Building a Custom-Restored Defender with ECD Auto Design

If you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind vehicle that is bound to turn heads, look no further than a custom-restored Defender that’s hand-built by ECD Auto Design. Let’s dive deeper into what you can expect from the process of building this jaw-dropping vehicle.

Once you let us know you’re interested in purchasing a custom-built Defender, we’ll search for the right base vehicle in our existing inventory or scour Europe to find the perfect model. We have a continuous flow of base vehicles we import. We take care of all import paperwork, dotting every “i”and crossing every “t”.

Once your base vehicle has arrived, let the building fun begin! Our shop, which we call the Rover Dome, is a state-of-the-art facility in sunny Orlando, Florida. Every aspect of your vehicle  will be meticulously built by our craftsmen right here in the USA.

We have a nine-stage building process overseen by our 25-year Land Rover veteran technician. Your vehicle will progress through each of the stages, developing its appearance and personality according to your exacting specifications. Here’s the journey your custom build will take through the Rover Dome:

Tear Down Build Process

The tear-down stage involves thoroughly inspecting each part of the base vehicle and replacing it as necessary until all that’s left is a chassis on the floor. Every aspect of the chassis will then be removed so we can then sand-blast the base Defender’s frame.

We’ll make any necessary repairs and apply a powder coat in the color of your choice. Lastly, we’ll remove, sand blast, and powder-coat the axles and control arms.

Fab Up Your Custom Restored Defender or RRC

In the fab-up stage, we’ll rebuild the axles and reinstall them. You can also count on us to replace the old suspension with a new one and install all new fuel and brake lines as well as disc brakes.

Custom Paint Design

In the paint stage, your vehicle’s body will be separated into its components and then dustless blasted. Next, the body will be prepped and epoxy primed while any necessary repairs are performed.

Then, your truck will be primed again and sanded. Lastly, we’ll paint it with a sealer coat, base coat in your color choice, and clear coat. To ensure a smooth finish, the painting stage will end with color wet sanding. Finally, we’ll perform an inspection to ensure painting perfection!

Drive Train

At the drive-train stage, things will start to get real! Your new or rebuilt engine will be fitted into your vehicle. Your transmission will also be completely rebuilt or upgraded. In addition, your transfer case will be replaced with a new rebuilt one and we’ll measure, upgrade, and fit your drive shafts.

Of course, everything is checked to confirm that’s been installed and rebuilt to the standards of Land Rover’s specifications.

Body Assembly

The body-assembly stage is brief yet important. This is where your painted body will be assembled onto the rebuilt chassis. It’s exciting to see your vehicle taking shape and developing the look you’ve envisioned.

Electronics

During the electronics stage, your drive train will get wired with a custom engine harness. The body harness for your windows, gauges, air conditioning, locks, lights, horn, and windshield wipers will get installed as well.

Additionally, your entertainment package and speakers will get wired, and every harness will be tested in amid-electrical check. The electronics stage will conclude with the installation and evaluation of the dashboard and other hardware components. Then everything that we’ve installed will be checked and rechecked.

Upholstery

In the upholstery stage, your vehicle will be lizard-skin lined for excellent heat insulation and mat lined for top-notch sound insulation. We’ll also install marine-grade carpet throughout. Your headliners, door cards, console box, seats, and dashboard will all be custom fitted in your colors, styles, and stitching of choice.

Cosmetics

The cosmetics stage involves assembling and installing the front grill, headlights, fenders, and other front-end and external accessories. Your windows, sunroof, custom headliner, seats, doors, door seals, and spare tire carrier will all be installed as well.

Quality Check

We consider the ninth stage, the quality check, the most important part of the entire process. Your quality check is completed by Sergei, who is a master at focusing on the fine details of each build. Sergei adheres to a dedicated process that begins with turning on your vehicle’s engine and checking its suspension, tires, and oil levels.

He will then conduct a bumper-to-bumper check, which includes a 70-point inspection. Once he approves the check, he’ll test drive your custom built vehicle for 500 miles and perform the 70-point inspection again. Lastly, Sergei will drive your truck another 500 miles and hire a third party inspector to appraise your vehicle and conduct a 200-point inspection. You’ll receive a copy of this external inspection. To say we’re thorough would be a major understatement!

Once our nine-stage building process is complete, your rebuilt custom Defender is ready to meet its new owner. Intrigued by our building process? Why not check it out in person. Contact us at (407) 483-4825 or [email protected] to schedule a tour.