Tonks4x4 Defender 6x6 Expedition Camper

Tonks4x4 · Oct 27, 2013

Then once the seam welding had been done I have ground back the welds for the first stage, more work will be done on this after Galv. I will more than likely lead load it instead of lots of filler.

Next was to roughly offer up the dashboard to check if I have missed anything

Next I cut the holes in the A Pillar for the electric windows, central locking, heated mirrors and the courtesy light switch

Once all these tasks had been done to both sides. Including adding the holes for the wing nutsert on the top edge and the holes for the nutserts for the check straps.

I used another bulkhead as a jig to mount the bulkhead brackets back in the correct location

You can see here the difference in width

Tonks4x4 · Oct 27, 2013

It was then flipped over and the bulkhead mounting brackets fully welded in place

The steel brace used to keep everything square can now also be chopped out.

I have also made extension for the sills to bolt up in their new wider position.

Pretty much done ready to take to Galv on Monday morning....

Someone made the suggestion of fitting cup holders or something in the spaces either side of the dashboard. I have also had a suggestion of speakers or even fire extinguishers

What other suggestions are there???

McBad · Oct 27, 2013

Land Rover porn at it's very best.

Superb thread, really enjoying watching this build progress.

200tdi ayre · Oct 27, 2013

Keeping the seating position as standard then ?

Stretching the dash would look the best if possible or a custom dash

discomark10 · Oct 27, 2013

Your could extend the dash then get it flocked and you'd never know

mark-d · Oct 27, 2013

Thats looking very good, I like the way you are doing it

Tonks4x4 · Oct 27, 2013

200tdi ayre said:
Keeping the seating position as standard then ?

Stretching the dash would look the best if possible or a custom dash

I am keeping the standard seating position as generally the only uncomfortable parts is your arm next to the door, or stuck out the window.

So now with the extra room I believe it will be just right.

I thought about extending the dash up to the edge of the bulkhead, however some people feel that the Puma dash makes the cabin feel small for 1 and secondly if I did extend the ends to follow through it just seems like a huge waste of space I could use for something else.

cowasaki · Oct 27, 2013

I'm not sure about what I would do with the dash if it were mine. The fire extinguisher would fit in the footwell against the outside edge and still leave loads of space especially if this was done on the passenger side. Extending the dash towards the edges would give space for instruments, stereo, CB etc

What are you doing with the back end of the Landy? and the axles?

Tonks4x4 · Oct 27, 2013

cowasaki said:
I'm not sure about what I would do with the dash if it were mine. The fire extinguisher would fit in the footwell against the outside edge and still leave loads of space especially if this was done on the passenger side. Extending the dash towards the edges would give space for instruments, stereo, CB etc

What are you doing with the back end of the Landy? and the axles?

What do you mean what am I doing with the back end and the axles?

cowasaki · Oct 27, 2013

Tonks4x4 said:
What do you mean what am I doing with the back end and the axles?

Unless I've missed it, are you using wide tyres with smaller arches? Obviously front end is wider so roof will be wider, what body shape is it going to be?

Tonks4x4 · Oct 27, 2013

cowasaki said:
Unless I've missed it, are you using wide tyres with smaller arches? Obviously front end is wider so roof will be wider, what body shape is it going to be?

Wheels are 33x12.5x15's on 10" wide offset steels.
The rear body will hopefully resemble a modern motorhome and measure 80" wide.
Part of the reason to stretch the bulkhead was so I didn't have to have such a sharp angle down both sides to make up for the width change.
It will also be a sleepover cab so no need to stretch roof.

flat · Oct 27, 2013

i reckon the side of the dash should be just small shelves/trays bolted in trimmed to match, good place to stash stuff, wont be to hard to do. What about the side window demisters though?

Fire extinguisher mount is a cool idea though

Landyjd · Oct 27, 2013

Really enjoying this thread.

The idea of shelves (above) in the extra space is an interesting one. Maybe you could put a couple of lockable compartments there for any valuables etc.

SteNova · Oct 27, 2013

Landyjd said:
Really enjoying this thread.

The idea of shelves (above) in the extra space is an interesting one. Maybe you could put a couple of lockable compartments there for any valuables etc.

maybe you could keep gloves in them :doh:

cowasaki · Oct 27, 2013

SteNova said:
maybe you could keep gloves in them :doh:

Radical

TD5power · Oct 27, 2013

how about maoing the compartments waterproof for when your wading

GINGE · Oct 28, 2013

Storage, cup holders, safe for valuables, could do a false panel to hide the safe.

I reckon extending the top dash rail would look better than having a gap. Could you put the ECU or MS system in there to help keep it dry? Switch banks for all the stuff a camper needs. As has been said the extinguisher can go down the side of a seat with the extra room now, there not exactly aesthetically pleasing.

Keep up the good work, loving this build.

Landyjd · Oct 28, 2013

SteNova said:
maybe you could keep gloves in them

You'd be mad to use a standard plastic glovebox in a Defender for anything of real value. I meant he could put in a proper metal safe.

Tonks4x4 · Nov 1, 2013

They have managed to knock it about a bit at the galvanisers and it will need some cleaning in areas before painting but generally overall it has come out pretty well

Shifty1962 · Nov 1, 2013

Where did you get your galvy done mate?

Tonks4x4 said:
They have managed to knock it about a bit at the galvanisers and it will need some cleaning in areas before painting but generally overall it has come out pretty well

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