About to do something silly! ****box rally in a landy?

[philry]

Hi All

My names Phil, Ive been a member of this forum for a while but havent been particularly active post wise, ive been restoring a 109 series 2A 6cyl and tinkering with a mostly complete 109 2A with a 202 in it.

A friend of mine and I have recently entered an event called the ****tbox rally, this event starts late May next year in Perth and finishes several days later in Darwin, via the Kimberley (3500km), on top of that, we need to get to perth from Melbourne...

Its a charity event, supporting the Cancer council of Australia and has the following rules/guidelines:

2 participants per vehicle

You must purchase a roadworthy (within reason) and registered "****box" for a total value of under $1000 for the trip

You must raise at least $4000 in sponsorships and donations between the 2 of you that will cover some of the rally costs as well as a large portion going to the cancer council (Our personal goal is $10,000)

As interesting as the concept is in itself, we are considering making it even more interesting by entering in a series landrover! Series one is out of the question due to age/expense, but we are considering a 2 or 3. Before we dive head first into this without (comparative to people who may have done a trip like this before - ) not a clue, I have a few questions:

1. Do you think its a good idea and why?

2. What vehicle would you recommend? (remember the $1000 limit) - I was thinking a LWB with a salisbury and a 202 to give us as much room as possible, give us a bit of extra grunt and also due to the abundance of 186-202 parts available.

3. Would you use new tires or decent second hands?

4. what spare parts would you take of a trip like this and - what extras would you ideally install (remember the budget :P)

5. What are the major things you would change/reco/service before you go?

6. What would your toolkit consist of?

7. Would you drive the Melb-Perth leg? or try and find a sponsor to tow the vehicle across for cheap/free?

If anyone has any leads for cars/parts (as cheap as possible due to constraints of the rally), potential sponsors or would like to donate to the cause please let me know.

The website - http://www.sh*tboxrally.com.au/ (add the I)

Watch this space for the unravelling of this plan as it happens :D

[wrinklearthur]

Hi Phil
1. Do you think its a good idea and why?
Anything that raises money for the needy and is fun sounds like a good idea to me.

2. What vehicle would you recommend? (remember the $1000 limit) - I was thinking a LWB with a salisbury and a 202 to give us as much room as possible, give us a bit of extra grunt and also due to the abundance of 186-202 parts available.
A well sorted version of what you described would most likely cost more, as all the potential problems take up a bit of time and resources. Spread the word and you may catch the eye of someone that could 'sell' you what is needed and is willing to buy back afterwards.

3. Would you use new tires or decent second hands?
Use the best priced strong walled tyres ( 10 ply ) in either highway or a mild all terrain pattern, keep all the tyres the same make, pattern and wear. Have two spares with same style again as the road tyres. That vintage Land Rover you are considering would need tubes in the tyres to suit the rims.

4. , 5. and 6. As for those questions try first and add some answers for your self ( in green font ), that would be a lot easier for the rest of us to see which way your thinking and then we can add our bit.

7. Would you drive the Melb-Perth leg? or try and find a sponsor to tow the vehicle across for cheap/free?
I would drive it as it could be a good chance to learn about the vehicle and fix things before you start the rally in earnest.
.

[bobslandies]

Hi,

There was a nice Land Rover LWB Hardtop at the Land Rover Expo here in Sydney on the weekend that was Support Vehicle 03 (all stickered up for the Cancer Council) for the most recent ****box Rally. Holden 186, 4 long range tanks, water tank, well set up!

Someone may have a photo and - no he scooted off before I could get his contact details:oops2: as I would have liked to have him bring the LR to next year's CARnivale on Australia Day 2014. Have made enquiries to the Cancer Council to get his details.

Bob

[Yorkie]

great event and good causes, have fun.
i believe you have to sell the vehicles at auction at the end which is also part of the fundraising, many buy theirs back but would you want to get into a bidding war with someone, although as said the money goes to the cause anyway. :)

[Rayngie]

Hey!,

i'm doing that next year as well!, we were the first team accepted by pure luck, we have Land Rover on board as a sponsor, they are in the process of hooking us up with a car ( looks like a 97 V8 disco ).

Can.Not.wait, gonna be epic.

Good luck with it, i'm sure we'll catch up,

cheers,

Ray

[philry]

Hi Phil
1. Do you think its a good idea and why?
Anything that raises money for the needy and is fun sounds like a good idea to me.

2. What vehicle would you recommend? (remember the $1000 limit) - I was thinking a LWB with a salisbury and a 202 to give us as much room as possible, give us a bit of extra grunt and also due to the abundance of 186-202 parts available.
A well sorted version of what you described would most likely cost more, as all the potential problems take up a bit of time and resources. Spread the word and you may catch the eye of someone that could 'sell' you what is needed and is willing to buy back afterwards.

