Brisbane-Perth in a IIA!

[isuzurover]

We are contemplating DRIVING the IIA from Brissie-Perth after new years. 2.25NA diesel with no OD!

So - who thinks I am insane to attempt it?!?!?! :D

Can anyone suggest/recommend routes or places to see along the way???

[Utemad]

I'd be more concerned about the no aircon at that time of year:wasntme:

You seem to know those models back to front so I'm sure you will be fine.

[UncleHo]

G'day Isuzurover :)

It is not insane,:) but, it will be a slow trip, as they are comfortable with a cruising speed around 80kph, just take a good supply of tools and filters (good quality) but you may be better off to train it across the Nullabour Plain, that would lessen the problem of being an accident victim of a B-double with a sleeping driver:( otherwise I can see no more problems than with a later type car, it all hinges on mechanical condition and drivers competenance;) other roadusers would be the biggest problem and their competenancy.

cheers

[JDNSW]

Can't see any problems except for the lack of aircon and the need to ensure mechanical condition is good.

Particularly at that time of the year, ensure the cooling system is in top condition. Just allow a bit more time. Admittedly a few years back, but with another driver I drove a 2a diesel non-stop from near Finke to Sydney in two and a half days, but that was not in summer (it was winter and we had no heater!). And the roads were a lot worse then, about half the trip unsealed.

Unless it has already been done, I would consider converting to an alternator - the generator on them is prone to trouble and service or repairs likely to be difficult. At the very least replace the end bush with an antifriction bearing.

Some sound proofing would be worthwhile, and I would consider carefully the proposed tyres, remembering you will be almost entirely on bitumen, and offroad tyres are noisier and wear more rapidly.

Range is a bit short as standard, so unless you have a second tank a couple of jerricans would be a good idea.

Route: I would head west from Brisbane to Goondoowindi and then down the Newell to Dubbo, then west through Broken Hill to Port Augusta - the diesel will thank you for keeping to the flat ground.

If you have the time, Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is worthwhile, allow a minimum of one full day. You are welcome to drop in here if I'm home, not too far off the road.

John

[barryj]

Why not? What an experience you will have. Just don't push too hard and you will see heaps.

Check the usual hoses, lubes, belts etc and take spares just in case.

We drove from Brissie to Perth in 1995 but that was in a hired Tarago. Went down the Newell Highway to Coonabarabran and into Siding Springs. Then back roads to Cobar for something different.

It could be hot across the Nullarbor but Christmas day was only 16 deg Celsius and raining so the weather can change.

Our first Landy was a 2A and the log book showed it crossed the Nullarbor back in the mid '60's, but it was fairly new then but the road would have been a shocker.

[solmanic]

Why not? What an experience you will have. Just don't push too hard and you will see heaps.

Yeah - "Hey look, flat."

..."hey, there's more flat".


..."I can see some more flat".


(Three days later)


..."Guess what I see?"
"What?"
"It's some more flat."

[marko66]

Hi All

My mates series three diesel seems to get along at 80 to 90 kmh with no overdrive.

Why not keep coming West and do the simpson and alice springs and ayres rock to Kalgoorlie and then into Perth, it is probably the shortest way :D and you dont have to worry about traffic most of the time and your in a Land Rover so why not go Bush :cool::cool:

Regards Mark

[Quarks]

Yeah - "Hey look, flat."

..."hey, there's more flat".


..."I can see some more flat".


(Three days later)


..."Guess what I see?"
"What?"
"It's some more flat."
I can see it'd be flat out either way then! :D:D

I don't see why it can't be done, but as suggested earlier, it's probably best to drive according to what the engine is comfortable with rather than the speed limit.
All I can remember of my trip across the Nullabor in the SIII years ago was that it was noisy, erm, can't say anything, you won't be heard! But that was 100kph with overdrive.

Another thing to consider if it gets too hot is to drive during the cooler parts of the day and rest out during the warm bits. That's how my uncle + dad got 2 1949 AEC (ex-govt) busses across to Perth and back in 79/80.

:)

[OLR-067]

I was considering going around in the bloodbox.But after a 2 week trip in the old girl the conclusion was no.
There was to much noise, heat and the sheer increase in fatigue for the same km's. So I decided a 110 will do it easier.
Still nothing stopping you from doing it.Just be prepared for the morons on the highways.

