Adding some sort of solar battery would be a good next step. The Bushman and Blue channel has a really good van refurbishment that might give you some pointers.
Thanks Ste, really enjoy what you are doing with this channel. Really happy you went for the defender, always had a soft spot for them. Gonna be ally when you’ve got it all Gucci’d up!
My Dad bought a beat up Land-rover after he left the Army. He then took us on a 3 week mountain and rock climbing trek round Scotland in 1990. I was 9 years old and did at least 5 Munro’s! Loving this channel and a good escape from the reds playing like a bag of toss😂🤦♂️
Some wrap-around bar work up front. Set of 37 inch Micky Thompson muddy's. ARB Diff covers. Snorkel. Dual battery for the winch, fridge & lights. That should get u started!
Same as mine. You get used to tooling about at 50 rather than 70. Much more and your teeth start rattling. Welcome to the club. Awesome wheels. Unstoppable. Hope you take it off road too.
I have a Land Rover and i regularly use MDRS Automotive for any issues, certainly not as old as your but the lads in there are top class. Video is quality
I knew it, The best choice by far and an investment, looks quality ste👍🏻 The one thing I might suggest is upgrading the insulation to the beast, around the doors, maybe roof lining, make it water tight and keep the moisture out of the interior basically.
Awesome Defender! Definitely has more personality than the other two vehicles. Looks like you got the modifying bug. Always a little nerve wracking drilling into clean body panels lol
Alive tuning do great suspension upgrades. I had the comfort pack springs and rock shox Totally improved handling steering breaking just the whole feel of the car Can’t recommend it enough
Ste, I follow you for the football, but honestly, this content is what would make me watch the IRL channel - I love it. I'm a big car guy so this kind of stuff is perfect and your presentation style transfers really well to these kind of videos. Please keep this content up
Back in the day my Mum had a long wheel base landy. We'd get 2 people laying across the back seat and 2 on the floor. Basically being a lottery of which corner you go around depended on what side rolled off on top of the people on the floor. Roundabouts were chaos 😂 not sure your getting away with doing that these days... Funnest journey you'll have as kids though! Make sure you before that gets changed you let your lad and his friends play that game.. Bundle Roulette
a decent winch might be handy. I'd also consider modular water storage so that you can add more storage when needed for longer trips. Maybe some drawers on heavy duty runners you can pull out of the back for cooking on.
I was born in 94, so in my head I still think Landy is *only* 20 years old... Cheers for reminding me I'm 30, Ste! Great content as always on this channel
Would definitely recommended the Optimill Security hinges, bit of a fiddly job if you choose to do it yourself but helps to deter any thief’s I reckon you should whack a snorkel on the side too, and get some black powder coated window guards for the rear windows to protect your gear when out! Some window wind deflectors on the doors will also help widen the look of the car, making it look a bit beefy!
They are awesome cars. I can remember my dads from when i was a kid, he used to take it off roading and it was awesome. He even fitted his own sideways seats in the back.
It’s the car embodiment of Ste! 😂🙌 have you looked into roof tents? Know someone who loves there’s and gives them space to sleep up top. Perhaps a rum cabinet as well? Too posh boy shooting vibes?
Ste, if you’re after ruggedness a winch and a snorkel to go with your lightbar will complete the look! Also, with the weight of those wheels, you may at some point need to do an engine swap!
Great this, I’m not a petrol head, but this is so interesting/ exciting for an ordinary Joe, can’t wait to see the refit take shape, having had a camper van if you’re going to sleep in it then get good blackout curtains/blinds .
Looking good so far Stephen. Who would of thought you could actually make an old defender look cool 😎🤣❤️ Knew you would get the defender! Can't take the Army out of you can we 🤣🤣🪖🎖️ look forward to future content, keep up the great work
It's looking good this was more enjoyable than the football stuff 😊 we're going to win the cup, looking forward to the interior i know you'll do a great job
congrats Ste we only had to wait six months for that vid - LOL! - I hope you sealed the holes you drilled to prevent issues down the road! Get a Tow hitch for your trailer to haul the ATV/jetski I see in the future!
Defenders are class, glad to see you enjoying yours. Looks grand on the outside now. Underneath... we'll pretend that wasn't a thing 😂 Looking forward to more updates.
