Defender doors on a Series III. How easy?

[GoldRover]

Has anyone here done this?
Are they a bolt-on swap to a late Series III (1981)? Or does the latch on the body-side need to be swapped to match as well? How about fit? They look to be the same dimensions, but are they? I would think this would be a more common swap if it were as easy as that, although I know the purists really hate that kind of stuff. I'm a bit of a purist, but since mine already has a non-LR engine, how about some roll-down windows and doors I can actually lock? Also, I think the hinges are the same. If it IS all that easy, I recon the really hard part is going to be finding a set of doors that don't still have a Defender attached to them.
Just curious. I thought it would be a nice simple upgrade without changing the outward look too much (normal door handles and one big window).

George

[Geobloke]

Originally Posted by GoldRover

Has anyone here done this?
Are they a bolt-on swap to a late Series III (1981)? Or does the latch on the body-side need to be swapped to match as well? How about fit? They look to be the same dimensions, but are they? I would think this would be a more common swap if it were as easy as that, although I know the purists really hate that kind of stuff. I'm a bit of a purist, but since mine already has a non-LR engine, how about some roll-down windows and doors I can actually lock? Also, I think the hinges are the same. If it IS all that easy, I recon the really hard part is going to be finding a set of doors that don't still have a Defender attached to them.
Just curious. I thought it would be a nice simple upgrade without changing the outward look too much (normal door handles and one big window).

George

I don't think your hinges are going to be the same fella! If you can source some 90 or 110 doors with pull up handles they may be a straight swop, however if they are ex-mil they will be sliding windows like a series.

If you can get some later type push button type doors from a defender then you will have to replace the hinges (which also allows you to have defender style door mirrors too) and lock striker mechanisms.

As for are they all interchangable I am reliably informed that they are all the same dimensions.

Personally if I had a series I would keep the 2 part doors, love the fact you can take the tops off in summer!

[GoldRover]

There's an blue '81 Series III that's had the full Defender treatment for sale.

http://www.landrovercentre.com/stock...and_Rovers.htm

I don't care too much for the front end, but I noticed the doors are a nice touch. I just didn't know how much trouble it would be to do.
The hinges look the same as mine, or at least, too close to tell in the photos.

[Geobloke]

Yup your hinges are the same fella! Now tha only thing is finding 2 doors and sorting out the stricker plates!

Good luck!

[onslow]

Originally Posted by GoldRover

Has anyone here done this?
Are they a bolt-on swap to a late Series III (1981)? Or does the latch on the body-side need to be swapped to match as well? How about fit? They look to be the same dimensions, but are they? I would think this would be a more common swap if it were as easy as that, although I know the purists really hate that kind of stuff. I'm a bit of a purist, but since mine already has a non-LR engine, how about some roll-down windows and doors I can actually lock? Also, I think the hinges are the same. If it IS all that easy, I recon the really hard part is going to be finding a set of doors that don't still have a Defender attached to them.
Just curious. I thought it would be a nice simple upgrade without changing the outward look too much (normal door handles and one big window).

George

The doors are directly interchangable I used an M10 or 12 bolt through the pillar for the latch for the door (where the s3 striker plate is located) worked great and cheap too