What have you been up to this week

[Bas / NZ]

Yes, the things we do for our Beddies

[BlackBedford]

G'day

I am back, well for a while anyway. It looks like I will be involved with a local solar farm project.

I should start a thread "What have you been up to this year".
The economy has been very quiet around here so I have been traveling all over the state for work, and am into my 5th vehicle for the year due to kangaroos, trees, engine failure, and lack of rego. I have been staying in pubs and swagging it. While I have been away most of my stuff has been vandalised and bits pinched which has taken the edge off the money I made.


So what have I been up to this week?
I have just purchased an ex-bakery Suzuki Carry van in Junee as cheap transport. It is a 2004 model with only 50K kms. I have already put on a pair of 16" alloys to gear it up and an Ignis tacho dash with red LEDs and a Baleno dimmer. While I was away I picked up a set of Mazda 3 bucket seats and a lot of other goodies so I will be busy for a while.

In Japan the Carry van can be got as an optioned up luxury people mover...
DA64W SUZUKI EVERY WAGON PZ TURBO SPECIAL.
But we cant get it here because we have to support a couple of old dinosaur makers.

So interesting parts are available in Japan at ridiculously cheap pricing. I just got onto Yahoo Actions and purchased a complete electric power steering tilt column, with controller and wiring for $54 that will be an easy fit into my van... 
http://page4.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d131098973
I don't speak squiggly stuff so I am doing it through a buying agent...
http://www.noppin.com/

There are at least 3 car makers in China who make a Carry Van knock-off with one of them selling over a million so far. So there are lots of replacement parts and hot-up bits available at very ridiculously cheap prices...
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Changan-star-6363-6371-6350-after-rear-light-assembly-steering-lamp-brake-lights-reversing-light/1004467185.html.
I have just ordered some very interesting bits.

I was looking at putting in some Phillips Extreme headlight bulbs and priced them in a shop for $149. I have them coming from the UK for $35 delivered...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PHILIPS-X-TREME-EXTREME-VISION-H4-HEADLIGHT-HIGH-MAIN-BEAM-BULBS-/330759576294?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d02ce9ae6

The Internet is dramatically changing the way retailing works. I just had a discussion with a local large retailer, who had a go at me about my buying practices. I asked him how he was getting he IT support done now, and he replied "via the Internet".
So it is OK for him to cut me out of work but not OK for me to cut him out of profits!!! Go figure?

Here is an example of a Carry van out of Hong Kong...


Vanning is not dead.

[Gordon]

Good to see you back BB 

[Bas / NZ]

Another side up this morning, now the fun starts, stay tuned.......

[Gordon]

Looking good Bas !

[petrolhead]

Good idea with the Jappa van

[Bas / NZ]

Ok, one wing done, one more in the front, then will make up some sectional doors for front and side.



Ok Gordon, getting closer to being able to change over the front end dics  on the van, and roll the new diff under

[rumax]

Looking good Baz. Just a (dumb) question... can you put a "wing" on the other side as well and a "short" sheet to the shed roof. Would give you extra side clearance & dry access to the shed.  Sure you have your reasons...

[Gordon]

Almost there Bas, well done. Looking forward to giving you a hand with the disk conversion. Cheers Gordon

[Bas / NZ]

Looking good Baz. Just a (dumb) question... can you put a "wing" on the other side as well and a "short" sheet to the shed roof. Would give you extra side clearance & dry access to the shed.  Sure you have your reasons...

Yea could do, but see, kind of want it free standing so to say, as it would then look like one big   That side of the shed is sold wall so no extra room would be gained.