Valla 2008

Scotia · Valla 2008

A post was put up quite a while ago about shipping vans to Sydney and going to Valla and then driving back to WA. Well if anyone is interested I got a few prices........
van to Sydney with CEVA $745 inc gst
flight with Virgin $269
petrol back to WA $1500 approx
We are thinking of probalbly taking two weeks off work to cover this trip so if anyone else fancies it, the more the merrier.

Brookie

Link to Valla for those thinking of going.

http://www.volkswagenspectacular.com/

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sneak_e

Worked out a 'very' rough schedule to give people an idea as to where we can travel on the way back. Based on 5 - 6 hours driving average per day (don't want to push the vans too hard):

Thu July 31 to Sun Aug 3rd - Valla VW Spectacular
Mon 4th Aug - Convoy Valla to Sydney with any sydneysiders returning home (approx 6.5 hours)
Tues 5th - Sydney to Bega (through Woolongong down the NSW south coast via Princes Highway)
Wed 6th - Bega to Melbourne
Thu 7th - Melbourne to Portland (via Great Ocean Road drive)
Fri 8th - Portland to Adelaide (about 6.5 hours)
Sat 9th - Oil Change and Valve adjustments etc with a VW shop in Adel. Rest Day
Sun 10th - Adelaide to Port Augusta (perhaps via Clare Valley wine region)
Mon 11th - Port Augusta to Ceduna
Tue 12th - Ceduna to Eucla (Whale Watching)
Wed 13th - Eucla to Norseman (via Cocklebiddy caves etc)
Thu 14th - Either north to Kalgoorlie and home or south to Esperance and back to Perth via the south west coast (if we aren't tired of driving and want to go home! LOL)

Some nights we'll camp out in the busses, some nights cheap motels or pubs.

Of course this is very rough and I suspect we'll take an extra day or so to take a look around during the trip - no hurry at all - heaps to look at. Depending on how we're travelling we can travel further or shorter o nthose days.

We're looking at fitting cbs to the vans for friendly chatter Smile

Folks, for me this will be a one off event so if anyone's fence sitting I'd encourage them to join in as you won't get too many opportunities for such a cool driving holiday where you have backup transport and a good group to travel with. Yes it's a long way but taking it easy will make it a comfortable and fun adventure - great photo opportunities and a good time to appreciate this beautiful country of ours!

2 weeks - 4 states - vws! what a combo!!!

BJ

I wish that I could do this, work commitments and lack of holiday hurts at times like these.....

I am truely jealous although just clocked the dates...I'll be the UK

kyznet

I'll be there. First time too!

I'm in the process of trying to organise a trade stand for my clothing, and after what I've heard about Valla (biggest/best show on earth - not quite!) I'm sure I'll have a whale of a time.

Scotia

look forward to meeting you so I will look out for your stand. Just had a thought ......... why don't you come over here and have a stand at Toodyay?

sneak_e

sneak_e

Dion from DSK reckons he'll join us on the trip back. He's picking up his newly completed splitty panel and will be bringing it back to WA. We might have to let him drive up front though so we don't stone chip his immaculate gloss black paint job!

Also I spoke to a good mate of mine in Qld last night and he is considering moving to Perth for a few months for work and he'd be keen to join up in the trip with his car (not a VW but the more the merrier)

kyznet

Scotia

this is great the mumbers are building. I don't care if they are coming over in a Kombi or not it will just be great to have a group of us doing it together.

sneak_e

Just got a message from Lobus who wants to tag along from Valla to Melbourne with us in his bay panel, and he's trying to sort out stuff at home so he can take the time to do the entire trip!

It's starting to snowball - I reckon we'll get the 'world's longest cruise' award!!!!

Diddlie

lucky so and so's..... go wa guys n gals Laughing

Brookie

Lobus could then be here for Toodyay 2008 and then stay on as usual for DOVW.