Cheers
Paul

[isuzurover]

Can't see any problems except for the lack of aircon and the need to ensure mechanical condition is good.

Particularly at that time of the year, ensure the cooling system is in top condition. Just allow a bit more time. Admittedly a few years back, but with another driver I drove a 2a diesel non-stop from near Finke to Sydney in two and a half days, but that was not in summer (it was winter and we had no heater!). And the roads were a lot worse then, about half the trip unsealed.

Unless it has already been done, I would consider converting to an alternator - the generator on them is prone to trouble and service or repairs likely to be difficult. At the very least replace the end bush with an antifriction bearing.

Some sound proofing would be worthwhile, and I would consider carefully the proposed tyres, remembering you will be almost entirely on bitumen, and offroad tyres are noisier and wear more rapidly.

Range is a bit short as standard, so unless you have a second tank a couple of jerricans would be a good idea.

Route: I would head west from Brisbane to Goondoowindi and then down the Newell to Dubbo, then west through Broken Hill to Port Augusta - the diesel will thank you for keeping to the flat ground.

If you have the time, Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo is worthwhile, allow a minimum of one full day. You are welcome to drop in here if I'm home, not too far off the road.

John

Thanks John - already has alternator and LOTS of other minor improvements... (like comfy seats!!!). Mechanically it should be pretty fine, but has been sitting for a while so will give it a thorough chack and a "shakedown" run beforehand. I think I will take some earplugs too!!!

Have already seen Dubbo Zoo, and we will have 5 days for the Brisbane-Sydney leg (meeting up with a 2nd vehicle) - so may go via byron, etc.

I think I mioght do a PAS conversion beforehand if time permits though...

Has anyone done any of the Syd-Melb, Melb-Adelaide and Adelaide-Perth legs of the trips from the explore oz by 4x4 book? Which ones are really worth doing?

Oh and if anyone is interested - this is the IIA in question:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[mudmouse]

Well I went to school with a bloke whos old man took him, his mum and sister from Sydney to Perth and back over the school holidays.....in a diesel Gemini:o

Give it a shot, I reckon it would be a great trip.

[Gromit68]

I've done Townsville-Darwin and Darwin-Melbourne in a 2A with no o/drive.

I had zero problems owith traffic on the highways. I'd keep the same speed up and if I could move over to let them pass I would. Otherwise, everyone would just go around me with no complaint.

I found in the NT that I'd see the same cars each day. However in the LR, I'd start the driving earlier and take fewer/shorter rest stops, so I'd pass them repeatedly and still get to the destination roughly the same time as they did.

Just check all transmission oil levels each morning before you set off. A big syringe from the chemist is a cheap way to inject oil into the gearbox!

I'm right near the southern entrance to Sydney (coming from Canberra), so if you need assistance there, just ask!

[Blknight.aus]

have a crack I did darwin to perth and return in a soft top CJ5

that was a hoot...

to quote the yuong bloke out of the new transformers

"50 years from now dont you want to be able to say you were brave enough to get into the car?"

[GuyG]

I have a mate and his then girlfriend that rode push bikes from Brisbane to Perth leaving mid February, then bought an old Honda civic and drove home - not something I would do, and no they didn't train for it, I'd say go for it, why wouldn't you - great way to see the country side - yeah I know flat

I drove to Mt Isa years ago for a mates engagement party - It was great hadn't been much past Toowoomba before that, so thought why not.

[Outback 1]

i would say just make sure you have a comprehensive emergency kit. i used to drive b-doubles and road trains from melb-perth (until2000)
the roads are not bad and there are roadhouses at regular intervals,usually 2-3 hours apart.
my only advice is don't drive at night.
btw the nullarbor plain is only 90 miles long!
hope you enjoy the trip it's a great drive:BigThumb:

[Bigbjorn]

We are contemplating DRIVING the IIA from Brissie-Perth after new years. 2.25NA diesel with no OD!

So - who thinks I am insane to attempt it?!?!?! :D

Can anyone suggest/recommend routes or places to see along the way???

