Kimberley Kapers

1
 
To all
Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.
After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.
Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.
Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?
On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put in when the old heads were leaking.
Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.
Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks than driving through town.
Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert dirt track.
Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc
Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.
Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River road.
Cheers Graham/Roey
2
Well done Graham,

I'm very jealous. I should have snuck into the back of your van at the Nationals when you weren't looking!

Attach some photos for a bigger tease when you get a chance.

Great to hear all is well - you should have enough spares in the back of your van to rebuild the motor anyway.

Cheers,

Skot

On 8/06/2012 11:28 AM, Graham Adams wrote:

To all
Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.
After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.
Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.
Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?
On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put in when the old heads were leaking.
Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.
Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks than driving through town.
Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert dirt track.
Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc
Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.
Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River road.
Cheers Graham/Roey

3

Hi Graham / Roey,

 

Green with envy, that’s me !!! instead, I have the gear box at Ron’s ! Tomorrow I see him and ‘help’ to strip it, to find out what’s wrong.

Got to have it ready before Valla. Enjoy your travels !!

Hartmut

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Graham Adams
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 11:28 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

 

 

To all

Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.

After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.

Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.

Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?

On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put in when the old heads were leaking.

Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.

Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks than driving through town.

Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert dirt track.

Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc

Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.

Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River road.

Cheers Graham/Roey

4
Hart,

What were the symptoms of your gearbox trouble?

Thanks,

Skot

On 8/06/2012 3:01 PM, Hartmut Kiehn wrote:
 

Hi Graham / Roey,

 

Green with envy, that’s me !!! instead, I have the gear box at Ron’s ! Tomorrow I see him and ‘help’ to strip it, to find out what’s wrong.

Got to have it ready before Valla. Enjoy your travels !!

Hartmut

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Graham Adams
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 11:28 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

 

 

To all

Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.

After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.

Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.

Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?

On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put in when the old heads were leaking.

Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.

Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks than driving through town.

Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert dirt track.

Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc

Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.

Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River road.

Cheers Graham/Roey


5

Coming home from the Nats, it started howling like a pack of dingoes, the oil plug looked like a Christmas tree, full of metal shavings. Ha.

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mr Scott Pitcher
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 3:05 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Gearbox Troubles

 

 

Hart,

What were the symptoms of your gearbox trouble?

Thanks,

Skot

On 8/06/2012 3:01 PM, Hartmut Kiehn wrote:

 

Hi Graham / Roey,

 

Green with envy, that’s me !!! instead, I have the gear box at Ron’s ! Tomorrow I see him and ‘help’ to strip it, to find out what’s wrong.

Got to have it ready before Valla. Enjoy your travels !!

Hartmut

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Graham Adams
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 11:28 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

 

 

To all

Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.

After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.

Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.

Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?

On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put in when the old heads were leaking.

Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.

Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks than driving through town.

Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert dirt track.

Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc

Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.

Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River road.

Cheers Graham/Roey

 

6
Hart. TRISTAR OR TRAKKA? Say hello to Ronny for me and let him know the box he built for me is smooth as a babys bum. He's the man. Ask him about synthetic vs mineral box oil. I know what his answer will be. Bill
7
Pack of Dingoes??...is that what I have back there.
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Hartmut Kiehn" <hartis@...> wrote:
>
> Coming home from the Nats, it started howling like a pack of dingoes, the
> oil plug looked like a Christmas tree, full of metal shavings. Ha.
>
>
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mr Scott Pitcher
> Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 3:05 PM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Gearbox Troubles
>
>
>
>
>
> Hart,
>
> What were the symptoms of your gearbox trouble?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Skot
>
> On 8/06/2012 3:01 PM, Hartmut Kiehn wrote:
>
>
>
> Hi Graham / Roey,
>
>
>
> Green with envy, that's me !!! instead, I have the gear box at Ron's !
> Tomorrow I see him and 'help' to strip it, to find out what's wrong.
>
> Got to have it ready before Valla. Enjoy your travels !!
>
> Hartmut
>
>
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Graham Adams
> Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 11:28 AM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> To all
>
> Here we are sitting in a campsite at Ellery Creek gorge 90 k from Alice
> Springs,beer in hand and cheese/bikies on the table and campfire blazing.
>
> After 5 days of continuous driving up the Stuart hwy and out to Ayers rock
> we are now checking out the many fantastic gorges leading into Alice.
>
> Total so far 3500 k ,amazingly we rolled into Ayers rock spot on 3000k.
>
> Only one worry so far ,when on checking the coolant found a load of crap
> floating in the water. Was it the dreaded oil?
>
> On siphoning it out and letting it settle it all sank to the bottom.Oil
> floats.Phew. Decided that it was harmless,probably remains of sealant I put
> in when the old heads were leaking.
>
> Happy to say 1000ks later, water and oil OK with all correct guage readings.
>
> Engine etc running beautifully in fact less stress out here doing 1000ks
> than driving through town.
>
> Tomorrow /today to get reception , in Alice we load up with 140 litres of
> fuel and 50 litres water for the 1000k/2day trip across the Tanami desert
> dirt track.
>
> Saw rare all black pure dingo today,plenty of brown ones,emu,camel etc
>
> Only done 200 k dirt so far, sealed roads are all excellent.
>
> Next epistle probably Kunanrra before heading off across the Gibb River
> road.
>
> Cheers Graham/Roey
>
8

