Recommended Mechanics Used During recent Trip around Australia

[Seaone]

Hi, I just thought I’d post this information in case it is useful for anyone travelling our amazing country and looking for Land Rover Specialists along the way. We spent 7 months travelling around the country and used these mechanics and would happily recommend them.

- Bunburry, WA: Panuccio Autos. Ph: 08 97914449 Gerry Panuccio
19 Stuart Street Bunbury WA. Email: tennille@panuccioautos.com.au (tennille@panuccioautos.com.au)

- Broome, WA: Broome Mechanical. Ph: 08 9193 6006 Shaun Reed
1 Tanami Drive, Broome, WA.

- Kununurra, WA: East Kimberley Motors. Ph: 08 9168 3001
Sever Crisan (proprietor)
5 Mango St, Kununurra WA. Email: EKMotors@westnet.com.au (EKMotors@westnet.com.au)

- Darwin, NT – Top End Rover Specialists Ph: 0429 648 413 Carla.

- Cairns, QLD – Hypertuned Land Rover. www.hypertuned.com.au (http://www.hypertuned.com.au/)
196 Hartley St Bungalow, Cairns Ph: 07 4035 1118,
Email: info@hypertuned.com.au (info@hypertuned.com.au)

- Hervey Bay, QLD – Anderson’s Land Rover and Range Rover.
Ph: 07 4124 1885
80 Boat Harbour Drive. (After Hours: 0412 840 071)

- Sunshine Coast, QLD – British Offroad. www.britishoffroad.com.au (http://www.britishoffroad.com.au/)
Bruce HWY, Sunshine Coast QLD, PH: 07 5445 1094 Email: info@britishoffroad.com (info@britishoffroad.com)

- Byron Bay, NSW – Byron Classic Cars. Ph: 02 6680 7533 Email: byronclassiccars@gmail.com (byronclassiccars@gmail.com)

- Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW - Ayers Automotive
Ph: 02 9905 6048
15 Ada Ave, Brookvale, Sydney NSW http://www.aauto.com.au/ (http://www.aauto.com.au/)

[superquag]

That's a service or breakdown/fix every 22 days... what were you doing to it ? :eek:

(Assuming only one vi$it to each Mechanic...)

[JamesH]

That's a service or breakdown/fix every 22 days... what were you doing to it ? :eek:

(Assuming only one vi$it to each Mechanic...)

Have to admit, while it was an informative and useful post, it did make me laugh and wonder the same thing.

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Have to admit, while it was an informative and useful post, it did make me laugh and wonder the same thing.
Nothing unusal, it's a land rover after all, the oil needs refilling every major distance;)

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Hi, I just thought I’d post this information in case it is useful for anyone travelling our amazing country and looking for Land Rover Specialists along the way. We spent 7 months travelling around the country and used these mechanics and would happily recommend them.

- Bunburry, WA: Panuccio Autos. Ph: 08 97914449 Gerry Panuccio
19 Stuart Street Bunbury WA. Email: tennille@panuccioautos.com.au (tennille@panuccioautos.com.au)

- Broome, WA: Broome Mechanical. Ph: 08 9193 6006 Shaun Reed
1 Tanami Drive, Broome, WA.

- Kununurra, WA: East Kimberley Motors. Ph: 08 9168 3001
Sever Crisan (proprietor)
5 Mango St, Kununurra WA. Email: EKMotors@westnet.com.au (EKMotors@westnet.com.au)

- Darwin, NT – Top End Rover Specialists Ph: 0429 648 413 Carla.

