The only other 2004 Defender xs I can find on the web with the same wheels as mine is mine in an old add....

Today I fitted the EGR delete kit. My god the inlet manifold looked like an oily sump! Also straightened out the rear corner. Still all out of shape but a lot more presentable.

Yes I seem to have sorted my leaks with the aid of a tube of drain and gutter sealant. This week it let me down mechanically. 15mph tops and a ridiculous black smoke screen behind me. I had a quick fiddle under the bonnet and found if I disconnected the vac pipe to the EGR it ran fine so I have...

Pretty well but it’s slightly bigger than a standard unit so I’ll have to adapt a surround to make it look more professional. Satnav works, I was worried I’d have a Beijing street map! Just fitted new seat base covers and heated seat elements. Really easy!

Ok here’s a thought. All the aircon compressor and pipe work is missing but the matrix and fan is still inside. I’m not convinced I need aircon but addition heat would be nice. How about plumbing my aircon matrix in series with the heater matrix?

It’s turning out to be a really interesting start to Defender ownership. Within 2 weeks I’ve gone from wanting a good straight black urban car to falling for it’s rugged, bent and battered charm. I still want it looking smart but the ill fitting panels, uneven gaps and dings no longer bother...

I so need to do this. Great tips

A quick note on economy. A 300 mile mostly motorway trip 70-80 mph to get the roof rack came in at 24mpg not bad. My 50 mile commute at 40mph gets 33mpg. I’d like better. It’s had an Alive remap though. Very sooty exhaust and often black smoke on acceleration so it might be overfueling for...

Good old eBay £16

Just fitted a leather steering wheel cover. 30 mins to stitch and goes well with the half leather seats I think. And picked up a genuine LR roof rack.

New bumper and wheel arch.

Web search reveals this relay. But pricey, might take it out and clean it

My light only stays on for 5 seconds after i shut the door. not enoght time to find the ignition. Is that standard or is there a timer needs replacing? cheers!

And today a new Vatra commercial battery as it died in the cold this morning.... :)

Damn! Well I’ve gone for a mud Uk facia and a double din touch screen satnav. Watch this space!

A bit of both really. I wanted it fairly stock really but I'm a sucker for a good roof rack & ladder (I do tend to use them) I'm working on the heated seats at the moment, new base covers and heater elements. Then the hole in the dash to sort out!

Good point! I’m used to 60’s VW where there’s no point asking the dealer... :-)

Hello again. Any idea where I can get the closing panel I’m missing?

Impressive that isn’t it. Whatever it was put a bonnet shaped ding in the bulkhead too...

Sorted! stayed locked all night, thanks guys!