goose
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 3
Registered: Jul 12, 2010 14:53:58 GMT 2
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Post by goose on Jul 12, 2010 15:07:31 GMT 2
Howzit guys,
I have just recently bought myself a Niva Sidekick for R4K, and it was love at first drive. The engine is in reasonably good nick (127 000 kms) and I have just had the transmission and clutch completely overhauled (the dif-lock lever had to be welded back on). She goes like a dream now. There are a few rust spots but the project is ongoing.
I never considered myself the "4x4 type", and it took a weekend as a navigator at the Castrol 4x4 Jamboree in Zimbabwe a couple of years ago to change that. This is my first 4x4 and she brings a smile to my face after every trip. Even my fiance loves driving it!
I'm originally from Zim, and moved down to KZN 3.5 years ago. Can't wait to get out there! First I need to sort the wheels, then the tyres, then the brakes, then the...
Anyways, Hello!
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Post by marius on Jul 12, 2010 15:59:10 GMT 2
Hi there Goose A warm welcome to this forum - nice to see our membership growing steadily. There are plans in the making for a trip that might include Zim - your input in the thread can be very helpful. Hope you have many years of good memories ahead with your Sidekick Regards Marius
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Hercules
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Lada - your peace of mind to take on the world's vast landscapes.
Posts: 785
Location: Gauteng
Town: Benoni
Registered: Oct 2, 2009 11:55:41 GMT 2
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Post by Hercules on Jul 12, 2010 18:07:10 GMT 2
Hallo Goose,
A warm and heartly welcome to the Lada Forum. Hope to hear a lot from you and some pics will also be very welcome. Hope you enjoy your Lada for many years to come.
Regards.
Hercules
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Post by ronnie on Jul 12, 2010 19:15:47 GMT 2
Hi Goose Welcom to the forum. Glad you both love the lada and hope you have many enjoyable years in it. Good to see you are ex Zim as I have spent many holidays there, and nice to see another member in KZN Regards Ronnie
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Post by danie on Jul 12, 2010 20:12:23 GMT 2
Hi Goose
Welcome to the Forum - nice to have another "Durbanite" on the Forum !
Hopefully more local owners will join in future - there are quite a number of Ladas in this area.
Please keep us posted about any progress on your Lada, and if possible, send some pics.
In which area do you find yourself ? I work in Durban, and stay in New Germany..........
Regards
Danie
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goose
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 3
Registered: Jul 12, 2010 14:53:58 GMT 2
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Post by goose on Jul 13, 2010 10:07:12 GMT 2
Thanks for the welcome guys! I will get some pics up, both before and after. Does anyone know where I can get a reasonably good condition steering wheel from? I also understand there's a bulk order for tyres going through to Russia, which I am very keen for, and I am also looking for original spec wheels. At the moment I'm running on 3 mags and the spare wheel. The other mag was buckled by the previous owner. She also drove it everywhere in low range, which explains the bargain, as she was of the opinion it lacked power.
Danie, I stay in Durban North and work in Westville. If you're ever doing something in the area, maybe we could meet up and you could run your practised eye over her. I definitely need a crash course in DIY maintenance.
As for trips to Zim, I will happily help out where I can.
Shot guys.
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Post by ronnie on Jul 13, 2010 12:43:04 GMT 2
Hi Goose I am from Pennington, not too far away from you and Danie. . You may be able to obtain a replacement rim. As far as i am aware all Sidekicks came with the same Mag rims?. As far as the Lada Trip is concerned it is only in 2012 Perhaps in the June. This will give you plenty time to get your Lada in order and you and your Fiance Will be welcome to join the trip. ;D. I am trying to put a route together but it is not so easy to go every where you want in 2 weeks. A lot of members want Namibia but the main reserves there are in the north and to return to RSA without retracing your steps is a very long way You would be looking at 4 days traveling, which is a lot out of our 2 weeks. I am working on a route including Zim at the moment and your comments would be appreciated when it is finished. What is the petrol situation in Zim at present as the Lada`s tank is small and even with 2 Jerry cans the range is limited. Regards Ronnie
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goose
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 3
Registered: Jul 12, 2010 14:53:58 GMT 2
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Post by goose on Jul 13, 2010 14:18:44 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie,
As far as I'm aware, fuel is readily available, but there is hardly any choice other than 'petrol or deisel'. I will look into it... 2012 sounds like its going to be good year!
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Post by marius on Jul 13, 2010 17:07:02 GMT 2
Hi Goose
>> a bulk order for tyres going through to Russia<< What we are trying to do is to get at least one of the tyre importers to import tyres for the 16" rim. These tyres are not from Russia - unless you know someone else trying to import from Russia. The more people interested in importing - the stronger our chances of getting these tyres.
>>also drove it everywhere in low range<< I'm amazed she's still alive - and that goes for the Sidekick too ;D
Regards Marius
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spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
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Post by spikes on Jul 13, 2010 19:10:31 GMT 2
Hearty welcome Goose! Spikes
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