- Cairns, QLD – Hypertuned Land Rover. www.hypertuned.com.au (http://www.hypertuned.com.au/)
196 Hartley St Bungalow, Cairns Ph: 07 4035 1118,
Email: info@hypertuned.com.au (info@hypertuned.com.au)

- Hervey Bay, QLD – Anderson’s Land Rover and Range Rover.
Ph: 07 4124 1885
80 Boat Harbour Drive. (After Hours: 0412 840 071)

- Sunshine Coast, QLD – British Offroad. www.britishoffroad.com.au (http://www.britishoffroad.com.au/)
Bruce HWY, Sunshine Coast QLD, PH: 07 5445 1094 Email: info@britishoffroad.com (info@britishoffroad.com)

- Byron Bay, NSW – Byron Classic Cars. Ph: 02 6680 7533 Email: byronclassiccars@gmail.com (byronclassiccars@gmail.com)

- Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW - Ayers Automotive
Ph: 02 9905 6048
15 Ada Ave, Brookvale, Sydney NSW http://www.aauto.com.au/ (http://www.aauto.com.au/)

Interesting, did you keep a log of what work was done at all those town. It would be interesting reading

[Seaone]

OK, Should have anticipated these questions/responses. I didnt want to get to into the detail in the initial post, as i was going to add further details of the trip that may prove to be helpful for those heading out on a big trip later.

This was just a little heads up for those who are looking for this type of info whilst either currently travelling these areas, or planning to in the near future.

I understand people wanting to know what kind of issues may have been the reason for a list such as this, so here it is ...

The fact is, id rather get the car serviced when and where we could. We spent much of our time in very remote and rough spots, and as a result i wanted things checked and the oils and filters replaced often. Many may not bother but i felt more comfotable setting off for a few weeks at a time in the bush, on our own, knowing that things were up to scratch. Im sure many wouldnt bother, or do it themselves, however we didnt have room for lots of tools, spares, oil, filters etc, nor did i have any desire to work on the car unless i absolutley needed to. Its personal choice, I chose to source good mechanics to regularly check the car.
There were 2 radiator replacements, Kununurra and Darwin. These were due to a missing splash guard which resulted in having the fan strike the radiator and subsequently putting a hole in the radiators during creek and river crossings. It Seems as though the gaurd was most likely removed and not put back on when the winch bar was installed. I didnt think to check this, before we left and to be honest at the time i didnt even know there was a gaurd designed to prevent this happening.
We stopped all chance of this happening after the repair In Darwin, by fabricating a steel bashplate/guard to replicate the original platic one. We also tied off the fan to stop it rotating during any water crossings.

Here are the details of the work done.

- Bunburry, WA : Panuccio Autos. Ph: 08 97914449 Gerry Panuccio
19 Stuart Street Bunbury WA. Email: tennille@panuccioautos.com.au (tennille@panuccioautos.com.au)
Work Done: 10 000kms Service (Oils, Filters, Underbody / Safety Check)
Experience: Very Good.

- Broome, WA : Broome Mechanical. Ph:9193 6006 Shaun Reed
1 Tanami Drive, Broome, WA.
Work Done : Top End Radiator Hose Weeping. (we didnt have the gear to re "GUM" the hose, so for $30 it was easy and the job was properly done plus cooling system tested
Experience : Very Helpful, and able to fit in my car even though they were extremely busy. Best Place that we found in Broome.

- Kununurra, WA: East Kimberley Motors. Ph:08 9168 3001 Sever Crisan (proprietor)
5 Mango St, Kununurra WA. Email: EKMotors@westnet.com.au (EKMotors@westnet.com.au)
… Sever knows land rovers well and owned a Defender 130 Td5 himself. Believe me … heading into or out of the Kimberley it is a good feeling knowing that your car was looked after by someone who Is confident and competent with your car …. Many begin the Gibb River Rd Trip out of Kununurra. After this repair we headed another way … The Bungle Bungles, Halls Creek, Wolfe Creek Crater and then across the Tanami Desert Track to Alice Springs.
Work Done : Damaged Radiator number 1 Replaced and a basic service:
… We were towed back to Kununurra (360kms and 7.5 hours on a flat bed truck L) on a Sunday. We picked the car up on Wednesday afternoon ! Awesome... Sever had sourced a new radiator and had it shipped in from Darwin Via greyhound bus …
Experience : Excellent !
(The company that towed us in from the Gibb River Rd, couldn’t even look at the car for at least a week, and we were suggesting at least 2 weeks or more before they would have the car repaired !!)
Highly Recommended.

