https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1....e=5B5EE36F


https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1....e=5B2CC398

(Sorry about the links rather than images - it didn't want to show base on Img for some reason.)


Not a complete git to fit but I'm not sure I would necessarily want to do it again. Not a bad result for £11.50 off eBay though as the original vinyl gaiter was starting to fray.

The main issue is the little push on toothed washers which hold the lower frame in. As Terrys plastic is less than in the spring of its youth the washers wanted to gnarl the tops off the posts rather than release, which means there isn't much to grip when you put them back. If it was an absolute issue you could use a self tapper down the middle of the posts as they are hollow.

I also employed double sided tape (the very thin carpet layers stuff) to hold the leather in place around the frame and knob receiver. This worked really well and was a lot less hassle than adhesive might have been, which was my first thought.

So far very happy. Assuming it all stays in place I shall remain very happy at perhaps the best value upgrade to date.

Nice - how about an ebay link?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLUE-STITCH-MAN...1438.l2649

They seem to produce a number of stitch colour options and I also found a listing with the frame already attached. I'm not sure the attached frame is worth the extra money (having found the double sided tape works well) as it is the getting the original off and replacing it which is the main issue of the job not the frame itself.

I have also found listings by others with stitching both front and back. While this might look a bit more impressive the Land Rover Frame and the knob collar both have relief grooves to accommodate the rear stitching. There is no front stitching relief so I doubt this would fit as effectively.

Whats your views on preventative maintenance ? as I follow that route and buy a car as I want it from day one and stick with that as history tells me that added bits you seem keen on really add little value (pleasure accepted of course) so my money goes into the next car whenever that comes along. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

I would disagree in this instance. I have no intention of selling the car in the foreseeable future as nothing really floats my boat, or gives me any more than I have currently that isn't stupid money. So no point in saving money for something that may never come.

Last year, preventative maintenance/service, or replacements was £6K+. This year the wheels have been refurbished as they were shot to ... and the corrosion was effecting the tyre seating and causing leaks. The gaiter was down to the original being worn and split and the front guard was mainly to give easier access to the front tow point but also as it provides some increase in protection. Other than that Terry is as he left the factory...not that I have to justify my position either way.

Yorky Bob wrote:

....as history tells me that added bits.....add little value (pleasure accepted of course) so my money goes into the next car whenever that comes along.

This is a fair point as the cars get older mainly due to their vulnerability to being written off in even a minor accident.

Terry was rear ended a few years ago. The bumper was damaged and there was a slight dent in the tail gate skin. If you had done it yourself you probably wouldn't have bothered to fix it. The bill to the insurer was £6K so, today, that would be a write off.

Thanks T4 for putting this information on, I was contemplating putting a new gaiter on my freelander too. It sounds like its a bit of a pain to fit though with you saying you wouldn't want to do it again?

It isn't the most enjoyable of jobs due to those spring washers. There are only 6 of them and, if the posts do get damaged you could use self tappers or hot glue so it isn't as if you can ruin it beyond use.

The following video was extremely helpful and made me laugh when he looses one of the clips to the terrain response module. I left the module in the frame as it didn't need to come out to replace the gaiter.

https://youtu.be/_fsVNX2UKrE

Thanks again I will take a look.

My handbrake and gear lever ones are looking nasty on the MY11. I've been looking on ebay for replacements but not sure about the quality.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

g