Kombis to the Kape 2008

1
Hi Folks,

I've finally returned from this great trip (thanks Wally from VW Club
QLD, for organising it, and Rudi, for leading most of the way up
north). I wrote a small journal, and have posted it in the files
section under "Kombis to the Kape; Brian's journal". I should have
been a bit more organised, and posted bits as we went, but I'm not
used to this 'on the road' internet thing yet. I have about 500
photos, so I won't upload them here, but put them on a photobucket
site, which I will email in later.

You will notice in the journal, that I didn't risk the T5 on the
worst sections of the Telegraph track (I had a lot more to lose than
most), so I hope some-one else will write about those sections. Mind
you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
despite its much longer wheelbase.

I believe we created a bit of a stir with the locals up the track,
with the VW's romping through 'Toyota' country. And the T3's don't
even need a snorkel added, unlike Toyotas (or T5's for that matter),
it's already there.

Brian
2
Hi Brian

great to hear you are back and had some real adventure in the T5.... Looking forward to seeing the pictures.....

Regards
Mark.

On Sun, Jun 15, 2008 at 9:30 PM, bdrinoz <breed@bigpond.net.au> wrote:

Hi Folks,

I've finally returned from this great trip (thanks Wally from VW Club
QLD, for organising it, and Rudi, for leading most of the way up
north). I wrote a small journal, and have posted it in the files
section under "Kombis to the Kape; Brian's journal". I should have
been a bit more organised, and posted bits as we went, but I'm not
used to this 'on the road' internet thing yet. I have about 500
photos, so I won't upload them here, but put them on a photobucket
site, which I will email in later.

You will notice in the journal, that I didn't risk the T5 on the
worst sections of the Telegraph track (I had a lot more to lose than
most), so I hope some-one else will write about those sections. Mind
you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
despite its much longer wheelbase.

I believe we created a bit of a stir with the locals up the track,
with the VW's romping through 'Toyota' country. And the T3's don't
even need a snorkel added, unlike Toyotas (or T5's for that matter),
it's already there.

Brian




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3
Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kombis to the Kape 2008
Hi Brian and thanks for posting, an enjoyable read. Also looking forward to the pics and seeing the movie stars in action!
 
Gary Cookson


Hi Brian

great to hear you are back and had some real adventure in the T5.... Looking forward to seeing the pictures.....

Regards
Mark.

On Sun, Jun 15, 2008 at 9:30 PM, bdrinoz <breed@bigpond.net.au> wrote:

 

Hi Folks,

I've finally returned from this great trip (thanks Wally from VW Club
QLD, for organising it, and Rudi, for leading most of the way up
north). I wrote a small journal, and have posted it in the files
section under "Kombis to the Kape; Brian's journal". I should have
been a bit more organised, and posted bits as we went, but I'm not
used to this 'on the road' internet thing yet. I have about 500
photos, so I won't upload them here, but put them on a photobucket
site, which I will email in later.

You will notice in the journal, that I didn't risk the T5 on the
worst sections of the Telegraph track (I had a lot more to lose than
most), so I hope some-one else will write about those sections. Mind
you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
despite its much longer wheelbase.

I believe we created a bit of a stir with the locals up the track,
with the VW's romping through 'Toyota' country. And the T3's don't
even need a snorkel added, unlike Toyotas (or T5's for that matter),
it's already there.

Brian

 
    
4

Alright folks, photos start here;

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20A/

 

then

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20B/

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20C/

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20D/

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20E/

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/albums/x55/4wheels_photos/Kombis%20to%20the%20Kape%202008%20F/

 

Enjoy,

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

.


5
Mind you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
despite its much longer wheelbase.

Brian
Do I get a feeling here that you maybe are wanting to have another "go" at Cape York with this extra bit of gear strapped on to the T5?????????

Glad to hear that you are home OK. Looking forward to reading the journal and seeing the pic's.

