Fitting The Puma Dashboard, New XS Wiring Loom Conversion, Heater Matrix in A Land Rover Defender

[@jason_usa]

I completely agree on how ridiculous it is to install the aircon matrix. I thought for certain that I was doing it wrong and then it finally slid in past the bracket. I'm glad it wasn't just me! Great videos, just catching up on them now.

[@lifes.projects]

Hi Jason. Yes its one of those jobs that you stand back and scratch your head wondering why on earth its designed like that 😂. Glad you are enjoying the videos. Plenty more to come even when its back on the road!

[@johnahrens8877]

Great videos Tom . I am learning a great deal about my Puma Defender and realise how lucky we are with the weather here in Perth, WA . You certainly have got a major project on your hands . Will be a very nice Landy when all finished. I am envious of all the sound proofing you did behind the dash . Keep up the good work !

[@lifes.projects]

Thanks John. My Uncle lives in Adelaide and always says he dosent miss the weather in the UK. Yes it was onlt supposed to be a clutch replacement and a tidy up..... its taken quite a turn 🤣. I have a fair bit more soundproofing to do yet too! Thanks for the support 👍

[@BigArch6564]

Great vlog...you are a legend for sharing buddy!

[@lifes.projects]

Thank you Have a look at the rest of the videos on the build. Currently making the latest one. 👍

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I really don't know where you get the motivation from to work in the cold and damp? I was wondering why the manual says not to disconnect the heater controls, you've shown me why thank you. Of course, the cold weather makes everything harder and less likely to flex. I'm surprised nothing snapped as a result. I'm about to remove my dash to change the screen washer jets and check for a very small leak. Your videos have been a great help thanks.

[@lifes.projects]

Thank you. The replace the washer jet you just need to take the centre console out (without touching the heater controls) and you will see a black pipe and a 13mm nut. Its quite a straight forward job to do. Hope this helps

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Life's Projects thanks, that’s good advice. I need to take the main dash out to check for a leak as well. I get a tiny puddle under the left foot after heavy rain and seeing how your lower dash mount plates have corroded I want to get them off and paint them.

[@lifes.projects]

Check the window blocks mine had leaked past the seal and down the bolts. Also check the foam seal they are prone as well. As for working in the cold i just wrap up warm and usually when i get stuck in to something i just seem to forget how cold it is 😂

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Life's Projects I’m 56 so the cold gets in my fingers and I’m finished!! As for the blocks, I need to change mine as one has corroded. Not sure if I should repair it or just get Ali anodised ones??

[@lifes.projects]

I have the billet optimal ones. Its personal opinion really. Theres nothing wromg with the origional apart from corrosion issues

[@NigelsModellingBench]

Hi mate. How the hell do you get the hi-lo knob off the shaft?? The manual says “remove the selector knob”, helpful!!

[@lifes.projects]

The little high low knob just pulls off. I was scratching my head too. Its tight at first so be aware when it finally releases.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

@@lifes.projects I'm 6ft tall and 100kg weight and I cant shift the bloody thing. It'll have to stay!!

[@lifes.projects]

Really? Wow thats on well 😂. Maybe someone previously has stuck it down? Mine was really tight but onse it moved it flew off.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

@@lifes.projects did it come off with the rubber ring at its base or does that stay on? No one has glued it on mate.. I've had the old girl since I drove her off the showroom floor!!

[@lifes.projects]

I dont recall seeing a rubber ring at the bottom but i will check tomorrow. Oh nice thats brilliant that youve had it from new, no nasty bodgers from previous owners!

[@reinaldobenjumea9917]

Mainly question is the antitheft (green-box 2 plug connectors) my 1986 did not have that module, can i just removed the whole system? by the way the i am upgrading the whole front wing driver's and passenger harness and rear lights harness to the 2011 too. the old OEM harness was all deteriorated.

[@reinaldobenjumea9917]

Hello There Sir. I am working in a 1986 LRD RHD, upgrading it to a PUMA Dash, the harness that come with the Bulkhead (2011-Second hand) just look like the one you are swapping. there is any chances you can help me out with few question?

[@gavinbroad1743]

Have you done a similar video doing this on a standard Defender?

[@lifes.projects]

There is a few all on the same Defender just different parts of the job

[@martinmcnamara8888]

how long did it take you to remove the old dash and loom and refit all the new dash and loom?

[@lifes.projects]

I would say at least a day and half to do this with the engine and wings on. The heater Matrix took the longest

[@simoncooper5622]

Does anyone know if all 2.2 Puma looms are the same age wise? Any changes pre 2014 post 2014?

[@lifes.projects]

Yes the looms are different mainly due to the 2.2 having a DPF

[@simoncooper5622]

Life's Projects cheers for the info, I think both years have dpf between 2013 and 2015. Trying to work out of the loom from a 2015 would fit my 2013 🤔