Reversing Sensors/Tub Fitting/Bulkhead Removal bar

First job today – finish fitting the reversing sensors. The outer pair had previosly been fitted to the galvanised corner protectors after Alun machined the hole for them. He since made up a pair of box tube mounts with closed ends and mounting flanges for the inner pair to fit to the rear twin-step. These have all been wired though to the aft cubby box, which will retain the ECU along with the rear left lighting wiring.

The next jobs were even more satisfying. With the rear wiring complete and secure atop the rear cross member and fitted through the bodywork as necessary, the chocks were remove and the tub was given its final fit. It aligns perfectly with the bulkhead (as was set before the tub was removed for painting). The rear cross member fasteners are stainless steel dome headed.

The forward fasteners are standard zinc plated high tensile bolts. All four outrigger “tabs” connect to Defender seatbelt brackets, which bolt through the tub’s vertical mounting flange and through the horizontal ledge behind the front seats. In addition to the 3mm ali sheet reinforcement (see the previous tub repairs), this results in a much stronger mounting than standard. I fitted more of the self adhesive 3mm neoprene on the rear x-member brackets to prevent electrolytic corrosion, but it undoubtedly helps prevent scratching too.
The bulkhead removal bar from Protection and Performance has also been fully fitted. With its attachment to the seat belt mounting points, the whole assembly is more rigid and stringer than the original bulkhead, and the seatbelt buckle anchors will be more resistant to upward deformation under load than the standard items.

Nearly forgot to add that I bought my batteries today – a 72AHr Banner main battery (good down to -25oC) and an 80AHr liesure battery. £90 incl for the two.