Bill,

Trakka, well, don’t  know about the oil, but when he saw what  was used. He said “aha SYNTRAX, that’s  the one to use...” Did he show you the T3 gearbox castings he re-designed and had them cast/machined by Albins Gears ? They are so much stronger/heavier than the originals. Unfortunately  not suitable for Syncro as yet. We have to work on him....(Wayne Swan would rate his w/shop AAAgold...)

Hart

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 4:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Gearbox Troubles

 

 

Hart. TRISTAR OR TRAKKA? Say hello to Ronny for me and let him know the box he built for me is smooth as a babys bum. He's the man. Ask him about synthetic vs mineral box oil. I know what his answer will be. Bill

9
Hart,

At least Ronnie can fit one of those selector shaft seals we all got at the Nationals from Roger B.

See you soon.

Cheers,

Skot

On 8/06/2012 5:42 PM, Hartmut Kiehn wrote:
 

Bill,

Trakka, well, don’t  know about the oil, but when he saw what  was used. He said “aha SYNTRAX, that’s  the one to use...” Did he show you the T3 gearbox castings he re-designed and had them cast/machined by Albins Gears ? They are so much stronger/heavier than the originals. Unfortunately  not suitable for Syncro as yet. We have to work on him....(Wayne Swan would rate his w/shop AAAgold...)

Hart

 

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Friday, 8 June 2012 4:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Gearbox Troubles

 

 

Hart. TRISTAR OR TRAKKA? Say hello to Ronny for me and let him know the box he built for me is smooth as a babys bum. He's the man. Ask him about synthetic vs mineral box oil. I know what his answer will be. Bill


10
Hi all
 
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're   chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0%  top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks  we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
 
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
 
Apart from oil change  at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
 
In other words
 
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
 
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
 
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary
 
11
Absolutely awesome photos Graham.

I am drooling now at the thought of such a trip although the corrugations for 1000kms does not sound very enticing.

Love Kens pre-aircleaner - obviously works well.

Your impression of Lara Bingle leaves a lot to be desired as you really wouldn't look too good in a bikini.

Keep the pics coming - love it.

Cheers,

Skot


On 14/06/2012 12:42 PM, Graham Adams wrote:

Hi all
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0% top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
Apart from oil change at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
In other words
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary

12
Graham & Rosemary,
We've hardly seen the sun since you left, the Central Coast has copped rain ad nauseum. Take a photo of the sun will you please, I forget what it looks like!
With the big wet, it's quite possible your mansion has slipped into the ocean by now. Tough luck! The price you pay for having the temerity to slip away on your jaunt, leaving the rest of us to go green with envy!

My pre-intake air filtration system mod is patented and subject to royalties. I only take cash. Thank you.

Love the pics. Heh I won't have to go now!