If Bricat70 doesn't sell his bus he could join in and he and Cathy could have accompanied tour across the Nullabor.
Hope Woz and Alice have more thoughts about coming across as well.

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Brewmaster · Distance for a weekend......

Although a little closer than WA it is still a drive from here in Qld. Just too far for a weekend. Shame as it would be a real hoot to go. Sad

sneak_e

Starting to get a few enquiries about the trip - might have a nice little posse on the way back west from Valla!

I guess anyone over there that was ever considering the journey would be a good opportunity to hit the road with like-minded folk Smile

sneak_e

Lobus has confirmed he's doing the whole trip across.

Now we have two splitties and two bay's confirmed Smile

Awesome!

Scotia

fantastic, this is sooooooo exciting!!!

Brookie

There should be a great photograhic record of this trip- Valla to Perth with 2 splits and two bays at least Exclamation

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Scotia

trust me Warren - there will be lots of photos.

kyznet

That's VERY cool guys. How exciting that I'll be able to meet you face to face? Always nice to put faces to names.

You're brave souls. Not about the meeting me face to face bit. About the drive!!! Very Happy

Phat bus

Am I too late to book road freight, flights accomodation and entry/camping for the event??
I still need to sort out replacing my front seats for this trip as my back would never handle this trip with my current drivers seat.

sneak_e

I think most of us have our accommodation sorted. Haven't booked the car transport or airfares yet but will probably do so in the next week or two so you haven't missed out. Getting a place to stay at Valla resort could pose a problem, you may have to ring the other caravan parks in town - there's links and phone numbers on the website for the event.

sneak_e

Kanaka from Brisbane DSK has confirmed he's coming too - so the count is 3 splitties and two bays Smile

sneak_e

Updated transport costs with CEVA:

Ok got quotes from CEVA today as follows:

Perth to Sydney - $745 (includes gst) - 8 working days estimate transport time.

Perth to Melbourne - $500.01 (includes gst) - 7 working days estimate transport time.

Perth to Brisbane - $1050.01 (includes gst) - 9 working days estimate transport time.

Quotes are valid for 7 days only. No personal effects can be left in the vans (I think Jean enquired and campers can have their stuff left in as long as it's secured and doesn't fly around or risk of damage). Bookings must be prepaid at time of booking.

Gabbo's Run

When you are heading home from Portland, you have to go through here and you are welcome for a quick cuppa.

brian and cathy

Scotia

I am going to book transport for the bus and our flights tomoro. Also going to get in touch with Pacific Sands Caravan Park about 12ks away from Valla as well.
Come on Phat Bus the splitties are outnumbering us, we need you to come too.
Bricat70 - a cuppa sound great, but have to see what the others think.

Phat bus

Thanks Scotia and sneak_e for puting the thumb srcews on. You know how to put a fellow KK member under pressure. I'm still wondering what to do about these seats currently in my Kombi, they are just not right for a trip like this.

It'd be great if we could all pull up in the same caravan park near the event. Just a few other Q's and please excuse my ignorance.
1) Is the even closer to Bissie or Sydney? Sydney is kaos to get through except at maybe 3am in the morning.
2) I'm thinking It'd be most cost effective on fuel to have our kombi's trucked as close to the event as possible or is there some thing I'm not getting or missing?
3) I see there was a planned service stop in SA. Is this guy familar with type 4 motors and dual webber carbies. Does he/she stock Agip oil?
4) Is there any/much night driving planned for the trip back?
5) Has anyone looked into how local state isurance is applied when out of our home state?
6) We might want to allow for a set of tyres for the trip back. Last time I did the East-West trip my left hand tyers wore on the outside from the road camber.
7) The trip back is planned over two weeks, is that right? And I'd need 3 weeks off work?
Cool

What are the local Police like in NSW, QL and SA?
9) What's the weather like there cause it's getting cold here!
10) And Bricat70, I like mine very white and no sugar thanks Wink

PS. My boss told me I have too many holidays and I have to take some more time off. Mmm..wonder if I'd come back Smile

sneak_e

Scotia

Just booked accommodation in Nambucca Heads at Nambucca Beach Holiday Park, 02 6568 6120, 3 nights 2 people 1 Kombi = $87.00.