Bruce




On 15/06/2008, at 9:30 PM, bdrinoz wrote:

Hi Folks,

I've finally returned from this great trip (thanks Wally from VW Club
QLD, for organising it, and Rudi, for leading most of the way up
north). I wrote a small journal, and have posted it in the files
section under "Kombis to the Kape; Brian's journal". I should have
been a bit more organised, and posted bits as we went, but I'm not
used to this 'on the road' internet thing yet. I have about 500
photos, so I won't upload them here, but put them on a photobucket
site, which I will email in later.

You will notice in the journal, that I didn't risk the T5 on the
worst sections of the Telegraph track (I had a lot more to lose than
most), so I hope some-one else will write about those sections. Mind
you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
despite its much longer wheelbase.

I believe we created a bit of a stir with the locals up the track,
with the VW's romping through 'Toyota' country. And the T3's don't
even need a snorkel added, unlike Toyotas (or T5's for that matter),
it's already there.

Brian


6
Gday Brian,

Welcome back to civilisation and a good time had by all I see by your
fantastic photos. Particularly with Rudi around, never a dull moment
when the going gets tough eh.

You mention the T3 snorkel. I've recently had mine apart for the first
time.

As far as I can see, the stock-standard snorkel is quite able, under the
right conditions, to suck in air, debris and water, given its unsealed
design and fabrication, particularly in the lower portion.

It even has a drainhole, so, if the water got deep enough, would convert
to becoming a suckhole. I can see why VW doesn't recommend water wading
higher than the rear floor level. Realistically, the snorkel merely
achieves a more elevated air intake and not a lot to do with sealing out
water.

Conversely, I'd expect Toyota snorkels would be a sealed system except
for the top inlet.

Cheers.

Ken


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "bdrinoz" <breed@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I've finally returned from this great trip (thanks Wally from VW Club
> QLD, for organising it, and Rudi, for leading most of the way up
> north). I wrote a small journal, and have posted it in the files
> section under "Kombis to the Kape; Brian's journal". I should have
> been a bit more organised, and posted bits as we went, but I'm not
> used to this 'on the road' internet thing yet. I have about 500
> photos, so I won't upload them here, but put them on a photobucket
> site, which I will email in later.
>
> You will notice in the journal, that I didn't risk the T5 on the
> worst sections of the Telegraph track (I had a lot more to lose than
> most), so I hope some-one else will write about those sections. Mind
> you, I had a good look at an 'off road pack' Trakkadu on the way
> back, and I reckon that would have gone where-ever the T3's went,
> despite its much longer wheelbase.
>
> I believe we created a bit of a stir with the locals up the track,
> with the VW's romping through 'Toyota' country. And the T3's don't
> even need a snorkel added, unlike Toyotas (or T5's for that matter),
> it's already there.
>
> Brian
>
7
8

Hi Martin,

 

That’s Andy & Melissa’s van. Their details are in the database section, but they are the ones who’ve been living on the road for the last 3 years, so the may take a little while to respond. I think that system was hand fabricated, rather than a commercial kit, but I’m just guessing about that. Their tyres swing out individually from the centre, while Roger’s (the other one with twin spares on the rear) swing out to the right on one long frame.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Henning
Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2008 2:20 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kombis to the Kape 2008; Brians' photos

 

9
Brian,
 
Is the red dual cab in the "At Wally's" picture a Syncro, and who is Wally?
 
Les
 
10

Hi Les,

 

No Wally’s car is a T2, lifted and modified for off road use (runs 33” mud tyres on the rear).  He had just completed an engine transplant using a 4L Toyota V8, but unfortunately it wasn’t fully sorted and had overheating problems getting out of Brisbane . Wally is the guy who originally organized the trip, expecting mainly T2’s to go, and was who Rick contacted for the syncro invite. He is president (I think) of the VW Club of QLD. and does a lot of drag racing with beetles. In the end there was only Neil from Sydney , in the blue and white T2, similarly set up but with standard engine, (which did surprisingly well for 2wd), and Wally flew up to Cairns to rejoin the tour as a passenger. All the others were AWD, 4 T3’s, a T4 and my T5. Effectively, Rudi, having been to the Cape before, did most of the leading past Cooktown.

