Bought a Syncrog

1
Hi there

I've been lurking here for a while but thought i'd post now i've bought a Syncro.

It's an 87 buit in the UK and been in Oz since 89 when it was privately imported. Has an
Autohomes camper conversion and a 1.6 turbo diesel engine. Oh and dual diff locks!

Needs new tyres as they are non matching (same size though) and a new VC I imagine. The
diff locks don't seem to operate but probably just lack of use and old tubing.

It's going to be keeping me busy no doubt.

Anyone got a set of nice rims that would fit? Anyone want to buy the bullbar?

I'm not sure on protocol with images on here but here are some links to it:

http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5383.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5388.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5389.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5390.jpg
2
Gary,
 
Great news.  And looks very good in the pics.  There are various bits of information that will be of high relevance to you at the moment but I am up to my eyeballs in a company takeover, so writing a long email needs time that I don't have.  But, that said, I always have time for members and their questions.  If you can ring me on 03 9327 7609, I can give you a basic set of information much more quickly than I can draft an email that should smooth the path of first-time Syncro ownership - and save you money.
 
By the way, what is a "Syncrog"?
 
Les
3
Hi Les

A Syncrog is like a Syncro but only when you are rushing your typing...

Sounds great. The main thing I need to sort out are the tyres/wheels which seems to be a
complex subject judging by what i've read on the various syncro sites.

Sounds like you might be somewhere nearby. I'm in North Fitzroy.

When is a good time to call?

Thanks

Gary


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris" <leslieharris@...> wrote:
>
> Gary,
>
> Great news. And looks very good in the pics. There are various bits of information that
will be of high relevance to you at the moment but I am up to my eyeballs in a company
takeover, so writing a long email needs time that I don't have. But, that said, I always have
time for members and their questions. If you can ring me on 03 9327 7609, I can give
you a basic set of information much more quickly than I can draft an email that should
smooth the path of first-time Syncro ownership - and save you money.
>
> By the way, what is a "Syncrog"?
>
> Les
>
4
Hi Les

A Syncrog is like a Syncro but only when you are rushing your typing...

Sounds great. The main thing I need to sort out are the tyres/wheels which seems to be a
complex subject judging by what i've read on the various syncro sites.

Sounds like you might be somewhere nearby. I'm in North Fitzroy.

When is a good time to call?

Thanks

Gary


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Les Harris" <leslieharris@...> wrote:
>
> Gary,
>
> Great news. And looks very good in the pics. There are various bits of information that
will be of high relevance to you at the moment but I am up to my eyeballs in a company
takeover, so writing a long email needs time that I don't have. But, that said, I always have
time for members and their questions. If you can ring me on 03 9327 7609, I can give
you a basic set of information much more quickly than I can draft an email that should
smooth the path of first-time Syncro ownership - and save you money.
>
> By the way, what is a "Syncrog"?
>
> Les
>
5
Gary,
 
Any time after 6pm.  If I am home, I can always spend whatever time is necessary with a Syncro owner.  I live in Seabrook, which is on Point Cook Road, a couple of km south of the freeway.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:35 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Bought a Syncro

Hi Les

A Syncrog is like a Syncro but only when you are rushing your typing...

Sounds great. The main thing I need to sort out are the tyres/wheels which seems to be a
complex subject judging by what i've read on the various syncro sites.

Sounds like you might be somewhere nearby. I'm in North Fitzroy.

When is a good time to call?

Thanks

Gary

.

6
Hi Gary,

Re rims; I have a set of 15 x 7 ex Audi A6/8 rims that I'd intended to use on my old Syncro, but it's now sold in favour of a T5. I'm in close by, in Fairfield, and they have tyres on (205/75, barely roadworthy), so you can try them on. I'm away on holidays at the moment though, so internet access is sporadic. I'll be back after Cup Day.

Brian Reed

---- garycookson2 <garycookson2@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hi there
>
> I've been lurking here for a while but thought i'd post now i've bought a Syncro.
>
> It's an 87 buit in the UK and been in Oz since 89 when it was privately imported. Has an
> Autohomes camper conversion and a 1.6 turbo diesel engine. Oh and dual diff locks!
>
> Needs new tyres as they are non matching (same size though) and a new VC I imagine. The
> diff locks don't seem to operate but probably just lack of use and old tubing.
>
> It's going to be keeping me busy no doubt.
>
> Anyone got a set of nice rims that would fit? Anyone want to buy the bullbar?
>
> I'm not sure on protocol with images on here but here are some links to it:
>
> http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5383.jpg
> http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5388.jpg
> http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5389.jpg
> http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5390.jpg
>
7
I endorse Ben's comments on the AAZ TD engines.

