This project started with a simple premise. Everyone loves the look of the Land Rover Defender. Then, you have two types of owners. 1. The Martyrs. Those that love them and all of their archaic charm. Tolerate the leaks, lack of power and precision, swear up and down they are the best 4x4 ever built. 2. Those that love them, but have owned one or realize that the styling warrants the love, but that the mechanical engineering and fit & finish have their limitations. These people want to use them off road as well as on, and have higher expectations for the drivability, and see room for improvement in the details of the design. We, as well as the client on this project, are the type #2 Defender fans. So we started with a nice US spec truck in good condition, and set out to re-imagine it. We started with discussions then renderings. We decided on the emissions certified GM Erod 424 HP LS3 V8, GM 4L85E ¾ ton automatic, Dynatrac axles, Stoptech brakes. Over the next 18 months, we crafted those ideas into reality.
ICON D90 Land Rover Defender Reformer Project Video Overview
Ready for adventure! Note the ICON designed custom rear bumper shown here, as well as the ICON designed soft top crafted in Mercedes canvas. We also deleted the external cage, and custom built one that fits under the soft top.
The design of the front bumper is based on our BR design, but tailored to fit this project. Note the flush fit LED aircraft lights in the bumper. All lighting is LED. We kept the original black plastic grill. Although we really wanted to machine a new design in aluminum, we had to stop somewhere!
CNC'ed handles with adjustable stainless latch. The ICON bumper is designed to be strong and easy to work with. Made in California, powder coat finish.
The dual carriers are designed with fluted and greasable shafts, and CNC'ed ramps lock the carrier when open at 90 degrees, protecting the rear door from damage and keeping the carrier from swinging out into traffic or other trail vehicles.
The factory steel hinges are notoriously weak, and they quickly seep an orange stain from the rusting pivot shafts. So we upgraded them to these CNC'ed designs with stainless pivot shafts....
Here you see the dash from the back seat. This design allowed us to pay tribute the the original, while adding quality and functionality. The original vent system was maintained.
Here is another shot of the dash. We removed all of the plastic panels, then crafted this design in cold-rolled and stainless steel. Our design drew inspiration from the older Series I and Series II Land Rover dash. Note the integrated A/C aluminum vents.
The original instrument panel was all plastic, and difficult to read. So, we replaced the housing with our own, crafted in metal then powder coated. For the guages, we used these US made units, inspired by vintage aircraft designs. We fit a collapsible, tilt column, and the ICON Steering wheel. Gauges were military inspired new units, all electronic, no cables or capillary tubes anymore!
The original design left this area open, exposing the exterior panel to potential damage, and creating a lack of insulation and utility. We CAD designed these, then laser cut aluminum and steel panels. Integrated into the panels are 12V power ports and speakers. Sandwiched between the ribbed stainless and powdercoated aluminum is our Chilewich upholstery material. All is attached with aircraft grade stainless hardware. Behind the panels went Dynamat sound insulation.
The 6.2 GM Erod V8 fit very well. Almost looks like it belongs here! Note the custom gas shocks for the hood, which replaced old school rod linkage. Large capacity aluminum radiator, contemporary fuse panel, battery relocated from under drivers seat to under hood.
The emissions certified GM LS3 Erod was a great solution. With over 430 HP, this engine is lighter and more fuel efficient that the original gas engine, producing over triple the HP and torque, while reducing emissions considerably and increasing efficiency. Lighter weight too! Now the pedal on the right actually does something!