Gabbo's Run

You may want to grab a fan heater for the nights spent in van, only 20 bucks from bunnings or the like.

Seeing as how you are looking to be in adelaide on the friday and looking for service etc on the Saturday. Have you got a place sorted out yet?
If not i could contact a vw place in adelaide and find out if they are open on the saturday morning and can do the work for you. The one i have bought parts from is at holden hill, which is not far of the highway on your home trip. Would need to know how many vehicles etc.

brian

Scotia

Our van is booked to go to Sydney, it will arrive on the Tuesday and we will pick it up on Thursday when we get there. Apparently the transport companys depot is about 20 mins from the airport.
Re heaters - I was going to get a gas heater (takes the little canisters like the camping stove), Ranger Camping has them for $120 BUT a guy on Canningvale markets is selling them for $55 so I think I might go and see him on Sunday.

And Phat bus, if the police are everywhere that means we will just have to stick to the speed limit, no speeding!!!

Gabbo's Run

I dont think the police will be an issue with you on your adventure, its not as if you are going to be droping wheelies all over the country. or is it?

brian

sneak_e

Myself and Lobus have been chatting about accommodation on the return journe - we've thrown around the idea of the RAVC website and also using the www.toptoristparks.com.au site as they all have a variety of accommodation options. The Tourist Parks give you choices of unpowered/powered sites or you can splash out for a cabin or hotel room - at least we'll all be in the one venue. We also figured we could book places to stay each day on the road, that way if we feel we want to stop early or travel a bit further we're not committed to booking into a pre-determined place.

What's your thoughts?

Brookie

Scotia

Phat bus

Well it looks like I'm in for sure. Told the boss to not bother looking for me in August. Even a cyclone wouldn't stop me now!

It was a mad day at work today so didn't get to book the camp site or Transport company today. But this is my 1st "to do" for tomorrow. Then I'll look into airfairs.

Thanks Brian (bricat70) for the offer. I use to do all my own servicing myself but now with dual twin barrel webbers I leave it to the guys with the right gear to syncronise them. I'll probably do the filters, oil and tapets myself this time. But I'll still need to round up the parts and oil from somewhere. It'll be a bit of a novalty for me, having not done my own services for a long while:-)

As for the police. I don't drop wheelies but I did get chased for a bit the other night when I was in a hurry to get home to bed. When I notice their lights I pulled over. The officer was mad and asked why was I going so fast. I said I didn't realise he was trying to keep up with me Wink

I think I'll just load some good tunes for the trip and enjoy the scenery.

Sneak_e - I'm not fussed where we stop as my bus is comfy enough to sleep in every night. All I need is a shower every now & then and maybe a powered site. I like the idea of the itinerary being a bit flexible that way in true kombi spirit we see where the road takes us:-)
I was in a late model long wheel base Hiace van when I travelled back last and flogged the left hand tyres out. There seemed to be a Northerly breeze on the drivers side of the van all the was back.

Brookie

We have been across 6 times and never had problems with camber.
Last time (2005) coming back there was a north easter from Ceduna to WA border and took another 3 litres per 100k.
Even the Nissan poptop was buffeting and motor was about 10º cooler.

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Scotia

Great to see you have taken the plunge Phat bus. Like you, our bus is very comfy to sleep in so we are happy to go with the flow (in true kombi style) a shower occasionally would be good though.

sneak_e

Gabbo's Run

kyznet

Guys, not sure if this helps now or not, but Valla is about 6 hours from both Bris and Sydney.

