Ute repairs

Fiona has breifly touched already on the repairs required, it is now time to give a more detailed report. Max (my brother) and I have owned the ute for several years now and have done many trips with it. The ute has been in roadworthy condition and registered the whole time we have had it. Therefore, it was not anticipated that any major repairs would be needed for this trip of approximately 5000km through 7 countries in Europe. One of the first things that had to be done was to set it up for camping with a bed and canvas cover. A major expense was to fit 4 new tyres, hopefully alleviating any tyre problems on the trip. On a test run trip in November last year to Nowra's Air Show, we did encounter problems with the rear tyres not matching the rims hence further work had to be undertaken.

One of our major concerns was the brakes, having seen photos of the Simplon Pass between Italy and Switzerland. More scary than the Clyde and Brown Mountain, Kangaroo Valley and others on the east coast of Australia. This is when the real mechanical work began. Thanks to Steve (ex Air Force engineer) and his right hand side kick bush mechanic Max, the brakes were overhalled. When washing the vehicle underneath, Steve noticed that the gear box mount was broken in half, this was 2 weeks out from shipping. As a good second hand one could not be found, urgent repairs were required and undertaken. The new mount was finally fitted. Many other smaller defects were detected and rectified along the way. Now we feel comfortable that the vehicle is up to everything we are going to put in it's path when we leave Istanbul on 1st May.

Fiona is still not happy about the quality of the seat she will have to travel on for the trip, she asked for quality extended leg length foam with canvas cover and at least got another covering of foam, no extra leg length and vinyl covering (she will get used to it).

Warren, our cabinet maker friend, did a great job of creating the cupboard in the rear of the ute camping area. This is where the clothes and food will be stored.

Bob in our car Club did a first class job with the canvas cover & Fiona's seat.

Thanks to everyone who assisted in the preparation of the vehicle, without your help we could not have been ready in time and we hope you enjoy our updates as they occur. I promise to look after the old girl (no not Fiona) and bring her back in good shape.
John