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Overland Spares

Hi Neil,
Bolt in cages are an off the shelf part from Safety devices in the UK I
am pretty sure Jon on the list has one in his truck.
Cheers,
Craig.
Neill Watson wrote:
 
Yup. Safety Devices make a good cage. Been in lots of competition cars with
them fitted, but thankfully not had to use one yet.
Neill W
On 7/11/06 10:47 pm, "Craig Vincent" wrote:
 
John
Don't worry! most people who ask me about African overland travel always ask
the same things - is it poisonous? will it sting, bite, make my tissue
necrotise - the good news is, most snakes hear you coming and rush away as
quick as their long bodies can take them - I once met face to face with a
Black Mamba, he was probably, I say, about 4 metres long (but I'll save this
for another day!) I used to have nightmares about him striking me on my
ankle whilst having a beer with a few mates at some kind of bar in the
middle of nowehere.
Scorpions like nice warm places and I often find them under my pillow when
I'm sleeping on the sand, and the African bee, well they're right little
blighters and can do a lot of damage - the sting of the African bee (and
large long hornets)is far worse than our UK bee stings.
But really, there's no real damage to be had - howevever I always say one
must be able to read the signs - trackers are really good for this, and just
be aware that you are sharing their territory with them. The most venomous
snakes are found in Southeast Asia and Australia, and of course the USA.
That instinctive awareness, or, maybe a kind of additonal sense has saved
lives. You don't need to be a professional tracker - or a Tuareg and in
North Africa horned vipers might be an issue but generally when we travel
there (Autumn through to Spring) you hardly ever see them, maybe a cast off
skin every now and again.
You must remember John, that there is nothing out to get you in that sense.
Diseases are another thing...most reputable tour groups and others
(including my very own Desert Fox Overland...) give you a full rundown of
what you need to take, and how you need to be protected (vaccinations)
before you go there, what malarial preparations are required etc, how much
they are likely to cost you, when you take them, etc., On my trips I take
all this information onboard and even get much more information then I
actually need, it doesn't cost you anymore. Your GP clinic or surgery can
give you additional information and they can tell you what works and what
doesn't, say on the Niger Delta, or in Mali or somewhere - it mostly depends
on when you are travelling, whether its in the wet season or not, all these
things are taken into account on most serious overland trips to Africa and
elsewhere (its not in their best interest to keep these things from you)so
rest assured, no harm should come to you!
Accidents are another thing, but we're covered for stuff like this and I
especially have to take out SERIOUS public liability for my clients! and you
will also be covered for things like that too, although they do say that you
need to take out medical insurance which includes the costs of you being
retriated in the event of a serious accident or health situation.
If you are thinking about planning a trip, get as much information as you
possibly can, and if there is anything that you are unsure about, hit me
off-list and we can thrash out the wheat from the chaff, another good source
of information is some of the travel books? the ones that are 'footstep'
guides, or equivalent.
Hope this has helped to allay your fears somewhat
Regards
Renate
-----Original Message-----
From: [Email address removed]
[mailto:[Email address removed]]On Behalf Of John Byrne
Sent: 07 November 2006 22:03
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
Hi Guys
Just a little off topic or maybe not
I would love to have the balls to go and do something like overlanding but
with the history of my cruiser and its Jinx I dont think so.
Also other things bother me a bit, like the wildlife both Human and Animal.
I was watching a program tonight about things like snakes and such in Africa
and it its scary what things live there waiting to get you.
Also all the diseases that are waiting to put a damper on the so well
planned trip.
john 92HDj 80 1HDT
 