Phat bus

I've gathered some prices on transport and CEVA is the cheapest by far and seem to tread you seriously. I phone CEVA 1 st and recieved a price of $745 but they want the Kombi totally empty. Then I phoned Autotrans and got a price of $1124 but once again they wanted the bus totally empty. Then I phoned Ontrack haulage and they said they'd phone me back. The next day they informed me the price was $2100+. I asked them if they were serious and they laughed and said yes. I told them that they were about 3 times the price of another price I recieved so the girl asked me to hold while she spoke to her boss. She then got back on the phoned and said they could do it for $1800. I said it was still high and what were the conditions. They said I could load the van to the roof if I wanted but nothing inside was insured. Said I'd thing about it. I didn't get a feeling that they would treat my Kombi with any kind of respect either, judging by the attitude of their staff.

Think I'll phone CEVA tomorrow and book my Kombi in. I'll now just have to think how my other gear is to make it to Sydney.

The Matador

Try V.I.P auto transport. They were very helpful when I had to get my Matador to Perth. I picked up the car from CEVA depot but paid much less than CEVA wanted to charge.

V.I.P 0500555227

sneak_e

How's everyone's plans going?

I'm booked with Ceva to take the van next Thursday and I'm flying into Sydney 10th July.

Phatbus how's things with you mate?

Jean and Alex are all sorted as well I believe?

Lobus is sorted.

Dion I think is pushing to have his split finished for the return drive for him back to Kalgoorlie

sneak_e

Also been trying to find anything interesting to do along the way - this group is in Portland which was one of the planned stops (but not necessary - just giving some ideas - http://www.southwestadventures.com.au/index.html

Phat bus

G'day sneak_s,

I've been in Melbourne and only got back yesterday. Things are still moving along for Valla. Arnoldi did the once over for the trip and tuned the carbies. I'm just sorting out getting the windows tinted, heaters running, dual battery set up and need to contact CEVA to sort more about transport ie details on leaving gear in the vehicle. Last I heard Jean was going to drop into the CEVA yard to find out how strict they are on leaving some gear inside for the trip.

Do you know how much advance notice I need to give CEVA to book if I want the Kombi in Sydney by 24th July?

Phat bus

Also, I still need to sort out my seats. But I'm still to deside which ones suit best. Kombis need a thin low base so your head isn't on the roof. I've heard that Honda seats suit but I really want to be convinced it will be a nice install and comfortable.

Diddlie

Hi Phatbus, just wondering what sort of price you are looking at for window tinting?

Phat bus

Hi Di,

The best price I seem to be getting is $380. But I've been in contact with a freind of a freind who owns a winscreen & tinting business. He said he'll do it for $380 and pop my windows out because he's really fussy and hates seeing the edges when windows are tinted. He's also just finished painting a camper in and out. I'm dropping mine off tomorrow for him to do the tint. I'll try to get some photo's of the paint work. But Di, you'd be happy with your's if you knew how much the paint job was costing this guy.

Diddlie

That's not bad then, does it vary for level of tint. Soctias Kevin must be "the darkest legal tint". It's either tint or curtians as the 13 year old is not going to want to flash his undies scrambling up to the pop top Shocked

Scotia

My tint is the darkest allowed (honest) and I would definately recommend it. If I remember right it was about $400. The difference it has made is unreal, in the summer I prefer to drive with my windows up and just have the vents open, cos the tint cuts out the heat so well.
Anyway back to Valla....... I haven't been down to CEVA yet, just got back from Geraldton today but will try to get there next week. They did say to allow about 8 days for transport over. Alex has a week off now so we are going to spend that time getting everything ready. Decided to put a piano hinged lift up section under the bed (where the rear seat should be) and put a decent lock on it, that will give us heaps of storage space and will not be so obvious to anyone just looking in the back. Going to see about getting a 2-way radio as well.

sneak_e

Finally got the motor in the car and sorted with new heads, pistons, exhaust etc. It's only done 120kms on it so far and I'm having some timing/idling issues but also found contaminated fuel so hopefully tomorrow can dump it and try to get rid of the crap built up in the tank.

