Vehicle Prep / Updates

Once we decided to seriously look into the feasibility of this trip, we needed to find a vehicle that would be reliable, big enough, preferably a 4 x 4 and hopefully something we could later sell in Canada.  


I  looked at the Canadian vehicle importation rules and quickly learned that unless the vehicle purchased was manufactured to Canadian Safety Standards, it would be impossible to /import /register it in Canada, unless.... the vehicle was 15 years or older hmmmmm...


As a capital city, Brasilia is second only to Washington DC with the most Embassies.  Every year there are several North American cars  being sold by Diplomats and Foreign Workers.  The cars are usually in great condition but are sold at Brazilian market prices, meaning the asking/selling price is always much higher than in north American.  So it didn't make much financial sense for us to buy a relatively newer Toyota or Nissan at three times the value of what we could buy it back at home.


We initially started looking at Toyota's, Nissan's and some VW's... all of which offered some possible choices.  We then decided to take a closer look at Land Rovers , specifically the Land Rover Defender


Production of the model now know as the Defender began in 1983, but it was only sold in North America from 1993 to 1997.  Nowadays a Defender in fair condition in North America could sell upwards of $15,000.00. One in mint condition it could sell for well over $35,000.00 and a model that's been completely reconditioned can sell for over $50,000.00.

The Defender is full time 4 x 4 truck, with locking differentials, proven 2.5 liter Turbo Diesel motor, great off road capabilities, lots of room, great payload capacity and "easy" to fix, and a pre 98 model is void of any electronics.


We started looking at prices for a Brazilian Defender between 1990 and 1997 ... on average owners were asking between R$30,000.00 and R$45,000.00 [CND$18,000.00 to $27,000.00]... not a cheap purchase but the gap had been narrowed between the Brazilian and American market.  


We researched the possibility of a importing a LR Defender into Canada and from everything we read...as long as it was over 15 years old, it shouldn't be a huge deal.  Yes, it would have to get it inspected, add day time running lights and a third break light but... but it could be done.


It also became apparent that after the maintenance and trip preparations, this purchase would not turn into a money making proposition but the opportunity to drive from Brazil to Vancouver would not present itself again.

I read everything and anything I could get my hands on about the Defender and to be honest fell in love with the truck and what it represented.  Adventure, ruggedness and independence.  The hook was set and I set out to find the best possible Defender for the trip.


We quickly found a Defender 90 in Brasilia but realized, it just wasn't big enough, so we focused on the 110.  Because we were only looking for 1990 to 1997, there were only on average a dozen trucks for sale at any given time in the entire country.  The good ones were sold very quickly, while some remained on sale for a long time.  I signed up for automatic notification of new postings, made numerous phone calls, missed at least one good buy and also came across some some "well used"  Defenders.  I also came across a mint 1996 Defender 110 in Sao Paulo with 176,000 km, but the owner, who had just picked up a new Defender Td5 wanted R$59,000.00! (CND$33,600.00).....the truck looked good, but it couldn't be done... (btw the truck was still for sale (June 2012),  but he has "lowered" the price to R$55,000.00) 


As luck would have it, during one of my work meeting's in Sao Paulo I expressed my interest in driving to Canada to a fellow Brazilian.  Mr Luis warmly looked at me and told me he was thinking of selling his 1997 Land Rover Defender, and he would be thrilled to know his truck made the journey back to Canada.  He had been the ORIGINAL owner and had traveled extensively throughout Brazil in his trusted Defender.  Initially, we just stayed in touched while I continued looking but by Aug 2011, we were both more serious about the prospective sale.  I flew to Sao Paulo and had the Defender inspected at Land Centre who conducted a complete inspection and provided me a laundry list of "must do's", "should do's" and " nice to do's", but overall they said it was a good solid truck.  I trusted my instincts and pulled the trigger on the purchase.


Mr Luis and I agreed on a fair price and the deal was sealed!  I left my 97 Land Rover Defender 110 in the hands of the good people at Land Centre who went to work right away....well they tried but Brazilian customs kept slowing things down... 








The slow transformation process began....


