Countdown :: Dapope Hits The Road 13th July 2013

[dapope]

13 days to go.
Been decluttering the bins, taking the hubcaps off etc. Better half fininishing the curtains.
While removing the drivers side front hubcap, I noticed the front spring shackle bolt half out!
Not sure how or when, but wasn't like that a month ago when I greased it all up!
Possible the bolt has sheared, so going to organise a mobile mechanic to come sort that up and maybe check the rest while he is at it. Had a crack myself, but I do not have enough gear
Better found now I guess. We bought a lotto ticket to celebrate!
Why did I take the hubcaps off?? At $500 plus a set why wouldn't I ! Plus, its easier to adjust the tire pressures as the valve stems are hidden otherwise.

[Dot]

Better to find those things now that's for sure. Looks like that Chinaman was just injured, phew

[Keith Morris]

"tanks" here---this should not delay your departure date --a mobile mechanic may have difficulty obtaining parts, so would it be better to have a 'suspension place' do the job and check out the other pins.
Keith.

[Greynomad]

I have 5 weeks off. Plan is to head north asap till about Broome, then we will slow down, although we may detour into Karajinni NP. I seriously thought about doing the Gibb River Road, but feedback is that theres too many loonies on that road this time of year. We want to get into the Bunglebungles.
Then is back to work till October, flip over to NZ for 2 weeks to meet the new granddaughter, and catch up with family (motorhome is booked)
Then back to work till November next year, when my long service leave falls due, and rental contract is up
As log as the better half's kids are semi-sorted, then we will depart Perth for however long we want.
That's the plan anyway

By Gee, you plan well ahead!

Our plan is:
15 July - Head sort-of-north. Stop at Theodore a coupla weeks.
Sometime later - Head for Perth via Broken Hill.
Sometime later than above - Follow wildflower blooming from Geraldton south.
Return to Melb about Oct/Nov.

Details to be filled in en route.

[jon_d]

, I noticed the front spring shackle bolt half out!
Not sure how or when, but wasn't like that a month ago when I greased it all up!
Possible the bolt has sheared, so going to organise a mobile mechanic to come sort that up and maybe check the rest while he is at it. Had a crack myself, but I do not have enough gear

Martin,

Can you post some photo's

jd

[dapope]

, I noticed the front spring shackle bolt half out!
Not sure how or when, but wasn't like that a month ago when I greased it all up!
Possible the bolt has sheared, so going to organise a mobile mechanic to come sort that up and maybe check the rest while he is at it. Had a crack myself, but I do not have enough gear

Martin,

Can you post some photo's

jd

Mobile mechanic has been, looked and will be back tomorrow to replace both sides to make sure. Was happy as to see it was so straightforward.
Will brave the dark for you Jon!

[glenda]

At least you are heading off in some direction!! we cant get our bus out of the shed, Great news
Don't waste those great batteries

Glenda

[dapope]

broken bolt

[BruceS]

I haven't commented on the bolt Martin but that is/was a scary thought?
Imagine it going to the next stage at the wrong time!!!
What size pin was it? Makes you wonder if vehicles designed for those nice roads in USA are built lighter?

[dapope]

At least you are heading off in some direction!! we cant get our bus out of the shed, Great news
Don't waste those great batteries

Glenda

I love them batteries!!
Love driving along, fan heater going when its cold, extra air con when its hot, pull over for lunch fire up the microwave, mmmmm
Bruce, the mechanics view was that it had been over tightened. I am pretty sure I heard it go bang the other day. Pretty happy I found it now, as it certainly would not have been fun if it had let go while we were traversing Upper Swan
size is 16mm hi tensile steel