Great choice Steve but a fair bit of work to do. After the chassis swap I am looking forward to see what you do to bring it up to date. The IRL videos are very good and you emphasise that TV presenters on mainstream broadcasters are overpaid and not very good.
Nice one Howson get some checkaplate on it rooftop tent and bar light on top solar panel and a vicktron inverter and the water tank underneath you will have it rocking ✌️🔰
I also bought a 1996 Defender and without any modifications thought it was best to fit a galvanised chassis FIRST and then in that process check and re-bush suspension and running gear before doing any modifications to the body, as it all has to come off for the chassis change. Once it was all back together I like the vehicle standard and am just focussed on slowly dealing with anything on the body, such as door bottoms etc. I don't like doing things twice. Once you get the chassis changed, with annual wax treatment it should last forever.
Buying a bit of a rough Defender to slowly upgrade and customise bits as you go is an addictive hobby, and probably an absolute money pit! No idea about interior upgrades for camping purposes (not my area!), but a winch, ladder, roof rack and snorkel always looks sick. My favourites have always been the type by Twisted, with Recaro seats and a filthy V8 swap or the Spectre edition Land Rovers from the Bond movie. You've got a billion options, just have fun with it and see it as a long term project. Enjoy!
Great video Ste. You should check out the guys who did the Speedshop tv program. The had an episode where the did a Defender upgrade for a mountain rescue service.
Appreciate that you've put this into one video and not milked it into multiple separate videos, Lovely colour as well
The shade....
well don’t start giving him ideas now
Mate, have a word. It will be work in progress for him and he is documenting his journey. Tough crowd. Jesus.
Glad you liked it! Funnily enough, there will be more to come
Honestly so fatigued and demoralized by these last 10 years of United, glad you're finding new things to do and share with us!
Glad you chose this one, Ste. It was the one you seemed most excited about when you made the first video. Wishing you years of fun with it!
Adding some sort of solar battery would be a good next step. The Bushman and Blue channel has a really good van refurbishment that might give you some pointers.
Seen a few defenders where a thin Solar panel has been added onto the bonnet with an auxiliary battery wired in - think that would be a good shout 🤙🏻
Hearing you talk about cars and not football is mad...
Loved the vid, and truck looks sweet.
Glad you enjoyed it
Just listen to off the bar on Stretford paddock and you’ll hear him talk about anything non-football related
Howson, when you’re finished, could you please do a video on how much you spent and where to buy things, garages used etc? ❤
If you own a Land Rover, you need your own oil refinery. That's been my experience.
Love me a good adventure rig build. Nice work Howson.
You and me both!
Thanks Ste, really enjoy what you are doing with this channel. Really happy you went for the defender, always had a soft spot for them. Gonna be ally when you’ve got it all Gucci’d up!
Much appreciated!
Great choice and glad you’ve kept the green. Looking forward to seeing more modifications!
You and me both!
My Dad bought a beat up Land-rover after he left the Army. He then took us on a 3 week mountain and rock climbing trek round Scotland in 1990. I was 9 years old and did at least 5 Munro’s! Loving this channel and a good escape from the reds playing like a bag of toss😂🤦♂️
Some wrap-around bar work up front. Set of 37 inch Micky Thompson muddy's. ARB Diff covers. Snorkel. Dual battery for the winch, fridge & lights. That should get u started!
Same as mine. You get used to tooling about at 50 rather than 70. Much more and your teeth start rattling. Welcome to the club. Awesome wheels. Unstoppable. Hope you take it off road too.
That's the plan! Cheers, mate
Great choice! Looking forward to seeing the finished vehicle.
Dad had Denfenders for years. Got to add a snorkel and a winch
I love that you picked it. It's perfect for Ste
It really is!
I have a Land Rover and i regularly use MDRS Automotive for any issues, certainly not as old as your but the lads in there are top class. Video is quality
What a machine! So much potential with these cars. Looking forward to following the journey!
You and me both!
Definitely add some recovery points. Looks class. I want one now
I knew this would be the one!!!
Tyres and wheels are awesome 👍. Mobile storage drawer and gull-wing would be great for adventures, camping
Take care Ste! always love the content!
I knew it, The best choice by far and an investment, looks quality ste👍🏻
The one thing I might suggest is upgrading the insulation to the beast, around the doors, maybe roof lining, make it water tight and keep the moisture out of the interior basically.