I realise that this setup is possibly on the high end of spending, however i didnt pay too much more for my 202landy with a salisbury so there might be another one hiding out there somewhere, especially if they realise its for a good cause

3. Would you use new tires or decent second hands?
Use the best priced strong walled tyres ( 10 ply ) in either highway or a mild all terrain pattern, keep all the tyres the same make, pattern and wear. Have two spares with same style again as the road tyres. That vintage Land Rover you are considering would need tubes in the tyres to suit the rims.

I would definately prefer to use the original series rims, however I do have a set of D1 rims sitting around that I could put some decent second hand all terrains on, will make a note on the 10ply spec if I do go the original rims

4. , 5. and 6. As for those questions try first and add some answers for your self ( in green font ), that would be a lot easier for the rest of us to see which way your thinking and then we can add our bit.

Tool kit - As the support teams will have a full kit I would probably say socket set, spanner set, screwdriver set, hammer, rolls of gaffa, electrical tape, wd40, bearing grease, zip ties, roll of wire, pliers, sidecutters - anything else that could be vital?
Parts im more after input on what has broken on people landies on big trips, am I going overboard in taking diff centres, axles, heater/rad hose, wheels bearings etc? or more just spare bolts, globes, fuses, spark plugs etc - I guess I will know better once I have made my purchase/done an inspection of the vehicle to be used

7. Would you drive the Melb-Perth leg? or try and find a sponsor to tow the vehicle across for cheap/free?
I would drive it as it could be a good chance to learn about the vehicle and fix things before you start the rally in earnest.
. This is what I was thinking, I guess its either that or put it on club reg a few months prior and do a few large trips to make sure everything is sound

Thanks for the detailed response! its much appreciated :)
I have made some responses in green as above.


Hi,

There was a nice Land Rover LWB Hardtop at the Land Rover Expo here in Sydney on the weekend that was Support Vehicle 03 (all stickered up for the Cancer Council) for the most recent ****box Rally. Holden 186, 4 long range tanks, water tank, well set up!

Someone may have a photo and - no he scooted off before I could get his contact details:oops2: as I would have liked to have him bring the LR to next year's CARnivale on Australia Day 2014. Have made enquiries to the Cancer Council to get his details.

Bob

Hi Bob, I could only find one picture of the rear end of it (see below), got quite excited when I saw it haha, when I get my membership/forum details il have a ask around, im sure il be able to some details for you!


great event and good causes, have fun.
i believe you have to sell the vehicles at auction at the end which is also part of the fundraising, many buy theirs back but would you want to get into a bidding war with someone, although as said the money goes to the cause anyway. :)

You are bang on the money with the auction/buyback, if it wasnt for this I would use one of my 2A's, but I completely understand the thinking behind the auction. Also after 7000km to Darwin I will be seriously considering not buying the car back and flying home :p


Hey!,

i'm doing that next year as well!, we were the first team accepted by pure luck, we have Land Rover on board as a sponsor, they are in the process of hooking us up with a car ( looks like a 97 V8 disco ).

Can.Not.wait, gonna be epic.

Good luck with it, i'm sure we'll catch up,

cheers,

Ray

Hey Ray! its great to see another forum member competing! Do you have a connection into Landrover Australia? or is it through a local dealer?
Are you planning on driving it across or getting a car carrier?


Thanks for all the input so far guys!

[isuzurover]

I think you would be better off with an RRC or disco.

But I suppose a S3 109" with a 202/valiant/ford/v8 conversion would also be OK. The added bonus is you could run in 2WD only if you want.

I think you stand a better chance of getting a disco or RRC with rego for under $1k than a series.

[Rayngie]

Hi mate,

My co driver has a connection with LR, we are going to drive across, makes it more of a trip!

Ray,

[SBRallyCamel]

Afternoon all,

My names J. Alexander Hallowell, and i am the custodian of the vehicle mentioned above! Been a member on AULRO for a while, but dont get much time to post :)

My Landy is known as 'The Camel' and he's a 1973 Series 3, he was bought from slumbering in a front Garden in Emu Plains 8 months before the 2013 Rally from Adelaide to Fremantle, for $350 and subjected to an intense 8 month Restoration, new footwells, full paintjob, Springs, Shocks, wheels, tryes, Gearbox rebuild and Engine Conversion to a 'K' code HR X2 Holden 186 that I had previously pulled out of my '63 Series 2 Shorty before I shoehorned in a 3.5.

I'm pleased to report that his first trip anywhere in 14 years, quite literally was Sydney to Adelaide, then to Uluru, Warakurna, Tjukayirla, Laverton, Kalgoorlie, Fremantle, then back to Adelaide via the Nullarbor, then Adelaide to Melbourne and back to Sydney, the only real issue being the failure of a bush in the (Holden) Dizzy, that was fixed in about 20 minutes.
I have a family history of Cancer and I've been the chief Mechanic on the Rally since the first event in 2010- (incidentally, my car fir the first two years was a Rover SD1!:) ) and proud to let you know that we've raised so far, from humble beginnings (17 cars in 2010) nearly $3 Million for the Cancer Council.