I found the list interesting - broken wheel studs - not found that to be a
regular problem - ie never in my life, although after having some tires
fitted be a chain tire/brake place I did change a set because they were
stretched - air ratchets?
Re the spares list - difficult, even with hindsight, on a return journey
would they leave out unused items, probability would seem to suggest at some
point you are likely to need UJ's, brake flexiables, rad hoses etc. Having
some of the more critical (smaller) European spec parts seems clever
although cost could climb.
Malcolm Bagley
Stafford, UK
1975 FJ45 Pickup (In Work)
_______________________________
It's intreresting when you cross check their spare part list - the
majority of the stuff they brought - they didn't need.
But hindsight is great!
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Graham,
Sure you have read it, but in the book "Who needs a Road" Harold Stephens &
Albert Podell (went round the world in a 1960's Toyota FJ40 and a Jeep) page
after page seemed to be about the ongoing repairs to the trailer, very few
breakdown problems with the brand new FJ40, although the older Jeep was not
so trouble free.
They also seemed to have very few tire problems - 40K miles on one set of
tires or something - also started with 6 and sold one in North Africa which
seemed a little foolish, less than a third of the way into the journey.
Perhaps you need some steel rims and vintage Goodyear cross plys that would
be fun on tarmac, or do you think you can squeeze some Michelin 9.00R16
XZL's under, perhaps not....
I have always liked the idea of a trailer that ran a LC rear axle so it
could be swapped if you had problems with your vehicles rear axle, I had a
photo of a 60 series pulling trailer made from the back end of a 40 series
somewhere. Making the brakes work could be a hassle.
Malcolm Bagley
Stafford, UK
1975 FJ45 Pickup (In Work)
_______________________________
This is one of the reasons I am taking a trailer as this then puts the
total weight across 3 axles rather than 2.
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Hi all,
I am very busy with work at the moment and so have only half followed this
thread. Let me offer some observations. I travelled down the West coast of
Africa from the U.K. to Gambia for 7 weeks in January and February of this
year, albeit in a Defender 110.
Using a trailer will be problematic in Western Sahara and all roads from the
middle of the Sahara. The new road from Nouadibhou to Noakchoutt has
constant sand dunes. I even encountered a snow plough in the middle of the
desert which was clearing a road of sand. There is an issue with security
with a trailer once you are past Rosso in Senegal (Rosso is an horrendous
crossing and if anyone wants any advice on border crossings I can post some
messages). The roads are very rough and everything must be secured. DO NOT,
DO NOT consider driving at night. Air conditioning is a must, we didn=92t have
it and it was hot. Forget travelling in The Sahara in May - August, so few
vehicles will be around if you breakdown you will die.
To get punctures repaired or even new tyres is not problematic in West
Africa. Even in the middle of the Sahara I came across a guy at the side of
the road selling brand new Michelins. Everyone will help you if you have a
difficulty. We took a huge amount of spares and emergency kit as I travelled
with Jan (Wifey) and my four daughters, 14, 12, 7 and 4, (They loved it).
Do not eat prawns either, I did and got Dysentery. DO take painkillers as
you will not get them easily in West Africa.
Two spare tyres really is not needed. I had two and it was a waste of time.
I used BFGoodrich tyres and suffered no issues. Brand new tyres are a far
better investment. I serviced the car in Senegal after 4000 miles. To get
spares is easy for Toyota and Land Rover.
We carried most things that could go wrong and wished we had only taken half
the spares we had.
As for food, it is so cheap to eat locally, take only the basics. Cereal is
a good idea. We found in Senegal we could get by as a whole family on about
seven pounds sterling per day. Hotels also are so cheap that at times we
forgot the tents and booked into them. One of the hotels in Mauritania is
about =A35 per room per night. Camping is about =A34 so not much difference.
Spares I will take next time:-
Fan belt
Filters (oil) for Air, fit a K&N and forget it.
Oil (25 litres)
Full tool kit
Spare bulbs
Electrical tape and wires, crimps.
Wheel bearings
Anything else can be easily sourced locally.
Essential kit:-
Gerry cans for fuel (at least 3 carrying 25 litres each) This is to fill up
at the cheap places.
Stove and stuff for making drinks
Basic food stuffs - soup, cereal, tins of beans etc
10 gallons of water
Some nice cordial drink
Baby wipes
Basic toiletries (take lots of soap)
Solar shower
Full emergency first aid kit and enough malaria tablets for the whole
journey.
Mobile phone - keep it charged.
Washing powder
Pots, pans, bowls, cutlery.
Don't go overboard on clothes, buy them on route, they are so cheap. Carry
three changes of clothes. You can wash them in the desert and have them dry
in half an hour. Underwear, carry seven pairs as you will change twice a day
some days.
I will next time take a roof tent and a Caranex (we used a caranex and it
was so nice to put it up in ten minutes).
When you come to pack the vehicle, make sure you have everything in boxes,
it is far easier. We used rucksacks for clothes so we could easily grab them
and take them in to the tents or hotels.
Best advice I can give - take care of your feet, they get a lot of pounding
with driving and the heat.
Peace
Andy Renshaw
 
