Post by Brian M on Oct 28, 2008 12:49:03 GMT
From: Sylvesteruk1 (Original Message) Sent: 11/05/2006 19:58
It is just 12 months since I aquired my first SAFARI, a 1979 13/4 which has served me well having done some 2500 miles and a delight to use. I have also bought and sold on as it was to big for me a 1978 15/4. Then came along a 1979 14/2 and 13/4 both of which were only fit for dismantling and spares. In March I bought a one owner from new immaculate 1978 12/2 to tow behind my classic car to rallies.
However two interesting facts have emerged, on all the caravans the tyres were unserviceable in some cases they were remoulds, none were reinforced and every van had at least one wheel arch and in some cases floor damaged due to previous blow out`s.
On collection, all the vans had faulty rear lights which, on removal of the lens had all sorts of additional earth wires from the bulb holder`s ( sorry filament holder`s). I have found that the main source of a poor earth on the rear lights is the earth wire that runs to a self tapping screw at the rear right hand corner of the alloy body rails being corroded.
The fix is to emery cloth the bottom surface of the chassis at the right hand corner and drill a hole for a self tapping screw into the chassis. Connect up the earth fly lead from the lights tighten the screw and apply grease over the screw head.
Well the two 13/4`s are off on SAFARI to Cornwall this weekend for a weeks touring so there will be another 1000 miles wear on the SAFARI glasses!
Cheers
Mike
From: Brian Sent: 13/05/2006 06:57
Mike
Snap
Both the perished tyres and the dodgy earths you mention have been present on both of my Classic Caravans.
My first, a Knowsley Eros, had been standing for many years before I bought it and whilst the tyres had almost new treads, the sidewalls had totally cracked up. The rear lights worked for about a month before the flashing brake lights syndrome appeared. An extra wire to earth fixed the latter, and a set of "van" rated remoulds were fitted for peace of mind.
The Safari was purchased from Manchester and the 250 miles home were done at modest speeds as there was some visible cracking to the sidewalls of the tyres. On the advice of my tyre supplier he fitted commercial reinforced tyres at £25 each.
His argument was that grip and handling characteristics were irrelevant, but 850kgs of weight had to be carried on two wheels.
I had used my Safari for a year or so before the rear lights went haywire (pun intended). I looked at the state of all the wiring and decided a total replacement was required and put new wires right through to a new junction box under the front of the chassis.
Brian Miller
It is just 12 months since I aquired my first SAFARI, a 1979 13/4 which has served me well having done some 2500 miles and a delight to use. I have also bought and sold on as it was to big for me a 1978 15/4. Then came along a 1979 14/2 and 13/4 both of which were only fit for dismantling and spares. In March I bought a one owner from new immaculate 1978 12/2 to tow behind my classic car to rallies.
However two interesting facts have emerged, on all the caravans the tyres were unserviceable in some cases they were remoulds, none were reinforced and every van had at least one wheel arch and in some cases floor damaged due to previous blow out`s.
On collection, all the vans had faulty rear lights which, on removal of the lens had all sorts of additional earth wires from the bulb holder`s ( sorry filament holder`s). I have found that the main source of a poor earth on the rear lights is the earth wire that runs to a self tapping screw at the rear right hand corner of the alloy body rails being corroded.
The fix is to emery cloth the bottom surface of the chassis at the right hand corner and drill a hole for a self tapping screw into the chassis. Connect up the earth fly lead from the lights tighten the screw and apply grease over the screw head.
Well the two 13/4`s are off on SAFARI to Cornwall this weekend for a weeks touring so there will be another 1000 miles wear on the SAFARI glasses!
Cheers
Mike
From: Brian Sent: 13/05/2006 06:57
Mike
Snap
Both the perished tyres and the dodgy earths you mention have been present on both of my Classic Caravans.
My first, a Knowsley Eros, had been standing for many years before I bought it and whilst the tyres had almost new treads, the sidewalls had totally cracked up. The rear lights worked for about a month before the flashing brake lights syndrome appeared. An extra wire to earth fixed the latter, and a set of "van" rated remoulds were fitted for peace of mind.
The Safari was purchased from Manchester and the 250 miles home were done at modest speeds as there was some visible cracking to the sidewalls of the tyres. On the advice of my tyre supplier he fitted commercial reinforced tyres at £25 each.
His argument was that grip and handling characteristics were irrelevant, but 850kgs of weight had to be carried on two wheels.
I had used my Safari for a year or so before the rear lights went haywire (pun intended). I looked at the state of all the wiring and decided a total replacement was required and put new wires right through to a new junction box under the front of the chassis.
Brian Miller