As support, we dont get paid to do the Rally. Our costs come out of our own pocket. We raise funds as well. We are all there because we know someone (or have lost someone) affected by Cancer. My team mate this year's 8 yo daughter had childhood leaukeimea, and three little girls she befriended during treatment did not make it. Their names are on the Camel. I myself lost my grandfather in the UK to Prostate Cancer prior to this years event, I took his train driver cap with me on the Rally as a mark of respect.

As far as a Land Rover Series for the Rally, I would definitely suggest you fit an Oil Cooler for the trip. The Rally (without giving too much away) is designed to punish your car. You could be driving up to 900 Km in a day.
Ensure your Cooling system is top notch before you leave. Thermostat, Radiator cleaned, thermo, whatever you can blag for under your $1000 limit. This applies to the Disco above too.. Incidentally, there may also be a few more Disco's on this years trip- so you'll be in good company.
On a Holden equipped Land Rover, make sure its a Low Compression Motor, as Opal Fuel will make your landy rum hot, run on, and generally misbehave. If its a high comp motor, take some octane booster.
Remember to take the essential spares you think you may need. (If you have a disco/RR, take an XF Falcon Fuel Miser Fuel Pump- same as a rangie unit minus the $200 price tag) and anything else that puts your mind at ease. Remember- if your car can't be fixed, Land Rover or not, we dig it a hole......




And remember.. I'm also judging whether you've spent more than $1000 on your car. if you do- i.e. you cheat- you dont want to know whats going to happen ;)

See you in Perth!

James.





P.S. If Land Rover are in on the act, tell'em I've given em free advertising last year! Will swap Sticker space this year for a nice Puma 2.4 and 6 speed to fit in the Camel :)

[bobslandies]

Thanks Alex.

If you can post up some photos of your travels that would be great too!

Bob

[FeatherWeightDriver]

lots of great videos of the 2013 rally can be found here:

http://vimeo.com/xxxxboxrally

...but only after after you replace the xxxx with a slightly naughty word that these forums won't let me type.

Sorry moderators, it's for a good cause :angel:

[philry]

I think you would be better off with an RRC or disco.

But I suppose a S3 109" with a 202/valiant/ford/v8 conversion would also be OK. The added bonus is you could run in 2WD only if you want.

I think you stand a better chance of getting a disco or RRC with rego for under $1k than a series.

Yeah I definitely think a disco or RRC would be easier to find (even after a quick look around ive found several RRCs for the 4-500), but I have a knack for sniffing out a bargain (potentially found a stage one V8 ute for $700 if I can get through to the owner) and a couple of series 3s seem to be floating around the 600-900 mark in pretty decent shape - landy motors in them of course). Im going to put it to the LROCV at the next meeting too, see if anyones got something sitting about they dont need.


Afternoon all,

My names J. Alexander Hallowell, and i am the custodian of the vehicle mentioned above! Been a member on AULRO for a while, but dont get much time to post :)

My Landy is known as 'The Camel' and he's a 1973 Series 3, he was bought from slumbering in a front Garden in Emu Plains 8 months before the 2013 Rally from Adelaide to Fremantle, for $350 and subjected to an intense 8 month Restoration, new footwells, full paintjob, Springs, Shocks, wheels, tryes, Gearbox rebuild and Engine Conversion to a 'K' code HR X2 Holden 186 that I had previously pulled out of my '63 Series 2 Shorty before I shoehorned in a 3.5.

I'm pleased to report that his first trip anywhere in 14 years, quite literally was Sydney to Adelaide, then to Uluru, Warakurna, Tjukayirla, Laverton, Kalgoorlie, Fremantle, then back to Adelaide via the Nullarbor, then Adelaide to Melbourne and back to Sydney, the only real issue being the failure of a bush in the (Holden) Dizzy, that was fixed in about 20 minutes.
I have a family history of Cancer and I've been the chief Mechanic on the Rally since the first event in 2010- (incidentally, my car fir the first two years was a Rover SD1!:) ) and proud to let you know that we've raised so far, from humble beginnings (17 cars in 2010) nearly $3 Million for the Cancer Council.

As support, we dont get paid to do the Rally. Our costs come out of our own pocket. We raise funds as well. We are all there because we know someone (or have lost someone) affected by Cancer. My team mate this year's 8 yo daughter had childhood leaukeimea, and three little girls she befriended during treatment did not make it. Their names are on the Camel. I myself lost my grandfather in the UK to Prostate Cancer prior to this years event, I took his train driver cap with me on the Rally as a mark of respect.