Keep the reports coming, I'm getting used to my new shade of green!
Cheers.
Ken


To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: g.adams2@bigpond.com
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:42:46 +1000
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

Hi all
 
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're   chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0%  top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks  we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
 
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
 
Apart from oil change  at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
 
In other words
 
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
 
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
 
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary
 

13
Hi all
 
                               WE MADE IT  ! ! ! ! !      TO BROOME
 
Now at 7500 kms    1500 of the last 2000 on corrugations and or rocky gibber
Just a short note,more details and photos soon
 
Limped into Broome via Gibb River Road and      MITCHEL FALLS    our ultimate goal.
 
Damage to date....................Blown brand new OME rear shocker...oil pouring out
                       ....................Torn and collapsed front OUTER CV joint boot, with no spare available  Both happening during Mitchel falls stage 500 ks from help.
                 Duck tape to the rescue fabricating overcoat over original which with regular tape up lasted the 500 ks to Broome
 
Linked up with Dave Beckley (forum member) at Windjana Gorge camp site, amazing since niether of us had had coverage for the previous 5 days
 
Now in Broome in Executive suite and driving brand new Rav 4.........all courtesy .....NRMA  Premium care
 
New OME Shockies on way from Melbourne
 
New boots on way from TOOLIES thanks to Ken AGAIN for downloading ETKA onto my computer
 
 
Pics and details later..........need to find a Gurney and vacuum cleaner  ... the shower was great
 
Graham and Roey
 
 
 
---- Original Message -----
From: Graham Adams 
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:42 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

Hi all
 
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're   chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0%  top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks  we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
 
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
 
Apart from oil change  at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
 
In other words
 
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
 
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
 
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary
 

14
Graham and ROEY. Green with envy. Bill

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "Graham Adams" <g.adams2@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> WE MADE IT ! ! ! ! ! TO BROOME
>
> Now at 7500 kms 1500 of the last 2000 on corrugations and or rocky gibber
> Just a short note,more details and photos soon
>
> Limped into Broome via Gibb River Road and MITCHEL FALLS our ultimate goal.
>
> Damage to date....................Blown brand new OME rear shocker...oil pouring out
> ....................Torn and collapsed front OUTER CV joint boot, with no spare available Both happening during Mitchel falls stage 500 ks from help.
> Duck tape to the rescue fabricating overcoat over original which with regular tape up lasted the 500 ks to Broome
>
> Linked up with Dave Beckley (forum member) at Windjana Gorge camp site, amazing since niether of us had had coverage for the previous 5 days
>
> Now in Broome in Executive suite and driving brand new Rav 4.........all courtesy .....NRMA Premium care
>
> New OME Shockies on way from Melbourne
>
> New boots on way from TOOLIES thanks to Ken AGAIN for downloading ETKA onto my computer
>
>
> Pics and details later..........need to find a Gurney and vacuum cleaner ... the shower was great
>
> Graham and Roey
>
>
>
> ---- Original Message -----
> From: Graham Adams
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:42 PM
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers
>
>
>
>
> Hi all
>
> Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
> The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0% top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
> The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
>
> Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
>
> Apart from oil change at Purnululu , no other work required.
> Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
> Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
>
> In other words
>
> You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
>
> Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
>
> Till the next installment
> Graham / Rosemary
>
15
Graham,

Sounds like you had a ball...great bush mechanics - always worth watching before you head off on a trip to the wilderness!

Post some photos if you can.

Cheers,

Skot

On 26/06/2012 11:28 AM, Graham Adams wrote:

Hi all
WE MADE IT ! ! ! ! ! TO BROOME
Now at 7500 kms 1500 of the last 2000 on corrugations and or rocky gibber
Just a short note,more details and photos soon
Limped into Broome via Gibb River Road and MITCHEL FALLS our ultimate goal.
Damage to date....................Blown brand new OME rear shocker...oil pouring out
....................Torn and collapsed front OUTER CV joint boot, with no spare available Both happening during Mitchel falls stage 500 ks from help.
Duck tape to the rescue fabricating overcoat over original which with regular tape up lasted the 500 ks to Broome
Linked up with Dave Beckley (forum member) at Windjana Gorge camp site, amazing since niether of us had had coverage for the previous 5 days
Now in Broome in Executive suite and driving brand new Rav 4.........all courtesy .....NRMA Premium care
New OME Shockies on way from Melbourne
New boots on way from TOOLIES thanks to Ken AGAIN for downloading ETKA onto my computer
Pics and details later..........need to find a Gurney and vacuum cleaner ... the shower was great
Graham and Roey
---- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:42 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

