Hi all,

I'm currently in Canada, but flying back to Melbourne next week and picking up my 1988 Magna wagon that I've stored at a mate's place.

I'm gonna be driving up the east coast to cooktownm then across through Normanton, Darwin, Broome and down the west coast to Perth, then along the Bottom, and back across the Nullabor to Coober Pedy then Melbourne again.

Just looking for some tips on what I should bring.

I have RACV, camping things, tools, spare gas can, a few water jugs, spare tires, puncture repair kit, little air compressor.

I think I'm also going to get a spare rad hose and belts.

If there's anything you can add it would be much appreciated.

Also anyone mechanically inclined along my route, it would be great to know where you are in case i need help or info.

any help is appreciated.

thanks

jason

If it has been sitting for quite a while, it would be a good idea to replace the top and bottom radiator hoses before you go rather than risk them bursting and have to repair them on the road. Also carry some oil with you.

carry oil water, something like a seal up, many hose clamps various sizes, duct tape, gaffa tape, and def a few belts

When you are back, I'd run the car a day or so - then do oil change (just cos its been sitting while u away, condensation in cold Vic and so on).

Check the coverage maps of whatever phone/provider you use, esp up the Cooktown/Normanton leg and across to Darwin (I assume that will be the most remote part of trip, Darwin to Broome and down west coast there will be traffic I am thinking). If satisfied that your phone will have coverage, check its battery is OK and take/get a car-charger cord for phone. If you plan any backroads/shortcuts-thru-deserts, consider hire of a satellite phone.

Spare fuses in abundance in case of wet conditions/creek crossings etc.
Maybe a second jack and jack handle, and a broad flat plank to put under jack in case you are in soft muddy areas (the std Magna jack will furrow itself straight into the ground, as its contact area is quite narrow).
Couple of spare oils filters couldn't hurt, in case you need to change somewhere that old Magnas are not stock-in-trade.
Aerogard. Ava-good-trip-wont-cha-mate?

Thanks for the info. I do have some things, spare gas can, spare water can, fuses, 3 spare tires etc.
I was thinking of another jack, but hadnt thought about the board yet, will be useful in mud or sand.
I did just check phone coverage, up to cooktown is all good, but across to darwin and down the west coast is pretty patchy.
I plan to carry enough food and water in case i have to sit n wait for a day or two.
going to hit the wreckers in melbourne before i go, get a spare jack, a few rad hoses, clamps. then a partsource or super cheap for belts. I don't have my manual here, how many different belts do i need? a fan belt? what else?

thanks again for the info.

i'm hoping my baby makes it all the way around.

I have also posted in the members lounge, and included a rough itinerary. have look.

cheers

jason

What part of melb will you be in as I can recomment pistons in Bayswater, they will be cheap and just tell them Mal sent you in and they will look after you

Also be careful you do not go overboard, is great carrying parts but only carry parts that you are able to fit.

I plan to carry enough food and water in case i have to sit n wait for a day or two.
going to hit the wreckers in melbourne before i go, get a spare jack, a few rad hoses, clamps. then a partsource or super cheap for belts. I don't have my manual here, how many different belts do i need? a fan belt? what else?

The fans are electric so there's no fan belt. There's a (short) water pump drive belt and an alternator/power steering drive belt. There's also a separate drive belt for the air cond. compressor but the car will run without that, so it is not critical. Don't get used radiator hoses. New ones are available from Super Cheap or Repco. I think I paid $28 for the two.

I'd replace the two heater hoses as well. If they fail, it is the same result as a radiator hose failure.

Do a gearbox service before you leave, oil change etc.... maybe some gasket goo... replace thermosthat... new rad pipes... make sure you carry a good knife.... plenty of little bits of hose, nothing worse that when you have 3 rad hoses and none of the stuff for a heater core.

Enough said....

http://www.clevelandleader.com/files/toilet_paper.jpg

Spare set of keys kept under the car somewhere.......

Car charger for your mobile phone?