Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
MOT Pass
Slightly daunting to see I haven't posted an update on my thread in well over two years... Well, I've still got it, so thought I'd have another go!
In truth I've had company cars for the last few years so sadly the G4 doesn't get used that much anymore, in fact it was MOT'd today and has only done 1,450 miles since its last MOT in February 2020. Despite lack of use I can't bring myself to sell it, it's a bit of an emotional purchase which hankers back to my youth (some of the old-timers on here will remember I was a D3 fan who signed up here before I could even drive!). Owning a D3 was always a goal and the G4 was the ultimate expression of one to me. I sometimes flirt with the idea of selling it and buying some other toy but I have a deep fear that I'll regret it... Am I mad?
Anyway, to the purpose of my post. Today was MOT day and the good news is she passed with flying colours! Not even a single advisory. Mileage is 98,500 and I've always used the same garage (White's Land Rover Specialist, Edinburgh) for every service, MOT and repair since I bought it five years ago (for continuity / reliability of service). I get them to do a thorough inspection every year at the same time as the Service & MOT. Today they identified that 5 out of 6 glow plugs were dead - I'm surprised as I've only had occasional cold start issues. They managed to replace 4 easily, so I'm now running on 5 which they reckoned was enough. That added about £100 or so onto my bill in parts and labour. Otherwise, it was a fully clean bill of health.
Back home in the drive now after the most activity it's seen in months!
Next on my list of jobs to do are:
- Refurbish the A Bar (soft plastic is fading to a rough dull grey surface)
- Find a winch cover (they seem to be hens teeth - any suggestions?)
- Tackle the headlining rattles (broken trim clips around the front sunroof)
- Tyres are 6 years old now but still have reasonable tread. I'm tempted by some General Grabber X3s though as they'd mimic the look of the Wrangler MTRs which were fitted on the G4s at factory
Member Since: 06 Mar 2013
Location: Independent Republic of Kentishshire.
Posts: 4197
Yes it was...it covered the tray as well and had a cut out for the number plate mounting...!
I may just know of one........
Mine had its first ever set of egr valves the other day....and likewise I can’t bring myself to sell it!
2nd Mar 2021 11:37 pm
CY
Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
I spent a fortune refurbishing my winch last year (all the paint had flaked off it). Keen to try and keep it dry and protected from the elements now.
Let me know if you have a secret source! 2007 Porsche Boxster (987) 2.7
2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE G4 Challenge (1 of 68)
2023 Defender 90 D250 X-Dynamic HSE
3rd Mar 2021 8:14 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
I completely get it Chris! You are attached to it like I’m attached to Betsy my 2a. I’ve had it 26 years now and could never sell it.
It’s a standing joke in our household. Wendy says it’s the other woman in my life, and it will save funeral costs because she will bury me in it!
I remember the early days. Dragging your Fiat out of a muddy field on a camp we did at Rockingham!
Ref winch covers, is it not something that could be made? A good upholsterer might be able to copy.
What did you paint the winch with Chris? Mine desperately needs doing this year.....
Discovery 3/4 & RRS keys cut and programmed at your home or work
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto retro fit - see it here
BAS Remaps/ EGR Blanking
Software updates/ enabling
Mobile Servicing & Repairs
3rd Mar 2021 10:19 am
CY
Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
Clive,
I took it to Venture 4x4 Group in Shipston-on-Stour as I read on one of the forums that they do winch refurbs. In the end I think they outsourced it to a coachworks as it didn't need any mechanical work, just stripping down and recoating. But they removed it from the car for me and sent it off.
I ordered the replacement decals from WARN in the US. Here are some pics.
Looks excellent, have you got a link/ email for Warn in the US for the decals?
Thanks
Discovery 3/4 & RRS keys cut and programmed at your home or work
Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto retro fit - see it here
BAS Remaps/ EGR Blanking
Software updates/ enabling
Mobile Servicing & Repairs
- Tyres are 6 years old now but still have reasonable tread. I'm tempted by some General Grabber X3s though as they'd mimic the look of the Wrangler MTRs which were fitted on the G4s at factory
I'd go with Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs myself as thr MTR is no longer available as a 255/55/19, I'm on my 2nd set and they are the natural successor to the MTR, pretty good manners on the road in terms of handling, noise and economy, and also very good in the mud.
You could of course go slightly larger as the Duratrac is now standard off-road fitment on the new Defender which I think is 255/65/19QG4OC Secretary
N44RT Callsign NH89
3rd Mar 2021 5:32 pm
CY
Member Since: 16 Aug 2005
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 4506
New Winch Rope / Hook and Wash
Not the most exciting update but after the winch refurbishment I've just replaced the synthetic rope (back to a G4 spec orange one) with a new yellow hook (old one was tatty and rusting). The old rope was pretty frayed and worn out. Good chance to test the winch too (never gets used!). Also removed the A Bar this week and been trying to refurbish it coat by coat, refitted it today and pleased with the improvement although not perfect.
Finally, gave it a thorough wash and treated all the plastics which were starting to look dull and faded. Photos below because everyone loves photos of a shiny Disco
Member Since: 26 Sep 2016
Location: Ely.
Posts: 170
Looking very nice Chris.
I have a brand new, never been out of the bag winch cover that I was going to use as a template to get others made. Along with a list of other hard to get parts for these cars.
But I'm working stupid hours 6/7 days a week, so it's on hold for the time being !2008 G4 D3 vehicle No 11. UK selections.
2003 G4 D2 vehicle No 125. South African workshop car.
22nd Mar 2021 7:01 pm
dandam
Member Since: 06 May 2019
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 60
Would you have been on the A435 Hollywood bypass between Maypole and Beckets Farm in the past week or two - I thought I saw a D3 G4 but was on the other side of the dual carriageway so could get a proper look.2007 D3 2.7TD SE - Vienna Green
Looking very nice Chris.
I have a brand new, never been out of the bag winch cover that I was going to use as a template to get others made. Along with a list of other hard to get parts for these cars.
But I'm working stupid hours 6/7 days a week, so it's on hold for the time being !
It may be worth trying Bustle About - they may very well be able to help with that
Came across their work on Facebook (when I'm not banned on there for my special sense of humour) and very impressed with the work they do.I know it's not considered "kind" to say no these days, but no. Just no, ok? And if it's not ok, still no.
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