BUGA Community
Technical => Miscellaneous Technical => Topic started by: maria on October 19, 2008, 08:45:19 AM
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hi folks,
am thinking that if i need to get a van converted to lpg in melbourne (or close to?) does anyone know a place to go that will do it before christmas? sorry to mention the 'c' word, but i hear all the lpg people are real busy these days. any leads appreciated,
thanks
maria
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Don't you have to get a Van first ? ;D
I would suggest to get the yellow pages and ring around, start close by your address and work out.
Ask questions on cost, timing, what brand of tank, converter, electrics etc.
Have you considered going straight gas ?
Warren
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yes,
having a van first would solve a lot of issues. but i'm the kind of person that likes to be prepared. that said, i guess i'm a little wary of getting straight gas in case i get caught somewhere where there is none, like in the desert or something, crossing the nullabor.
i will make some calls. thanks. and sorry for posting this in the wrong place
cheers
maria
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Hehe were you a boy scout ;)
I've done the Melbourne to Perth (and beyond) trip several times, once nearly 20 years ago, in a wagon on dual fuel, it had an eighty litre gas tank, and the normal petrol tank (70 litres I think).
We were travelling at 90 to 100 mph on the way over, did the trip in two days, and only used the pertol for 20 or 30 miles between gas refills in between the more remote parts of the nullabor, gas consumption was high because of the speed we were travelling.
A beddy traveling at "legal speeds" would get better economy, and nowdays Gas is a lot more widely available.
To run straight gas I would run two tanks, the more common cylinder tank behind the diff, and a scuba styled one replacing the petrol tank, the scuba type tanks are used in the Gas only Fords and hold around 80 litres I think.
With the two tanks you will have between 140 & 160 litres (at least), and you tend to find, even way out bush, serviices stations within 400 to 500 klm of each other (thats pretty much the case across the Nullabor) not sure of up the centre, but I would think it would be much the same.
I have heard of the gas line having an extra fitting added so that a BBQ gas bottle can be connected as an emergency reserve, but I think it is illegal.
Better to set the Van up to carry as much gas as you can, and use one as the main tank, and the other as a reserve. 160 litres would get you a long way.
Warren
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Here's some info on the Scuba style (http://carsguide.news.com.au/site/stories/story/fuelling_ideas_for_filling_the_tank/) tanks.
Another type of tank is the DohNut (http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff186/blownba/IMGP0175.jpg).....mmmm dohnuts
Warren
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gday maria, im cruisin round oz and running straight gas. theres a website called lpg planner which shows you the distance between servos, the biggest distance being around 400 kms max. ive got a 60 litre tank where the spare wheel went and a 90 litre tank running length ways behind the drivers seat. the spare wheel fits in the straps of the old petrol tank. so with 150 litres i get around 650kms maybe 50 more if i cruise at 90. not very economical but we are carrying alot of weight. if i was to do it again i would leave the petrol in and find a spot in the back for the spare. i was told to go straight gas because it can be tuned just for gas and not a compromise between gas and petrol, but i reckon this is debatable. i would prefer extra power to overtake trucks etc and wish i had petrol... hope this helps. i know a guy in highett who could do a conversion for you but hes usually pretty busy up to xmas too. text me for his number if your keen. 0416643743. good luck. luke
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yes i was a girl guide. 57th pencarrow.
anyway, thanks both for the good info. i will follow it up. now, about getting a van...