(G) Planning long African trip 4200 km in a 1994 1.4

Hi Guys,

I would like to make a long Africa trip. From South Africa to Uganda (East Africa). The whole road is standard bitumen, but i expect heat and dust. Planing to take it slowly making just about 800km perday. I have been fixing this 1400 Uno for a month now these are some of the things i have done.

1. Replaced all fuel lines
2. Replaced gear box oil
3. Changed oil to Castrol GTX Magnetic 15w50
4. Did compleate Servcice, new plugs, new oil and fuel filters, radiator flus and new coolant.

Planing to service the suspension, apprently the bearings, the CV joints and the tierod ends should be fine - no pay. However I will be changing the antiroll bar bushes and two new tyres.

Could you guys help suggest what other things I should look at before the trip? Petrol aditives, spear parts to carry, etc
Are there any parts known to go due to prolonged driving?

Uno

Maybe worth changing the timing belt and alternator belts - and carry spares

Good luck with the trip

Thanks Luke1985, In fact I have changed these already and will carry spare ones

cheers

Out of interest, what is the intention of this trip? Or is it just a challenge?

Spare bulbs would be a safe bet, and make sure teh spare tyre is ok too

how about one of them things that you link up to the battery to start the car if your battery goes flat? i just cant remember what there called, also make sure you have room for all the entertainment,

cd's
ps2
lcd screens
games
stereo

etc etc, cos i think your get bored

also you may as well take a spare car too, your bound to break down lol

yeah driving for long periods of time eventually start a squeek off and it never goes away... i got one anyway

Hi all,

During 3 yeras of study I have come to love this car and would like to take it home. So its bascially returning home. And yes I have a pair of jumper cables. I will not be able to have a spare car!!

cheers

good ole WD40?

gaffer tape
filter elements , including fuel, never what quality stuff you will get along the way
good quality tool kit, including the handiest item ever, the all purpose big hammer!


good luck!

I would suggest the following (including some that have already been mentioned):

1. A few litres of oil
2. Water
3. Gaffer/ Duck tape
4. Insulation tape
5. Spare spark plugs
6. Spare spark plug leads
7. A roll of electrical wire
8. A good selection of spanners/ sockets/ screwdivers
9. Distributor cap and rotor arm
10. Spare cambelt and alternator drive belt
11. Spare alternator
12. Spare light bulbs
13. WD40
14. A red warning triangle in the event that you do break down.

This is based on the assumption that the drive will be through the 'wilderness' and you won't be coming across many motor spares shops. This is also why I suggest a spare alternator as if that fails then your battery won't charge and you could be stranded.

If your car is an automatic then it might also be an idea to carry a spare starter motor. Not so much a problem if it's a manual as you can always push start it.

I'd also keep an eye on oil and water levels over the period between now and before you set off, just to make sure that there isn't a problem in those areas. Better to deal with it before you leave than if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere!

Other than that all the normal checks apply, particularly make sure you have good tyres and also a good spare. Also, have you checked your brake pads and shoes? Have they got enough friction material on them to do a long trip?

That is one big journey you are going to do! How about taking some pictures during your trip and posting them up on the board? It will be fascinating to see what landscapes you will be travelling though.

I think as well you will have the advantage in that being in the southern hemisphere it is mid winter, so the temperatures should be a lot lower than in the summer.

Good luck with the journey, and let the board know how you get on!

e505jpy is going to africa aswell in a panda

may possibly begoing to mongolia in a 999cc uno come next july

some good advice here

Mongol Rally? I'd like to do something like that, maybe use a 4x4 panda tho