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Post by Charles on Nov 7, 2010 12:41:43 GMT 2
Haha Ari. When do I ever drive fast?
Charles
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Post by Ari Bezuidenhout on Nov 7, 2010 12:44:12 GMT 2
When your father had that black Alfa.
Ari
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Post by Charles on Nov 7, 2010 12:49:25 GMT 2
That was high school. Long time ago.
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Post by ronnie on Nov 7, 2010 13:17:09 GMT 2
Hi All I am going to post a photo of my Lada tool kit which used to be for the Original Lada then the Landy. You will notice it is very basic and I only carry it locally when I have finished doing some work on the Lada. It is in my opinion that this tool box is also fine for the surrounding countries providing the Lada is kept and maintained properly. We have sometimes 180 guest`s on our web site, some of which are potential owners. We must be careful we do not create the WRONG impression that a Lada is an unreliable vehicle to own when it is not. I will ask you all one simple question--- When you are driving you other car are you like me and carry no tools at all? Lets have your answers please. Ronnie
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Post by Charles on Nov 7, 2010 13:24:37 GMT 2
Ronnie in my Conquest I only have insulation tape and reversible screw driver. The only brakedown I have ever had on it is the starter relay packed up/ It has 278000km on the clock. When my lada is finished I will have the same trust in in it as in my Toyota. I just want to be prepared for anything when venturing into the bush with it. You never know what can happen. I am not good friends with Murphy!
Charles
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Post by ronnie on Nov 7, 2010 14:46:48 GMT 2
Hi Danie
I know you do not drive fast, but a "youngster" like Charles I don`t know so much. When I was young there only was one position for my foot ---on the board and if that meant 120mph so be it.
Ronnie
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Post by marius on Nov 7, 2010 15:08:42 GMT 2
Hi all For more than 10 years the Lada Niva has been the only car we've had Had some hickups along the way but proved to be a reliable, tough and economical car. If the car is well maintained it is as reliable as any. I have travelled long distances with the car on a few occasions without any doubt or fear that she would not get us to our destination and back. The real problem with the Niva is that the car is regarded as "cheap" and therefor people tend to abuse and neglect these vehicles. However it is clear from this forum that the current generation of Niva owners have a better understanding of these cars and tend to look after their "Little Darlings". AND even better many of these neglected and abused vehicles are being resurected and rebuilt. Regards Marius
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Post by danie on Nov 7, 2010 16:04:44 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie
Although I do have quite a lot of tools at home, I never carry any tools on any trip with the Focus, or Lada - for two reasons:
1. Whenever I am aware of any possible part failure on my Lada, I simply replace the part with a new one. By doing this I always have peace of mind that my Lada is in good condition, and will not let me down.
2. The Focus is simply too advanced for me to work on - it is still in excellent condition and I rather let the agents do whatever and whenever needed.
Regards
Danie
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Post by Charles on Nov 7, 2010 18:27:42 GMT 2
Ronnie i use to drive foot flat the whole time. Until i realised its not worth the increase in fuel consumption for the 2min you save.
Charles
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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 Nov 7, 2010 18:32:13 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie.
My toolbox look similar then yours and are always in the Lada. use the same toolbox on longer drives with the Landy.
The reason I carried is to repair or help other people who tends to stand regular. In 6 years I used it twice once not long ago to refit the spare v-belt when the old one snap on the road and on a other time the wife had a puncture on the road and just pump the tyre fix in and were back on the road in a jiffy.
The only break I had on the road, the toolbox was useless as I broke the timing chain tensioner and bend the valves. Had to tow it home.
The Lada is more reliable than most people realize.
Regards.
Hercules
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Post by ronnie on Nov 7, 2010 18:43:57 GMT 2
Hi All
From the reply`s we all think alike. You can carry the whole garage with you but most times if you don`t have spares it is a waste of time. The biggest problem in the wild is heat and OLD hoses, they should be changed as a matter of course every 3 years if you are going to venture off road.
Ronnie
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Post by Charles on Nov 7, 2010 19:00:25 GMT 2
Ronnie that is something very important. Any car can break. If you maintain it then it shouldnt break. A lada should be just as relible as a landy or toyota if you look after it.
Charles
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 412
Registered: Aug 3, 2010 22:30:24 GMT 2
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Post by Ventzel on Nov 7, 2010 21:33:28 GMT 2
Hi all,
Marius is right - the bigest problem for Lada in RSA is negligence and abuse. Once - due to its relatively low price (if the car was with price ~R500000 everyone will treat it like precious souvenir) and twice - due to reckless driving from the youngsters. I have such a shocking events here that I can apply for personal page in the Guiness Book of Records.
There is no common Lada breakdown Charles. Statistically the majority of the breakdowns are related to the accessories fitted later - aircons, alarms, immobilizers, extra relays, not genuine parts, etc. That is the reason why I stay strongly against any modification. Just - experience.
Carry a spare distributor rotor, fan belt, string, piece of wire and insulation tape. Enough to get out of the trouble or to keep it on the road few days more. For bigger damages - really needs tow track.
The angry elephant was in Moremi Game reserve - May 1998. It wasn't fun Ari, not at all. We were running for our lives. In such a moment is a little bit difficult to take pictures.
What about the photos of my car, I still don't know how to upload photos here. I read the web help page but still unclear. Give me advice.