As far as a Land Rover Series for the Rally, I would definitely suggest you fit an Oil Cooler for the trip. The Rally (without giving too much away) is designed to punish your car. You could be driving up to 900 Km in a day.
Ensure your Cooling system is top notch before you leave. Thermostat, Radiator cleaned, thermo, whatever you can blag for under your $1000 limit. This applies to the Disco above too.. Incidentally, there may also be a few more Disco's on this years trip- so you'll be in good company.
On a Holden equipped Land Rover, make sure its a Low Compression Motor, as Opal Fuel will make your landy rum hot, run on, and generally misbehave. If its a high comp motor, take some octane booster.
Remember to take the essential spares you think you may need. (If you have a disco/RR, take an XF Falcon Fuel Miser Fuel Pump- same as a rangie unit minus the $200 price tag) and anything else that puts your mind at ease. Remember- if your car can't be fixed, Land Rover or not, we dig it a hole......




And remember.. I'm also judging whether you've spent more than $1000 on your car. if you do- i.e. you cheat- you dont want to know whats going to happen ;)

See you in Perth!

James.





P.S. If Land Rover are in on the act, tell'em I've given em free advertising last year! Will swap Sticker space this year for a nice Puma 2.4 and 6 speed to fit in the Camel :)

Hi James, Thanks for posting and nice to speak to you! It sounds like the Camel has done extremely well, I look forward to meeting you and the camel next year.

I will definitely take on board your oil cooler suggestion, and will source duplicates of easily broken parts like fuel pumps, dizzys and maybe even a water pump etc.

Regarding the value/worth of a car, if I spend less than $1000 (and can prove it with receipts etc), but the approximate value of the car once ready is more (ie I buy this stage 1 for $700, of which some still can go for 3-5grand), is that going to be a problem?
Obviously its all a bit ambiguous and left up to your discretion (ie the VT Commodore in last years events could be seen as worth more etc), but the last thing I would want to do is spend a few months building a car on a shoestring to then have it deemed too valuable.

Again, thanks for your time on this!

Cheers, Phil

[SBRallyCamel]

Well, all things relative, most cars pass muster.
In 2011 we had a CM valiant rock up as the General Lee..
With a hole you could put your fist through in the A-Pillar, which needed $1000 worth of parts in the front end alone to get registered!
Last year some mates did it in a mini 998 van built from a shell and donated parts. The head was off 6 out of 7 nights and I never knew you could use 'A' series head gaskets so many times when you needed to..
Next year I'm taking a mini head gasket and when he carks it, as it will invariably do, I'm going to swap him my head gasket for all his beer:)

In this sort of case, and cars like these (and indeed yours and mine) we are setting ourselves up for a week of automotive torture, so such shoddy vehicles are actively encouraged. I find team mates trying to kill each other mildly amusing! :)
Where I personally draw the line is with teams that, as per one last year, turned up in a mid 2000's Subaru Forester. A quick check of redbook showed it was worth $5k. That's not in the spirit to me. However, I'm all for killing Alfa Romeo's and last year I think the Rally finished off four of em. Top work!
To put it this way. Last year we had a Lada Niva do the Rally. It didn't finish.
No biggie, I hear you say. What killed it? Water Pump? Engine?

Nope- some of the roads were so severe, is snapped it's rear axle clean in two.

To add insult to injury, a carefully driven Mini, Suzuki Mighty Boy and a 1958 Vauxhall Victor all finished.

Anyway. Yeah, old Landies should be ok, just be aware that if you/I/we (as the support teams) cannot fix your car, she stays where she is and the Rally keeps going without it... This bit adds to the 'heart in mouth for 7 day's factor!

This is personally what I'd take with you if I was an entrant, adhering to the rules if you have access to em- you'll be going up the Gibbs river road. It will be a road that will kill cars. I've done a few now, so I've got a rough idea what you'd want to carry..
- Holden 6 water pump
Points, plugs, condenser, coil (even an old dizzy to cannibalize if needed)
Oil pump- blag a standard new one if possible, or a good used one from a wreckers.
Fan Belts/Alternator Belt and Thermostat, Hoses
Silverseal!
A spare couple of new Unis for the driveshafts
Couple of Wheel Bearing kits- repack your old ones before you go!
I took a spare second hand swivel and bearings- you never know what you may need on some of those roads, especially if you're loaded up
Id also recommend you throw in a good second hand front and rear spring. If you snap a seized ol' main leaf on the Gibb, that ain't a good thing!
Anyway, they're my thoughts. And you'll probably find the bit that breaks is the bit you didn't bring anyway, so you'll end up in the same boat as everyone else- up the proverbial creek- whether you like it or not:)

[isuzurover]

... (potentially found a stage one V8 ute for $700 if I can get through to the owner) ...

Well a Stage 1 is an RRC with leaf springs...

[chazza]

"And remember.. I'm also judging whether you've spent more than $1000 on your car. "

Hmmm! Four new, legal tyres capable of standing the rigours of the roads you describe, would cost close to $1000 and a sensible person would carry at least one spare. Why such a low limit?

If the cars get auctioned at the end, wouldn't it make sense to have something worth bidding for?

Cheers Charlie

[FeatherWeightDriver]

Maybe "it's the vibe of the thing" that counts...;)

[chazza]

I have a car which qualifies instantly for this trial - it is a S2A rescued from a farm and given to me by the owner. However there are lots of things to consider along with James's useful list.

