Prep for European Adventure

[Sammiej]

Hi fellow surfers,

Just bought a 1995 Surf for a lengthy trip to Europe...I plan on getting the Cam belt changed and doing a full service & MOT, but can you give me a list of things that I should do and/or spares I should pull together before setting off?

i.e. what are the most likely things to go wrong?!

Also, any recommendations for a good mechanic in Cornwall?

Thanks
Sam
(newbie)

[darkdezigns]

bump

[Apache]

Where are you going chap?

Maybe consider taking fluids, hoses, belts and filters as they are small and cheap and will save searching.

More serious things... wheel bearings, and a track rod end? Not much else I would suggest really.

[wishbone]

I'm driving mine down to Malaga soon and the one unusual spare I am planning on taking is a starter motor. As the surf is auto if it fails I'm stranded.

Apache has pretty much listed the rest.

Radiator cap
Thermostat
Spare bulbs for all lights
2 warning triangles
Hi vis jacket
Fire extinguisher/s
Headlight beam deflectors
First aid kit
Torch
Decent roadmap
Blankets
water
Decent spare wheel (I'm taking 2)
Decent European breakdown cover
Spare key for truck


I have most of the above on a list stuck on the fridge as I've been buying it over the last 4 months or so.

Hth,
Rob.

[Apache]

Spare key! Thats a good 'un!

I still need the legal stuff for travelling in France. Hi vis, triangle, beam deflectors etc.

[Diezel Weazel]

An IDP, or do ya not need one nowadays ?

Ther's always a Payback .... Don't know where n don't know when tho !!!!

[stormforce]

Hiya Sammie.Where are you in Cornwall.I am in Camborne so if you need a hand with anything let me know.

[wishbone]

Also spare fuel cannister and a cargo net or something (dog guard?) to stop all the cargo hitting the back of your head in an accident.

Rob.

[arron]

I'm driving mine down to Malaga soon and the one unusual spare I am planning on taking is a starter motor. As the surf is auto if it fails I'm stranded.

Apache has pretty much listed the rest.

Radiator cap
Thermostat
Spare bulbs for all lights
2 warning triangles
Hi vis jacket
Fire extinguisher/s
Headlight beam deflectors
First aid kit
Torch
Decent roadmap
Blankets
water
Decent spare wheel (I'm taking 2)
Decent European breakdown cover
Spare key for truck


I have most of the above on a list stuck on the fridge as I've been buying it over the last 4 months or so.

Hth,
Rob.

when you going and are you camping when you get there or got somat booked ????would love to try somat like that myself,...

[wishbone]

Going September time. Have friends who live 1 hour north of Malaga in the mountains. We're driving 300 - 400 miles a day through France and Spain. Camping every night.(except 3 / 4 nights at our friends place) Not planned the route yet but the dates are set.

Have bought loads of books and maps over the last few months and will work it all out one lazy Sunday afternoon..

Digging out all our spare stuff to sell on ebay to pay for diesel - £700 at a guess..

Rob.

[Apache]

Cool. The only way to travel truly is on the ground.

We are off in August. Cant wait

[BUSHWHACKER]

Spare alternator or at least ensure the one thats on the truck now is in very good condition.
Spare relays, basic four pin, 12volt 30 amp type to get you out of trouble.
Starter motor contacts kit, or service it before you go.

and pump grease into everything on the drive train that has a nipple.

[Apache]

Aye the starter can be a pain, but mine only tended to play up when the weather wet and cold. However, a contact kit takes no space so why not lob one in the glovebox!

We're probably making the poor chap paranoid! If the truck's in good nick, it'll probably not need any spares. And given the price of them these days, if it does break spectacularly enough to strand you, sell it for scrap, use the proceeds to fly home and buy another one.

[wishbone]

The way I'm looking at it that if my commuter car broke down and I had to use my surf for 10 weeks, would I be worried ? The answer is no

Same mileage just different country.

Have got to fix the front crank seal gasket before I go though.

That reminds me - am taking oil filter and air filter so I can change oil at my mates place. Will buy oil in Spain.

Rob.

Apache - did you decide on European breakdown cover yet ?

You're doing the Pyrenees trek aswell aren't you ? Have agreed with the missus that we'll get something more powerful than the 2.4 next year and start the proper treks. Want to do the artic circle one and Morocco..

[MattF]

Starter motor contacts kit, or service it before you go.

Alternative starter contacts fix:

http://toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19301