Removing a Land Rover Defender roof from a 110

Key Takeaways

• Carefully remove and retain all bolts and plates for potential reuse

• Work systematically around the windscreen frame to detach all fixings

• Be prepared for challenges with corrosion and hidden bolts in tricky locations

Preparing to Remove the Windscreen

Assessing Previous Removal Signs

When you begin the windscreen removal process, look for signs that it has been removed before. These signs can include visible marks or wear around the edges of the windscreen. In this case, there are clear indications that the windscreen has been previously removed, which may make your job easier.

Identifying the Windscreen Fixings

Examine the fixings that hold the windscreen in place. You'll often find cross-head screws, but in this instance, you'll see bolts. These bolts are 10mm in size. There are six bolts in total, hidden just under the windscreen edge. They're secured with small plates, which you should try to keep as they're used throughout the vehicle.

• 6 bolts (10mm)

• Small securing plates

• Located under the windscreen edge

Retaining Important Bolts

It's crucial to keep the bolts you remove during this process. These may be needed when fitting a soft top later. As you work around the windscreen, focus on removing the two inner bolts on the B-pillar, as these are essential for holding the plate in place.

Bolt removal tips:

• Work methodically around the windscreen

• Some bolts may be more challenging to remove due to corrosion

• Keep all removed bolts in a safe place

Remember to check for any additional bolts at the back of the windscreen. These can be tricky to spot and are only accessible from underneath. Don't forget the middle bolt, as it's easy to overlook.

Locating the Hidden Bolts

Accessing Bolts Under Plates

To remove the windscreen, you'll need to locate and remove six hidden bolts. These bolts are concealed beneath small plates. While some vehicles use cross-head screws, this model employs 10mm bolts. It's wise to keep these bolts safe, as you might need them when fitting a soft top later.

The plates covering the bolts are reusable and found in various parts of the vehicle. To access the bolts, carefully lift the plates. You'll only need to remove the two inner bolts, as the outer ones hold the plate in place.

Considering Replacement of Damaged Parts

As you work through the bolts, you may notice some are bent or in poor condition. It's worth considering replacing these damaged parts to ensure a proper fit. Replacement plates are available for purchase if needed.

When removing the roof, focus on the B pillar area. Due to corrosion underneath, the roof should detach relatively easily once the bolts are removed. Don't forget to check for additional bolts at the back of the roof. These can be quite rusty and are only accessible from underneath.

Remember to remove the middle bolt as well. Take care when lifting the roof off, as it may require some strength. If you find the roof doesn't come off completely, double-check for any missed bolts, especially those hidden at the rear.

Detaching the Roof from the B Pillar

Identifying the Inner Bolts

To begin detaching the roof from the B pillar, you'll need to locate the six bolts hidden just under the windscreen. These bolts are typically 10mm in size. It's crucial to retain these bolts, as you might need them when fitting a soft top later. The bolts are secured by small plates, which are useful to keep as they're used throughout the vehicle.

When removing the roof from the B pillar, you only need to remove the two inner bolts. These bolts are holding the plate in place, which needs to stay attached. Work your way around, removing each bolt carefully. You might find some bolts are more challenging to remove than others, particularly those in corner areas.

Navigating Around Securing Plates

As you remove the bolts, you'll notice the securing plates. These plates can be replaced if necessary, but it's best to keep the original ones if they're in good condition. If a plate is bent or in poor condition, consider replacing it.

Once you've removed the necessary bolts, the roof should become loose. At this point, you can attempt to lift it off. Be prepared for some resistance, as corrosion may have caused parts to stick together.

After lifting the main section, you might find that not everything comes off at once. Check for any remaining bolts, particularly at the back of the vehicle. These bolts can be very rusty and are only accessible from underneath. Don't forget to remove the middle bolt as well.

Remember, patience is key when dealing with older, corroded parts. Take your time and be thorough to ensure you've removed all necessary bolts before attempting to fully detach the roof.

Overcoming Corrosion Challenges

Dealing with Corroded Lower Sections

When tackling the windscreen removal, you'll notice the lower sections are often heavily corroded. This can make the process more challenging, but not impossible. Start by locating the six bolts hidden just under the windscreen. These bolts are secured with small plates, which are useful to keep as they're used throughout the vehicle. Inspect each plate carefully; if any are bent or in poor condition, consider replacing them.

To remove the roof from the B pillar, you only need to remove the two inner bolts. Work your way around methodically, loosening each bolt. You might find some are easier to remove than others due to varying levels of corrosion. Once all the bolts are out, the top section should lift off with relative ease.

Removing the Corroded Bolts

Tackling corroded bolts requires patience and the right approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the bolt size (often 10mm in this case)

2. Use an appropriately sized socket or spanner

3. Apply steady pressure when turning

4. If a bolt is stuck, try using penetrating oil

5. For severely corroded bolts, you may need to use a bolt extractor

Remember to pay attention to the bolts at the back of the structure. These can be particularly tricky as they're only accessible from underneath and are often very crusty. Take your time with these, as rushing could lead to stripped threads or broken bolts.

Lastly, don't forget the middle bolt - it's easy to overlook but crucial for a complete removal. With all bolts removed, the entire section should come off, allowing you to proceed with your restoration or repair work.

Removing the Top

Applying Physical Strength for Removal

To remove the top of your vehicle, start by locating the six bolts hidden under small plates. These 10mm bolts are crucial, so keep them safe for potential use when fitting your soft top. The plates are also worth retaining, as they're used throughout the vehicle.

Next, focus on the B pillar. You'll only need to remove the two inner bolts, as the outer ones simply hold the plate in place. Work your way around, removing each bolt carefully. Due to corrosion underneath, the top should come off relatively easily once the bolts are removed.

With all bolts removed, it's time to lift the top off. Position yourself properly and use your strength to lift. The top should come off with a bit of effort.

Addressing Forgotten Bolts

After lifting the top, you might find that it doesn't come off completely. This is likely due to forgotten bolts at the back. These bolts are often very rusty and can only be accessed from underneath the vehicle.

To fully remove the top, you'll need to locate and remove these additional bolts. They're typically found at the rear of the vehicle. Don't forget to check for a middle bolt as well, as this is often overlooked.

Remember to exercise caution when dealing with these forgotten bolts, as they may be in poor condition due to rust and corrosion.

Final Steps and Considerations

Ensuring All Bolts Are Removed

Before lifting off the windscreen, you'll need to remove all the bolts securing it. There are six bolts hidden under small plates. These plates can be replaced if needed, but try to keep them as they're useful in various parts of the vehicle.

Start with the B-pillar, focusing on the two inner bolts. Work your way around, removing each bolt carefully. You might encounter some stubborn ones, especially in corners.

Important: Don't forget the bolts at the back. These can be tricky to spot and access, as they're only reachable from underneath. They may be quite rusty, so be prepared for a bit of a struggle.

Once all bolts are removed, including the middle one, you should be able to lift off the windscreen. It might require some strength, but it should come off relatively easily if all bolts have been properly removed.

Pro tip: Keep all removed bolts in a safe place. You may need them when fitting a soft top later.