Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 4
4x4 gurus near London?

Is there a garage/specialist near London (or southern UK)? I'd like to get a few ideas pointers from someone who actually adapts/configures vehicles for the desert: bash plates, racks, mechanical mods/requirements, that sort of thing.

I could (and would like to) do what needs done myself, but there's a few things which I'd best get done properly. And there's nothing like having someone who actually understands the mechanics (and the realities) to keep me on the straight and narrow and my feet on the ground.

I have a Toyota surf 3.0L

TIA

tF
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hi,

This list contains all the knowledge there is, not only near London, so why not asking the guys here?

Actually, in London there's not a single outfit worth a try, maybe except Brownchurch, but they specialise in landrovers. They make, however, excellent roofracks for all vehicles.

For other jobs and bits your nearest port of call would be Footloose4x4 in Peterborough. FrogsIsland4x4 in Abingdon near Oxford could be tried, too, but I've heard not all their previous customers were happy.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 549
Speak to Paul Marsh at Footloose 4x4 in Peterborough. He's travelled across six continents and prepared hundreds of vehicles. And he's a good guy, too!

Jojo
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: uk
Posts: 4
Hi Roman

"...This list contains all the knowledge there is, not only near London, so why not asking the guys here? ..."

Well if anyone here can e.g. advise on and/or reliably fit a cooler to my automatic transmission, that would be nice. :-)


" ...London... not a single outfit ... maybe except ... "

Thanks for those pointers, I gotta start somewhere!

cheers
tF
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
I'd rate frogs island4x4. excellent quality, maybe a few unhappy folk, but on the whole., a darn good outfit.


However.... don't go to scorpion racing (on the inner ring road in London), just don't venture anywhere near them. stay away.

search for threads on LR4x4, ORRP and the like, or watch "race to dakar" with Charlie borman and Ewen Mcgreggor. you'll see why!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Tf,
there is a guy on here (Bundubasher/Jeremy) who owns a surf in southern africa and will be the guy to advise on expedition type mods to your vehicle - check some threads and see his website, it is interesting! I am also in Africa but the western part, so cannot really help with London area advice, but as others have said you will get plenty advise, and an AT cooler shouldn't be a tough one. But, don't expect professional vehicle equipment salesmen to keep your feet on the ground!!! Although Matt Savage is a genuinly helpfull type guy who sells stuff and modifies/preps vehicles, but not in the SE! Surf forums in USA might well also be good for advice where I would guess the vehicle is more common?
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
Originally Posted by twoFlowers View Post
"Well if anyone here can e.g. advise on and/or reliably fit a cooler to my automatic transmission, that would be nice. :-)
Hi,

These guys are in West London and have the expertise and the kit you require:
thinkauto

I'd put the oil cooler in front of the main radiator in line with the stock cooler. Another useful option that can be easily fitted at the same time - an A/T oil temp gauge.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Aug 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
I love Roman

Roman, you always seems to know where to get everything for anything! I would love an updated links page with your comments for each place that you know of (and might have used).

London is sadly lacking in good places to go - it pays to get things done outside of London for anything that involves lots of labour.

Those of us in London should get together every so often and swap info...?
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Darrin,

You are too kind
I am sure you have forgotten more than I have ever known about this stuff. But if I can help with anything, just let me know.

Meeting more often than once a year at Biling is a good idea (and maybe it would work better for us than last July).
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Aug 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Hi,

For an oil cooler, try Kenlowe (http://www.kenlowe.co.uk/)- I've fitted their kits to a few 80 series LCs, and I'm pretty sure they will do a kit for the surf.

Have you been in touch with the Surf club? We linked up with a few members down on Salisbury Plain a couple of years back - they know Surfs better than most and I recall one guy that ran a workshop near Basingstoke that worked on nothing but Surfs, although mostly for off roading in the UK.

Having said that, what they won't know about you will be able to find here.

I've dropped a line to my contact at the club and will hopefully get the name and number of the guy near Basingstoke for you.
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Jul 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 4
Updated info on London proximity LC specialists

Hi guys,

Are there still no LandCruiser specialists near London? I've got an 80s series LC which I'll be shortly taking across Africa and need to make some mods and maintenance. - new shocks, roof rack, diagnostic on leaking gearbox and replace seals and kingpins (apparently??). Also this is based on a non-toyota mechanic's opinion so a more expert-based opinion would also be great.

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
A lot of surf owners inhabit the hilux owners club forum, hpoc, they reckon it's better than the surf forums.

a little further north on the Norfolk suffolk border in a wee place called Harleston is Waveney Landrover. Don't worry about the name, they have prepped all my trucks and recently renovated my HJ60 landcruiser. Jono there really knows his acorns (and nuts and bolts!!)
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: East Sussex UK
Posts: 119
Give Julian at overland cruisers a shout, he is THE landcruiser guru!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Round road trip from Pakistan to London Switzerland khurramkhan Route Planning 3 13 Apr 2010 07:48
iveco 4x4 moodybloo 4 wheel Overland Travel 2 12 Jul 2007 13:01
Can anyone ride my bike from Lisbon to London? sunflowers Europe 3 23 Nov 2006 07:53
Some bastard tried Dtealing My R100gs in London! No where to Repair? Thelostredneck BMW Tech 3 12 Jul 2006 18:38
Motorcycle trip Jan 2007 London - Dakar - London (±2months) pixelart-design Travellers Seeking Travellers 17 23 Jun 2005 06:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:12.