For those that haven't read it previously, I gave a brief bit of info
on my experience with them here:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/message/1877

Maybe now that Skoda are selling cars in Australia again there will
soon be a supply of VW TD engines for our vans!

Les, Andrew, Melissa and Ossy are still in Brisbane and working hard
before setting off on the next stage of their trip. I believe they are
secretly aiming on the longest around Australia trip in a Kombi :-)

Cheers,

Andy.
8
Andy,
 
Thanks for the reminder.  I have rather too much going on in my life to keep track of important details like that posting on diesel engines.  This annoys me because I would like to be able to recall things like this and point new members to them.
 
Do you think that Andy and Melissa are going for the longest time record or the longest distance record?  Or both?  Either way, it will be a good test of their Syncro, the more so because they changed engines (MV to Subaru 2.5) in Melbourne.  I look forward to direct comparison of the two.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:23 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Bought a Syncro

I endorse Ben's comments on the AAZ TD engines.

For those that haven't read it previously, I gave a brief bit of info
on my experience with them here:

http://autos. groups.yahoo. com/group/ Syncro_T3_ Australia/ message/1877

Maybe now that Skoda are selling cars in Australia again there will
soon be a supply of VW TD engines for our vans!

Les, Andrew, Melissa and Ossy are still in Brisbane and working hard
before setting off on the next stage of their trip. I believe they are
secretly aiming on the longest around Australia trip in a Kombi :-)

Cheers,

Andy.

9
On 10/23/07, raredownunder <rafear@internode.on.net> wrote:


Maybe now that Skoda are selling cars in Australia again there will
soon be a supply of VW TD engines for our vans!
 
Andy,
 
They'll probably be TDI though. Wish I could say the same in California. Marketing new diesel models have been tied up red tape here. That makes a diesel conversion economically impractical for many. Subie 2.2's cost about a third of the cost of doing even a 1.9TD conversion here.
 
Ben T.

 
10
You are right I am sure Ben. They would all be TDi's.

Thus far, diesel conversions are generally cost prohibitive here as well which, as Les
suggested is why most of us opt for a Subaru if undertaking a conversion. I believe I could
have imported a AAZ engine from Europe cheaper than purchasing one of the few available in
Aus.

I am running my 2.5 Subie on LPG which when compared with the price of diesel (LPG is half
the price) here makes a diesel conversion even less attractive. Admittedly I had to pay for the
LPG conversion of course!

Andy.
11
Andy,
 
Very interested to see that you have gone LPG.   Did you go to LPG from the outset?  How do you find it?
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:50 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Bought a Syncro

You are right I am sure Ben. They would all be TDi's.

Thus far, diesel conversions are generally cost prohibitive here as well which, as Les
suggested is why most of us opt for a Subaru if undertaking a conversion. I believe I could
have imported a AAZ engine from Europe cheaper than purchasing one of the few available in
Aus.

I am running my 2.5 Subie on LPG which when compared with the price of diesel (LPG is half
the price) here makes a diesel conversion even less attractive. Admittedly I had to pay for the
LPG conversion of course!

Andy.

12
On 10/24/07, raredownunder <rafear@internode.on.net> wrote:
You are right I am sure Ben. They would all be TDi's.

Thus far, diesel conversions are generally cost prohibitive here as well which, as Les
suggested is why most of us opt for a Subaru  if undertaking a conversion. I believe I could
have imported a AAZ engine from Europe cheaper than purchasing one of the few available in
Aus.

I am running my 2.5 Subie on LPG which when compared with the price of diesel (LPG is half
the price) here makes a diesel conversion even less attractive. Admittedly I had to pay for the
LPG conversion of course!

Andy.
 
Andy,
 
I worked it out that it would take me 7-10 years of fuel savings to justify the price difference between my 2.2 turbo Subie install vs. my AAZ. Used of free vegi oil from restaurants can bring that down to 5 years. Not wirth the expense for most people.
 
LPG fell out of favor some years ago in the US with the exception of taxis and public buses. Enthusiast magazines are no help with their comments about LPG packing less energy than gasoline (petrol).
 