Hi all
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0% top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
Apart from oil change at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
In other words
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary


16
Glad you made it to Broome OK Graham and are smiling as Rosey looks at your repair work and says 'you really are fanastic Mr Fox Graham". I expect they carried Duck tape on the space shuttle. Hope all goes well with the repairs -if you have enough time and access to materials what about cobbling up some of the front CV joint shields shown on Phil's personal site.
Look forward to the photos in due course. My wife has just come home with a brochure of a charter boat trip that does the trip from Wyndham to Broome by sea all for the cost of a good T3 Syncro Camper!   Still am off to the Blue Mountains for a week tomorrow unfortunately in our camry..
If you are talking to anyone from Europe, show them the following picture and point out that you have just driven the equivalent of going from the extreme East of Bulgaria to the extreme West of Ireland ........ and then some.
Cheers
Roger
an afternoon's drive away in Melbourne.


--- On Tue, 26/6/12, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:

From: Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com>
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Received: Tuesday, 26 June, 2012, 1:44 PM

 
Graham,

Sounds like you had a ball...great bush mechanics - always worth watching before you head off on a trip to the wilderness!

Post some photos if you can.

Cheers,

Skot

On 26/06/2012 11:28 AM, Graham Adams wrote:
 
Hi all
 
                               WE MADE IT  ! ! ! ! !      TO BROOME
 
Now at 7500 kms    1500 of the last 2000 on corrugations and or rocky gibber
Just a short note,more details and photos soon
 
Limped into Broome via Gibb River Road and      MITCHEL FALLS    our ultimate goal.
 
Damage to date....................Blown brand new OME rear shocker...oil pouring out
                       ....................Torn and collapsed front OUTER CV joint boot, with no spare available  Both happening during Mitchel falls stage 500 ks from help.
                 Duck tape to the rescue fabricating overcoat over original which with regular tape up lasted the 500 ks to Broome
 
Linked up with Dave Beckley (forum member) at Windjana Gorge camp site, amazing since niether of us had had coverage for the previous 5 days
 
Now in Broome in Executive suite and driving brand new Rav 4.........all courtesy .....NRMA  Premium care
 
New OME Shockies on way from Melbourne
 
New boots on way from TOOLIES thanks to Ken AGAIN for downloading ETKA onto my computer
 
 
Pics and details later..........need to find a Gurney and vacuum cleaner  ... the shower was great
 
Graham and Roey
 
 
 
---- Original Message -----
From: Graham Adams 
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:42 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 
Hi all
 
Now with 5235 ks onthe road we're   chilling out at 30' in an oasis of irrigated grass/trees behind the main Ord river dam which holds 21 x the amount of Sydney harbour.
The 1000 k Tanami track was 10%horrendous ,3" corrugations,80% expected and !0%  top gear stuff. An experience probably only done once,At least by Rosemary.
The van handled it well,I'm not sure how. Thanks to the new OME shocks  we never got more than one rebound of the sudden bull dust holes.
 
Kens 'Karefully Krafted Krap Katcher' modified to a teatowel see pic, sprayed with Silicon spray was priceless as on inspection,very little dust in the oil lined glass bowl and none in air filter or air box Thank you Ken.
 
Apart from oil change  at Purnululu , no other work required.
Have seen 2x Bay VW but no T3. Could have sold the Syncro several times but Prados / LCruisers rule, with many hired from Britz.
Purnululus bee hives were an anticlimax compared to its amazing gorge clefts,everything here is on such a grand scale that photos just dont do the place justice.
 
In other words
 
You've all got Syncros ........................................ Where the bloody hell are you?
 
Next stop back to Kununurra to stock up for the climax of the trip.......The Gibb River road and the Mitchel Falls.
 
Till the next installment
Graham / Rosemary
 


17
Hi all
 
Have spent ages trying to send update with heaps of pics so have reduced this to two with update which worked with ok with another car club.
 