Firstly my free car cost me about $75 in fuel and 200km of depreciation costs to fetch it, and a $50 carton of beer to my cobber for lending me his car-tralier.

Then if I consider the preparation for a trip through the Kimberley and other nasty roads as James has outlined, I immediately think of: 2 spare wheels; water, food; swags; heavy spares, etc, which means heavy duty springs.

This then leads me to consider the safety-systems on the car - as I do with every car for any trip - brakes; steering and suspension first, followed by seatbelts; roll-over protection perhaps; windows and wipers; and lighting.

So my 2A will need new shoes; wheel cylinders; drums; pipes; hoses; master cylinder and probably cam-adjusters - about $600 not including freight, to a tin-pot little-country-town. I have some used parts which would fit, but for an around the continent trip I think new would be wiser.

Suspension will need new bushes and U-bolts; dampers and decent seats - it has none at the moment; about $500. Steering will need six new rod-ends and an overhaul of the relay - probably another $200 to $300 after freight and some decent rubbers for the rod-ends. The tyres are stuffed after 20 years of indolence - $225 ea plus tubes and balancing but I can fit them myself; say $1000, not including spares.

At this point it is time to give up, as the total is now $2350 and I haven't even thought about the other things that need doing, or spending another $600 minimum on getting it licenced! :(

And before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I am just a wet-blanket, I can add that one of my dearest friend's wife died of cancer in May this year, and both of us have discussed doing a trip just like this and we would still like to.

Honesty and integrity forbid me from cheating and it is not in my nature to beg for donations from businesses, or even other people, so that rules out that form of preparation.

May I then suggest that the organisers consider exempting the safety-systems from the $1000 limit - surely they want everyone to be safe - or raise the threshold to something more realistic; I think $3000 is sensible,

Cheers Charlie

[GoldCloverLeaf]

A few guys on the victorian Alfa forum have done the ****box rally the last 2 or 3 years in various 70's and 80's model Alfettas, Alfa 90's etc and they have all made it... if they can a series should do it no problem!

[philry]

"And remember.. I'm also judging whether you've spent more than $1000 on your car. "

Hmmm! Four new, legal tyres capable of standing the rigours of the roads you describe, would cost close to $1000 and a sensible person would carry at least one spare. Why such a low limit?

If the cars get auctioned at the end, wouldn't it make sense to have something worth bidding for?

Cheers Charlie

Hi Charlie, there is actually a note in the rules and conditions stating that extra allowances for tires are ok - "If your car needs 4 new tyres then this is a safety issue and therefore not included in the $1000. You will need 2 spares (also a safety thing) and these are definitely not included."

I guess if they raised the limit to 2-3grand, you could potentially enter stuff that doesnt really come under the ****box category.


I have a car which qualifies instantly for this trial - it is a S2A rescued from a farm and given to me by the owner. However there are lots of things to consider along with James's useful list.

Firstly my free car cost me about $75 in fuel and 200km of depreciation costs to fetch it, and a $50 carton of beer to my cobber for lending me his car-tralier.

Then if I consider the preparation for a trip through the Kimberley and other nasty roads as James has outlined, I immediately think of: 2 spare wheels; water, food; swags; heavy spares, etc, which means heavy duty springs.

This then leads me to consider the safety-systems on the car - as I do with every car for any trip - brakes; steering and suspension first, followed by seatbelts; roll-over protection perhaps; windows and wipers; and lighting.

So my 2A will need new shoes; wheel cylinders; drums; pipes; hoses; master cylinder and probably cam-adjusters - about $600 not including freight, to a tin-pot little-country-town. I have some used parts which would fit, but for an around the continent trip I think new would be wiser.

Suspension will need new bushes and U-bolts; dampers and decent seats - it has none at the moment; about $500. Steering will need six new rod-ends and an overhaul of the relay - probably another $200 to $300 after freight and some decent rubbers for the rod-ends. The tyres are stuffed after 20 years of indolence - $225 ea plus tubes and balancing but I can fit them myself; say $1000, not including spares.

At this point it is time to give up, as the total is now $2350 and I haven't even thought about the other things that need doing, or spending another $600 minimum on getting it licenced! :(

And before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I am just a wet-blanket, I can add that one of my dearest friend's wife died of cancer in May this year, and both of us have discussed doing a trip just like this and we would still like to.

Honesty and integrity forbid me from cheating and it is not in my nature to beg for donations from businesses, or even other people, so that rules out that form of preparation.

May I then suggest that the organisers consider exempting the safety-systems from the $1000 limit - surely they want everyone to be safe - or raise the threshold to something more realistic; I think $3000 is sensible,

Cheers Charlie

if you take the tires out of that amount we are looking at we are looking almost at the budget, also the joy for me is that after playing with these cars for a few years and chopping up a few parts cars, I do actually have a fair bit of the stuff that you have mentioned already in reasonable nick, I would still buy some new brake stuff and probably wouldnt bother with the HD springs.
Also I would be appoaching my landrover club for a set of club plates to do the drive on, which gets rid of the majority of the licensing costs.

