Experience with Defender Traders in San Diego?

Defender1

New member
I am considering hiring Defender Traders in San Diego to build a Defender 110 for me. Does anyone have experience with them? Were you happy with their work? Did they do what they said they would do? Thank you for any input you may have.
 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
I wasnt aware they actually did work . I thought that they just imported trucks and get the California reged.
 

blueboy

Well-known member
Just curious, what are you planning for them to do?

Being on the East Coast can’t say I’ve heard of them.

What drew you to them?
 

Z.G

Well-known member
They go as Defende Traders on FB I assume because they didn't want to register a page. They had some real garbage on there, but not sure if they built those or bought them.
 

blueboy

Well-known member
I am considering hiring Defender Traders in San Diego to build a Defender 110 for me.
As a couple have asked what are you looking for?

One reason I ask is there are a few Defenders for sale on this site that might fit what you want already. Or at least provide a reliable starting point.
 

javelinadave

Administrator
Staff member
The Defender restoration community is full of thieves, shysters and con-men with a sprinkling of honest businesses. Research the crap out of whomever you do use and in most cases you get what you pay for. Additionally it is very tough getting a diesel CARB certified. Because somebody says they can do it and actually getting it done is two very different things.
Lastly I would find a 300Tdi 110 with and automatic and take it for a test drive. When I drove one I thought it was an absolute underpowered dog compared to mine with a manual 5 speed.
 

rocky

NAS-ROW Addict
Talk to a shop with a good reputation in the community, not an unknown, if you really insist on getting something build. Safari HP in Florida for example.
Alternatively, consider a high quality original truck or restoration imported from places like www.riverhousemini.com .
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
Another thing to keep in mind: even the "good" restoration companies mentioned here often have some legit horror stories and delivery problems. The number of shops that will generally do a good job is very small and they're typically booked out years in advance. You're better off learning to do the work yourself and building exactly what you want in your own garage. It's not that hard and that's why this forum exists.
 

erover82

Well-known member
Very, very true. Huge difference. And even with a manual there are driving situations where the Tdi can barely get out of its way.

Defenders make great farm trucks and off-roaders that can take you into town occasionally. The Tdi and even the NA engines are well suited for such purposes. The expectations of people buying them are largely not in line with this, which leads to an expensive uphill battle to re-engineer the vehicle into a G-Wagen.
 

1of40

Well-known member
Defenders make great farm trucks and off-roaders that can take you into town occasionally. The Tdi and even the NA engines are well suited for such purposes. The expectations of people buying them are largely not in line with this, which leads to an expensive uphill battle to re-engineer the vehicle into a G-Wagen.

True. Diamond stiching, gloss paint and jeep tires doesn't make these things fast and furious. I figure that's why they came with cigar lighters.
 
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