Tonks4x4 Defender 6x6 Expedition Camper

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Hello chaps a small update....

The puma bulkhead I have been using for mock up purposes is a RHD and I want to build as LHD so I have managed to source a LHD puma bulkhead. However it is in much worse condition than I first thought.
Here is an idea of its condition and how it's been treated

esegygug.jpg


To say this is a 2007 bulkhead it's in worse condition than the 1988 one!

6e4ugu8a.jpg


So it has now been stripped bare and I will be taking it to get dipped at prostrip tomorrow along with the old original bulkhead, a customers and the bonnet that I have been altering.

Once clean I will be able to do the repairs required and also stretch the width and make the footwells larger to give more room for your legs on long journeys.

With regards to the bonnet I have started with 2 very very rough puma bonnets. They were dinted, battered and quite rusty in places.

7yge3y9u.jpg

e5u9ahar.jpg


First job was to drill out all the spot welds on the internal frame of each bonnet.

Once these were removed I gave the outer skins a session in the English wheel to stretch the steel and take out some of the dints and creases.

Next I measured and marked the centre of each bonnet and then added 6" before cutting.

Then the two halves were offered together and tacked into position

8e4e8ybe.jpg


A similar process was used to alter the inner frame and then this was fully welded back together

ata5umed.jpg
 
Last edited:
Tomorrow this will be taken to prostrip to remove all the paint and any organic material.

Once back it can be worked some more and I can then lead load the joint to stop any sinkage or filler cracking in the future.

Then Tom can crack on with final filler and paint.

Here is a rough mock up of overall width of the front of the vehicle

y9u4evy8.jpg

a5e9ygah.jpg
 
WOW that engine is spooge worthy!
I'de love a 6x6 camper, love the idea of air sprung, what sort of psi does it take to get it at a good level with just the chassis
 
Tonks4x4 said:
I have seen some videos of this on YouTube and it is an animal! I don't care much for the red interior :(
Looks a bit like this tdci at Peterborough this weekend

4adagyja.jpg
Click to expand...

It's incredible, definately a build for the future, there's a guy on D4x4 that's built a 130 on portals with fox remote resovoir shocks that's a beauty but there's something special about a 6x6 portal monster !!

The interior is abit rash I agree but for 300 grand you want something special haha :D
 
Only a little movement as I have another full rebuild in taking up my time...

However the bulkhead and bonnet have been to prostrip to be acid dipped.

It's the first time I have used this process and I have to admit that it is the best way to have it done by a million miles.

Here are a few results of some of the parts I have taken...

3apyrade.jpg

zu5a9a4a.jpg

sa8unamu.jpg

ezuraqyq.jpg


So I can now make further repairs to the bonnet and then it can be lead loaded down the seam.

The bulkhead is off to a friend who is a sheet metal worker to make the alterations to have it 12" wider and then it will be off to Galv
 
Your mpg figure expected is a bit on the optimistic side , more realistic will be 10-12mpg or 8-10 on lpg from my experience with a tacr2 6x6 .
Economy is a big factor for touring , that was behind the swap from V8 3.9i to M57 TD in my 110 .
Will you be fitting droop check straps on the rear axles , or just relying on the s/abs ?
What are the specs on the airbags , and how have you plumbed them , any ride height control other than pressure ?
Its a very ingenious idea on the pressure drop for maneuvering , as the third axle tyre life on the tacr was very limited , in service 6000miles was good :( . very interesting thread :cool: , look forward to the future developments
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
First post and need opinion on possible defender purchase
Replies
12
Views
2K
RustyDefender
RustyDefender
D
Defender sun roof replacement
Replies
5
Views
1K
Evad90
E
gstuart
Defender camper project
Replies
5
Views
2K
Hippo
Hippo
F
My 2006 Freelander TD4 Commerical
Replies
8
Views
589
Andy Warren
Andy Warren
Wagon Loon
300 tdi I gas flowed my new cylinder head, after head gasket fail, 97 Defender pick-up Peggy
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
Stanleysteamer
Stanleysteamer
Back
Top