Thread: ARN 48206 - 12 Month Summary

Hi Guys
I thought you might like a summary of my experiences with Fred (AKA Perentie GS ARN 48206, Feb 1988) which I purchased a year ago on 24 March 2014.

The speedo at purchase showed 4570 kms and I presume was replaced during an apparent total rebuild (only very sketchy service records were provided). Dates on various new items indicate a rebuild between late 2009 and early 2010. The whole of the mechanicals from the chassis up had been replaced including, transmission, axle assemblies, suspension, fuel, cooling, brake and exhaust systems and the engine is either replaced or fully reconditioned. All bushes, hoses and tyres etc were new. The vehicle appears to have sat around idle for long periods since rebuild to the detriment of the tyres and some rusted areas.

Photos: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/.../200083...s-friends.html

Problems at purchase:
Some local surface rust, mainly in the passenger door (water ingress point at front-top of door window) and windscreen frame (brushed back, treated with penetrol and repainted). Another lower passenger door was obtained from a wreck as a future backup.

Wiring in the front loom and the glass fuse box was a mess although the wiring seemed to be new. It needed tidying up, testing, wrapping and cable tying particularly where it entered the fire wall ($700 cost).

Subsequent additions:
Security centre console, 2nd spare wheel + bracket, ignition and door lock barrels, some LED lighting, spare passenger door, rear seat cushions, dash charger unit, GPS navigation, Gardening tools set, fuel and water jerry cans, storage boxes and tool kit/jack and wheel brace.

Travels:
12 220 kms since purchase (16 790 on speedo) made up of:

6000kms trip ? Simpson, Strezlecki, Tirari, Painted and Sturt's Stoney Deserts in high summer.
4000kms trip ? Kosciusko Nat Park and Victorian Alps (forest and 4WD tracks), Omeo to Dargo, Mt Hotham to Bright, Great Ocean Rd, Grampians and Lake Mungo Nat Park.
500kms ? Watagans and Yengo Nat Parks and Werrikimbi Wilderness
1720kms ? day to day driving

Consumption:
Note ? corrected for 4.5% odometer error
Overall: (12220 kms) - 9.67 litres/100kms
Best fill up 7.88 litres/100kms, Worst fill up 10.71 litres/100kms (except for one period in continuous heavy sand @ 12.8 litres/100kms)

Cruising speeds ? 90-100kph on highway, 80-85 on dirt. Once up to 120kph overtaking)

Work Required:
General wiring upgrade ? see above.
General rust treatment ? not structural ? see above.
Waterproofed canopy with 2 coats (4 litres) of Liddy Dry Seal ? no leaks even in several heavy downpours.
1 major and one minor service (using RX Super in engine, gearbox and transfer case, Ryco Z419 (oil) and Z169A (fuel) filters and Penrite 80w90 diff oil).
1 XZL tyre replaced due to cracked tread.
1 universal joint replaced.
1 minor ignition wiring repair.

Comments:
The truck has always run cool never higher than 85 degrees even in extended hot desert conditions (over 40 deg.), or continuous steep grades in mountains, with no loss of coolant.
Absolutely no oil or fuel leaks (never needed to top up engine oil).
Fairly quiet running with slightly elevated revs to reduce gearbox rattle at startup. A friend who has ridden in several Perenties says the engine is
noticeably quieter and there are less rattles (I have chocked the ROPS with small wooden wedges).
All in all, I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. The only drawback is it won't fit in the garage!

Great write up Mike. It is good to hear the sort of klms that you have put on ARN48206. From reading about your travels and viewing your photo's and it looks like you got a good one. Very impressed with the economy you are getting too. The best I have got out of my RFSV is around 10 litres per 100 klms. I do believe that RFSV's are geared lower than the other 4x4 Perentie variants though and it probably accounts for them being a bit thirstier.

Well done and thanks for the great write up.

Regards Warrick.