How do you ever know if the vehicle you choose for a 17,000 km trip won't break down?   You don't!  Once I became comfortable with the fact that no matter what I did to the truck, there would never be any guarantees that it wouldn't leave us stranded in some remote, mosquito infested town with no internet connection.  I decided to have some fun and of course have some maintenance done along the way.

In September of 2011, with the help of my father in law, we flew to Sao Paulo and drove the truck back to Brasilia.  The truck behaved as expected. Slow and steady.  The 1000 km drive takes on average 11 hours but it took is 13 hours....not counting the hour of bumper to bumper traffic leaving Sao Paulo in morning rush hour.


Some modifications/additions were only possible because of good friends and family who helped me import big heavy parts (Suspension and Spare tires) from Italy, Center console/security box from Vancouver  which only weighed 50 lbs (thanks Lesley!) or rear window safety grills from UK via Halifax (love you Mom and Dad).  Other changes were simply to make the inside more comfortable and/or functional while "some stuff" was just cool to have.   

All in all this would not have been possible without the support from family and friends who have all contributed to this little project.  We even managed to pick up some cool Front Runner  gear in Cape Town.  The good people at Land Rover Parts ShopPaddock Spares and  Rovers North who were all also very helpful.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing for Brazilian Customs (Receita Federal) who charge 60% duty and manage to take take three weeks before clearing the parts. Luckily, I only used them twice....which was two times to many. So in no particular order....
  • Bumper to Bumper detailed Inspection.
  • Front and Rear Breaks (pads, shoes, rotors and vacuum pump).
  • All wheel bearings changed.
  • Front and Rear differential serviced + gear kits changed.
  • All Engine hoses changed + Turbo Silicone hose installed.
  • Engine Serpentine belt changed.
  • Timing Belt changed. 
  • Steering Box serviced and new seals installed.
  • Transfer case serviced.
  • Both Rear half drive shafts replaced.
  • TerraFirma Pro Sport Shocks, Springs and Steering Dampener installed.
  • TerraFirma steal braided break lines.
  • Polyurethane Bushing Kit installed.
  • New Bosch Heavy Duty 75amp Alternator  (old one became spare)
  • National Luna Dual Battery Solenoid + Controller installed.
  • Extra Heavy Duty 90 Amp battery (for a total of two).
  • Air Conditioner serviced and charged. 
  • All around new door seals.
  • Oil Temp, Oil Pressure and Turbo Boost Gauges installed.
  • LED dash lights installed.
  • Mud Center Tray from MudStuff.
  • Tuffy Center Lockable Console from Tuffy Security Products
  • 750 w Power Inverter with USB charging from Power Bright.
  • Extra 12 v power outlets.
  • Rear Spot Light. 
  • Camping World Adventure - Frontier Roof Tent (Sleeps 2 adults comfortably)
  • Tire Repair Kit
  • Rear window safety grills from Extreme 4x4
  • Two Front Runner Side Mounted 20 liter Jerry Can Holders.
  • 8 Ton Tow rope.
  • Rear bed / storage area.
  • CD player w/ MP3 and USB + 10" Sub



Some of the Spare Parts:

  • Oil, Fuel, Air Filters (two of each).
  • Set of engine hoses.
  • Engine serpentine Belt.
  • Extra Timing Belt.
  • Alternator (the old one).
  • New Water Pump + gasket.
  • Two General AT 245/75/16 Spare Tires.
  • An assortment of bulbs, fuses and fasteners.
  • Lots of duct tape.
  • Not as many tools as I would like, but that's what duck tape is for.


Once in Brasilia, I trusted the Defender to Makoto and his shop (Lights Auto Pecas in Guara) for the remaining of the work and last minute maintenance.  

June 14, 2012

The Defender is ready! I had the fluids changed, checked and/or topped up. The steering box was leaking so I had the seals replaced...again. There was also a small leak on the clutch slave cylinder which was replaced.  The result has been very smooth gear changes and proper clutch pedal feel. 