I agree there could be easier ways to do it (ie buy a mitsubishi sigma with 2months reg left on it 1month before the race and drive it as is etc).
When I find a car that looks suitable (seeing a series 2 LWB 4cyl that the owner wants $200 for on the weekend), I will do a budget and see if its possible to fit beneath it.

[philry]

Hey guys!

So I have all my accounts sorted etc, if you would like to help out with a donation please visit this link, even if its only a few dollars, every amount helps!

https://****boxrally2014.everydayhero.com/au/phil - change the stars for the so called "naughty word"

Looks like I have a decent trayback series three that looks up to the test, just have to make the 300 odd km trek to get it now :D

[philry]

OK, SO, after much searching and a budget being done to keep the car under $1000, it turns out that without the donation/very cheap sale of a landy that it was going to be very hard to achieve, in my searches ive heard the Series Landrover likened to rolls royces and harley davidsons (yeah...cuz ive got half a chopped up rolls royce in my back yard and you can find abandoned harley davidsons under trees on 100s of farms across vic... just sayin...)

We have scrapped the idea and have gone with something seemingly more achievable, ive picked up a 1984 SAAB 900 sedan in very good condition for $300 - less than scrap really.
My mrs's daily for the last 5 years has been a 1992 900 coupe and was her dads for years before that, has done almost 400k and never missed a beat so it seemed like a good choice!

Drove it home from St Kilda the other night, started 1st time, drove the whole way home, a bit hot (had nearly no water) and was low on oil but didnt complain once.

Here are some bare photos before any work/decoration/stickers get applied.

Also here is the link to my sponsorship page if anyone would like to chuck in a few bucks (its obviously for a good cause) and there will be plenty of pics/vids to come https://****boxrally2014.everydayhero.com/au/phil

Also - I already have sponsorship from Pickapart but if any one else has a business and would like a sticker on the car please contact me for more details!

[GoldCloverLeaf]

Saab's were always pretty good in the competition rally scene... another good choice would be a 240 series volvo for the rear wheel drive goodness. I really gotta get my act together and do next years rally!

[philry]

Saab's were always pretty good in the competition rally scene... another good choice would be a 240 series volvo for the rear wheel drive goodness. I really gotta get my act together and do next years rally!

Yeah volvos were my other choice as this stage, found a 240 manual wagon but was $700, decided against it as i have more headroom this way, RWD it probably wouldnt make it to the finish line with me driving due to too much time spent on opposite lock :p

[isuzurover]

I just hope you don't need to replace any of the belts out in the field...

[philry]

I just hope you don't need to replace any of the belts out in the field...

Seems like youd probably have something negative to say about any car I was looking at...

What car would you choose isuzurover?

[isuzurover]

Seems like youd probably have something negative to say about any car I was looking at...

What car would you choose isuzurover?

WTF??? Where did that come from???

I owned a saab 900 turbo. Great car, but you just about need to pull the engine out to replace the belts!

FWIW I think it is a good choice - good luck.

[philry]

Sorry mate, shouldnt reply to posts when having a crap of a day.
Advise taken on board, might change the belts before I go if they look average.

[SBRallyCamel]

Aah, so many memories of Jury Rigging a Pintara Fuel tank and Commodore Fuel Pump in the boot of one of these when a Trio of Girls tore the behind out of the Fuel tank on their 900.. Good Times... :)

1) Watch the Exhaust, preferably fit a cheap Sump Guard. Itll be the first thing to go.
2) The Fuel Tank is Plastic so can't be bogged up. Fit some sort of protection.
Other than that, you should be right.

[PSI250]

i have also entered the SBR next year with a mate, were heading over from melb in a VC commo wagon.

Will keep an eye on this thread!

[philry]

Aah, so many memories of Jury Rigging a Pintara Fuel tank and Commodore Fuel Pump in the boot of one of these when a Trio of Girls tore the behind out of the Fuel tank on their 900.. Good Times... :)

1) Watch the Exhaust, preferably fit a cheap Sump Guard. Itll be the first thing to go.
2) The Fuel Tank is Plastic so can't be bogged up. Fit some sort of protection.
Other than that, you should be right.

Thanks for the tips, was definitely going to fit a sump guard but the fuel tank hadn't crossed my mind, might bolt a nice big piece of tread plate over it!
Also going to give it some suspension spacers and small rough terrain tires to give it a little bit of clearance as they seem to sit quite low!


i have also entered the SBR next year with a mate, were heading over from melb in a VC commo wagon.

Will keep an eye on this thread!

Yeah nice one mate! I recon it may be a good idea to travel across in a small convoy for a bit of support as who knows there may be a few bugs to iron out before we hit Perth!

