VIC Contingent to the 2012 Nats

[REDMR2RED]

The Vic contingent of 10 FE FC Holdens will leave Melbourne Sunday 1st April (hmmmm, does that tell you something?) 7.45 am for the drive across the Nullarbor.

For me the preparation began in January, and I know the others have done similar ...........

New radiator – check, 3.55 Diff fitted – check, recon gearbox – check, new wheel bearings – check, new unis – check, balance wheels – check, first convoy meeting – check, accommodation booked – check, (thanks Min) pack up necessary spare parts – check, extra spare wheel – check, cruise control fitted – check, cup holder made – check, Tear Drop Caravan organised – check, second convoy meeting – check, print itinerary – check, (thanks Steve) pack Tear Drop – check, pack Ute - check, pack clothes – check, pack food n drinks – check, UHV radio – check, First aid kit – check, tools – check, GPS – check, music for the trip – check, camera – check, I think we’re ready.

I'll be travelling in this.   



We'll keep you posted with pics along the way when we get WiFi connection.

Kevin

[FCRB26]

Does your cruise control consist of a OKY strap ...

[gp]

We'll have the UHF radio on Channel 40.

How many others will have UHF?

[REDMR2RED]

I meant UHF .... I couldn't find where to edit it.   

My Cruise Control is an AP 60 Cruise Control (available on ebay or Autobarn)

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290689149872

Supercheap had them for $200 recently as a special. I got mine from Autobarn for $229.  Easy to fit and works a treat.   

[NascoHunter]

Packing the FC on Saturday and hope it all fits. 2 more sleeps
Back to the footy
Tony.

[OldGMHolden]

Happy cruising to everybody heading to the Nats, wish I was there.

Speaking of cruise control.....

My first trip across the Nullarbor was in 1970 (all dirt/rocks/wombats) in an auto EK wagon enroute from Toowoomba to Dampier.
After the first half a day it was time to fit cruise control.
I removed the choke butterfly, and pulled the choke knob out till it ran along nicely at 50 mph.
Mind you, there was VERY little other traffic so stopping in a hurry was not a priority.
So I cruised happily, sometimes with both legs stretched along the front seat, sometimes with a leg or two out the window, whatever took my fancy. (very cool, if a bit irresponsible.)
But it relieved the killer boredom, and I arrived safely.

I wish you all a safe journey.
Cheers,
GAZ

[NascoHunter]

Well the FC is loaded up with no room to spare. Had to down size my tent to make it all fit.
Bed time soon 1 more sleep 
Cheers,
 Tony.

[NascoHunter]

It's so quiet here! I'm reading all the posts and jealously wishI was there. The Vic's have made it to Horsham without mishap which is surprising as Tony's tyres looked almost flat on the drivers side because he has so much stuff!
Safe travelling everyone and keep up the posts
Dina

[freddyc]

I'm going to get Fred to get me a Cruise control for the trip back.  Sounds like more fun sticking my legs out the window then flashing the truck drivers to get them to wave. 

[NascoHunter]

carzy day today, very hot weather and extremly windy. wind was palying havoc with my sunvisor. We have all arived safetly at cenduna. All the best for everyone else.
tony.

[zl296]

drive safe tony...
you will enjoy a cold beer at the end of every day....

[gp]

Dina, it must be so peaceful at home, wish you were coming too. We're just enjoying breakfast on the esplanade at esperence, how's the serenity? 

[NascoHunter]

  We have made it to Coolgardie - 560kms out of Perth - All 8 cars have done really well - bugs splattered accordingly.  Survived dust storms, wind, fog & amazing amount of road kill.  We have seen a dude skate boarding on the Nullabour towards the SA border.  I have driven over 2000 kms - then Jeff (my Co-driver) - gets pulled up for a breathalizer - as did the Pirotta's & Cat (15kms past the SA border).  Min & Steve did not get breathalised.  All was good, had a good chat to the female police officer, we saw heaps of R & S series Valiants heading back towards SA border the entire trip.  If all goes to plan we will be in Perth mid afternoon on Thursday the 5th - Cheers Tony (& Vic Crew).

[surferboy]

Looking forward to catching up with you all soon

Did you notice you see very few dead Roos on the South Aust side of the border. Then theres an instant increase in roadkill after the checkpoint ?

 

[Bessie_3]

Hi Guys & Gals,

I hope you all make it safely to WA and have a great Nationals. Happy Easter from Derrick and Family

[REDMR2RED]

Arrived safely at Perth.     WE had gear box problems after leaving Adelaide.  Oil leaking out of the main seal which caused me to have to top up every 4 hours driving or twice a day. BUGGER    otherwise performed OK for the entire journey.  Pics to follow when I get them on Photobucket.

Kevin

[REDMR2RED]

Group photo - ready to leave Melbourne










Are we there yet?








Changing the gear box - locals are soooooo helpful


The happy (NOT!!!) workers.  Three hours to WA Nationals HQ.

Sadly the change over gear box was not a success, the sincros are shot and even double de-clutching does not help much.  So another box must be sourced [HELP!!! anyone] and changed over for the return drive home after Easter.

Cheers, Kevin

[HAD 708]

hi everyone
love the updates hope you are all having fun! Shame about the gearbox Kevin but you will be right over their with all like minded FE FC nutters. How did all the grey motors go? No overheating problems?
Brett

[FE_UTE]

Hey Kevin

Glad you all got here ok
Looks like you all had a great trip

I have a couple of gearboxes...however they are untried...but if you get stuck let me know

Cheers
Gary

0417 919 742

[REDMR2RED]

Thanks Gary, I'll talk to you at the Nationals. I'll be at the HQ around 4.30pm Friday. 

Kevin