OUR BUILD PROCESS
Our mission at TATC is to build these trucks better than when they were when they first left the factory, and for our trucks to stay dynamic, strong and capable for the next 25 years of use. And also something that can be proudly handed down to the next generation.
We start each of our custom builds with a select search for the very best European and South African left and right hand side trucks. Our teams in the UK, France, and South Africa strip and remove every single body panel and nut and bolt throughout the entire truck until we have a bare chassis.
CHASSIS RESTORATION
CHASSIS RESTORATION
THE FOUNDATION OF ALL OUR TRUCK BUILDS
Removing the chassis is a crucial part of the restoration, as it’s the foundation of the truck. If you don’t remove the body from the chassis you can’t see its integrity of the entire frame. Our aim is to build these trucks better than when they were first built and left the factory floor; to stay strong and capable for the next 25 years.
The chassis is shot blasted back to bare metal and any minor welding and repairs will be made before being primed and coated. This is one of the core elements to how we build, and our price point on this makes us almost exclusive amongst our peers and differentiates us a long way away from some vehicle refinishers that simply concentrate on exterior good looks.
SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND AXLES
SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND AXLES
THIS FORMS THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE
The chassis is now ready for its suspension, brakes and axles. We replace all brakes and brake lines and install new ventilated front disks, new disks and pads on the rear, and refurbished axles.
REMANUFACTURED ENGINES AND GEARBOXES
REMANUFACTURED ENGINES AND GEARBOXES
FROM TRUSTED INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS
At TATC we only fit newly remanufactured engines and transmissions. Our engines are all from Turner Engineering who are the acknowledged gold standard in the Defender community. We take the same approach with the gearbox and transfer box, these are remanufactured for us by Ashcroft engineering who are again considered the very best on the market. In our South African built trucks we fit engines and transmissions that are rebuilt for us by LR Xtreme, who are considered the best on the African continent.
BULKHEAD AND BODY PANEL PREPARATION
BULKHEAD AND BODY PANEL PREPARATION
NEW INSIDE AND OUT
After stripping the body down into its component forms, we clean and prepare the outer and inner panels for paint. All floors, wheel arches, tubs and inner bulkheads are painted in Raptor protective paint which is resistant to rust, and it also adds some additional insulation and soundproofing. We fit brand new OEM doors to all our restorations, including new door cards and door components, and as an option we also offer Zintec coated steel skinned doors to mitigate the effects of galvanic action which is commonly seen on older doors.
EXTERNAL BODY PAINT AND BODY SHOP
EXTERNAL BODY PAINT AND BODY SHOP
MORE THAN A LICK OF PAINT
All our body shop work is performed by seasoned professionals in high end facilities, we do not undertake this part of the work ourselves, as we feel that this is a highly specialized skill and better completed by others. Unlike many restorers though who respray the whole truck with the body fitted, we paint all the body parts separately while the vehicle is stripped.
THE BODY REBUILD
THE BODY REBUILD
REBUILDING A CLASSIC
Once the panels are back from the body shop we begin to bring the major components together. Fitted first is the rear tub and then the front bulkhead is installed once we have fitted the wiring loom and fuse boards. From this basic configuration we are able to build up the wings, doors and run electrics.
INTERIOR AND TRIM
INTERIOR AND TRIM
STYLE AND COMFORT
All our builds have an additional center dashboard with USB and 12v power sockets, light switches. New windshields, either heated or unheated, front passenger soundproofing rubber matting kits etc.
Alcantara headliner, thermal acoustic carpeting in the second row and cargo area, and in the case of Defender 90s fitted rubber matting in the rear.
GET EVEN MORE FULLY LOADED WITH ALL THE EXTRAS
GET EVEN MORE FULLY LOADED WITH ALL THE EXTRAS
HIGH END SPECIFICATIONS
The optional extras are extensive but in the main, we install Air Conditioning (AC), auxillary heaters, upgraded new seats, enhanced HiFi systems and many other bespoke additions.
We also offer full soundproofing as an option.
TEST DRIVING AND COMPLETION CHECKS
TEST DRIVING AND COMPLETION CHECKS
READY TO SHIP
Before shipping we run all our trucks for a minimum of 150 miles to iron out any issues and to double check the safety systems. Once we are happy the truck is sent for a full British Government MOT (safety check and certificate of roadworthiness) or European equivalent by an independent garage. And in the case of our South African built trucks, these are DEKRA tested, which is a German vehicle safety compliance test. This is the final stage of the build and the truck is now ready to ship direct to our client.
OUR VEHICLES
We have a stock fleet of import compliant left-hand drive and right-hand drive Land Rover Defender 90s, 110s and 130s that are ready for restoration right now. If you would like to talk to us about building your original custom Land Rover Defender then get in touch and we will design and price your dream truck.