Celtic Rover
The first phase of the work was intended to make Nelson into a camper so that we could gain experience running around Europe and the UK with the camper set up, but keeping the cost phased by not doing the modifications to the running gear and the engine as this would not be needed until we were in wilder places. However two modifications did have to be made due to issues in the first few months of running the Defender, the first most major problem was the gearbox seized with much grinding of cogs – in this case a replacement Ashcroft expedition unit with a higher gear in top was fitted as a like for like. This work done at Keith Elgin motors. Then the front prop shaft hardy splicer bearing failed on a trip to Surrey, quick job to undo the bolts and drop off the prop shaft, allowing me to make it home with rear wheel drive only.
The modifications below were done over five weeks by Errol Wright of Coastline campers whose contact information you can see at the end of the post
Cab
Fit Raptor centre counsel to dashboard remote control stereo, 2x 12 volt & 2x USB switches for lights on roof rack, reserve fuel pump, rear wash wipe, and space for three gauges and further switches for lockers (Phase 2)
Fitted New speakers front & rear
Seats as standard for now (Phase 3 new seats and safari covers)
Exmoor trim centre cubby box with cup holders & locking lid
Fit bulkhead removal bar to allow seats reach and access to the back and Mud seat rails for leg room
2x flexi map reading lights.
CB radio fitted in shelf over driver seat in pop roof
Electrical System
Behind and under front seats fitted
Durite 1500 watt inverter and relevant cables (£290 for Inverter)
Battery isolator with removable key for main battery (ideal for additional security)
Marine grade battery isolator switch for auxiliary battery (Durite brand)
12 way marine grade pre fused switch panel housed in unit connected attached to fridge unit.
All relevant wiring colour coded throughout the fit out
National Luna split charge system with relay (£200) in battery box
Two new batteries (my preferred choice is Exide Dual AGM’s ideal for cranking and deep cycle (150 each)
Twin battery holder designed for Exide batteries from Extreme4x4
All Mega fuse holders for switch panel
Solar panel control system
Main isolator for all auxillary power systems
Three pin plug feed from invertor, Three pin plug fed from campsite power directly
Rear cab
Two layers of insulation on side panels (10mm foil backed foam followed by 30mm approx. fibre insulation). insulation to floor and wheel arches (10mm foil backed) Ply line interior 9mm to floor and sides, sides covered in velour trim lining carpet, , Poly safe non-slip flooring to floor and wheel arches with aluminium trims where necessary and a stainless steel profile for doorway/floor capping. Fitting vinyl covers to rear quarters and fitting following to rear of vehicle:
1x USB plug, 1x 12 volt socket, 1x 12 volt 3 pin socket
2 x 240 volt sockets (one to rear and one behind driver’s seat.)
Plus light switches and 3x internal LED lights on two separate circuits
Rear Cab units
Front Runner gullwing window fitted first
Bench/bed on left side with storage underneath, three units on right with various cupboards and housing for fridge.
Table leg and relevant pieces. ‘L’ shaped which swings around
15mm Light-weight fibre board with grey speckled finish and rubber edge trim cut to size to form bed/table area.
4 pieces of medium density foam mattress covered in fabric (colour to be decided)
Webasto Cruise CR49 fridge
Small sink and Bullfinch water connector with shower hose
Single burner gas hob housed in lifting lid unit with sink and cold water supply to sink.
Water System
Safari Equipe 56 litre stainless steel water tank fitted under passenger side
Shurflo on demand water pump 45psi with inline water strainer.
Rear Door
Rear door gas strut
Rear door table fold up for cooker bespoke made
Heating system
Eberspacher D2 night heater and base mounting plate, CO2 detector and CO detector.
Eberspacher thermal control system for heater behind drivers seat
4 pieces of thermal blinds with suction cups.
Exterior
Two Labcraft awning lights
Swing away wheel carrier with bracket for three bikes from Paddock spares
Bonnet chequer plating
Bonnet spare wheel carrier
Front runner Light guards
Camping gas bottle full and regulator and retaining strap, installed in FCX locker
FCX side lockers both sides
Sand track cargo tracks with quick release fasteners x4 and 2 stud rings for attaching padlocks
Hi lift jack brackets and additional fog lamp on left side
6 side paddle steps including backing plates where required
Hasp locks x3 on doors
Sand tracks x 2
Roof Unit
Fitment of Alu-cab roof unit including all lights and wiring
Fit solar 120watt panel to roof rear section
Tuff trek awning with sides
CB & aerial fitment
Curved light bar 50”
Slim line front runner roof rack
3 brackets and backing plates made for awning
Fuel System
Long range fuel tank 65 litre stainless steel fitted under drivers side
Fuel pump from long range tank to main tank
Switch on dash for fuel pump
