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.
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
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😂🤦♂️
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
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?
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 ✌️🔰
Steve, surprised you didn't go 2nd hand Japanese. Keep that Landy light 👍, simplify where possible & then build up when youre both properly acquainted. Love is in the air. 🔴❤️.
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.
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.
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
For the long term it’d be worth some corrosion protection on all holes you’ve drilled to fit the checker plate. Could a BMW M57 turbo diesel engine be an easy swap for more performance, refinement and probably similar economy?
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!
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!
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 🤙🏻
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.
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!
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
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!
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😂🤦♂️
Looks great. Recommend a BMW M57 engine conversion. Small point, air intakes on wings go on the top of the chequer plate
I love that you picked it. It's perfect for Ste
It really is!
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
Dad had Denfenders for years. Got to add a snorkel and a winch
Great choice and glad you’ve kept the green. Looking forward to seeing more modifications!
You and me both!
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!
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.
Definitely add some recovery points. Looks class. I want one now
Go to dieselpumpuk and get an om606 engine. They can make up to 600bhp and are a fully mechanical engine
Thick black Bitumen paint on the bottom of your viechle Ste! Stop the rust coming up from the bottom and protect the undercarriage
Great choice! Looking forward to seeing the finished vehicle.
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!
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!
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.
Love me a good adventure rig build. Nice work Howson.
You and me both!
What a machine! So much potential with these cars. Looking forward to following the journey!
You and me both!
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
Glad you went for the classic. 👌🏻
The best!
Tyres and wheels are awesome 👍. Mobile storage drawer and gull-wing would be great for adventures, camping
Tent box pop up cab tent rather than a roof rack for sure!
I knew this would be the one!!!
It Fits Ste, it's the right Motor
Shovel to the Bonnet!!! To complete the look with a winch
Looks mint. Hopefully get the inside kitted for camping
That's the plan!
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.
Love it! Definitely the right vehicle for you. Onboard air compressor is a must for overlanding 👍🏻
Great choice and cool video. It’s clearly been a labour of love.
Enjoy!
Ste’s bought a defender before Man UTD
😂😂😂😂😭😭😭Bro
looking good Ste.
A United fan who's also a Land Rover Defender enthusiast like me. You sir have just gained a new sub!
Thank you, pal!
Adding winch and snorkel would give a off-road start
Solar, Jerry cans, ladder, snorkel? Looking grand
Think I seen you bobbing through glossop in it the other week. Looks belting!!
boat insulation is a shout, with matting for air flow to stop condensation
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!
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.
Beauty … truck is nice too Ste
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
Good work mate. Takes your mind off footy as well
Thanks 👍
Camping with Ste.....great content mate its refreshing not talking football or man utd. Atm.
That Vw was pretty sick too
This was the right move. Great year too(born in 1993 haha)
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
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
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
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
Loving the Wheeler Dealer vibes 😆🙏🏽
The first thing you need to invest on is the engine refinement, shock absorbers etc. Other modifications are secondary.
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%
I just want to see Ash on a road trip with you, hating the camping experience while you love it
Maybe one day!
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 ✌️🔰
Love the pick Ste! You could tell this would be the one 👊❤️
This car 100% needs to go to urban automotive!! Check them out they recently done Olly Murs defender
You know, we know, it was the right choice mate. On the engine id honestly keep it and just give it a major tune up, all new fluids/filters/plugs etc.
Once you’ve got the chassis sorted you should look at getting some black tube steps/rock sliders on the sides👌🏼
Great content thanks Ste. More chilled vibe than watching Utd!
Glad you enjoy it!
Good lad! Great choice!
Get the Front Runner Roof Rack- has the best accessories and utility rack out there imo! Looking sick so far though 👍🏼
Howson doing car vlogs, love it! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the build 👏🏽
More to come!
Extended tent mounted to the roof so save on interior space
Good suggestion
Take care Ste! always love the content!
Got a long wheel base ex army Landy, 55 years old, love it.
Steve, surprised you didn't go 2nd hand Japanese. Keep that Landy light 👍, simplify where possible & then build up when youre both properly acquainted. Love is in the air. 🔴❤️.
Expo cage and gull wing doors in place of back side windows for side access to your gear.
Ste, you should look at Overlanding equipment in the US. You can get tents for the roof rack and all kinds of crazy stuff.
ste a winch and snorkel is a must on the beast mode 110
Got to have a bolt on jerry can surely
Enjoyed this Ste and looking forward to watching how the work progresses.
Get an urban kit on it mate
Gorgeous van, love it! I'd lift it and put a snorkel on and definitely an awning
Good suggestions!
Glad you like it Ste, Landy's are great, please do the window seals though, they always go
Good Video Ste 👍
Looking forward to what you do next to upgrade
Thanks 👍
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.
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.
This made me want to get another defender. Nice one Ste
Would get the engine and leak sorted 1st big man. Get some power in it.
Such a sick vehicle
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.
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
looking forward to this Ste
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 😂
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
For the long term it’d be worth some corrosion protection on all holes you’ve drilled to fit the checker plate.
Could a BMW M57 turbo diesel engine be an easy swap for more performance, refinement and probably similar economy?
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!
Awesome mate.... only issue i have with them is the elbow space😅
Quality of the videos are insane !!!
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!
looking deadly, Ste. Love it. Could watch this type of content all day.
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?????
Get that welding done asap Ste.. It'll save you money in the long run..great choice! (Edit.. Or just get a new chassis lol)