Rebuilding a Defender - Stage II Flatbed conversion begins! (Ep259)

Welcome back to another episode of GrizzlyNbear. This week we have another technical video with loads of Land Rover, truck camper mechanical and rebuild content.
We really hope you enjoy this video and if you did please consider checking out our Patreon page. The support of our amazing patrons ensures Stephy can keep these videos coming for the long term.
Join us as we travel the world overland, exploring the cultures and traditions of all the countries we visit.
In our Land Rover Defender camper which is our full time home we will take you rock climbing, hiking and exploring across all the continents on this planet.

[@johndiaz7240]

For years you two have advertised “4 Wheel Camper” the least they can do is give you a new one.

[@holgermuller2987]

Mate, I wounded why all of them start working on real dirty gearbox and motors ! An upfront clean wash outside makes all dismantling jobs much easier and cleaner. Happy days Cheers

[@rotanomade]

Watching from Thailand 🇹🇭

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

Obrigado brother ❤️

[@pworker8124]

Eye protection while grinding and scraping/sanding (and looking up) not a bad idea. Great video. Thank you!

[@EXPEDITIONROVE]

Another awesome video Stephy 👏 It’s going to be such a good feeling once you get back on the road!!

[@seanoreilly6551]

Lots of knowledge in South Africa to keep overlanding rigs ready to tackle extended journeys.

[@heidelbergaren5054]

Hang in there, fantastic job. Far more being done that we thought but great investment

[@Ribastein]

Wow...as a South african i am impressed with some of the workmanship here!

[@Munk-v9c]

I am impressed by the professionalism, good job

[@canadiandiyguy4100]

absolutely miraculous! what an adventure! I reckon this to be the greatest adventure to date :)

[@ianbray8687]

Hi Steph, you remind of my Wife, a REAL Woman who's not afraid to get her hands dirty & help do a Man's job. Keep up the good work, you're a Legend!

[@Afriqueleblanq]

I can second that. Mine can repair a fender bender, weld, build....and she hatched a shark in our kitchen, from a shark egg that she found in a small pool on a beach. A perve touched her posterior and she put him to bed - in hospital, for ten days. I need neither a gun, nor a dog. I married a Czech-Austrian mountain woman.

[@ianbray8687]

@noyota Here's to all the REAL in the World!

[@stevesmith3556]

Good to see that there are still some real mechanics out there that understand more than just how to set up a CNC machine. Love that!

[@mishaguevara]

What a Woman....A Lady that's a True pillar of support to Her husband. 😊

[@langwightman1896]

Looking good guys!!

[@SiCrewe]

Keep smiling. When you look at how the cab turned out, it's obvious you're working with experts so Bear is in safe hands. All those boxes of parts might seem a bit overwhelming but you'll be amazed how quickly and easily they all go back on once the main project is finished.

[@bogdanhh]

I went multiple times through different build processes, with a disco 2, with a patrol, modifying a hilux (with tray and canopy), preparing a large lorry for overlanding... The things that are out of our control are the most frustrating. They take time, they're slow, they bring you to despair. I bet you estimated that it will take x months and now, in the middle of it, it takes X + Y months :) and you're stuck with no alternatives, or nothing to do that is in your control. But what is in your control is you. Your mindset, the attitude. Stay strong and things will work at their pace! All the best in this crazy journey!

[@erichmeyer8213]

Wish I would have had the nerve to see the world like you all when I was younger! Great adventures.

[@Jason-cl8hk]

The LOF clutch is the dog’s bollocks alongside the transfer shaft which in mine, is coping with 600NM without issues. The blokes who did the transfer box look like they know what they’re doing so that will also give you confidence.

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

Thanks mate that is reassuring info coming from you. Much appreciated buddy 😊

[@Jason-cl8hk]

@@GrizzlyNbearOverland No worries. I’d love to see you explain to Stephi what the term ‘dog’s bollocks’ means and also ‘mongrel’; English can be confusing when mixed with English, Australian and Saffer English. ;)

[@francoisehollender_franeuro]

Just fascinating! Although it must be stressful to undergo such an overhaul, keep going, it's going to be great!!

