Thread: GVM, so how does this work down under anyway?

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Did you read the OP? He's spent considerable time, money and effort to prepare the car for the trip. He wants to use a P38a, there's zero chance of buying a reliable, well setup to the OP's requirements, particularly in the short time an overseas visitor will have.

Prelude, New Zealand has equally strict rules of cleanliness as Australia.

Of course I read it. He'd still save several thousand dollars by buying here.

I've seen 4WDs towing caravans being stopped and inspected, but its true its rare.

Can you reduce weight by :

[1] going to an alloy roof rack (if it already isn't). For example a steel ARB rack is about 50kg, a Front Runner alloy is about 30kg, I had a custom made one weighing it at 23kg.

[2] front and rear bars out of alloy - to get the same strength I think they'll be 1/3 thicker material, but half the weight - I could be wrong, thats from memory.

[3] water bladder instead of tank

[4] remove un-needed seats

[5] flexible over rigid solar panels

[6] winch rope instead of cable

[7] consolidate tools

No idea if they still do this. Every now and then Qld. Transport used to have a roadside blitz on 4WD's usually in holiday times at popular 4WD spots. Usual checks were driver's licences, registration, and oversize tyres, overwidth track increases, and excessive lifts. Bullbars, driving lights, fishing rod holders got honorable mention also. I have no idea if weights were checked. Drivers/owners would do well to note that if found "unroadworthy" by reason of non-conforming or not permitted modifications then the vehicle can not be driven and must be removed from the site by towing. You may be given two weeks to effect repairs and present the vehicle at one of the Dept's inspection stations for further inspection and approval (or further work orders!)

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Of course I read it. He'd still save several thousand dollars by buying here..

Maybe not,more than likely would have to spend a long time trying to find something that suits,then may end up with a lemon.There are lots of those around.
Then modify it to suit his needs.

Lots of $$$ and probably issues.

Originally Posted by Bigbjorn

No idea if they still do this. Every now and then Qld. Transport used to have a roadside blitz on 4WD's usually in holiday times at popular 4WD spots. Usual checks were driver's licences, registration, and oversize tyres, overwidth track increases, and excessive lifts. Bullbars, driving lights, fishing rod holders got honorable mention also. I have no idea if weights were checked. Drivers/owners would do well to note that if found "unroadworthy" by reason of non-conforming or not permitted modifications then the vehicle can not be driven and must be removed from the site by towing. You may be given two weeks to effect repairs and present the vehicle at one of the Dept's inspection stations for further inspection and approval (or further work orders!)

They can also issue a notice requiring the vehicle's emissions to pass a test within a period or the registration is cancelled.

He could get the weight right down by leaving the P38 at home and then buy a used petrol L322 in Oz and getting Total Care from the RACV or NRMA.

He might thus have a really enjoyable time and save heaps of money.

DL

And just think...............

When he gets back home he'll have an un scarred P38 without red dust in every crevice, no outstanding invoices, no law suits, no divorce proceedings, no mental health issues from 'mechanical disappointments' in the middle of nowhere.

His P38 could end up intact in a museum in the mother country with a plaque in front that reads 'I didn't' and people could travel from all over to see it and learn something.

Maybe.

DL

He could also stay in Holland and save more money, but neither are want he wants.
The chances of arriving in the country, from overseas, and buying a P38a ready to reliably drive the big lap are about the same as jagging the lotto.
Prelude has also alluded to touring other countries, too. He won't want to be buying a car for each country.