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Hi Andrew
Thanks for all this advice.
Really appreciated as it has reassured me of my decision, not to go
crazy with spares.
My only additions to your list are fan belts including air con belts and
radiator hoses.
Thanks for all the other insight, particularly regarding the kids
enjoying it...
Best wishes
Graham
 
Hi
Forgot to ask, what's a K & N? I am guessing a pre-cleaner...
Graham
Andrew Renshaw wrote:
 
On 11/9/06, Andrew Renshaw <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Andrew,
How often have you checked the iside of a K&N filter for lumps of dust?
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
 
Graham,
A K+N is not a pre-cleaner, it is a replacement air filter unit.
They are made for most makes of vehicle and are reputed to be good.
Regards, Clive.
 
Thanks Clive
I am just looking at their website right now. Look interesting, but as I
bought a new Toyota filter yesterday... :'(
I will have to get one next time... I have looked at 3 suppliers in the
UK ( websites) and none of them list the mighty LC.
regards
Graham.
Clive Marks wrote:
 
On 11/9/06, Graham & Lucinda Smith <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Graham,
If I were you, I wouldn't bother. K&N filters are OK for the
reacetrack, not for dusty dirt roads. They may increase engine
performace because they let more air in, not keep more dust out.
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
 
Malcolm
You don't have to be in Africa to get a broken wheel stud. I was
running around on 5 studs a while back because one broke under the
correct torque when being re-tightened. I presume it had been
over-tightened before by an idiot with an air wrench, which makes it a
very unpredictable failure. How did you know that yours had been
stretched - was it obvious just from looking t them?
Having said that I had no problems on 5 out of 6 studs on one wheel.
Christopher Bell
Devon, UK
1996 1HD-FT
|I found the list interesting - broken wheel studs - not found
|that to be a
|regular problem - ie never in my life, although after having some tires
|fitted be a chain tire/brake place I did change a set because they were
|stretched - air ratchets?
____________________________________________________________
Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
I was suspicious when it was tighter than normal to remove but once it was
out the threads in the middle proportion looked different and did't
"interlock" well when placed beside another good thread. Of course it was
on an Lancia wheel that required a longer than normal stud ...... I think I
still have the wheels (and studs) in the cellar.
Malcolm Bagley
Stafford, UK
1975 FJ45 Pickup (In Work)
_______________________________
I presume it had been
over-tightened before by an idiot with an air wrench, which makes it a
very unpredictable failure. How did you know that yours had been
stretched - was it obvious just from looking t them?
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
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Hi Roman,
I used a K&N air filter as I wwas worried about getting new filters in the
desert and about how frequently I would get through filters. What is great
about them is that you can wash the dirt and dust out of them with petrol,
spray the oil on them and they are like new. They consider they keep more
dust out of the engine.
I would always use one.
Andy
-----Original Message-----
From: [Email address removed] [mailto:[Email address removed]] On
Behalf Of Roman
Sent: 09 November 2006 09:31
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
On 11/9/06, Graham & Lucinda Smith <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Graham,
If I were you, I wouldn't bother. K&N filters are OK for the reacetrack, not
for dusty dirt roads. They may increase engine performace because they let
more air in, not keep more dust out.
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
--
European Land Cruiser Owners Mailing List Further Info:
http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/
 