[Rayngie]

We are driving across from Sydney for it, should definately convoy over....who knows what these cars will do to us before we even start the rally!

[Toppa]

Ok, so how many Aulro-ians are doing the rally? I'm doing the 2014 one as well.

So that's PSI250, Phil , an me..... Who else.? Going to be a cracking drive!

[Rayngie]

I'm doing it, Team Pom and a Kiwi..

[Toppa]

I should have said that our team name is 'Roll it in Glitter' cause you cant polish a turd, but you can....

Anyhow, cant wait to meet you guys on the voyage. Might have to get an AULRO sticker for the ****box so we can id each other?

[philry]

We are driving across from Sydney for it, should definately convoy over....who knows what these cars will do to us before we even start the rally!

Definitely! Would you guys come through Melbourne? or head inland across to radelaide?


I should have said that our team name is 'Roll it in Glitter' cause you cant polish a turd, but you can....

Anyhow, cant wait to meet you guys on the voyage. Might have to get an AULRO sticker for the ****box so we can id each other?

haha yeah that name did actually pop out at me, had a chuckle when i saw it.

With 4 aulro related teams and an aulro related support vehicle im beginning to think that landrover owners like a mechanical challenge or something :P

[Rayngie]

righto, my partners just got off the phone from Land Rover , they have a car for us!
Apparently a '90 Discovery V8 in good order will be ready for us next week, they are giving it the whole going over as part of their sponsorship, photo's will be up as soon as we have a look at it...

Very excited to do the rally , more so in a Land Rover!

[Toppa]

Well done, thats a great score!

Very jealous! Let me know if they feel like sponsoring any more landy nuts!

[SBRallyCamel]

Well, in addition to the above, the Camel will be making the trek, she will be fitted with S3 Army Spring Hangers and Shackles, 200 Tdi'ed up with an Ashcroft High Ratio Transfer which will mean I can junk the Overdrive.

In addition, my Partner will be contesting the Rally with her Team mate. Naturally, her car is also a Land Rover.
Picked her up a '94 Discovery ES V8- twin sunroofs, twin airbags, even the AC works a treat!
Cosmetically Scruffy- will be turned into a mock Camel Disco.. 2 car theme!
Works out well cause all the wheels, tyres etc I will pull off the Camel will just go straight on the Disco, rather than clutter up my yard for the next lifetime:)
She doesn't know it yet but as soon as the rego's good for another year, the centre muffler's coming out:)

[philry]

Is it the camel that needs the gearbox?? Just saw your wanted ad.

I have a series 2 box you can have if that helps? its in Melb though so you'l need to get it up there if you want it.

While im here, shameless plug - If anyone wants to donate please follow this link, any amount is a good amount!

https://****boxrally2014.everydayhero.com/au/phil

[CJ_DT]

Me and a mate are doing it also. Look forward to meeting all you guys over there.


We got ourselves a pug 404. Took it for its first run in many years on the weekend, ran a treat.


Tip for beginners, rolling on 2 pak paint after lots of beers is not a good idea.

[philry]

Looks great!
Love the old pugs, getting rare to come across these days.
Yeah our spray job was about 8 beers down haha, good thing it needs to just look good from afar, and will be covered in dirt within 200km anyway!

[philry]

Just thought I would post up a few pics of the Saab :)
Gets a few looks with the raised suspension, spare wheel on the bonnet and cage etc, never mind it being safety yellow and covered in stickers!

[Toppa]

Phill, that hardly looks like a ****box. It looks awesome, cant wait see it in the flesh. Hope the drive over goes smoothly.

See you in Perth

[Ozdunc]

Nice!

What's the little hatch in the boot for?

[digger]

Im not sure how far youll get with that tyre on the bonnet!

May have to move that to prevent any problems (bootlid maybe?)
Im sure that charity rally or not - obscured vision (and the risks to you and otrhers associated with that) will not be looked on well....

I hope you have a great trip and come back with a heap of unused spares!

[philry]

Nice!

What's the little hatch in the boot for?

We are carrying jerry cans in the boot so we have sealed off the rear compartment and ventilated it with the hatch, its actually a roof scoop and pulled off a Datto 1600 rally car wreck!


Im not sure how far youll get with that tyre on the bonnet!

May have to move that to prevent any problems (bootlid maybe?)
Im sure that charity rally or not - obscured vision (and the risks to you and otrhers associated with that) will not be looked on well....

I hope you have a great trip and come back with a heap of unused spares!

Yeah it will stay off until we hit bush id say, from the slope of the bonnet it doesn't actually protrude that far into vision past the wipers etc, but if it becomes a problem there will be room on the roof/in the back of the car :)

Cheers for the kind words guys, its amazing what a bit of scrounging around/cheap ebay pickups can do, all up we were $800ish down (all up including purchase of the car - $300), but we've just had to purchase a clutch plate as it was pretty much dead at $110 so $910 is the total, just scraping in under the $1000 threshold!

