Thanks @Simon14 for the Fitments Link. That really helped to understand all the bits & parts and how they went together. Didn't think about starting at the fitment guide to find out about the Expedition Corner Covers (ECC). But, yeah - I really liked the style too. After reading thru the instructions, it appears to me that it's not structural like the UnderShield. Even at 5mm vs. the Metzkar's 8mm it's much more beefy than the usual raw plastic. However, looking at the ECC, I can't tell if they are aluminum plating (good news) or more plastic (yawner). I kind of think they are just more plastic cladding because it appears that after cutting out the current plastic under trim to mount it almost all the mounting points are on plastic. I'm thinking if that's true, it still looks good but doesn't really serve the purpose it appears to (kind of like the A-Frame protection!).

I think that JLR is going for the "Style" of beefy & protective but not the actual substance because of so many countries' pedestrian impact regulations.

 

Lots of really useful information in the installation instructions and in the replies in the thread. Thanks for sharing, all.

If utility is one's purpose, I whole-heartedly endorse the front undertray kit, with its more robust metal frame and exposing of the front recovery ring. I have banged up the tray in the last year enough to fully appreciate its value. I had hoped that JLR would have made it standard in their most off-road capable vehicle. But, no.

Relative to trim additions for style, I do much appreciate seeing the outcomes of your efforts. Some of the new Defenders on this forum are really stunning looking.

Enjoy!

 

do you have any side pics fo the a frame. i am really confused on the available options

 

The undershield is definitively metal, but the A-frame I think is intended to protect against shrubs and trees, not kangaroos :-) So plastic is fine. There is a full bull bar available, designed specifically for Australia I think, but it is ugly as sin (IMHO). Having said that, I wrote my Subaru off hitting a deer on a Melbourne freeway (of all things) and wished I’d had a bull bar then. I’ve hit at least three kangaroos over my driving life and they can make a mess of a car…

 

Looks great! I think it is for protection against saplings, shrubs, etc, not animals. It will serve that purpose really well, especially because the cover of the A-frame is separate from the underlying mounting system, so if it is cracked or badly damaged, pop it off and replace it without replacing the whole thing.

 

From the brochure…low res, but it shows the A-frame. Personally, i think it looks better with it from the side and the front. From the rear, I can’t tell the difference ;-)

Top photo is the expedition version, bottom the standard A-frame. Same profile, but the bottom one doesn’t have the silver underbody protection plate.

 

Here's a side view

 

@Simon14 - Nice looking Defender! I can't tell from the pic because the headlight's reflection doesn't show the front corners. Did you install the "Expedition Corner Cover"? If so, can you take a pic and let me know the material? I kind of like the style but don't plan to get the A-Frame protection. I'm one of those abominations that got the Roo Bars and am in the middle of an install<g>. But, if I can get those part numbers I might think about saving the coins to get some.

 

Actually, not my car. Si I can’t take a picture. Mine hasn’t arrived yet. However, I think the corner covers are plastic, if by corner covers you mean the lower sections in front of the wheels.

 

so the top pic has the extra silver under armpit with exposed recover tow?

i am seeing pics online of a very minor profile version. maybe it’s just the pics but it looks dofferent