Hi,
I would take fan belts and air con belts, however, radiator hoses, nah - use
duck tape. Or if you are really worried replace them all with new silicone
ones.
When I did my vehicle prep I spent =A38000 on making sure the vehicle was in
perfect condition. I changed most of the hoses and put a new radiator on.
Do not scrimp on the vehicle prep, your life is at stake overland.
Andy
-----Original Message-----
From: [Email address removed] [mailto:[Email address removed]] On
Behalf Of Graham & Lucinda Smith
Sent: 09 November 2006 09:04
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
Hi Andrew
Thanks for all this advice.
Really appreciated as it has reassured me of my decision, not to go crazy
with spares.
My only additions to your list are fan belts including air con belts and
radiator hoses.
Thanks for all the other insight, particularly regarding the kids enjoying
it...
Best wishes
Graham
 
Hi Andy
I feel much better now, just gone through the ?6500 prep costs... So I
can go a bit more.
I agree, without kids and wife I would have just jumped in and gone...
now, all responsible...
Thanks
Graham.
Andrew Renshaw wrote:
 
Hi Guys
Sorry but could you tell me what you would/could spend ?8000 or more on
preping a cruiser for an over land trip. I have gone through stuff in my
head but cant come up with that kind of ?.
Another thing im curious about is if you need a tyre or tyres when on a trip
what brands and sizes are easly available and what ones are hard or
impossible to find..
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
 
On 11/9/06, Andrew Renshaw <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Andrew,
Wherever I've been filters were available off the shelf and very cheap
as the local guys have to change them quite often.
In my experience washing and reoiling filters is a bit of an exercise
while cleaning paper filters with a squirt of compressed air takes
seconds.
Obviously you have your own reasons to believe they keep more dust out
of the engine, so let's settle at that.
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80
 
Hi,
I was preparing a Land Rover Defender 110. Okay let me go through the list:-
Full length roof rack (Land Rover original) =A3600
Bonnet Wheel mount =A3120
Rear Ladder =A3130
New Clutch =A3220
New front door =A3300
New rear door =A3220
New Radiator and hoses =A3400
New seats =A3475
New Windscreen =A3120
New Headlights (Upgrade to 2005) =A3200
A bar and Spotlights =A3200
Steering Guard =A370
Dif Guards =A380
Rebuild of hubs and new brake discs =A3200
New callipers (front) =A3160
Chequer plating of bonnet and sides =A3250
Waxoyl =A330
Fitting of K&N Air Filter and Hi - ciclone =A3130
New carpets =A365
New power steering Pump =A3220
New Fuel pump =A3275
Timing belt =A3250
BF Goodrich Tyres =A3680 (6)
New heavy duty bumper =A3110
New handbrake and Cable =A3120 (Land Rover fitted, urgent)
New window winder mechanisms =A388
New rear lights and rear Spotlight =A345
Fridge =A380
Rear window guards (Mantec) =A3150
Swing away wheel carrier with hi lift mount =A3110
Hi Lift Jack =A360
On board compressor =A380
On board Inverter 500watts =A3100
Split charge system and second battery =A3150
GPS =A3250
Full major service by Land Rover to check vehicle =A3550
Slick 50 =A325
New water pump =A370
Full proffesional emergency medical kit =A375 (a must)
Fire extinguisher =A345 (must have for Senegal)
Red triangles =A320 (Must have for Senegal
That is just off the top of my head without thinking. There is lots more.
I am not including all the extra stuff we bought for the interior. Boxes,
stoves etc.
Please don't forget, once you go beyond Western Sahara you need insurance
and a Carnet De Passage. Make sure you have an International drivers licence
as well.
Andy

-----Original Message-----
From: [Email address removed] [mailto:[Email address removed]] On
Behalf Of John Byrne
Sent: 09 November 2006 17:05
To: [Email address removed]
Subject: Re: [ELCO] Overland Spares
Hi Guys
Sorry but could you tell me what you would/could spend =A38000 or more on
preping a cruiser for an over land trip. I have gone through stuff in my
head but cant come up with that kind of =A3.
Another thing im curious about is if you need a tyre or tyres when on a trip
what brands and sizes are easly available and what ones are hard or
impossible to find..
cheers
john 92HDJ 80 1HDT
--
European Land Cruiser Owners Mailing List Further Info:
http://www.landcruisers.info/lists/
 
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