I just received an enquiry from a fellow Triumph owner, (non-lister), who is
going to relocate from our sceptered isle, to the land down under, ie:
Australia.
He has posed some questions which I cannot answer directly so I'm reposting
his mailing on this list for our fellow Triumph listers in Australia to reply
to him directly.
On behalf of Bernie (Whitcroft), thank you all very much in anticipation of
your advice.
(You may also copy any replies to me, just so as I know next time!) Ta.
In a message dated 20/01/98 14:41:13, you write:
<< Subj: TSSC - Questions
Date: 20/01/98 14:41:13
From: Bernie.M.WHITCROFT@British-Airways.com
To: guyotleonf@aol.com (OASXGW2 -00000001 *)
Hi Leon,
I'm a member of the TSSC and in October this year I intend to migrate with my
Australian girlfriend to Melbourne (poss. Brisbane later), Australia.
However,
after over eleven fond years of ownership I cant be parted from my Triumph
Spitfire and after investigating shipping costs I've decided to take the car
with me.
I'm now wondering what modifications and preparations I should make for the
car.
It's a 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500, (ARW 527S) and apart from the factory
fitted
overdrive it has no modifications to the standard 1500. It is almost ready to
come back onto the road early this year, after a major rebuild and so will
generally be very sound.
I'm planning to fit a larger radiator and/or possibly an electric fan. What
else might I consider ?
>>>(Ship a spare John Kipping re-con Differential in the front passenger
footwell-or that will cost a lot to ship out one day, when you need one)-Leon
Due to the lack of parts out in Oz, perhaps I should fit a long lasting full
stainless steel exhaust system ?
....and perhaps take some generally, not readily available, spares such as
brake
pads, exhaust manifold gaskets ???
These are the main ideas I'm contemplating. Is there anything else you can
suggest ?
>>>(The hot sun affects Vinyl, rubber and other soft items quite badly, in
fact rubber parts are the most common parts requested in hot, dry countries,
when members in such places write to me.) Specifically, Spitfire 1500 original
steering wheels do seem to deteriorate quite badly in the sun. But if you have
a wooden one, be aware that the Australian customs have quite a thing about
importing wooden items into their country!)-Leon
Are there any regulations for cars over there that differ from here, that I
should be aware of ?, eg must the windscreens be of a laminated construction
?
Thanks for any advice and tips you can give on migrating a Triumph to Oz.
Cheers,
Bernie Whitcroft
>>>Hi Bernie,
>>>I suppose it helps working for BA, but then again, perhaps not.
You seem to have considered most things.
But I would also suggest that you:
1)Contact to Australian Embassy in London, who should be able to help with
construction and use regulations.
2)I will post your mailing onto the Triumph Internet newsgroup, some folk on
the list are Australian Triumph owners, so I will ask them to reply directly
to you at your email address.
3)Contact the Triumph Clubs in Australia:
Triumph Sports Owners Association (Victoria) Inc
Contact PO Box 5020Y, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia.
and Triumph Sports Owners Association of Queensland
Contact Rick Webster, 1376 Old Cleveland Road, Carindale, Queensland, 4211,
Australia.
4)I will also forward a copy of this mailing directly to two Triumph owners
that I know of who actually live in Australia, and I'm sure they will be
pleased to offer whatever advice to you they are able to.
ie: Tony Cotton and Derek Evans...(Thanks Guys).
Lastly, may I wish you all the luck in the world on your great adventure,
(I am jealous), do let me know how you get on and stay in touch.
nb. Remember, you can stay in the TSSC, (please), and send me a couple of
photos of you with your Spitfire, just before it leaves England, and another
one of when you are reunited down under...I'll print them in my Courier
magazine report.
Goodonya mate! ;->
Leon
TSSC International Liaison Secretary
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