I was aiming for having my bus with CEVA yesterday but I don't feel confident sending it over before it's mechanically tip top so I'm spending this weekend trying to clean the fuel system and run it inanother 300 - 400 kms or so, then I'll take it down to Kurt at Freo for another valve adjustment and final tune on Monday morning.

I took it for a drive out to Ceva this morning. They only need 24 hours notice to book and have containers going every day except Wednesday and weekends.

I got them to check the ride height, although they state your car must have 5 inch clearance, the yardies reckon mine will be ok despite only having 3.5 inches clearence at the muffler and steering box! They say their ramps aren't heavily inclined and the cars go into a container on a truck then are taken to the rail yard where they are loaded onto rail for the journey.

They also told me there was no way I could take anything personal in the car. I asked them about having a large tradies type toolbox bolted to the floor so I could keep tools, jack, a few spares etc but the yard manager on duty said 'no way'. I guess all I can do is take the basic tool kit wrapped up and hidden in the space under the bench seat in the splitty. Everything else I guess I will have to buy when I get over there. I can hit Good Sammys for some quilts and blankets and my mum will set me up with some pillows etc. Can pick up some vw spares at local dealers on the east coast.

Just hope the weather for the trip back isn't bucketing rain like we're getting here Smile

Phat bus

Mmm...this whole issue of not being allowed to bolt in a lock up tool box is making this trip more of an impossiblity. I don't think I'm going to buy a second lot of everything I've got here in Perth including my car fridge. Sounds like these guys at CEVA are saying you can't even leave the jack in the vehicle.

Gabbo's Run

What is their big issue on leaving things in your van? Maybe you could send your tool box and all its goodies another way, at least you will have all your gear then for the trip home.

brian

sneak_e

I'm going to ring someone in management Monday morning to sort it out. Maybe if I ask nicely they'll let us put a toolbox in. Tell them we are doing the cruise across for charity or something Wink

Scotia

I can't get down to CEVA till Thursday but when I told the guy on the phone it was a camper with a bed and cupboards, he accepted that there would be stuff in the van and seemed quite happy as long as the cupboard doors were locked and nothing would be flying around the van in transit. I think it is to cover them for theft of items from the vehicles and that is part of the reason they don't want 'personal' items left in. Be interesting to see what you get told on Monday sneak_e.

Phat bus

I have a fair few other things to send too which would push up the cost of the whole trip too much. I don't understand CEVA's problem either as it's in a sea container and I understand that anything inside would be at my own risk.

sneak_e

BJ

Good luck Brian. If they say no take your bus home and start hiding stuff like a drug smuggler! In door panels etc Laughing

sneak_e

Phat bus

I'm thinking along the same lines as you sneak_e. I've seen the toolchest/box I want in bunnings and I can fit my car fridge in it. The only spares I was counting on taking were spark plugs, coil, dissy and valve springs (mine are not standard). Tools will be just a trolley jack, sockets and torque wrench (if I can find it) etc.
When I first made enquiries with CEVA this would have qualified. So I'm going with this option too. If they ask any questions about the box I'll just tell them the body wouldn't fit under the back seat or I have an expensive drug habit etc Wink

I'll be keen to hear how it goes for you on Tuesday and if it works out I'll book my ticket the next day. I'm planning on meeting freinds in Sydney on the 28th so I don't want to miss out on a flight etc.

sneak_e

Had to reschedule my booking from Tuesday to Thursday (they don't transport cars on Wednesdays) - developed an oil pressure problem in the motor last night so thanks to Dave (again) we're pulling the motor out (for about the 4th time! LOL)

Mine's all paid for etc so all cool.

