Defender Dash upgrades?

[Matt H]

With the initial round of repairs on my new to me Defender 110 Stn Wgn completed it's time to start considering upgrades. I often advise folks just getting into Land Rovers to wait before going ahead with any serious upgrades. This gives time to get the 'feel' of their new unit in stock form so a more informed/personalized approach to modifications can be made.

So with this in mind (and a chronic lack of funds) more major items like lifts, re-gearing, lockers etc. will be delayed until I have some more (money) seat time.

But there are some things that could stand improvement immediately. First on the list is the dash, or lack there of. The stock radio is gone and a rubbish JVC aftermarket unit with impossibly small and complex buttons is in its place. I've nowhere obvious to mount a CB or VHF radio and some provision for extra instrumentation and control switches will be required in the future.

So I've been looking into dash upgrades and Raptor Engineering UK came up as a possible solution. Has anyone had first hand experience with any of their products?

http://www.raptor-engineering.co.uk/

[Matt H]

This also caught my eye but for $270 it's a little spendy. Also it doesn't feature the same level of customization as the Raptor unit. It is however much more 'factory' looking and subtle.

http://www.ig4x4.com/item105.htm

[Red90]

The second one is Iron Goat.  Tony from BC.

The last of the common options is the MudUK dash.  http://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mud-defender-console.html  They do a bunch of other stuff as well, like an overhead console and a gauge pod.  Be careful of the rabbit hole.

[binch]

Bettery looking value for the loonie too.

[Red90]

The Iron Goat is built heavier than MudUK.  It is all aluminum with a plastic front cover while the Mud one is a plastic only front.  It is also $195 for the dash.  The $270 is with the switches.  But still a big price difference.

[Matt H]

I'm liking the look and build of the Iron Goat unit. It is limited on the amount of stuff it will hold when compared to the Raptor dash but it is a lot less 'busy' in the otherwise rather simple factory dash.

[Matt H]

Without getting carried away, what is everyone running for extra gauges? I was thinking about adding a EGT gauge and maybe an oil pressure gauge?

[Red90]

Originally...  I switched to all VDO Vision, except EGT which was digital.  Speedo, Tach, Coolant T, Fuel on main panel.  EGT, Boost Pressure, Air pressure and voltage on center panel.


Recently I replaced the coolant temp. and EGT with a Madman EMS2.  It also has oil temperature, oil pressure, low coolant alarm, voltage and and running hours all in one.  http://www.madman.co.za/index.php/products1/product/ems2-engine-monitor  I put it in place of the coolant temp gauge.  It also has built in alarms.

[binch]

Now that's a good idea!!!   Maximizing the use of limited space.... ;)

[Red90]

This is with the Madman installed before I hooked up the oil pressure and temperature.  Some people mount them from the back, which is a little cleaner.  For $200 (gauge without sender), it is a real steal.  He was talking about making a version that fits in the stock gauge location without mods as well.

[Matt H]

Yes, I really like the multi functionality with this unit too. That's a great idea.

I like gauges as much as the next guy but I don't want my dash looking like it belongs in a jumbo jet!

[Red90]

Just noticed another option has popped up.  SP-4x4 is remanufacturing the entire TD5 style dash trim but with a different design to fit the old style bulkheads and vents.

https://www.sp-4x4.com/FAB012860PMA_FWJ000110PMA_FHF000070PMA_p/jwp4030.htm

[Red90]

He was talking about making a version that fits in the stock gauge location without mods as well.

Here is the new version (EMS3).  Nice, but not nearly as good of a deal as the old one.  It is in a Raptor steel binnacle, so looks a bit different.

You cannot view this attachment.

[GR8PMKN]

Ooh, I like that!

[Alex C]

Have a look at this

https://www.sp-4x4.com/FAB012870PMA_FWJ000110PMA_FHF000070PMA_p/jwp4031.htm