The first 300Tdi Hibak 4x4
The first 300Tdi Hibak 4x4 takes shape
Nov 8th 2007

Details of the development and build of the first Hibak 4x4 to be based on a 300Tdi Discovery donor vehicle.

Continuing our development of the Hibak we are building the 2nd Hibak onto a 300Tdi donor vehicle and in this case it takes the form of a Red 3 Door Manual Discovery.
But before we can build a Hibak, we have to strip the donor. This is as far as the interior trim needs to stripped out in the front of the Discovery.
Glass, doors, outer panels and all rear trim are removed in preparation for the bodywork to but cut off.
We find the best way to cut off the sills is to do it in two pieces, firstly the outer part of the box section sill is cut off.
Followed by the inside. The Hibak's roll cage support frame replaces the old sills and not only restores, but increases the strength of this part of the vehicle. The rear floor section is also cut away, leaving a small lip of steel immediately behind the floor strengthening rib.
With the rear floor cut away it is easy to remove the now surplus rear floor support brackets, and clean the chassis, prior to rust proofing and re-painting it.
The roll cage lower support and replacement sills are loosely bolted in position and the main roll cage bolted on. Once everything is aligned, the bolts are fully tightened.
Viewed from the front, you can see where the cage passes each side of the front bulkhead.
We are fitting new suspension that incorporates a small increase in height to this build, and have powder coated the other brackets and fittings to colour match the new springs.
Side panels are bonded into place and clamped down overnight, you can also see in this picture the integral side steps that the lower cage support now offers.