Phat bus

Oil pressure problem - oh no! Shocked

I've found a decent Toolbox at bunnings. So If CEVA sends sneak_e's ok, then I'll do the same. Kinga has found a few seat swap ideas too. So things are looking up Wink

sneak_e

Despite the motor being out four times we've still had no luck with the oil pressure - looks like time to ring some repairers! Might have to make it Friday for the train, or even next week at this stage Sad

Picked up the same toolbox from Bunnings Phatbus (if it's the one you've been looking at (quite large and only about $74) - I've covering it with marine carpet and paint and it'll double as a bit of a seat in the back of the splitty Smile

Diddlie

Hope you get your motor probs sorted out sneak _e

Brookie

Gabbo's Run

Hope you get the problem solved guys.

brian

Scotia · CB's

has anyone else got a CB? Is it worth me getting one or do you think we will just go with having the hand held walkie talkies?
My kombi is at the garage just now getting the heat exchanger fixed, it had a hole in it. Hope to get it back tomoro. Will go for a run on Sunday to make sure everything is ok with it. Don't want any last minute problems cropping up.

sneak_e

Stopped in for Peter Arnoldi to take a look - not good news - oil relief gallery has been over-reamed and elongated causing reduced oil pressure (2 psi at idle) so looks like the crankcase is rooted (can I say rooted on here? apologies if not!)

Running out of time and money so might have to consider flying over and back.

Not happy Jan Confused

sneak_e

Phat bus

sneak_e

Brookie

Was it a recon engine or a runner?

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sneak_e

Like a bad episode of Days of Our Lives, the trips back on. Simon (legend) is putting a motor in the bus over the weekend. I have to leave on Monday, same day as the bus.

On again off again on again....I've had relationships easier than this event Wink

VLKSWGN

Hope you can get it sorted mate, there's some good folk out there Very Happy

Steve

BJ

Good luck Brian, my fingers are crossed for you

Gabbo's Run

Hope everthing works out guys, would hate to see your plans change after all you have done.

I cant wait to you get to the mount, grinning like a kid in a lolly shop.

brian and cathy

66split

hope all goes well brian. give me a shout if you need anything. Cool

Scotia

keeping our fingers crossed that all goes well this weekend Brian, we don't want to be a kombi down on the crossing. 'Kevin' has been given the all clear by his mechanic, who is a bit jealous of 'the adventure' and wishes us all well.. Also mentioned he has a crankcase if you need it Brian.

Phat bus

Hey is anyone installing a CB for the trip? I know scotia asked the same question. I'm keen to install one as it should have a longer range too. Does anyone know of the best place to get one (new or s/h)?

sneak_e

humpty

All sorted Brian.... The bus will be at the freighters tomorrow morning... The 1835 is in, all systems check out, it has a new zorst and is oil tight... It actually does go pretty well... Got loads of grunt.... Pulls up hills in top with ease.... But it will need a few minor fix-ups when you get it over there... A new air cleaner for the DCNF Weber (can't find one here... REDLINE in Sydney will have them) and a new dissy cap (I think the dissy is a mechanical 005 deal off later engines and once again, can't find one here)... Or if someone can loan the Bman an 09 it will slip straight in.... But I want my 05 back.... They have a very good timing curve... Once that stuff is sorted you should get it tuned up again and your ready to rock... I'd prolly go see Keg Muller or Kimm Garland to get it sorted for you... Unless of of course any of you Sydney-siders have better options...

Have a good one mate...

Scotia

I've got a CB ready to install, will be done over the next few days.

Brookie

Been searching for web or surfcams around Nambucca area but doesn't seem to be any.
If you know of any please post.

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kyznet · KK Meet Up?

So, for those of us going to Valla, are we going to have a bit of a meet and greet? Would be great to put some faces to names.

I'll have my trade stand there, so if you see the WhizBang stall, please drop by and say hi. I'd love to meet you all.

Drive safe everyone. Smile

Kyra

Scotia

bags are packed we are ready to go. Flight is at 12.15am tonight. We are very excited should be a great experience. Will try to keep you all posted on what is happenning - if I can get internet. There will be lots of photos when we get back.

66split

have a good flight and a fantastic trip. hope your adventure goes well. looking forward to loads of pics Wink

Valla 2008

Distance for a weekend......

CB's

KK Meet Up?