- Darwin, NT – Top End Rover Specialists Ph: 0429 648 413 Carla.
Work Done: Radiator Number 2 plus high pressure fuel regulator and fuel filter replaced. (apparentley most likely caused by bad fuel ... We thought we had escaped the effects of bad fuel from Manning Gorge roadhouse. about 8 or more cars completely shut down after filling up here whilst we were there. We only topped up with about 20ltrs and the warning light on the dash illuminated immediately, but went off after a couple minutes).
I also had a full underbody service done as we had been working the car pretty hard with heaps of water crossings and sustained heavy 4wding etc. We also were heading across the Savanna Way from here.
Top End Rover Specialists were great. They even came out to the house where I stayed for the initial diagnosis.
They were very helpful and I was very happy with the work done.
Highly Recommended.

- Cairns, QLD – Hypertuned Land Rover. www.hypertuned.com.au (http://www.hypertuned.com.au/)
196 Hartley St Bungalow, Cairns Ph: 07 4035 1118, Email: info@hypertuned.com.au (info@hypertuned.com.au)
Work Done : Pre Cape York Trip Check. Basic Service and Replaced Fuel Filter ... hoping that it would catch any remaining "waxy" residue, that clogged up the previous one)
Experience : Excellent . We shopped around in Cairns, when we came across Hypertuned Land Rover, it was obviously where to go …. Approx 10 Defenders and Disco’s in the street and more in the shop . We dealt with an English guy, who was fantastic. Absolutely knew his stuff !
Highly Recommended.

- Hervey Bay, QLD – Anderson’s Land Rover and Range Rover. Ph: 07 4124 1885
80 Boat Harbour Drive. (After Hours: 0412 840 071)
Work Done : Post Cape York Service – Check and replace as required diff, gearbox, transfer case oils etc
Experience : Great. Fitted me in without notice and had the car ready within the time it took to go to the movies (approx 3 hours) ! Awesome service and very knowledgeable.
Highly Recommended.

- Sunshine Coast, QLD – British Offroad. www.britishoffroad.com.au (http://www.britishoffroad.com.au/)
Bruce HWY, Sunshine Coast QLD, PH:07 5445 1094 Email: info@britishoffroad.com (info@britishoffroad.com)
Work Done : Picked up a new Starter Motor it had a few moments during the trip, but died the day after a service at Andersons Hervey Bay … Very unlucky !!
We only dealt with these guys over the phone and to pick up a part, but they absolutely know their stuff … If you go there you will see what I mean.
Highly Recommended.

- Byron Bay, NSW – Byron Classic Cars. Ph: 02 6680 7533 Email: byronclassiccars@gmail.com (byronclassiccars@gmail.com)
14-16 Bayshore Drive Byron Bay
Work Done : Fitted the starter motor. They have a mechanic here who is a Land Rover Enthusiast. He does all work on any LR that comes into the shop.
Experience : Very Helpful and good knowledge of Older model LR’s up to Td5’s.

- Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW - Ayers Automotive Ph: 02 9905 6048
15 Ada Ave, Brookvale, Sydney NSW http://www.aauto.com.au/ (http://www.aauto.com.au/)
Ayers Automotive are my regular mechanics when I am home in Sydney. I have used Ayers Automotive since I bought my Disco In 2005 ! I would whole heartedly recommend them to do any work on any Land Rover! Great People and Great Service. Speak to Richard or Mark if Richard isn’t available. Ayers are Land Rover and Range Rover specialists
Highly Recommended !

[Awest]

We are 14 weeks away from our 18 week big lap, thank you for posting this.

Hopefully we will just need a service in Perth somewhere!

Cheers!

[Seaone]

Awesome ! Where are you heading for ?
We want to go back to the bush every day.

There are a number of places that i found in Perth, so you shouldnt have a problem there. We only got a service in Bunbury becuase i got sick, and we had to stay there for a week, so figurred that we may as well get the car serviced whilst there.

Enjoy the trip !

[superquag]

We are 14 weeks away from our 18 week big lap, thank you for posting this.

Hopefully we will just need a service in Perth somewhere!

Cheers!