Awesome Defender! Definitely has more personality than the other two vehicles. Looks like you got the modifying bug. Always a little nerve wracking drilling into clean body panels lol
Really like the look of this cart wait to see what kit u put in it camping side of it really will set it off
A United fan who's also a Land Rover Defender enthusiast like me. You sir have just gained a new sub!
Thank you, pal!
Proper enjoyed that can’t wait to see then update on the car. You’ve got me wanting to get a one a fix it up. Just need to learn to to fix them 😂
That looks really good now so much better than stock. Checker plate looks good but it’s a dirt trap so keep an eye on body work corrosion.
Thanks for the tip.
Great content thanks Ste. More chilled vibe than watching Utd!
Glad you enjoy it!
Great choice and cool video. It’s clearly been a labour of love.
Enjoy!
Alive tuning do great suspension upgrades. I had the comfort pack springs and rock shox Totally improved handling steering breaking just the whole feel of the car Can’t recommend it enough
Good to know!
Gorgeous van, love it! I'd lift it and put a snorkel on and definitely an awning
Good suggestions!
Enjoyed this Ste and looking forward to watching how the work progresses.
Love it! Definitely the right vehicle for you. Onboard air compressor is a must for overlanding 👍🏻
Howson doing car vlogs, love it! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the build 👏🏽
More to come!
Love the pick Ste! You could tell this would be the one 👊❤️
Ste, I follow you for the football, but honestly, this content is what would make me watch the IRL channel - I love it.
I'm a big car guy so this kind of stuff is perfect and your presentation style transfers really well to these kind of videos.
Please keep this content up
Make sure to subscribe! Plenty more to come with the Defender
This was the right move. Great year too(born in 1993 haha)
Back in the day my Mum had a long wheel base landy. We'd get 2 people laying across the back seat and 2 on the floor. Basically being a lottery of which corner you go around depended on what side rolled off on top of the people on the floor. Roundabouts were chaos 😂 not sure your getting away with doing that these days... Funnest journey you'll have as kids though! Make sure you before that gets changed you let your lad and his friends play that game.. Bundle Roulette
Roof tent, plenty of options out there, interior big roll draw and make the bench seats into storage, roof cargo netting for soft items.
a decent winch might be handy. I'd also consider modular water storage so that you can add more storage when needed for longer trips. Maybe some drawers on heavy duty runners you can pull out of the back for cooking on.
Think I seen you bobbing through glossop in it the other week. Looks belting!!
I was born in 94, so in my head I still think Landy is *only* 20 years old... Cheers for reminding me I'm 30, Ste!
Great content as always on this channel
Thanks mate
Would definitely recommended the Optimill Security hinges, bit of a fiddly job if you choose to do it yourself but helps to deter any thief’s
I reckon you should whack a snorkel on the side too, and get some black powder coated window guards for the rear windows to protect your gear when out!
Some window wind deflectors on the doors will also help widen the look of the car, making it look a bit beefy!
I just want to see Ash on a road trip with you, hating the camping experience while you love it
Maybe one day!
Good lad! Great choice!
looking deadly, Ste. Love it. Could watch this type of content all day.
They are awesome cars. I can remember my dads from when i was a kid, he used to take it off roading and it was awesome. He even fitted his own sideways seats in the back.
It’s the car embodiment of Ste! 😂🙌 have you looked into roof tents? Know someone who loves there’s and gives them space to sleep up top. Perhaps a rum cabinet as well? Too posh boy shooting vibes?
It's very me, 100%
Tent box pop up cab tent rather than a roof rack for sure!
Looks great. Recommend a BMW M57 engine conversion. Small point, air intakes on wings go on the top of the chequer plate
Looks mint. Hopefully get the inside kitted for camping
That's the plan!
I used to not like you for some odd reason but you’ve grown on me 😂 great video
Thanks I guess? Welcome to the channel!
Really enjoying these videos. Keep em up!
Glad you like them!
Ste, if you’re after ruggedness a winch and a snorkel to go with your lightbar will complete the look! Also, with the weight of those wheels, you may at some point need to do an engine swap!
Great this, I’m not a petrol head, but this is so interesting/ exciting for an ordinary Joe, can’t wait to see the refit take shape, having had a camper van if you’re going to sleep in it then get good blackout curtains/blinds .