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

Thank you mate. We are thinking that the worst of the stress is now behind us and we can enjoy the final stages as they come together 😁

[@whiteeulogianraven7995]

Simply not good for my impatient anxiety for knowing how this ends. Bear is looking beastly fit and roaring "Feed me more". ¡¡Pura Vida!!

[@keithevans947]

Looking good guys

[@lofclutches4156]

Awesome work guys!!

[@axelcartwright4507]

That clutch is gonna save you a break down for sure! It’s worth it’s weight in gold..

[@jacqueshickley]

Never thought I would see the day a lazer level is used on a vehicle that was built with a rubber ruler.😂 Nice work.

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

😂😂😂 Absolutely! All the laser did was show up how out of alignment the Defender is 😜

[@sebk5232]

That upgrade is a massive undertaking. Good you have a number of knowledgeable partners and don't cut corners. It will make you happy in the long run on the road. Safe travels

[@TheLandyExpedition]

Good job guys. Keep your chin up Steph the rewards are going to be worth the hard work. We know what it’s like when you feel no progress is being made. Much love! H&C x

[@jonam7589]

this is the first time that i see you loaded the video late at night 9pm east coast, USA.

[@tonyeddy6520]

Well done guys. Your project is looking amazing. Look forward to seeing the final product. Unfortunately for you guys this has been one of Cape Town’s coldest and wettest winters.

[@adventureswithmaud]

So proud of you Stephi! What a massive job to manage. Seriously can't wait to see the final result. Oh ya. Leigh, you're doing good too 😂. Hope you're enjoying the offshore.

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

Isn't she just the best 😍 I can go away offshore knowing the protect is in very competent hands with Stephy management 😉

[@TantersD3]

Loving this progress. Looking great so far

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

That's pretty overwhelming when your car (and your home) is all in pieces, in another country, and its raining. Daunting is what I'd call it. As the Brits would say "Keep a stiff upper lip", it'll all be good in the end.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Wow This rebuild is a massive project So much to consider, a lot of logistics, and so many layers of detail to it You are doing an amazing job Steph. Very hands on, whereas most people would not do as much of the work themselves, compared to you It’s obviously daunting and overwhelming at times ! Hang in there Step x step process It will all come together, and the end result will be something that you & Leigh will be extremely happy with. The Defender is looking so fresh & new & fantastic. #thebest4x4byfar 👍

[@terry5987]

Put really good springs and shocks on....gonna be swaying....going to be best in South Africa

[@jdenmark1287]

Leigh you are a trooper mate jumping from oil rig work to organizing the build. Stephanie, I would seriously recommend that you guys find a remote location with los taxes to build a small house you can return to and maintain as your home base. It will help you separate your emotions from the adventure vehicle as your only home.

[@stevestott1514]

Great job so far have enjoyed seeing your new build being done . Step by step along the way . Looking forward to seeing you both out on the road again . Africa looks like it’s going to be a fantastic adventure for you both . Thanks again for taking us along for the ride . Cheers from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A. :) :) 🌍🍻👍🏼😁….. P.S. ..Steph you are doing a spectacular job lee has to be very proud of you and all you are doing on this rebuild . And keeping us all interested in watching your two’s spectacular videos . Cheers Steph on a fantastic job .👍🏼

[@KevIsOffGrid]

Looking good, will be ready for its lap of Africa soon :)

[@TurdBugler]

It’s nice seeing you two take the time and effort to do things the right way and the end results always look amazing

[@jmena19]

Amazing guys as always! Great job Stephy 💪🏻👊🏻

[@victorbart]

So cool to see this massive update! 😍

[@WeekendWanderersOverland]

I have been waiting for this!!!! Im so happy for you fine folks!!

[@KeerTravel]

Супер! Вдохновился! Я тоже начну делать свой автомобиль _ Land Rover Defender 110!

[@AndySmith-rg7mh]

Great work Steph, love your commitment to the project.

[@princeangel3580]

I like the re-use that you do and of course new parts as its your home, job, life tool (and sentimental grizzli). If Stephanie is painting, let her choose the color, and make surprise. Btw you are incredible couple and professional, keep up, avec vous.

[@docfluty]

pretty exciting! glad to see you two getting into it and not just dropping it off at a shop and picking it up way later.

