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questions on the ex mod 110 importing hardtop vs softtop

2K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  JohnsD90 
#1 ·
Greetings,
We are getting ready to choose a ex mod 110, what is warmer for new England hard top or soft?
Any importers who can deliver to residence, or do we need to pick up at port of entry?
Looking at Baltimore Md , was debating on just driving home, but not verifying all fluids etc was nervous about driving and having a breakdown....
Thanks!
Greg
 
#2 ·
Hello Greg,

Soft top is warmer and a lot easier to insulate but you will still want a webasto heater in New England,
I include free delivery in New England on my ex mod Rover's is you want to buy from a company gmr4x4.com
Why not just use Port Newark if you do it yourself if a a lot closer.

Always happy to talk Rover's any time 802-324-3370
Derek
 
#3 ·
Congrats on pending Ex-MOD purchase. Are you getting a Tithonus? While you search, remember that UK forces were on the Continent, and there are a few LHD trucks running around still. You could also get the Perentie (AUS military) and have a galvanized chassis form the factory. Add a hard top, of get a new canvas top.

I have a 110 Utility, Ex-RAF (not really the military goes the Army joke). We had some brutal days in Germany this winter, and I got by without aux heating (Webasto, Espar, Planar). That said, I just installed heated seat elements when I recovered my seats, and am installing a Planar 2D12 heater. They are similar to Webasto, but 30-40% less expensive. Quite a few forum members have used them. Another big factor for cold air intrusion is door seals. Small gaps seem to let in huge amounts of chill.

Ensure you understand how the Defender heaters work. Simple adjustments of the controls can yield big results.

GreenMountain and other vendors on the forum as well as some of the bigger names in the UK and mainland Europe can find what you want and deliver it to your door, fully serviced and ready to go. (Of course, water will still come in the top, and oil out the bottom, but that is just Defenders!)
 
#4 ·
My ex mod soft top was wonderfully warm after

Radiator muff
Heated seat (real easy cheap mod)
HAZRAD kit under the soft top
Fume curtain if just 2 passengers
Webasto/or similar f you want the whole Rover heated
Flush the heater core very well and properly adjust levers and make sure fan is strong and you should be good.

Also new door seals can really help.

110 2.5 is the perfect Rover for Maine. If you want to go 90 I have a 1991 ex mod winterized 90. Very rare with bigger heater and loads more insulation. If not I can source any ex mod to spec.
 
#5 ·
Both! Hardtop for winter, soft top for summer. I have a Tithonus and had windows cut into the top and painted it to match the wheels. Takes some the MoD out of it but still looks cool. The windows also break up the high roof line of the Tithonus that so many people loath. After living with it and climbing around the back, I couldn't be happier with a little more headroom and the security of a full roll cage.

I purchased a hardtop then put together the pieces for a soft top. Total cost for the soft top pieces was around $1500 but don't quote me on that. Used soft top on ebayuk, Tith gutters, tailgate pieces, etc.

I also have a webasto thermotop with a timer that warms the engine and gives me instant hot air and upgraded the heater motor based on a comprehensive heater thread on here. I still need to plug some holes that cause some cold drafts and I want to add a long distance remote for the webasto.
 

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#7 ·
I would not drive 600 miles in a vehicle that I didn't know. But, that's me. You can have Athena find you a shipper or I have a guy that I have used in Baltimore to deliver to me in TN. And I think that you would come out cheaper than flying down and getting it yourself. I can't speak for Baltimore, but the port in Brunswick, GA required me to have an escort to get on the port as I didn't have a TWIC card. That costs $150 for them to drive a half mile and come escort me. I don't think the juice would be worth the squeeze to get it yourself.
 
#8 ·
For importing, call Uncle Douglas. I used Newark and it was very easy. And I drove it home. Let the adventure begin! I am located between you and Newark and would offer a bed, garage, tools, hot meal, etc. With a Special PoA, someone would probably even offer to pick it up for you and RURR it up to you.
 
#9 ·
Baltimore requires an escort service as well. $50/hr. Cash. The Union boys and girls on the dock at Baltimore are a fun group. Especially during football season when the Ravens are doing well. There was a guy in line behind me once with a Steelers cap on and they gave him **** the whole time. The crowd loved it.

I've always driven mine home as well. The biggest fear for me was crap in the tank coupled with low fuel levels. Again, the guys on the dock are great and will bring a fuel truck over to top you up no charge if you ask.

Good Luck! It's a great experience.
 
#10 ·
Baltimore requires an escort service as well. $50/hr. Cash. .
That's not bad at all. I had to go in twice, once for the mini and once for the bike. They wouldn't help me strap my bike down. And they wouldn't let me co-driver in to help. Then they said "we usually charge 2 escorts fees since you are going on and back off the port". Needless to say, I was NOT happy with them at all.
 
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