As you probably know we made it to Broome on a bit of a wing and a prayer.
Travel on the Gibb river road was as expected bad corrugations dropping our speed to around 50/60 kph.
We gave famous El Questro a miss,too corrugated and touristy and after the wide but shallow ,wheel deep Pentecost river crossing were soon on the Mitchel Falls road. Even worse conditions prevailed but 'Nopain No gain.'
The end result of a 500 k round trip on corrugations was well worth it, as it was the highlight of the trip see photos I hope.
On the return to the GRR i noticed oil leaking from brand new right rear shockie and then noticed a torn front CV joint cover boot,far more serious.Ignored shockie but 500k from any workshop or coverage it was out with the Gaffer tape to fabricate some sort of CV boot cover to keep the grease in and the fine dirt out.
After a few options I had it sorted and the temp boot with adjustments lasted the whole 500 ks to Broome.
Next problem getting new shocks and boots.
OME Melb had shocks up in 3 days ,where Tooley Imports Hornsby had 2 very rare (Syncro only) boots up in 2 days. All fitted yesterday and after some serious beach driving today to test every thing we're ready to hit the road again tomorrow.
Adventures over we can now relax and enjoy the west coast using bitumen roads.
We're having a great time ,love Broome and I dont want to turn south as it means were heading home,Roey I suspect is looking forward to seeing the Grandkids again.
Kombi is going really well and with 80 mile beach ,Ningaloo ,Coral Bay,Exmouth etc etc to look foward to,who knows what might happen.
 
Cheers for now
Graham and Roey
 
Pics Mitchel falls / Bell gorge  I will send a few pics at a time
18
Glad it is all working out well for you Graham.

The parts that have failed are really only minor in cost especially if ARB warrant their products its just the shipping that often costs.

Anyway, hopefully the rest of you trip is trouble free - love to see some more photos though - with the syncro in them.

Cheers,

Skot


On 30/06/2012 11:34 PM, Graham Adams wrote:

Hi all
Have spent ages trying to send update with heaps of pics so have reduced this to two with update which worked with ok with another car club.
As you probably know we made it to Broome on a bit of a wing and a prayer.
Travel on the Gibb river road was as expected bad corrugations dropping our speed to around 50/60 kph.
We gave famous El Questro a miss,too corrugated and touristy and after the wide but shallow ,wheel deep Pentecost river crossing were soon on the Mitchel Falls road. Even worse conditions prevailed but 'Nopain No gain.'
The end result of a 500 k round trip on corrugations was well worth it, as it was the highlight of the trip see photos I hope.
On the return to the GRR i noticed oil leaking from brand new right rear shockie and then noticed a torn front CV joint cover boot,far more serious.Ignored shockie but 500k from any workshop or coverage it was out with the Gaffer tape to fabricate some sort of CV boot cover to keep the grease in and the fine dirt out.
After a few options I had it sorted and the temp boot with adjustments lasted the whole 500 ks to Broome.
Next problem getting new shocks and boots.
OME Melb had shocks up in 3 days ,where Tooley Imports Hornsby had 2 very rare (Syncro only) boots up in 2 days. All fitted yesterday and after some serious beach driving today to test every thing we're ready to hit the road again tomorrow.
Adventures over we can now relax and enjoy the west coast using bitumen roads.
We're having a great time ,love Broome and I dont want to turn south as it means were heading home,Roey I suspect is looking forward to seeing the Grandkids again.
Kombi is going really well and with 80 mile beach ,Ningaloo ,Coral Bay,Exmouth etc etc to look foward to,who knows what might happen.
Cheers for now
Graham and Roey
Pics Mitchel falls / Bell gorge I will send a few pics at a time


19
Scotty
 
Just a few more, mainly Gibb river road.Some 4x4 went home the easy way.Pentecost and King Edward rivers about wheel height with about 30 crossings less than that.Second attempt at boot manufacturing got us 500k to Broome
Graham
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 5:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

Glad it is all working out well for you Graham.

The parts that have failed are really only minor in cost especially if ARB warrant their products its just the shipping that often costs.

Anyway, hopefully the rest of you trip is trouble free - love to see some more photos though - with the syncro in them.

Cheers,

Skot


On 30/06/2012 11:34 PM, Graham Adams wrote:
 

Hi all
 
Have spent ages trying to send update with heaps of pics so have reduced this to two with update which worked with ok with another car club.
 