Cheers for the suggestion
Glad you went for the classic. 👌🏻
The best!
Great video look forward to seeing it evolve
You and me both!
looking good Ste.
boat insulation is a shout, with matting for air flow to stop condensation
What's the name of the catalogue that had all the components in it, its just before he says the name of the design website?????
Camping with Ste.....great content mate its refreshing not talking football or man utd. Atm.
Shovel to the Bonnet!!! To complete the look with a winch
Loving the Wheeler Dealer vibes 😆🙏🏽
Looking good so far Stephen. Who would of thought you could actually make an old defender look cool 😎🤣❤️ Knew you would get the defender! Can't take the Army out of you can we 🤣🤣🪖🎖️ look forward to future content, keep up the great work
This made me want to get another defender. Nice one Ste
Good work mate. Takes your mind off footy as well
Thanks 👍
Good Video Ste 👍
Looking forward to what you do next to upgrade
Thanks 👍
It's looking good this was more enjoyable than the football stuff 😊 we're going to win the cup, looking forward to the interior i know you'll do a great job
congrats Ste we only had to wait six months for that vid - LOL! - I hope you sealed the holes you drilled to prevent issues down the road! Get a Tow hitch for your trailer to haul the ATV/jetski I see in the future!
It Fits Ste, it's the right Motor
Get the Front Runner Roof Rack- has the best accessories and utility rack out there imo! Looking sick so far though 👍🏼
Defenders are class, glad to see you enjoying yours. Looks grand on the outside now. Underneath... we'll pretend that wasn't a thing 😂 Looking forward to more updates.
Glad you like it Ste, Landy's are great, please do the window seals though, they always go
Great choice Steve but a fair bit of work to do. After the chassis swap I am looking forward to see what you do to bring it up to date. The IRL videos are very good and you emphasise that TV presenters on mainstream broadcasters are overpaid and not very good.
Nice one Howson get some checkaplate on it rooftop tent and bar light on top solar panel and a vicktron inverter and the water tank underneath you will have it rocking ✌️🔰
Looks absolutely class great choice for what your doing
Once you’ve got the chassis sorted you should look at getting some black tube steps/rock sliders on the sides👌🏼
That Vw was pretty sick too
Quality of the videos are insane !!!
Ste, you should look at Overlanding equipment in the US. You can get tents for the roof rack and all kinds of crazy stuff.
Adding winch and snorkel would give a off-road start
Love this! Makes me want to get an old Jeep wrangler!
Suits you lad... I love the old Defenders looks, Personally I would go full-on with a rebuild especially since its look its exterior is looking mint.
Beauty … truck is nice too Ste
always said it Ste has to upload more irl content and thank god he is doing it i would defo smoke a joint with ste if i ever met him
Such a sick vehicle
Got a long wheel base ex army Landy, 55 years old, love it.
Nailed it ste spot on
I also bought a 1996 Defender and without any modifications thought it was best to fit a galvanised chassis FIRST and then in that process check and re-bush suspension and running gear before doing any modifications to the body, as it all has to come off for the chassis change. Once it was all back together I like the vehicle standard and am just focussed on slowly dealing with anything on the body, such as door bottoms etc. I don't like doing things twice. Once you get the chassis changed, with annual wax treatment it should last forever.
Expo cage and gull wing doors in place of back side windows for side access to your gear.
Go to dieselpumpuk and get an om606 engine. They can make up to 600bhp and are a fully mechanical engine
100% the right HowsonIRL wagon.
In terms of looks yeah, but the sensible decision would have been a land cruiser. You'll freeze in the land rover
Go on lad 😎
ste a winch and snorkel is a must on the beast mode 110
Looking good Ste!
Buying a bit of a rough Defender to slowly upgrade and customise bits as you go is an addictive hobby, and probably an absolute money pit!
No idea about interior upgrades for camping purposes (not my area!), but a winch, ladder, roof rack and snorkel always looks sick. My favourites have always been the type by Twisted, with Recaro seats and a filthy V8 swap or the Spectre edition Land Rovers from the Bond movie. You've got a billion options, just have fun with it and see it as a long term project. Enjoy!
Great video Ste. You should check out the guys who did the Speedshop tv program. The had an episode where the did a Defender upgrade for a mountain rescue service.
Superb! Love it !
looking forward to this Ste
Yes bro!!!! Big up. Sick video