Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2686
I'm back - But with some questions.
Well it’s been a year since I first became interested in a D3 and posted a couple of questions on here.
It’s taken me that long to get the cash together and am hopefully picking up an 05 Plate HSE during next week.
I’ll post some pics when I get it, but in the mean time I have to start thinking about some things.
Firstly it’s not fitted with a tow pack of any kind, so I need to sort that out quite quickly.
I tow a reasonably heavy boat a lot, so need something quite strong.
What are my options?
I like the thought of the removable towbar, but do not know what I’m looking at in terms of cost etc to fit the kit required.
I’d also consider a more substantial height adjustable unit.
Secondly is my Roof basket that I’ve had fitted to all my 4x4s, a sturdy job made of 1.5inch aluminium tube.
I’ll have to get the TIG set out to make up some new mounts(again), but would usually start with a set of clamps for normal roof rails.
Is there a set of six or eight feet available that I can build up from?
I’m assuming that the front two are taller, although I seam to remember the roof rails can be extended forward at the same height somehow.
I’d appreciate a few pointers.
God I’m excited, feel like a kid again.
Nasher.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
20th Mar 2010 12:11 am
MacLeod 313
Member Since: 18 Apr 2008
Location: away
Posts: 10723
Removable tow bar and wiring can cost approx £150 on a favourite Auction site........As for your rack, do a search on Expo Rack fittings, somebody has listed the dimensions so you can copy and fit your existing home made rack fit the D3 roof. Although if not fitted you will still need roof rails that run front to rear
Where abouts is North Pompey. Paulsgrove, Wymering....... As a child I was a Portsdown Park thug
20th Mar 2010 12:16 am
SN
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
05 HSE will have front to rear railsSteve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
20th Mar 2010 12:21 am
MacLeod 313
Member Since: 18 Apr 2008
Location: away
Posts: 10723
ok SN..........................
Here is a link with some dimensions for making your own mounts to fit the rails and forward mounting points under the roof trim either side of the sunroof
Member Since: 03 Jan 2006
Location: Romiley
Posts: 13710
jase - those are my piccies/diagrams too
rack has been in garage for ... 13 months now ... just too heavy on the juice and inconvenient on the car park barriers to put on even though I'd love to grrrrrr my silver D3 Steve N | 21MY Defender | 08MY Discovery 3 (history) | 06MY Discovery 3 (ancient history)
20th Mar 2010 12:26 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2686
Thanks for the replies guys, especially the roof rack link as I have a lathe, Mill and TIG set in the garage to make this sort of stuff myself.
Been and had another look today, hopefully picking it up next weekend after the money has gone through and a couple of issues have been sorted.
What particularly attracted me to this car was the fact that although it has 87K miles on the clock, the engine, turbo and radiator were all replaced in July 07 at 39K miles under warrantee, so have only done 48K miles.
I’m going to try and post an image at the end of this so bear with me, it’s so much more difficult on here than the boat forums I use.
The car has open channels the length of the raised part of the roof, and covered channels on the lower part.
I only use the rack when needed so will be taking it on and off. Need to research the whole thing on here in detail.
I’ll also try to add an image of the rack I’m talking about.
As for the towbar I’m a bit more enlightened now. Of course the receptacle for the removable unit is there with the red plastic bung but there are no electrics. Again a bit of research is required.
It’s also missing the load cover in the back which I’ll be looking for ASAP.
Macleod, I’m actually in Clanfield these days which is a little bit further North.
Nasher.
Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
Disco XXV
RRS2 Autobiography Dynamic MY16
Discovery Sport HSE Lux MY17
Evoque HSE Dynamic MY16 (Gone)
RRS2 Autobiography Dynamic MY14 (Lovely car but preferred the Disco!)
Disco 3 Tdv6 HSE MY05 (owned for 11 years and now gone)
Range Rover Sport HSE MY11 (Gone)
Freelander2 SE (Gone but the most reliable car we've ever owned)
Disco 2 V8 (Gone)
20th Mar 2010 5:50 pm
MacLeod 313
Member Since: 18 Apr 2008
Location: away
Posts: 10723
Hi there Nasher, you wann look up forum member Countrywide, he I believe has an office there. Also we have XTC in Hayling, Stu in Gosport and NeilD in Bordon area. There are many more, but these guys are close to you and will help you get the best outta the D3.
The electrics are simply plug n play, although one part needs to be enabled by a dealer to stop the lights working on the D3 when a trailer is hooked up (most dont bother). In the N/S/R cubby box near the boot floor, you will see 2 grey plugs doing nowt, thats where it all plugs in.
You have the rails , the front trim needs to be lifted, and underneath you will see a screw either side, this needs to be removed to fix the rack forward mounts.
Enjoy the D3, and look those guys up.......................
NJSSAm I Gammon or Woke ? - I neither know nor care.
2016 Discovery 4 Landmark
2011 Mercedes Benz SL350 (R230)
1973 MG B GT V8 - 3.9L John Eales engine, 5 speed R380 gearbox, since 1975.
1959 MGA roadster - 1.9L Peter Burgess Engine - 5 speed gearbox
Past LRs - Multiple FFRs, Discos & a Series I - some petrol, some diesel,
none Electric or H2 fuel cell - yet.
There are 10 types of people in this world: Those who understand binary, and those who don’t.
20th Mar 2010 6:25 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2686
Wow, thanks guys. If I can fit the electrics myself I will.
NJSS
As you say, you really are very close to me, I'll have to make the next get together.
NasherHeaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
20th Mar 2010 9:03 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2686
Try this and if this doesn't work, go to the Wiki at the top of the page and look for fitting of accessories in the owner information.As you slide down the banister of life
may no splinters point your way
Disco XXV
RRS2 Autobiography Dynamic MY16
Discovery Sport HSE Lux MY17
Evoque HSE Dynamic MY16 (Gone)
RRS2 Autobiography Dynamic MY14 (Lovely car but preferred the Disco!)
Disco 3 Tdv6 HSE MY05 (owned for 11 years and now gone)
Range Rover Sport HSE MY11 (Gone)
Freelander2 SE (Gone but the most reliable car we've ever owned)
Disco 2 V8 (Gone)
20th Mar 2010 9:24 pm
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2686
Spooky
Hi, what sort of price were you thinking of?
I've had a quick look on the great auction site in the sky and the twin electrics kits are going for just under £100, plus the towball itself for @£150 as mentioned.
I’m assuming I need the YWJ500201 kit.
Although I don’t tow a caravan at the moment, only a boat, it would be nice to have the option of the extra electrics if required.
AVE
The information site looks like a great resource, unfortunately I can't get anywhere near any information.
I can get all the way to choosing a document to view, then nothing happens when I click on the link.
I've tried registering, but the new user link gives me an error message half way down the details page.
I'll try again later.
EDIT
Sorry, sussed it. Turned off my pop up blocker.
Nasher.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
As a child I was a Portsdown Park thug 
| 08MY Discovery 3 (history) 