[@Normsport]

C’est Fantastic. Je regret ma Francis ne pas bon, Les Anglais c’est bon. So to make up for the poor French, wow just a fantastic episode. Chin up Step, it must be very difficult for you both. Grizzley and Bear look amazing. I can totally see the advantages of having the work done in Cape Town, the skills are lost else where in the world, the re-machining of the transfer case is spot on and just as Landrover should have done it ..(bet you’ve heard that before). Really enjoying these build episodes and please stay safe when you leave the relative safety of the Cape.

[@adz6494]

Well done Steffi. Keep going, tunnel end with lights & camera for more wonderful places and videos for the interweb. Thank you.

[@lamintouray7386]

Coming alone nicely!

[@j.everett5645]

Great to see some quality machining work being done.

[@thierryfabre424]

Bravo, encore une fois un sacré projet!! Courrage Srephy!!

[@BGreat2]

Awesome!❤

[@tonydownunder5703]

Great stuff guys 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@spennykcn]

How about a mesh net instead of a tailgate? It could be stored out of the way, and put in place when you need it.

[@trdflexin8842]

Amazing work been done on the landy looking forward on your adventures

[@didierdestruel3539]

Bonjour les jeunes, Quel chantier! Super boulot,félicitations à vous deux et à votre équipe et bonne continuation. Amitiés. Didier D

[@sibhs66]

Such a good feeling getting all those mechanicals fixed. I love seeing new bits go in. Looking good on what is a massive build. This is going to feel so much better with weight distribution I think you'll keep the canopy on a lot more. Marty from Perth

[@ralphellis9273]

Hi Leigh and Steph, Have you looked at stray wraps. They are like a wrap but sprayed on, so like a paint too, cost is between a vinyl wrap and a respray. Hope this helps All the best with the works Ralph

[@StanforddeJong]

Love this journey.

[@danielgellon5857]

good job , nice work and thanks for sharing, good luck,

[@davidthomas9267]

really big project, but will help extend life of camper and Land Rover.

[@rtamang7990]

Waiting for the finishing of GnB

[@ivorscruton5121]

Im amazed how small the idler gear shaft is, as well as the whole transfer is for that matter, a Land Cruiser is twice the size, at least in the older BJ and HJ series.

[@kaskl5403]

They did an amazing job on the conversion.

[@rubenbotha7066]

Hi. I just love your videos but I'm waiting on episode 60 that was done here in Cape Town near me.

[@mafffmafff2354]

This is looking amazing so far, i wished id had got the 110 now

[@jamesredgrove6141]

Fantastic progress, well done 💪🏻

[@goldfinghers]

Hi, you can remove your ratchet straps by boatbuckle G2.😊

[@MrGusto-ch3wc]

I wish we could get these in the states

[@robertlewis7237]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING VIDEO

[@royalvinbaldi3977]

I feel the love of seeing the #TAIWAN 🇹🇼 flag sticker!! JIAYO 💪💪

[@grahamwest1079]

LOF great upgrades have them on mine. Where are your light guards and door handle protection bars from? Stay strong Steph it will be well worth it when finished as I am sure you know.

[@big5astra]

Not to detract from the amazing work these guys are doing, but will there be any type of certification for the mods by them. For instance, if you brought the vehicle to Australia, I would foresee that potentially the mods would not comply with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and so the vehicle may not be able to be used on Australian roads. And something similar may apply to other parts of the world (Europe etc). Something to think about...

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

Yes we thought about and researched all of this long before we committed. We will have engineering certs and roadworthy inspection done here. In any case we can go anywhere with it as we only ever temporary import into a country and as long as our vehicle is registered in it's home country we don't have to comply with local vehicle standards other than being roadworthy.

[@toyotalandcruiser-fran]

Los he visto en alguna ocasión, pero al ser español y no entender nada de inglés por ello no los puedo seguir. Una pena que no hayan pensado en los millones de hispano parlantes. Suerte en vuestras aventuras.

[@erichjacobs809]

Come to Pretoria, no rain in the winter here and it is much warmer, almost 30 degrees this coming weekend!

[@abm5707]

With all the essential work and upgrades, I wonder what is the cost so far. I love this kinda work, it's satisfying to watch. Thanks for filming this guys.