 

Tonight I’ve been to the VWCV meeting and there was a presentation on “Day of the Volkswagen” for 2008. The date is Sunday November 16th at Cranbourne again, and the theme is ‘off-road VW’s’, focusing specifically on beach buggys, as (Bruce?) Meyers (Meyers Manx designer) and his wife, will be coming from the States as special guests. However, I mentioned Syncros, and they would be very happy to see a good selection of them there as a ‘subsection’ of the off-road theme. I should be able to post more info later, and if we were to put some ideas forward as a group about a display, I’m sure it would be well received. It would need to be done fairly soon though, as they are finalizing a lot of details already.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Les Harris
Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2008 8:07 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Kombis to the Kape 2008; Brians' photos

 

Brian,

 

Is the red dual cab in the "At Wally's" picture a Syncro, and who is Wally?

 

Les

 

11
Brian,
 
Had I opened the Wally picture to the full size, I would have spared myself the embarrassment of not seeing that it was a T2!!!!
 
DOTVW:
I am a bit behind in this but I would certainly like to get a common display point for the next event. 
 
I can print pictures to A3 size and also laminate to A3, so I can generate a display based on the off-road aspect of the Syncro. 
 
If you are already in touch with the committee, please tell them that we can muster probably 8 or 10 Syncros and put up a visual display in the sub-section.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Reed
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:13 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Who's Wally? and D ot VW 2008

Hi Les,

No Wally’s car is a T2, lifted and modified for off road use (runs 33” mud tyres on the rear).  He had just completed an engine transplant using a 4L Toyota V8, but unfortunately it wasn’t fully sorted and had overheating problems getting out of Brisbane . Wally is the guy who originally organized the trip, expecting mainly T2’s to go, and was who Rick contacted for the syncro invite. He is president (I think) of the VW Club of QLD. and does a lot of drag racing with beetles. In the end there was only Neil from Sydney , in the blue and white T2, similarly set up but with standard engine, (which did surprisingly well for 2wd), and Wally flew up to Cairns to rejoin the tour as a passenger. All the others were AWD, 4 T3’s, a T4 and my T5. Effectively, Rudi, having been to the Cape before, did most of the leading past Cooktown.

Tonight I’ve been to the VWCV meeting and there was a presentation on “Day of the Volkswagen” for 2008. The date is Sunday November 16th at Cranbourne again, and the theme is ‘off-road VW’s’, focusing specifically on beach buggys, as (Bruce?) Meyers (Meyers Manx designer) and his wife, will be coming from the States as special guests. However, I mentioned Syncros, and they would be very happy to see a good selection of them there as a ‘subsection’ of the off-road theme. I should be able to post more info later, and if we were to put some ideas forward as a group about a display, I’m sure it would be well received. It would need to be done fairly soon though, as they are finalizing a lot of details already.

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com [mailto:Syncro_ T3_Australia@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Les Harris
Sent: Tuesday, 17 June 2008 8:07 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Kombis to the Kape 2008; Brians' photos

Brian,

Is the red dual cab in the "At Wally's" picture a Syncro, and who is Wally?

Les

12

Hi Folks,

 

I’ve just been entering up my fuel dockets for this trip and have calculated fuel usage for the T5. I’ve had to make some estimates for the actual litres used as 3 of the more remote sites didn’t have a ‘litres bought’ figure on their docket, so I had to estimate from my recollection of the price/litre.

 

Anyway, I did 10020 Km from Melbourne (return) and used 982.5 litres (est) of diesel at a cost of $1742.71, Giving an overall fuel economy of 9.805 litres/100km. Cost was $17.39/100Km.  Not bad I think, given the way consumption rose on the off-road sections.

 

I just topped of the tank locally to give an accurate point to point total, and it cost me $1.809/ litre. That’s not much less than at places like Laura and Seisia when we were away. My most expensive fill was at Wangaratta (last one before home); 82.7litres @ $1.819 = $150.43. I knew I was low, but the tank is listed as holding 80litres (approx). I’m glad VW were generous, or maybe it holds more now that that tank straps are ‘stretched’.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521