Take a look at the Defender accessories that I am making - Feedback appreciated.

I had to make my own LHD one.... still a work in progress but getting there.

DSC05833_zpsd462e346.jpg


Sorry to hijack your thread.... ;)

Now that is absolutely outstanding. How long did it take/need any specialist kit to build? You may have inspired me for my next project.

Looks like you've kept the original instrument housing?

Not sure about all that chequer plate, looks like the inside of a kit kat :D:
 

Tiktaalik

Supporting Sponsor
Funny you mention. I am already working on an all metal design. Here's a concept pic of the first pass. The design has evolved a bit but the general idea is to draft off of the old Series dash but applying more modern aspects of functionality (quality switches etc).

I think with that kind of fabrication skill you should really, really seriously look into making an "expedition dashboard" for older Defenders (especially my 1997 300Tdi 110... wink wink) because the stock one is just idiotic at best. I would love a robust, functional item to replace the stupid plastic monstrosity. Now that'd be a product that might have serious worldwide demand despite a high price tag.

Tiktaalik.com - Dash 122914.jpg
 

Tiktaalik

Supporting Sponsor
These products are targeted towards myself and anyone else who happen to share the same values. I'm not interested in cutting mustard in a particular market for these products. If profit was the main goal do you really think I would work on Defender Accessories? High cost ones at that? Not everything you make needs to be a multifunctional re-invention of the wheel so as long as it does something better than whats currently out there, even if it is incremental. Funny you mention Khan and Twisted as they embody the absolute opposite of what I am trying to achieve. I'm not looking to impress with fluff and decoration here and I'm certainly not trying to make the Defender into something that it is not; a luxury vehicle. Don't get me wrong, your feedback is appreciated. It sounds like these are not for you and that is perfectly fine by me.

Your stuff looks good mate. Don't get me wrong, it's clearly well made and looks lovely but who are these products targeted at and what is your unique selling point?

I personally think that remaking something that already exists, even if you've given it a nice coating and saved a few grams isn't quite enough to cut the mustard in these markets, at least not over here in the UK (which probably isn't part of your business plan anyhow).

The reason I think some of the other companies mentioned on this thread have cracked it is because their products are very innovative. You look at their kit and think 'I'd never thought of that. Thats wicked' and I don't get that vibe with your stuff. Saying that it all looks bloody cool and I could easily see them as part of a Khan or Twisted Vehicle. In fact have you thought about approaching these companies (or what every the US equivalent is) to see if you can get into the aftermarket development scene?

A lot of the idea's mentioned by others on this thread have legs. You've got the manufacturing and design side down - couple that with some really fresh innovative ideas and I think you'll be onto a winner.

Good luck with it all.
 

LandyAndy

Adventurer
Now that is absolutely outstanding. How long did it take/need any specialist kit to build? You may have inspired me for my next project.

Looks like you've kept the original instrument housing?

Not sure about all that chequer plate, looks like the inside of a kit kat :D:

I drew it all up in Solidworks, haven't kept a total on time.... but lots of it....

I've only used RHD & new universal parts (vents, hinges etc) and behind the centre section is a vintage Air HVAC unit.

I happened to have a full sheet of tread plate, and the original panels were thrashed by the squaddies before I got the truck as it's ex-mil.
 

newhue

Adventurer
Funny you mention. I am already working on an all metal design. Here's a concept pic of the first pass. The design has evolved a bit but the general idea is to draft off of the old Series dash but applying more modern aspects of functionality (quality switches etc).



View attachment 262552


Better functionality is a good starting point. I have noticed in my Tdci that the air con works much better than the Tdi, however all the outlets are located centrally and tends to over cool the arm as it rest it on the cubby box. Same for passenger. There are two vents which are fixed to shoot air into the rear of the cab, and two swivel ones for personalising for the front. It's these two fixed vents that could do with being adjustable. Perhaps that is a Mod that may sell globally if you get interested. Some kit that fits into the rectangular hole after the fixed vents have been cut out.

The Tdi air con tends to just chill the passengers knees and hogs all their leg area. This could be an Aus retro fit possibly. In general the vents need to be up away from the driver and passengers knees, perhaps far better relocated in the top crash pad of the dash. Perhaps some vertical adjustable vents down the outer side of the instrument cluster and replace the grab handle for the passenger. This however may make it difficult for the passenger to get in.
 

LandyAndy

Adventurer
Better functionality is a good starting point. I have noticed in my Tdci that the air con works much better than the Tdi, however all the outlets are located centrally and tends to over cool the arm as it rest it on the cubby box. Same for passenger. There are two vents which are fixed to shoot air into the rear of the cab, and two swivel ones for personalising for the front. It's these two fixed vents that could do with being adjustable. Perhaps that is a Mod that may sell globally if you get interested. Some kit that fits into the rectangular hole after the fixed vents have been cut out.