- ... which is 'only' 6 visits to the Doctor... :twisted:

[Hamma]

Great list, thanks. We are two months into our 12 month lap, (D3 towing big van easy), but will need a service in Perth. Anyone special to see? If not, might just use the guy in Bunbury.
Thx, Hamma

[Sydr]

Sydney service recommendation: Ayers have looked after my P38 for more than 12 years, it is a pleasure to confirm that they are top rate, honest and thorough. I would not take my Rangie anywhere else.

They're busy putting a new engine into my car right now and I will put a post up about what is being done and why I've chosen certain options, in due course.

[Gogardens]

Hello fellows
Can anyone recommend a really efficient, clean and well staffed workshop ( with knowledgable mechanics) in Perth?
Appreciate any feedback.
Cheers

[pohm66]

After doing our BIG LAP in 20 weeks on the road would like to add Wyatts at Geraldton (approx 400k North of Perth).

Amazing service at short notice and quite reasonable with the $$$s as well.

Whyatt's automotive
90 Anderson St Geraldton
WA 6530
PH (08) 99654333
www.whyattsautomotive.com

[stallie]

Great help thanks. I'm preparing the D2a and camper trailer for our family trip starting in June for three months.

Melbourne and up the Oodnadatta Track then across to the Rock, up the highway across to Top Springs, then Gregory NP, KNX, Bungles then three weeks in Broome, then home via the Tanami.

All with my three kids under 5 :o

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Great list, thanks. We are two months into our 12 month lap, (D3 towing big van easy), but will need a service in Perth. Anyone special to see? If not, might just use the guy in Bunbury.
Thx, Hamma

I'm sure that question in the WA Forum would the required answer;):D

[29dinosaur]

- Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW - Ayers Automotive Ph: 02 9905 6048
15 Ada Ave, Brookvale, Sydney NSW http://www.aauto.com.au/ (http://www.aauto.com.au/)
Ayers Automotive are my regular mechanics when I am home in Sydney. I have used Ayers Automotive since I bought my Disco In 2005 ! I would whole heartedly recommend them to do any work on any Land Rover! Great People and Great Service. Speak to Richard or Mark if Richard isn’t available. Ayers are Land Rover and Range Rover specialists
Highly Recommended !


How come they didn't pick up the problem with the radiator splash guard as missing??

[goingbush]

There were 2 radiator replacements, Kununurra and Darwin. These were due to a missing splash guard which resulted in having the fan strike the radiator and subsequently putting a hole in the radiators during creek and river crossings. It Seems as though the gaurd was most likely removed and not put back on when the winch bar was installed. I didnt think to check this, before we left and to be honest at the time i didnt even know there was a gaurd designed to prevent this happening.[/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri]We stopped all chance of this happening after the repair In Darwin, by fabricating a steel bashplate/guard to replicate the original platic one. We also tied off the fan to stop it rotating during any water crossings.

Radiator splash guard ???
thats not the problem.

during a water crossing the water flows through the radiator and the fan turns into a boat propellor and blades bend forward.

Tying the fan off is an original idea but I would not do it, that can cause other issues.

the correct procedure is to tarp up the front of the vehicle, you hardly ever see anyone doing it tho, I dont know why or if ego gets in the way. But I won't do a river coossing without the front tarped up or at least some cardboard or plastic over the front of the radiator grille.

you never see it done on youtube or in magazines because it looks uncool or whimpy. 9 times out of 10 you get away with it but ive seen many a fan go thru a radiator.

[Bushie]

Some do tarp up

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/11/548.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/11/549.jpg

Martyn

[Chenz]

Good photo of the Red Terror. Tarp up and you have no dramas. It only took 3 minutes to put on and take off

[Davo]

I'm just amazed the original poster found some capable workshops up here, instead of what I get from one place here in town: "I DON'T work on Land Rovers!"

So I do all my own work.

[Old Farang]

Hello fellows
Can anyone recommend a really efficient, clean and well staffed workshop ( with knowledgable mechanics) in Perth?
Appreciate any feedback.
Cheers
Kevin Falconbridge at Rovertech in Bentley has beeen working on Land Rovers just about as long as there has been Land Rovers! :)