[@tikit033]

superbe

[@defendermodsandtravels]

Interesting upgrades with plenty to ponder. I am surprised at the size/complexity of the Airbag Man compressor - is it dedicated to the suspension? I use air helper springs at the rear of my Defender and just use the tyre compressor to top it up. I am interested in the LOF clutch installation. Having had one clutch failure in SA already and having no confidence in the replacement I intend to fit the same when my vehicle gets a workover in 2024. Moving the camper body forward is a very good idea. One sees so many campers with the box cantilevered over the rear axle which will have terrible weight distribution.

[@thierrybayle4338]

Bonjour, super travail a bientot

[@sabdam2629]

Bravo, l'horloge du temps qui défile sans pouvoir la maîtriser. Pauvre Stephy, que d'émotions, tu es très courageuse, je t'admire car peu de femmes ou d'hommes sont prêts à faire tous ces sacrifices. Maintenant suspens peinte ou pas peinte la cellule, la décision revient à Mme 😉... suite au prochain numéro et encore bravo et merci pour ces partages. Gg

[@MrDvdelft]

Finally the L.O.F clutch. Are you using the XTreme upgrade? Their master cylinder upgrade is also brillint

[@Sandman1803]

Been following you guys for years. Please let me know when you are in Johannesburg. Want to take you out for a SA exclusive bunny chow

[@derJackistweg]

drop it like its hoooot.... :-)

[@JosephReid-w6k]

Hey guys lookin good….you going to so much effort with your truck build ! Regarding painting exterior of camper why not get it sprayed ,could go same green as truck. (Ps meet you guys at Thredbo Diggings Aust)

[@westaussie9497]

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho. Off to work Leigh. Goes.

[@jonreeck8042]

Steph should really consider wearing a dust mask while doing all that sanding. That's some nasty stuff she's inhaling!

[@misterramone1]

Hi there, Quick question: could you share the reference of tve heay duty velcro you're using for the solar panel ? Thx !

[@wodgesad]

Plastidip would be a good option instead of wrapping

[@grahames9228]

This certainly is an expensive exercise.

[@PabloP169]

I know you want to keep the old bus, but it may have been a cheaper option to get a new Landy.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

They don't make those any more and the new "defender" just...isn't.

[@hermestr2010]

You better stay with the standard mechanical transmission elements of the Defender. It will be very hard for you to find a spare one for the modified parts when you are around the world. I hope I dont see a future video that you are stranded somewhere around the world waiting for a modified spare part that will be shipped from South Africa

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

We haven't modified anything that can't be replaced with standard parts so no worries there 😉 The transfer box has a new sleeve but that doesn't change any of the parts required.

[@amcf2000c]

What LOF clutch won’t last 1 year. What’s how long my one lasted

[@jesusherranz8166]

Hi, how about the air suspension? any problem with her? I ask you because I am thinking of installing it in my car, thanks from Spain

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

We love the system. We are yet to install everything back again but should be ok. We only had a bag dislocating once because of extreme flex and travel . (Due also to the size of of shock absorbers) but we easily fixed it. Episode Old coach road .

[@jesusherranz8166]

@@GrizzlyNbearOverland and you carry it only on the rear axle, or you carry them on both axles?

[@212caboose]

If you paint it, just paint it to match the Land Rover... I don't think there's a Four Wheel Camper that'll be that color.

[@mariodube3688]

C'est de grosse reno qui vont coûté tres chers je me demande si un véhicule neuf aurais pas coûté moins chère slt du Québec

[@StephenFogarty2023]

A suitable new vehicle and ( new camper ? ) that suits their specific requirements would cost huuuuge $$$ And then they would still need to spend massive $$$ on accessories, and then modify and customise it all, to suit their specific needs. This vehicle renovation etc, is a big project and would cost a lot, but in many ways, they are ending up with a totally rebuilt and new Defender anyway.

[@GrizzlyNbearOverland]

We are too attached sentimentality. This car has been to some places !!

[@graham-martin5847]

paint the camper the same colour as the cab makes sense really ?

[@jeanmax6403]

Dommage que ce soit en anglais nous ne pouvons pas tout suivre !!!

[@Haytham-jolak]

[@032254855]

have a 110 pick up i am trying to mount a roof top tent by using a couple of tradie boxes on the back of the tub without using a roof rack or load bars . Don't stress frenchy i am sure it will come out sweet as

[@bozidarraos6152]

[@Haytham-jolak]