The Tdi air con tends to just chill the passengers knees and hogs all their leg area. This could be an Aus retro fit possibly. In general the vents need to be up away from the driver and passengers knees, perhaps far better relocated in the top crash pad of the dash. Perhaps some vertical adjustable vents down the outer side of the instrument cluster and replace the grab handle for the passenger. This however may make it difficult for the passenger to get in.

That's what I've tried to do with my dash using the HVAC unit I got, two adjustable vents facing the driver/passenger, two lower vents above the tunnel & side vents to demist the door windows plus the windscreen ones too.... will be interesting to see how it performs. I was interesting to note that the ICON D110 also made use of the same HVAC unit.... so, in my little truck cab I should be nice & toasty in winter :)
 
I drew it all up in Solidworks, haven't kept a total on time.... but lots of it....

I've only used RHD & new universal parts (vents, hinges etc) and behind the centre section is a vintage Air HVAC unit.

I happened to have a full sheet of tread plate, and the original panels were thrashed by the squaddies before I got the truck as it's ex-mil.

I like it mate, cool.
 
These products are targeted towards myself and anyone else who happen to share the same values. I'm not interested in cutting mustard in a particular market for these products. If profit was the main goal do you really think I would work on Defender Accessories? High cost ones at that? Not everything you make needs to be a multifunctional re-invention of the wheel so as long as it does something better than whats currently out there, even if it is incremental. Funny you mention Khan and Twisted as they embody the absolute opposite of what I am trying to achieve. I'm not looking to impress with fluff and decoration here and I'm certainly not trying to make the Defender into something that it is not; a luxury vehicle. Don't get me wrong, your feedback is appreciated. It sounds like these are not for you and that is perfectly fine by me.

Well your right, they're not for me because I drive an old 200tdi defender 90, which I have been fortunate enough to have taken all over the world - she's just got back with more dents than I care to mention and don't think your products would suit her 'style', if you can call it that. Not to mention the fact I don't have $550 to spend on a new grill. My values are that I want a product that is functional, doesn’t break the bank to replace when it gets broken – they all get broken eventually – and if it can serve more than one purpose or fill a niche I hadn’t thought of I’m yours.

At $425 for headlamp surrounds I actually think you are selling luxury products, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I mentioned Khan and Twisted because here in the UK your products at those prices are approaching that world. I’m not a fan of their vehicles either; it was just an idea, which is why I asked who your target audience was.

The dash is a great idea and your design looks interesting. I assume these would be made to order so people could specify what gauge holes they want and what kind of switches etc. What's the estimated cost?

Anyhow, I’ll be keeping an eye on your site and look forward to seeing new products.
 

Timo K

Observer
Funny you mention. I am already working on an all metal design. Here's a concept pic of the first pass. The design has evolved a bit but the general idea is to draft off of the old Series dash but applying more modern aspects of functionality (quality switches etc).



View attachment 262552

Excellent. I think I'll send you a PM with some more of my thoughts, I don't really have the time, place or adequate know-how to start tackling a project like that, but I would be willing to part with some of my cash to get exactly what I want. I am kinda fussy... :D
 
I agree alloy is lighter than steel, but alloy needs to be thicker than steel also to give it more support, thus thicker alloy, thiner steel, same weight. ( some times )

As for light guards, theres some cheap and simple ones out there then theres some very expensive ones, from my own personnel view, 95% of Defender owners would have a heart attack at paying over $300AU for a pair, high end Defender parts is a very niche market.

I recently received a pair of Kahn Defender Light Guard, around $430 with shipping, nice outer box, nice packaging, but I was some what disappointed with the guards, yes the mesh is mine spec, and the welds 100%, but $200 would have been too much to pay. We could reproduce like for like in the shop for $120.00

Instead we just made a simple version, thats going to RRP for $120.00.

Paying top $ is fine but its got to give you that special feeling, or you feel like you have wasted money.

On a side note I do like the wing Indicator guards

Heres ours, the black will be paired Silver behind the logo to make it stand out more.





Still great to see other people coming up with new ideas.

Price is an improvement on $430. They would be difficult to wash. If your at home with a pressure washer no worries but if your on a trip, then having to clean them every evening with a bottle of water and a bit of cloth on the end of a coat hanger would get old pretty quickly. I also think the grill is a bit too close to the light to offer any real protection from a front on knock. Looks cool though.
 

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