As you probably know we made it to Broome on a bit of a wing and a prayer.
Travel on the Gibb river road was as expected bad corrugations dropping our speed to around 50/60 kph.
We gave famous El Questro a miss,too corrugated and touristy and after the wide but shallow ,wheel deep Pentecost river crossing were soon on the Mitchel Falls road. Even worse conditions prevailed but 'Nopain No gain.'
The end result of a 500 k round trip on corrugations was well worth it, as it was the highlight of the trip see photos I hope.
On the return to the GRR i noticed oil leaking from brand new right rear shockie and then noticed a torn front CV joint cover boot,far more serious.Ignored shockie but 500k from any workshop or coverage it was out with the Gaffer tape to fabricate some sort of CV boot cover to keep the grease in and the fine dirt out.
After a few options I had it sorted and the temp boot with adjustments lasted the whole 500 ks to Broome.
Next problem getting new shocks and boots.
OME Melb had shocks up in 3 days ,where Tooley Imports Hornsby had 2 very rare (Syncro only) boots up in 2 days. All fitted yesterday and after some serious beach driving today to test every thing we're ready to hit the road again tomorrow.
Adventures over we can now relax and enjoy the west coast using bitumen roads.
We're having a great time ,love Broome and I dont want to turn south as it means were heading home,Roey I suspect is looking forward to seeing the Grandkids again.
Kombi is going really well and with 80 mile beach ,Ningaloo ,Coral Bay,Exmouth etc etc to look foward to,who knows what might happen.
 
Cheers for now
Graham and Roey
 
Pics Mitchel falls / Bell gorge  I will send a few pics at a time


20
This should have come first but got rejected
You're right Scotty.
Once we got the second shock off,we found that it was also leaking.
So result being,2 new rear shocks under warranty,freight and fitting covered.
Total cost of $40 for boot and $165 for fitting. I'm not complaining,excellent service by Minshal Mechanical,94 Guy St Broome,useful if any one is going that way,Justin or Trevor.
Some more pics for you,will send 4/6 per email,seems to work
Cheers
Graham
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 5:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kimberley Kapers

 

Glad it is all working out well for you Graham.

The parts that have failed are really only minor in cost especially if ARB warrant their products its just the shipping that often costs.

Anyway, hopefully the rest of you trip is trouble free - love to see some more photos though - with the syncro in them.

Cheers,

Skot


On 30/06/2012 11:34 PM, Graham Adams wrote:
 

Hi all
 
Have spent ages trying to send update with heaps of pics so have reduced this to two with update which worked with ok with another car club.
 
As you probably know we made it to Broome on a bit of a wing and a prayer.
Travel on the Gibb river road was as expected bad corrugations dropping our speed to around 50/60 kph.
We gave famous El Questro a miss,too corrugated and touristy and after the wide but shallow ,wheel deep Pentecost river crossing were soon on the Mitchel Falls road. Even worse conditions prevailed but 'Nopain No gain.'
The end result of a 500 k round trip on corrugations was well worth it, as it was the highlight of the trip see photos I hope.
On the return to the GRR i noticed oil leaking from brand new right rear shockie and then noticed a torn front CV joint cover boot,far more serious.Ignored shockie but 500k from any workshop or coverage it was out with the Gaffer tape to fabricate some sort of CV boot cover to keep the grease in and the fine dirt out.
After a few options I had it sorted and the temp boot with adjustments lasted the whole 500 ks to Broome.
Next problem getting new shocks and boots.
OME Melb had shocks up in 3 days ,where Tooley Imports Hornsby had 2 very rare (Syncro only) boots up in 2 days. All fitted yesterday and after some serious beach driving today to test every thing we're ready to hit the road again tomorrow.
Adventures over we can now relax and enjoy the west coast using bitumen roads.
We're having a great time ,love Broome and I dont want to turn south as it means were heading home,Roey I suspect is looking forward to seeing the Grandkids again.
Kombi is going really well and with 80 mile beach ,Ningaloo ,Coral Bay,Exmouth etc etc to look foward to,who knows what might happen.
 
Cheers for now
Graham and Roey
 
Pics Mitchel falls / Bell gorge  I will send a few pics at a time