Each step of a new Land Rover Defender, Range Rover Classic or Jaguar E-Type build at ECD Automotive design has its own distinct place and is equally important.  The first step is to procure a donor vehicle either via the client or through ECD’s procurement process.

Once the donor vehicle is procured, it enters the tear down stage. This is where each vehicle filled with its own history and stories is brought in to begin a journey into a new life. As an initial step in the tear down process, the vehicle is photographed for the client journey.  Throughout the entire build process, the client is provided with step-by-step photography for complete transparency as well as to document the client journey for them.  This step is captured in a client journey hardcover book and presented to the client in the end so that they are able to see the heritage of their Defender, Range Rover Classic or Jaguar E-Type as it was and throughout the entire process.

Chris Walker, an ECD Automotive Design Tear Down Technician, who has been with the company for over 4 years, said “I love being part of the tear down process because this is end of one story and the beginning of a whole new chapter in the vehicle’s lifespan. I love getting it ready for its new life.”

Disassembling From the Top Down

When tearing down the vehicle, the technicians use a top-down method.  The interior components are removed along with the roof and then the remaining vehicle is torn down layer by layer. A determination is made as to what is reusable such as the windshield frame, roof, axles, dash boards, body panels, bulkhead (for right-hand drive), etc. Defenders, Range Rover Classic and Jagur E-Types each have distinct components that are looked at for reuse.  Any safety component of the vehicle will be new including T-Posts, seatbelts and airbags for newer vehicles.

Pre-Assembly Preparation

Once the vehicle is disassembled, several main components will begin to be prepared for assembly.  The frame will go through inspection by the Fabricator and then sent out to be sand blasted.  This is currently done offsite and managed by a third party. The frame is then galvanized, which is dipped into molten zinc to provide a protective coating against corrosion. This provides more durability and longevity against the environmental elements.

The chassis is next prepared for a Raptor Liner application by grinding it to make the coating stick.  The chassis is then ready for the Raptor Liner application, which is a type of protective coating, used to protect against rust, corrosion, and other forms of wear and tear.  It is a spray-on polyurethane coating known for its durability, abrasion resistance, and corrosion protection properties. Raptor Liner is also commonly applied to truck beds to prevent damage from cargo, but it's also used on chassis.  When applied to a chassis, Raptor Liner creates a tough barrier that helps shield the metal from road debris, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that can cause deterioration over time. Raptor Liner can also provide some sound deadening properties, reducing noise and vibrations from the chassis.  Overall, Raptor Liner is valued for its ability to extend the lifespan of chassis components, ensuring they remain structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing for longer periods, making it a popular choice for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Ready For Assembly

At this point, the teardown is completed, and the vehicle is ready to begin assembly.  Defenders and Range Rover Classics will move on to the North Line.  The Jaguar E-Type will remain the tear down area as it will go through intricate body work before moving along to the South Line.