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About me:
I have lived in Zambia for the better part of the past 6 years working for an NGO. My wife and I are currently running a bore hole drilling operation to bring clean water to remote villages. Our Surf goes with us to every drill site, and has become our part time home as our drill trips usually last a week to 10 days and are usually hours away from modern amenities. We find that it is more comfortable and convenient to sleep in than most tents.
About my Surf:
Over the past year I have somewhat restored a 94 3.0 SSRG after it was left for dead at my organization here in Zambia. She has been affectionately named "Limpo" by co-workers of mine who had the privilege of driving her years ago. Limpo has earned the name after surviving numerous incidents that would have written her off in any first world country.
A bit of History:
After being imported to Burundi in 2008, and following a minor collision, Limpo was stolen from the shop by a drunk panel beater's assistant and put on its roof in a forward roll. Nearly a year later, it was driven out of the same shop after having the entire roof and every other panel removed, hammered out, welded back on and filled with body filler. On the drive to Zambia in 2010 it was drifted out of control and into an embankment which relieved it of the extra weight of the rear bumper, and knocked some of the body filler out of the rear panels. Once imported into Zambia it was added to the collection of vehicles to be driven by anyone who wanted to at our NGO, and subsequently had all the electronic components burned out in river crossings and heavy rains due to the poorly sealed body panels and a complete lack of maintenance. As if that wasn't enough, it was towed home and parked in the shade of a large tree, only to have said tree fall onto it shortly thereafter. As it only had 138,000 Km on the clock, it seemed like a waste to just let her rot and I was able to acquire Limpo for about 8% of the mint condition value here. As import duties are 97% in this country and are calculated after adding shipping costs and based on the value assigned at customs, it is nearly impossible to find a Surf for less than £6,000.
The past year:
I have found that parts for any vehicle are difficult to obtain in Africa, and especially for the Surf. With the help of my wife who was in Portsmouth last year, I was able to acquire the ECU and Rear Window control unit for much less than the £2,000 they would have cost here. The initial restoration involved removing the entire interior and windscreen to allow for a thorough cleaning and some welding and resealing. I also had to repair the radiator, purchase new batteries, tyres, and change all fluids and filters. I discovered Roughtrax this year and was able to overhaul the entire steering system, coolant system, and some of the suspension. I also acquired a pile of spares from a friend of mine who wrote off his SSRX here late last year. In April I fitted the rear bumper, tow bar, modified springs from a VX Landcruiser, new exhaust, shocks, front skid plate, bull bar, and a host of smaller items. I am currently seeking out an entire new body to fit on this chassis as the body filler in every single panel has rattled loose due to the lack of tarmac the vehicle has encountered over the past 10,000 Kms. I will be in the UK over Christmas and have already began writing my wish list.
I am sorry this was so long, I hope to post some pics as soon as I am granted the privileges on this site. I also have a few issues I need to work out that I have done my best to search on here. The advice posted on this site has already proven extremely helpful.
I have lived in Zambia for the better part of the past 6 years working for an NGO. My wife and I are currently running a bore hole drilling operation to bring clean water to remote villages. Our Surf goes with us to every drill site, and has become our part time home as our drill trips usually last a week to 10 days and are usually hours away from modern amenities. We find that it is more comfortable and convenient to sleep in than most tents.
About my Surf:
Over the past year I have somewhat restored a 94 3.0 SSRG after it was left for dead at my organization here in Zambia. She has been affectionately named "Limpo" by co-workers of mine who had the privilege of driving her years ago. Limpo has earned the name after surviving numerous incidents that would have written her off in any first world country.
A bit of History:
After being imported to Burundi in 2008, and following a minor collision, Limpo was stolen from the shop by a drunk panel beater's assistant and put on its roof in a forward roll. Nearly a year later, it was driven out of the same shop after having the entire roof and every other panel removed, hammered out, welded back on and filled with body filler. On the drive to Zambia in 2010 it was drifted out of control and into an embankment which relieved it of the extra weight of the rear bumper, and knocked some of the body filler out of the rear panels. Once imported into Zambia it was added to the collection of vehicles to be driven by anyone who wanted to at our NGO, and subsequently had all the electronic components burned out in river crossings and heavy rains due to the poorly sealed body panels and a complete lack of maintenance. As if that wasn't enough, it was towed home and parked in the shade of a large tree, only to have said tree fall onto it shortly thereafter. As it only had 138,000 Km on the clock, it seemed like a waste to just let her rot and I was able to acquire Limpo for about 8% of the mint condition value here. As import duties are 97% in this country and are calculated after adding shipping costs and based on the value assigned at customs, it is nearly impossible to find a Surf for less than £6,000.
The past year:
I have found that parts for any vehicle are difficult to obtain in Africa, and especially for the Surf. With the help of my wife who was in Portsmouth last year, I was able to acquire the ECU and Rear Window control unit for much less than the £2,000 they would have cost here. The initial restoration involved removing the entire interior and windscreen to allow for a thorough cleaning and some welding and resealing. I also had to repair the radiator, purchase new batteries, tyres, and change all fluids and filters. I discovered Roughtrax this year and was able to overhaul the entire steering system, coolant system, and some of the suspension. I also acquired a pile of spares from a friend of mine who wrote off his SSRX here late last year. In April I fitted the rear bumper, tow bar, modified springs from a VX Landcruiser, new exhaust, shocks, front skid plate, bull bar, and a host of smaller items. I am currently seeking out an entire new body to fit on this chassis as the body filler in every single panel has rattled loose due to the lack of tarmac the vehicle has encountered over the past 10,000 Kms. I will be in the UK over Christmas and have already began writing my wish list.
I am sorry this was so long, I hope to post some pics as soon as I am granted the privileges on this site. I also have a few issues I need to work out that I have done my best to search on here. The advice posted on this site has already proven extremely helpful.
I've owned surfs over here for 10 yrs now, so I can definitely see why you want to keep yours alive!
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). Since you have longer LC rear springs, and I'm assuming that those Skyjacker dampers are at least +2", then it might improve your rear braking if you fit an LSVP adjustment bracket. Hope this helps. See pic.
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