Brisbane-Warwick-Goondiwindi then down the Newell to Gilgandra-Warren-Nevertire-Nyngan-Cobar-Wilcannia-Broken Hill-Peterborough-Port Augusta then cross the bottom end all the way to Norseman and on to Perth. Fuel is expensive on the crossing so carry as much as you can and fill it where cheapest before going. A trailer with 200+ litres would be good. Brisbane distillate is generally around $1.20 at present.

[djam1]

Go for it 25 years ago we use to do it and it was quite acceptable dont flog it carry oil for everything and some oil seals and you should be fine.
It can be as hot as hell at that time of the year I use to find travelling at night was much more pleasant never worried much about Skippy just watch Wombats on the Nullabor (tired driver Wombat under front wheels usually means inverted Land Rover).
I would be very wary of travelling from Ayers Rock to Perth via the desert at that time of the year there will be little traffic, its not impossible that if it all goes pear shaped it could cost you your life.
Throw a 44 of diesel in the back and enjoy the trip.
From memory the 2.25 diesels were more sensitive than the petrols with heat so make sure the cooling system is in good nick, the occupants will be fine if use to heat, get a couple of atomising water bottles to help keep cool. If you havent already done it cover the floor with carpet or something I have seen thongs melt on the floor of an unsealed Series in hot conditions.

[DaveS3]

If you don't I'll do it!!!

I have Uni holidays coming up and was planning something big anyway ;)

Would be an unreal trip.

[D3Jon]

Nice one Ben, get it done mate, what an experience it will be!

Strangely enough, I'm sat in the study typing this as my missus is telling my mate (who's over from Portugal - who you met at Harvey) about how her Dad took them across Australia on un-sealed roads in the early 70's when they were kids in a Toyota Corolla (or similar - not entirely sure what it was, but a small car of Jap origin) with spare tyres thrown on top of a home built roof rack ! :)

It's an experience that she's never forgotten and never will, one life and all that, get it done asap, I just wish I was tagging along, but it will be done one day no doubt!

Jon

[weeds]

Go for it.......hope you have a fridge so that you can grab something nice and cold to quench the thirst

[Jeff]

Should be a good trip if you aren't in a hurry. But remember don't keep driving when you are tired, most crashes on roads are from sleepy drivers and with no corners and hopefully no breakdowns there isn't much to keep you alert.

Jeff

:rocket:

[RobHay]

Hi All

My mates series three diesel seems to get along at 80 to 90 kmh with no overdrive.

Why not keep coming West and do the simpson and alice springs and ayres rock to Kalgoorlie and then into Perth, it is probably the shortest way :D and you dont have to worry about traffic most of the time and your in a Land Rover so why not go Bush :cool::cool:

Regards Mark


Probably get taken out by a mob of stampeding camels:eek:

[RobHay]

Thanks John - already has alternator and LOTS of other minor improvements... (like comfy seats!!!). Mechanically it should be pretty fine, but has been sitting for a while so will give it a thorough chack and a "shakedown" run beforehand. I think I will take some earplugs too!!!

Have already seen Dubbo Zoo, and we will have 5 days for the Brisbane-Sydney leg (meeting up with a 2nd vehicle) - so may go via byron, etc.

I think I mioght do a PAS conversion beforehand if time permits though...

Has anyone done any of the Syd-Melb, Melb-Adelaide and Adelaide-Perth legs of the trips from the explore oz by 4x4 book? Which ones are really worth doing?

Oh and if anyone is interested - this is the IIA in question:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/


Matey! Matey! Take those thingy things off ya mud guards, creates wind draw, and will give slight improvement in the speed.......look I will come down and take them off for you.......Okay:)

[JDNSW]

.........
I think I mioght do a PAS conversion beforehand if time permits though...
........]

I don't think I would be inclined to do that - the main advantage is not on the highway, and do you really want to be testing a new, fairly radical, modification on a trip like this?

John

[isuzurover]

If you don't I'll do it!!!

I have Uni holidays coming up and was planning something big anyway ;)

Would be an unreal trip.

Do you want to tag along Dave?

And/or do you have a floor / backyard available for sleeping on when we are passing through melbourne? ;)


Hi All

My mates series three diesel seems to get along at 80 to 90 kmh with no overdrive.