Rgds
Ventz
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Post by marius on Nov 8, 2010 7:45:55 GMT 2
Hi Ventz I have seen rich daddys buying the Niva for their kids as a toy - not too long before it is wrecked. Rich daddy would not drive his X5 like that - but if he did it would have been wrecked too. The picture below is how to post a pic on the forum - hope it helps Regards Marius Attachments:
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Post by ronnie on Nov 8, 2010 11:44:27 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
I noticed your comments re Elephant in Moremi.Normally in Moremi, Suvute, and Chobe they are not a problem. Khaudom in Namibia is a different story though, we have been seriously charged there like you, and any one that does not know they can MOVE fast.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Nov 8, 2010 13:44:36 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
The problems on Lada`s caused by extras is caused by the quality of work carried out by many garages and diy people who do not know how to do it properly. Electrical being the most common. It is not caused by the extra`s themselves. The quality of work carried out by the so called experts leaves a lot to be desired. I had Net Star fitted to a new Landy and when I looked under the bonnet at home the unit was wrapped in bubble wrap and cable tied to the wing for every thief to see and this cost about R2000.
Ronnie
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Post by Charles on Nov 8, 2010 17:35:05 GMT 2
Ronnie the biggest problem we have in this country is people arn't proud of their work.
Charles
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Post by danie on Nov 8, 2010 18:36:55 GMT 2
Statistically the majority of the breakdowns are related to the accessories fitted later - aircons, alarms, immobilizers, extra relays, not genuine parts, etc. Hi Ronnie I am crossing fingers that you will decide to part ways with your aircon. Should you decide to do so, please let me know. Regards Danie
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Post by marius on Nov 8, 2010 20:38:28 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie
You don't have to remove the aircon - we can just make a straight swop ;D
Regards Marius
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Post by ronnie on Nov 8, 2010 20:59:30 GMT 2
Hi Danie and Marius
I don`t know why you both have a sudden wish for my Air con. Anyway you can both wish and be jealous as it was 33deg outside and very cold in the Lada, I nearly had to put the heater on ;D ;D ;D.
Ronnie
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Post by danie on Nov 8, 2010 21:17:51 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie
It's not a sudden wish at all - I was actually waiting for indications that you are not interested in the aircon any longer.
I couldn't find any indication yet, so I was now hoping that Vents' post has scared you . ;D
Regards
Danie
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Post by ronnie on Nov 8, 2010 21:23:49 GMT 2
Hi Danie
Ventz`s problem with air cons relates to low oil pressure at idle. My home made idle up works a treat. I have ordered a universal one from crisp air but the wheels of commerce move very slowly. The vents for the inside I will receive tomorrow.
Ronnie
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Post by Charles on Nov 8, 2010 21:44:12 GMT 2
Ronnie may I ask how much has the aircon cost so far?
Charles
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 412
Registered: Aug 3, 2010 22:30:24 GMT 2
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Post by Ventzel on Nov 9, 2010 1:09:16 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie,
After escaping the furious elephant we met 10 minutes later 2 Landrovers with park rangers. They told us they are chasing poachers in this area and a few animals have been wounded. Probably that was the reason for our adventure.
The elephant was the leading male and there were females with babies around. We met them in the very last minute after a sharp turn in the bushes; suddenly it turned out that we are only few steps close.
I put my Lada between the ranger's Landrovers and with this escort we left the dangerous zone. Since that day I'm not going more to game reserves, or to watch only zebras or gazelles for exception.
V.
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Post by ronnie on Nov 9, 2010 8:13:32 GMT 2
Hi Charles
R1800 to date ,another R280 to add when I get the internal louvres.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Nov 9, 2010 8:18:14 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
Same problem in Namibia Caprive,poaching during the war and the Ellie`s have not forgotten. Problem is I love the bush even spent the millennium in Suvute.
Ronnie
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Post by ronnie on Nov 9, 2010 8:24:26 GMT 2
Hi Ventz Just remembered, if you like Botswana reserves try Central Kalahari no elephants, no water, brilliant place. Best campsite at Deception is Khori 2. Ronnie
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Post by marius on Nov 9, 2010 8:41:52 GMT 2
Now I know what the piece of string in "our toolbox" is for... ;D Attachments:
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 412
Registered: Aug 3, 2010 22:30:24 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
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Post by Ventzel on Nov 9, 2010 9:08:16 GMT 2
Exactly!
What about the aircons - yes, I don't like them. Not for their job, but for making the car less reliable and more often in breakdowns. To make repairs of the vehicle much more difficult as well.
The oil pressure at idling speed is not the main problem. The electrical fuel pumps give us headache.
If somebody still very keen for aircon - I've got Lada designed aircons. With every accessories incl inner air guide plate. But I insist for 2 conditions:
1. The car must be fuel injection. 2. The car must be in my place. I prefer to watch the installation of the aircon in the aircon workshop. To prevent any damages of the vehicle from the people which are not proud of their work (very well Charles). For my piece of mind.
Price R6000.00 all incl. Such a prices as R1800 is pointless to discuss. Only the re-gassing of the aircon cost now ~R500.
Rgds
Ventz
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Post by Charles on Nov 9, 2010 10:00:12 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
That is very cheap. We got a quote at work a while ago for a aircon in a new Np300. R12000!
Charles
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