http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Thanks. I apreciate it.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

Stefano also sells some very useful black plastic knobs which are 7cm in diameter with a metal thread, two big lugs and a spanner fitting. They fit a size M12 (12mm) bolt, ie spanner size 19mm.

The plastic knob makes a snug fit into the round holes drilled along the centre of the Grand Erg plates. All you need to do is to make up two brackets with an M12 bolt sticking out. Put the plates over the bolts and screw on the plastic knobs by hand. Easy to get on and off, they held my four plates in place through everything Algeria could throw at me.

I believe they are a standard part from a European car - Chris Scott knows which one.

its the spare wheel retaining device from a fiat uno or smth like...

CS

Hi erik,

you mention trans africa rather than just saharan travel

Are you sure that sand plates is what you really need. I can send you a nice photo of my friends 110 (she carries the south african rubber mat stuff for sand recovery) stuck where only a rigid ladder would get the truck out easily and that was in morocco. Luckily I carry 2 steel ladders (not PSP) and yes they are heavy BUT they were the only thing to help in this circumstance. Further south you may find the grand erg are just a little lightweight for your needs

Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'

After two trips to my far from local Fiat dealer and help from Stefano I’ve identified the plastic knob, it’s the spare wheel retaining knob for a Fiat Fiorino van from 1993 to 2001. Its proper name is - wait for it - “plug”.

The UK part number is S0006587, and it costs GBP2.62 including VAT.

Stefano can mail them for EUR7.20 (approx GBP4.60).