The rear bed/storage space was finished, which will provide the boys with a nice space to sleep and also hide all the stuff from curious eyes.  The "bed" is comprised of three long sections that can be stacked or removed for access to the rear storage.  We (Marnie) decided to keep one rear bench seat so we could "separate" the boys if the back seat became too small.  I had 3 " foam cut and slip covers made which can also be removed/stacked for access to the rear bench seat. 


I'm having a custom storage box built for the space in front of the roof tent. The metal box will be water tight and lockable. It's 1300 mm long x 350 mm wide x 250 mm high and will be a great add on for any extra stuff.  









June 26, 2012

The custom tool/storage box was finally finished and it was only 3 day's overdue!  The shop did a good job...albeit not perfect.  The bottom is a slightly warped due to the heat from the welds.  I'm sure they had the junior apprentice in the shop do the welds.  In the big picture...its a tool box.

I spent the last 2 hours, cleaning it with solvent and applying the first coat of primer. Luckily the dry, warm weather allows for fast drying.  Once painted, I'l turn my attention to bolting it down to the roof rack.

July 2, 2012

The truck has handled beautifully...approximately 1800 km in 3 day's without any major issues.  Given the hot weather, it's running a bit hotter than usual. The oil temperature gauge has hit 100 c on a few occasions. However, it then goes back down to 85c/90c.  The stock water gauge remains in it's usual spot..right in the middle.

We lost one of the front fog light protective covers...so, I removed the other one.

When filled up at a gas station in Comodoro, I was able to walk under the truck for an inspection...while Marnie yelled at me not to find anything.  Nothing to worry about but there was a slight drip forming on the oil sump drain bolt.  (I made a mental note to tighten it....) Other than that, everything looked normal.

Anyone who owns a Defender knows they like to run at 100km/h (my max speed has been 115km/h going down hill) ... having said that, we have managed about 9.1 litres per 100 km or 25.8 miles/US Galon, not bad for a large truck pulling about 1000 lbs of extra weight.

There has also been a slight squeak at low speed...in third gear. It comes and goes and doesn't seem related to engine load...hmmmm..  Can't hear it any lower speed or regular highway speed...so not sure what it is/could be. It's almost like a fan belt squeak...

I've checked all the fluids every morning and all have been normal..no drips and nothing out of place.



In terms of gas mileage...we can get 670 km to a tank of diesel....74.5 liters...out of a 77 liter tank...lets just say, it was a very close call.

15 comments:

  1. THIS IS REALLY COOL!
    MARIA CLAUDIA

    ReplyDelete
  2. I expect that Defender to arrive all covered in stickers... A few from Brasilia would be nice too...
    In any case, I did a 14.500 km trip (Rio-Patagonia-Rio) with a Defender 110 and the only chore was to put diesel and change oil every 5.000 km. I can't see from the pictures but it seems to me that your Def has what in Brazil they call it "peito de aço", the metal part underneath the engine. It is very useful to have it for offroad driving...
    Super job done to the Defender, guys!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Aldo! and yes our Def has a "peito de aco" and diff protectors as well.

      Cheers

      B

      Delete
  3. Manuel Torres BarbosaJune 28, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    Olá, Ni Hao, Beto, Marnnie, Mateo e Gabriel.
    Sou o vosso tio Nel Torres o Chinês
    Espero que façam uma boa viagem.
    Divirtam-se muito pois se eu tivesse essa oportunidade
    eu também gostava de ter essa aventura.
    Espero que tudo corra bem.
    Fiquem bem. 88

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ola Tio...obrigado pelos desejos de uma boa viajem. Agora falta pouco..

    Abrs

    B

    ReplyDelete
  5. You couldn't do better buddy!!!! I know def pretty well from my previous work and trust me, he's a tuff piece!!!!!!!! after resting when in Canada, get ready to cross the artic and come down to Italy :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ola nossos queridos netos mateo e gabriel pai e mae a vossa viagem tem currido as mil maravilhas e so ja falta pouco mais de metade para chegarem a vossa terra natal.vacouver.Muitas saudades e que a vossa viajem vos corra sempre bem ate au fim.Boa sorte muito amor. avo and avoo ok salvador e fernanda.

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