Ben
13
Dear Gary,
Am practically under your front verandah as I live in North Carlton. Normally that is, as have been up in  China for the last 6 weeks and am suffering extreme Syncro deprivation until I return on Cup Day. Could lend you some syncro(heavier gauge) 14" wheels all shod in well worn Michelins until you sort out what you are doing but do believe Brian Reed's Audi 15" wheels will be worth a look.Also have a workshop manual and even possibly an English road test of the petrol version of your vehicle.
Have pencilled in Day of the VW on the 25th Nov but my wife may have inked in something else.
Will contact you on my return.As far as North Carlton goes, its been hard being the only Syncro in the village!
Cheers
Roger
garycookson2 <garycookson2@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi there

I've been lurking here for a while but thought i'd post now i've bought a Syncro.

It's an 87 buit in the UK and been in Oz since 89 when it was privately imported. Has an
Autohomes camper conversion and a 1.6 turbo diesel engine. Oh and dual diff locks!

Needs new tyres as they are non matching (same size though) and a new VC I imagine. The
diff locks don't seem to operate but probably just lack of use and old tubing.

It's going to be keeping me busy no doubt.

Anyone got a set of nice rims that would fit? Anyone want to buy the bullbar?

I'm not sure on protocol with images on here but here are some links to it:

http://www.twentytw entyone.com. au/pics/kombi/ _MG_5383. jpg
http://www.twentytw entyone.com. au/pics/kombi/ _MG_5388. jpg
http://www.twentytw entyone.com. au/pics/kombi/ _MG_5389. jpg
http://www.twentytw entyone.com. au/pics/kombi/ _MG_5390. jpg


Sick of deleting your inbox? Yahoo!7 Mail has free unlimited storage. Get it now.

14
To Roger's Wife,
 
Plea bargain:  The Day of the VW is once a year and the Melbourne Syncronauts don't get much chance to meet.  Could Roger please be excused for just this one day?  Or come with him?  Some of us are even fairly civilized.    You can have him for the rest of the year.
 
Roger,
 
Had a long phone conversation with Gary late in the afternoon and passed on some basic information.  Gary has been very active, scouring the net and has already located a lot of information.  Fortunately, he has a copy of Bentleys.
 
What have you been up to in China?  (Things have changed a bit since I was associated with Henry Millicer in the Aero faculty.)
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Roger Bell
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Bought a Syncrog

Dear Gary,
Am practically under your front verandah as I live in North Carlton. Have pencilled in Day of the VW on the 25th Nov but my wife may have inked in something else.

Will contact you on my return.As far as North Carlton goes, its been hard being the only Syncro in the village!
 
Cheers
 
Roger
.

15
Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Bought a Syncrog
Hi Roger

You are no longer the only Syncro in the village! I believe I’ve seen yours if its often parked in Canning St?

Give me a shout on the list when you are back and we can have a chat. Thanks for the offer of wheels.

Cheers
Gary
 
 

Dear Gary,
  
Am practically under your front verandah as I live in North Carlton. Normally that is, as have been up in  China for the last 6 weeks and am suffering extreme Syncro deprivation until I return on Cup Day. Could lend you some syncro(heavier gauge) 14" wheels all shod in well worn Michelins until you sort out what you are doing but do believe Brian Reed's Audi 15" wheels will be worth a look.Also have a workshop manual and even possibly an English road test of the petrol version of your vehicle.
  
Have pencilled in Day of the VW on the 25th Nov but my wife may have inked in something else.
Will contact you on my return.As far as North Carlton goes, its been hard being the only Syncro in the village!
  
Cheers
  
Roger
  
garycookson2 <garycookson2@yahoo.com> wrote:
  
 
  
Hi there

I've been lurking here for a while but thought i'd post now i've bought a Syncro.

It's an 87 buit in the UK and been in Oz since 89 when it was privately imported. Has an
Autohomes camper conversion and a 1.6 turbo diesel engine. Oh and dual diff locks!

Needs new tyres as they are non matching (same size though) and a new VC I imagine. The
diff locks don't seem to operate but probably just lack of use and old tubing.

It's going to be keeping me busy no doubt.

Anyone got a set of nice rims that would fit? Anyone want to buy the bullbar?

I'm not sure on protocol with images on here but here are some links to it:

http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5383.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5388.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5389.jpg
http://www.twentytwentyone.com.au/pics/kombi/_MG_5390.jpg



  
Sick of deleting your inbox? Yahoo!7 Mail has free unlimited storage. Get it now <http://au.rd.yahoo.com/mail/taglines/default_all/storage/*http://au.docs.yahoo.com/mail/unlimitedstorage.html> .