchange for an exciting project at weekends to unwind from office work is what I'm after.
Click to expand...
If you want it because it is ex Mil. No probs.

As for basic. Well all Defenders are basic. There is no difference here. Nor is there really any difference in how they work or maintaining them. The difference is. Generally a non Military version will just be nicer on the road and to trundle around in.

Arguably adding a stereo to a Wolf would be pointless. As they will be too loud inside to hear it when moving.

The Tdi engine is frugal. But they are noisy and unrefined and by modern standards lack power. A quick Google is giving me Wolf prices of £24-45k. What is your budget?

A regular Tdi is essentially 98% the same vehicle and is likely to be way less money.

The Td5 is a much nicer road engine. And you can get off road traction control which can be a bit of a game changer. A Puma is much more civilised inside than any past variants.

Have you driven or ridden in any Defenders previously? Might be worth going in a few to give an idea.
 
300bhp/ton said:
Have you driven or ridden in any Defenders previously? Might be worth going in a few to give an idea.
Click to expand...
Yes, I have a family member with a 13-plate Defender 110, which I have borrowed a fair amount when I've needed something bigger than my hatchback.

300bhp/ton said:
What is your budget?
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Nothing is set in stone now, but no more than £25 - 30k tops.

300bhp/ton said:
Arguably adding a stereo to a Wolf would be pointless. As they will be too loud inside to hear it when moving.
Click to expand...

300bhp/ton said:
Generally a non Military version will just be nicer on the road and to trundle around in.
Click to expand...
It's good to know on both these points. I appreciate the detailed replies!
 
thomas379 said:
Yes, I have a family member with a 13-plate Defender 110, which I have borrowed a fair amount when I've needed something bigger than my hatchback.


Nothing is set in stone now, but no more than £25 - 30k tops.




It's good to know on both these points. I appreciate the detailed replies!
Click to expand...
No probs. Certainly not against ex Mil. But years back they were popular because they were cheap. And while likely having had a hard life we’re normally well maintained. You see lots as trials motors or weekend warriors type of thing.

Earlier models usually had no power steering and a non turbo diesel engine. Then suddenly Defenders became all trendy and Wolf prices have rocketed. Essentially they are just a 300Tdi. And the Wolf specific changes are only really useful if you are in a real war zone, dropping it from a helicopter or mounting a large high recoil gun to it. None of the Wolf changes offer anything for normal road or off road driving. So you really are paying the premium just because.

I’d guess you could get a nice normal Tdi 90 for more like £8-12k.

£25-30k should be more like a low mileage Puma.

Ultimately your choice. But I’d certainly say have a shop around and drive a few before making any decisions.
 
300bhp/ton said:
No probs. Certainly not against ex Mil. But years back they were popular because they were cheap. And while likely having had a hard life we’re normally well maintained. You see lots as trials motors or weekend warriors type of thing.

Earlier models usually had no power steering and a non turbo diesel engine. Then suddenly Defenders became all trendy and Wolf prices have rocketed. Essentially they are just a 300Tdi. And the Wolf specific changes are only really useful if you are in a real war zone, dropping it from a helicopter or mounting a large high recoil gun to it. None of the Wolf changes offer anything for normal road or off road driving. So you really are paying the premium just because.

I’d guess you could get a nice normal Tdi 90 for more like £8-12k.

£25-30k should be more like a low mileage Puma.

Ultimately your choice. But I’d certainly say have a shop around and drive a few before making any decisions.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I shall keep all this in mind. Once again, I appreciate your detailed responses to all my questions. Looks like a great community here!
 
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