We’re still waiting for the tail-lift, but I’ve been over to OEC to see it progressing. Paul is waiting for some solenoids to arrive to operate locking-pins to secure the lift in it’s various positions (to take the strain off the hydraulics when the lift is stationary). Even on it’s work-stand it looks a workContinue reading “Getting tight on the build”
Tag Archives: Build
Finishing touches
Dropped the Azalai off at OEC today to get the finishing touches completed. Everyone is optimistic we’ll get there before Christmas, but the manufacturers of the solenoids (to operate the tail-lift locking-pins) have consistently reneged on promised delivery dates over the last few weeks. Anyway, regardless everything else can happen: Uprated headlamp bulbs (the Defender’sContinue reading “Finishing touches”
Tail-lift snag
OEC kindly dropped Paula back to us this morning sporting a few enhancements. The headlamp bulbs have been uprated, a shovel has been mounted on (Rachel’s!) wing, the seat heating has been replaced and the tail-lift hydraulics are in place. So we are all set for the rest of the winter. However the tail-lift isn’tContinue reading “Tail-lift snag”
Breakdown – the cause and remedy
Picked the Azalai up from OEC today. The breakdown was apparently caused by a wiring loom contacting with the [transplanted] auto box’s oil feeds and consequently being melted. Paul [at OEC] was surprised that the transmission oil ran that hot; but he has now secured the loom away from the pipes so all appears toContinue reading “Breakdown – the cause and remedy”
Tail-lift fitting
Took the Azalai up to OEC today so that Paul can fit the tail-lift. He was painting it today, but will be spending the rest of the week fitting. He seemed pretty confident regarding the main hardware and attachment to the chassis, but thought that if anything was going to make him run past theContinue reading “Tail-lift fitting”
Tail-lift on
Spoken to Paul at OEC – The lift is on, but he’s ordered a reducing valve (“should be here today”). The lift is going up well, and Paul reported that he’s, “Really pleased with it”, but the problem is “That it currently comes down faster than if it was just gravity!” Should now be tomorrow,Continue reading “Tail-lift on”
Departure booked
Sorry to have been neglecting the updates, but it’s been a bit hectic tying up a few loose-ends and coordinating everything to achieve our May departure date. Just today though (and forced by the rapidly diminishing accommodation options in Durban due to the Bank Holiday one suspects) things have become real. Shipping: The helpful DavidContinue reading “Departure booked”
Planning progress and a celebration
Rachel has just texted to say that her Career Break has been approved. Another hurdle ticked off the list! D-Day is approaching fast. Since my last post Alan (father) has enjoyed his 70th Birthday with a great party at the Rugby Club (TARFC). He’d asked the many guests to donate to www.motivation.org.uk in lieu ofContinue reading “Planning progress and a celebration”
Mechanical teachings
Dave Webb (TARFC and Sherwell Valley Motors) has just given Rachel her first vehicle maintenance lesson. Today involved an orientation of what’s what underneath the vehicle, the brakes, and the techniques to change a front wheel – followed by a couple of hours’ practical. With much gusto Rachel waded in and impressed her tutor withContinue reading “Mechanical teachings”
Getting there
The Azalai is going into OEC for what’s hopefully the last pre-trip works. I’ve decided to fit a cruise control as flexing ones arm on a long run is overly tiring (foot throttle uses extensor muscles) and probably not as safe as having two hands on the steering wheel on such a heavy vehicle. PaulContinue reading “Getting there”