Why not keep coming West and do the simpson and alice springs and ayres rock to Kalgoorlie and then into Perth, it is probably the shortest way :D and you dont have to worry about traffic most of the time and your in a Land Rover so why not go Bush :cool::cool:

Regards Mark

Yeah - mine will happily cruise all day at 80 (indicated) on 33's. Maybe a bit more.

I didn't think the simpson was doable at that time of year? And we are picking up some friends in a 2nd vehicle in sydney.



The fridge is definitely a good idea - will have to see what I can pick up...

[barryj]

Brisbane-Warwick-Goondiwindi then down the Newell to Gilgandra-Warren-Nevertire-Nyngan-Cobar-Wilcannia-Broken Hill-Peterborough-Port Augusta then cross the bottom end all the way to Norseman and on to Perth. Fuel is expensive on the crossing so carry as much as you can and fill it where cheapest before going. A trailer with 200+ litres would be good. Brisbane distillate is generally around $1.20 at present.


Route sounds good, but I would caution the trailer bit. The extra drama of towing would outweigh the extra cost of fuel. It's a ute so there should be little drama in carrying spare fuel.

Fuel stations are only a couple of hundred km apart and it would be advisable to stop for a break every few hours.

http://www.fuelwatch.wa.gov.au/index.cfm?pref=country&date=Today shows and average diesel cost of 141.4 at present.

[JDNSW]

......

I didn't think the simpson was doable at that time of year? .....
....

In the mid sixties I spent nearly two years working in the middle of the Simpson - twelve months of the year. Its doable - but whether you would want to, is another matter! I can recall several periods up to about ten days at a time when the temperature remained above 40C even overnight (daytime was close to 50C) although it usually dropped to around 30C overnight.

John

[UncleHo]

G'day Isuzurover :)

I would forget the PAS conversion, change to standard 7.50 x 16 tyres (put the Fatties in the back) as that will lighten the steering, and will be easily replacable, standard Tojo tyre fitting, set the Toe-in to ZERO Degrees(radial), and make sure the Swivel Pins & Wheel Bearings are set up correctly and it will be easy to steer, I can steer my 2a with 2 fingers at 90kph no problems, then the route Brian has suggested sounds about right, check ALL fluids daily including Hydraulic fluid, and EP-90 for the rest including steering box and Relay Unit (remove 2 screws to fill, it is slow and VERY labourious) as that is where most of the heavy steering originates.

cheers

[DaveS3]

Ben plenty of space for you if you require.
I found changing to wider MTR's from 7.50s on my old car the steering got lighter :confused:

I'd tag along no problems at all if I'm around.

[PAT303]

If it's got rover diffs front and back why not fit RR 3.54 centres for the trip? Pat

[isuzurover]

Ben plenty of space for you if you require.
I found changing to wider MTR's from 7.50s on my old car the steering got lighter :confused:

I'd tag along no problems at all if I'm around.

Cheers mate - may take you up on that! Will PM.

I fitted +30mm offset disco rims when I fitted the wide tyres - that made the steering a bit heavier due to the increased scrub radius. However, there is no way I would go back to 7.50s - the handling and offroad performance is so much better with the MTRs. I will be trying to fit in as much offroading on the trip as possible - not just staying on the main highway.

Brian - I have 2x70 L (custom) tanks. I might take a couple of jerry-cans, but that should do IMO. I get about 10 l/100 when sitting on 80km/h.

60 series PAS conversion is pretty simple, but maybe it might be a better idea to leave it... will see...

EDIT - BTW - anyone need a landie transported from Sydney - Perth??? I have some friends who are planning to tag along, who are looking for a vehicle (will hire if nothing else comes up). Best hire deal so far is $60/day.

[The Sheik Of Scruby Creek]

when are you looking at going over?

I'm looking at moving to perth in a month or two and plan on driving my 1959 Series 2 diesel over with my no. 5 trailer.

If your planning to head over around the time I do I'd love to tag along.... we've got us a convoy.... a landrover convoy........ lol

I'm chucking the range rover diffs away and ordered myself a high speed transfer case today to put in her... Mine loves to sit around 90km/h it'll do 100 no worries but it loves 90

[isuzurover]

Early-Mid January.