When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It’s too big and too clunky for such a (relatively) sleek version of the Defender design ethos. In theory I love the idea — I would have predicted I’d love it if you’d told me about the idea. But seeing it back there... I dunno, it just doesn’t work for me. But take that for what it’s worth — I also think the JLR ladder and lunchbox are a visual disaster on the new Defender, and don’t really even like roof racks on them. Damn thing’s so huge how could you possibly need MORE cargo space than what’s inside???
But if you did do it, the Defender decal on the left side of the tire has to go.
@drcoop - Did the same exact thing. Got one of those, took it to an engraver & ten bucks later had the last 5 of the VIN engraved. Picked up some auto trim tape and as I sized it to put it on, I realized that I felt it was just a bit too large. I didn't like the HEAVY coating on it either. My wife thought it looked ceramic. So, I leave it on my desk when I can't be in it. I think I might go the vinyl route as it looks almost as good and I think I can find/scale the size to what I want. If it were nearly the size of the badge that's already there, I may go for it. At 7" (think that was the size) across, it's pretty hefty.
EDIT - Love the rounded off rivet idea, that was brilliant. And, I keep waffling on it. I may put it on before a Rover Rally I'm going to in the fall. Good news with the auto trim tape, it's not like it's riveted on!!
Last edited by GrouseK9; Jul 20, 2021 at 06:48 AM.
I recently completed the Trophy competition in Asheville, NC after which I was given a brushed aluminum Trophy badge modeled after the retro Defender badges. It has a flat/matte finish. It is smaller than the original Defender badges and I threw it on the rig today.
Last edited by Craig_RRS2013; Oct 20, 2021 at 08:24 PM.
@Craig_RRS2013 Great badging! Can I ask a weird question/request? I want to get one of the vintage ones (non-Trophy 2021 at the bottom) but they come in a lot of different sizes. Yours appears perfectly sized. Can you measure the width? There are several that offer the "Land Rover" oval badge but I've seen some that look pretty wonky because they are too large. I'd rather not play "high-low" so would appreciate some sizing suggestions.
@GrouseK9 - No problem. This badge is approximately 4 5/8 inches in length and approximately 2 5/8 inches in height. I can't imagine how much the original retro Defender badges weighed (guessing the reason, at least in part, for having to originally bolt the badges on), but this smaller badge has some weight to it as well.
As my wait continues for my ordered D110, I just keep looking for Defender-y things to keep me occupied. I can only watch Powerful UK's videos so many times!
So, I love the old metal badges on the classic Defenders and have seen a couple people actually fit the big metal badges to the rear of their new Defenders (even with their Defender production number engraved- which is apparently the last six of your VIN). I found a source for a two-tone die cut decal online that's smaller, not quite the exact classic, but still pretty nice. --> Zen Graphics Defender Decal
So I started messing around with my wife's Silhouette Cameo Vinyl cutter and came up with a prototype with the box for "engraving" a production number and designed it to have a more classic look. I will definitely create more and add my own VIN when my Defender arrives this summer (fingers crossed).
If anyone has a Cameo vinyl cutter, I can send you the digital file. Its cut onto Oracal 651 outdoor vinyl (matte silver layer stuck onto gloss black background layer), with two layers. My prototype is a little messy (some bubbles and irregular cuts), but I wasn't that careful and still just learning. Its about 6 inches wide. Any smaller and the tiny letters and numbers are just too fiddly to work with.
Thanks for your message! You know, I made this on a vinyl cutter and had to "sandwich" two layers (the silver on top of the black) to give it a two-toned look. After putting it on my Defender, the weather started buckling the second layer causing some edges to lift... So I've got to go back to the drawing board. I used high quality outdoor ora-cal vinyl, but don't have the ability to print a one-layer vinyl decal like a real decal maker. I may look around for a way to have the single layer printed and then just apply the numbers after, which seem to stick better...
