Thread: Touring Classics

With the quality control of rubber bushes these days, i'd opt for superpro anyday.😊

As someone who has done a circuit a couple of times in a 91 RRC, I offer the following
1 replace the upper tailgate locks before you go unless they have been known to be replaced in the last 5 years. If you asked me why I would say it aint fun driving on the Tanami from Wolf Creek to the end with the tailgate open.
2 Good advice re radiator
3 have the starter motor dismantled and checked as you cannot push start an auto. It cost me $100 and was well worth it.

4 I really don't think you need to isolate the coolers etc. I would just change the auto fluid for Castrol Transmax Z which is a full synthetic ATF and recommended by ZF for HD applications. I towed a 1tonne camper and never had the trans warning light come on.(except when it filled with water once) . Of course you ZF must be in good nick or you are asking for trouble.

5 Block up the aircon outlets in the D pillars with duct tape and if you can be bothered check that the plastic sheets behind the door trims are in place.
That is all I can think of now.
Regards Philip A
When I think about it , I would not do electric fans as they tend to fail at the worst time. a new VC and fan blades is what I would do and did do. Check that your aircon fans are working also. Mine failed in Kununurra and the pressure in the evaporator stopped the engine cranking. Have your aircon serviced before you go.

A few more things. How old is your alternator? If old a Bosch replacement is the way to go as you can get parts all over the place. What mostly fails in a Bosch is the regulator /brush pack which is cheap and small and available at any Repco . Just ask for a Commodore or Magna one.

There's some info around about re-locating the gas strut mounts for the upper (glass & rust) tailgate. Briefly, the struts are now 'over-centre' and their 'push' now keeps it closed, instead of constantly trying to open it.
When it does pop open at speed... you lose any loose papers inside the car. Never did find that $10 note on the centre console Yes, the latches were worn and letting go.

Would be instructive to know what particular brand of rubbers fell apart. I've been told that there can be some... variance.. with certain 'aftermarket' brands over there.

When I replaced some bushes on the Pajero years ago, there was a choice of urethane 'hardness'. I picked the softest. Ride was firmer than the worn out rubber but not obnoxious.

Good idea re Starter Motor. Brushes are cheap, at home. One of the few LUCAS items that is WORTH re-furbishing, if required.

There a quite a few posts in the past of OEM bushes flogging out in hardly any time at all.
And as stated in many many posts, superpro aren't normal poly/urethane bushes.

The tailgate mod was done by maxidrive from memory. Pretty sure i have a tailgate somewhere that has had it done to it.

Originally Posted by Vern

The tailgate mod was done by maxidrive from memory. Pretty sure i have a tailgate somewhere that has had it done to it.

I have a word version copy of the changeover for the rear door with pics if anyone needs it. PM with an email address and I'll forward it.

I don't think the mod will make much difference as a tailgate AJAR will let in as much dust as an open one.

OP will still need new locks. They are only about $100 a pair and it is better to do at home than waiting a week in Kununurra and then receiving a pair of D2 rear airbags. LOL Although the caravan park at Ord River Dam is quite nice. They seem to last about 15 years.
Regards Philip A

The dust is one thing... but when the glass bit flings itself open in mid-flight... you get a similar 'explosive decompression' effect ..and scares the whatsis our of you..plus the sudden vacuum drags everything out. before you can grab the money.....

For the Fright Value alone it's worthwhile. Besides, best time to do it is in conjunction with said lock bits.

Pity no-one ever designed and manufactured (kit or full) a totally one-piece rear door assembley, either side or top opening.
I've seen barn-style replacements on a Classic, from memory it was an ex-Brit. Govt. armoured car, suitable glass all around, ballistic shielding and run-flat tyres. Must have had a terrible thirst !

Not sure if its this one, but. MacNeillie - Armoured - Range Rover Classic

This is what I mean... GALLERY - My Suffix A 2 Door Range Rover

Someone-somewhere has done it in firbreglass.... so it CAN be done. classic range rover one piece rear tailgate in glassfibre | in Kinross, Perth and Kinross | Gumtree

Originally Posted by superquag

Someone-somewhere has done it in firbreglass.... so it CAN be done. classic range rover one piece rear tailgate in glassfibre | in Kinross, Perth and Kinross | Gumtree

For a moment there, I thought it was in WA's version of Kinross/Perth!

Anyone coming back from Blighty with some spare room?