Can someone tell me what is involved in removing the upper side panels and roof as one unit of a 2008 Defender XS90 station wagon please. We have rust appearing halfway along the seam between the upper side panels and the ‘hips’ and need them separated to repair and spray. Thanks

It should be a series of bolts spaced along the inside of the body and hardtop and across the windscreen. There will also be a seal which would benefit from replacement. The rust will be in the body cappings, which are a known rust problem area on landies since the mid 80’s. Best bet is to replace with galvanised although you can treat the rust and paint again.

Remove seat belt mounts from B Pillar
strip out the seat backs (if individual) or bench backs to release the plastic trim (if fitted) then unclip plastic trims around the side/rear windows.
Remove cab front headliner to access the bolts holding roof to top of windscreen frame - disconnect any wiring / rear wash pipe that runs up the A pillar trim and routes to rear of vehicle (Courtesy lights)
Disconnect the wiring to the Rear/Safari Door and remove door from hinges - leave hinges in place on tub/upper.
Undo retaining bolts (each corner) that clamp the sides to the tub rails
Cut the dumdum seal that sticks the sides to the tub capping.

Accro props and 4x2 to lift and prop the roof sides (or a forklift) do diagonal brace the rear door aperture to stop it folding in.

Refit is the reverse with a new seal on the tub caps and windscreen frame when you’ve done what’s necessary to sort your rust out.

Bonne Chance!

Thank you both. Blimey, involved then! Trouble is I cannot see a way of sorting the rust without removing the sides to get at it properly. Thanks again. Needs some thought.......

Someone else has posted about the same issue a few days ago. The consensus was lifting the roof and sides off as one and supporting away from the body cappings using blocks of wood.