Overland Garage/Specialist

[kanya3]

Hi everyone,

I am planning on an overland trip from London to Capetown in my 120 later this year. I would like to get some upgrades on it like rear tyre carrier, underbody protection, fabrications in the rear for storage/fridge, battery system etc. In addition to this, get the rear axle replaced and have some sort of rust proofing done.

I live in SE London and having no luck with any overland specialist to get it looked at. Most garages don’t do this kind of work and I would prefer someone who does these kind of jobs routinely.

Could I request fellow members to recommend anyone in this area or elsewhere?

Many thanks.

Suneel

 

[cmcmill01]

Live in the SE as well and for that big kind of job I would recommend Overland Cruisers, just need to jump on the train to get back. I have been looking at LAR 4x4 but they didn’t get back to me on some work required

 

[karl2000]

Overland Cruisers? Whats Julian's waiting list like, I think the OP has a trip this year.

 

[Tractionman]

From what i've heard, motors just sit there without work commencing, read some of the reviews that have gone to litigation

 

[kanya3]

Thanks Guys. Something a little closer would be better. The only one I found was Devon 4x4, they seem to have a big team. It's 225 miles from me. Anyone had work done with them?

 

[whereisgibson]

I have used Westcoast 4x4 before, which is up in Blackpool. I once had the car collected from London - ask them about that - then it's a case of a single train journey and bus to collect it once done.

 

[kanya3]

Thanks. Checked out their website, look good but they are even further away than Devon

 

[Lorin]

Hi Suneel,

My advice would be to simply find a competent local mechanic who is interested to do the work. If they’re the type to take a little time, read instructions and use a torque wrench then you’ve hit the jackpot. Most of the work you’ve listed is simply ‘bolt on’ or ‘install’ and doesn’t require any specialist knowledge. You can source all the kit/parts directly from places like Devon4x4, West Coast, vendors on this forum, etc. A replacement axle also shouldn’t be too difficult to source. I’d also suggest looking at stuff from both US and Aus vendors as the selection is much greater and often worth the shipping cost.

There are some rust specialists discussed on this forum who could be worth the trip but rust-proofing should be the very last job you do.

 

[kanya3]

Thanks Lorin. Most local garages aren't interested. All this kit is expensive and I was thinking better to get someone who does this often and know what's best suited.
I am having issues getting hold of this particular axle, checked with Toyota, can't find any breakers who have it, no luck on eBay either.
I might have to get it from overseas but shipping costs are more than the axle itself
I was looking at Avamaya in Dubai.

 

[karl2000]

I have used Westcoast 4x4 before, which is up in Blackpool.

+1 for West Coast.

They're up in Southport from what I remember. They are UK main dealers for a lot of kit, and are used to kitting out vehicles. Even better, the people doing the work have actually driven these vehicles properly and know what they're talking about. There's videos on youtube of some of their work if you need convincing.

Theyve done some stuff for me in the past - i found them to be a good, honest place. No idea what their work schedule/waiting list is like though, I suspect they are busy - because theyre good.

 

[Charlie]

Good luck with West Coast, twice I've requested quotations for parts......... twice I received no reply.

 

[GeekOKent]

@kanya3 anyone breaking a 120 you could get the axle off of?

@Tommy345 may know what the West coast backlog looks like at the moment....

 

[Tractionman]

Good idea GOK.
There should be no shortage of 120's at breakers with their known rust issues, hmm......

 

[kanya3]

Thanks Karl. Will given them a call & check.

 

[kanya3]

Thanks GOK. I am new to this game, any leads how to find these breakers? Are there some doing only Toyota work?

 

[karl2000]

Search eBay for 'breaking Prado 120' or similar

 

[Tractionman]

Kanya, the breakers dont do Toyota work as you require, they just sell s/h parts like axles.

 

[Gr8Yota]

Reading this thread through I’d also recommend you find a garage that is local that can do some fab work. what you ask for is nothing special. I won’t share opinions on any of the companies mentioned or not mentioned, good or bad as they are just that, opinions; but in general companies that specialise in ‘overland prep’ seem to charge a premium, and think they are the only people you can turn to, one even told me they knew every Land Cruiser J7 in the UK as they all came through him!

I used to live in SE London and I prepped my own Land Cruiser for overland in N America mainly with assistance from small garages who specialised in Land Rover as they are more plentiful than Toyota guys and share the interest and skills. It’s been too long to suggest anyone close by sorry.

 

[Tractionman]

Opinions based on fact are what helps people out.

 

[kanya3]

Tractionman. Sorry, I meant are breakers also brand specific, like some doing Toyota others

VW etc etc?