[gromit]

Just thought I would post up a few pics of the Saab :)
Gets a few looks with the raised suspension, spare wheel on the bonnet and cage etc, never mind it being safety yellow and covered in stickers!

I see that it's currently on Club Permit. I understand that WA don't recognise the VIC club permit system so are you going to get full rego ?

Colin

[CJ_DT]

Yours looks prettier than ours :(. But we did spend some of our budget on a sound system, got to have the priorities right. Vic club rego is no go for WA though :(.


PS the cans aren't staying on the roof.

[philry]

Ah...bugger...well thats put a spanner in the works.
Looks like I can get a temporary movement permit which should cover it, il give them a ring tomorrow.
Cheers for the heads up!

[gromit]

Ah...bugger...well thats put a spanner in the works.
Looks like I can get a temporary movement permit which should cover it, il give them a ring tomorrow.
Cheers for the heads up!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I remembered that most States will accept the VIC Club Permit but there was something about WA not accepting it.
Still, better than getting a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle....


Colin

[philry]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I remembered that most States will accept the VIC Club Permit but there was something about WA not accepting it.
Still, better than getting a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle....


Colin

Yep cheers for the heads up, you are correct, I've been in touch with WA transport, they have a permit that allows us to legally drive the car over there, only $38 so not breaking the bank :)

[Toppa]

You make it to WA?

[gromit]

Details of the rally here http://www.****boxrally.com.au/

Check out some of the cars....a Mighty Boy Ute ! Mercs, a Kingswood, a Porsche, Toyota Crown, P76............


Colin

[wrinklearthur]

Details of the rally here http://www.****boxrally.com.au/

Check out some of the cars....a Mighty Boy Ute ! Mercs, a Kingswood, a Porsche, Toyota Crown, P76............
Colin

Like working on any old car you must add a swear word to make it ( the link ) go.
.

[madmax]

any updates guys? should nearly be over by now....

I only heard about the rally a week or so ago on JJJ when they interviewed a team on this years drive...

I would love to go next year? do you have to purchase a car, I have a few ****ty cars here that would do the job nicely, all need a bit of work but saving the few $100 purchase price of the car... but then thinking about it Id have trouble leaving a 70 escort (the wifes first car, we've had it for 30yrs ) or my 71 val wayferer ute (15yrs) left on the side of the road some where out bush...

funny how you get attached to bloody old cars, ive only had my series 3 for 2 yrs but there is no way i could abandon it some where....

I start see now I can see why buying a ****box would be benificial, no attachment to it :)

matt

[CJ_DT]

Just got home tonight, but the Pug made it to the end, boy was it rough by the time it did. Glad I no longer own it, pretty sure the Saab boys got to the end under their own steam also.

[Toppa]

We made it also "roll it in glitter" 94 camry painted turd brown. Gantasric time, but 17 hours driving one day of tje gibb river was a hard slog. Lots of car carnage. The saab boys got interviewed by 60 mins n Broome.

[Toppa]

The mighty boy blew a cylinder on the second last day.... So close!

[philry]

Yep we made it! Hardly any major issues, lost a starter solenoid in Perth the day before the rally, all of our gearbox fluid halfway down the gibb river road (car was shaking so hard it was literally coming apart - nipped all back up, motor oil replacement and off we went), and thermo fan exploded 250km out of darwin.

Sort of expected worse so im happy :P

Definitely some stupid days, agreed Toppa that 17hour day was killer!

Epic trip though, heaps of fun! its reminded me what you can do on a budget in a limited amount of time!

How much did the pug go at auction for? wicked little car that!

[CJ_DT]

Had an absolute blast, and met some amazing people (even if our group wasn't that sociable).


Pug went for 400 at auction, took all my might not to resist buying it and driving it home, but sadly work on Tuesday meant that wasn't an option.


To be fair on the pug, it copped a hiding and did not once let us down.
(Top fell off the carb, and we had to smash the oil pressure gauge to stop any concerns about lack of oil pressure)


We did not touch the wheels and tyres, used no water, got a few hundred mls of oil each day other than that it got treated like a red headed stepchild and never complained. Worse still I flew home and got in my daily driver (a newish Kia) and me and my co driver both said the pug had comfier seats, better ride and more power. :(


Me on the other hand, my liver is just starting to forgive me. Now what to do it in next year. Sub 1K rover, another pug? Or something really stupid.

[Toppa]

Citroen 2cv?

[Toppa]

Was the pug the blue and white one?

[CJ_DT]

Yeah the pug was the flat black and white one. Done nicely with a brush roller and the back of a shovel.

[Toppa]

Blue / black, thats the one i meant. Co driver loved it. Good to hear she was a solid ride.

[Toppa]

Hey, Phil, good to see you didnt hit the 60 mins cutting room floor. Nice work.

[philry]

Haha cheers mate, well at least a bit of it got on, there was about 5mins of filming that they cut down to 10secs :P Probably a good thing with how I was looking that day!