Rojie

Hello EaglEye, Welcome to the Forum.

Initially the vendor was very helpful, and still is being, but things have slowed down somewhat. I am being requested to send photos, which I have now done. I had to buy a suitable torque wrench and a correctly sized socket (which is why I asked my mechanic to do the job) which have already cost as much as the wheels. I guess, arguably, I needed them anyway ! I am currently awaiting a response to the photos. Not urgent nut would have been if I were traveling.

Good to know as I intend to visit them to review their selection of compressor coolers.

I have just ordered some. Did you see my post on the security wheel nuts ?

Hi Tony I am a warm weather camper. Went to Gosport Grammar School (as it was then), down at Alverstoke beach. Small world. Safe Travels

The above are Thermal Blinds. Full set £150 ish

Hi Starider, The most coherent instructions on how to use the head unit (that you probably have) is to visit. Eightseaterblog.com If your hard disk has any space left, CDs (or MDs) will be copied to it. As ever, there is a knack to using these Japanese head units. I think you will find the DVD won't work if you are moving or the footbrake is released. It isn't the easiest of things to get used to. Try 8 seater, see how you get on. He has lots of other useful info there. Pairing a Bluetooth phone for example. And he does use photos too.

I know, it is very frustrating. I have a pair of rear seats, in full leather, that I am keeping for the leather. May be able to make some coordinating bits and pieces at a later date. Some dumps won't take them, they may need to be taken to a breakers yard.

Hi Paul, Welcome to the Alphard Club Forum. Alphards are not fitted with diesel engines, Both the larger and smaller engines in each Generation are petrol. Fuel economy is a matter of choice and depends greatly on the type of motoring you do; especially if commuting. But that applies to any vehicle. Many owners use them as daily drivers. The only thing to watch out for is that many Toyota Dealers will not work on Imports; so having a local garage that will if quite important. I would suggest an AA or RAC survey, to be sure. I had one that cost £300. It was very reassuring. Also make sure you get a copy of the auction sheet as they can be very informative. Good Luck with your search. Take your time and you won't be disappointed with your new limousine.

Hi Starider, I respectfully suggest you check one of your new wheel nuts. One the one hand you have the correct ones, unlike me. On the other, you may have incorrect ones as I have. Both your and mine have the same part number (except for the security code designation). The other alternative is that my (original) wheel nuts are incorrect, but they do fit correctly and conform, visually, to the EPC drawing. Just to be safe.

OK, so at the request of the seller, I have removed a wheel nut, It is definitely different to the new security ones supplied. Firstly the diameter of the security nut, where it passes through the wheel, is smaller; which explains why my mechanic said they were too loose ! It also has a tapered end, not flat as the new one does ! The new nut is quite a bit shorter than the original ! Which may not matter other than cosmetically. It could even be an advantage as it makes the security nut noticeably different to the others on each wheel. I am left wondering if the 'flat' reference is relevant to the shoulder of the nut, ie, where it presses the wheel to the wheel stud; or the end of the actual nut Confused, I have checked the Alphard EPC. The nut drawing definitely, imho, shows the end of the wheel nut to be tapered. It may not make any difference, but I AM concerned. I am sending photos off to the supplier and will post them here for awareness. (Photos will be added later). The leftmost nut is the original, the rightmost the new security nut.

From what I have read, it can be complicated and/or expensive. I don't know what screen resolution the HDD has, but it is quite low. There is an inexpensive frequency extender option for the radio, they are about £15/£20. They will give you most, but not all, UK FM stations. I believe there are different extenders available; each with a different frequency span. The head unit has to be removed, the extender added, and the head unit replaced. Quite simple, I am told ! I only have radio 2, which, quite frankly, is enough for me; so have not added an frequency extender. Apart from the TV and Sat Nav, all other functions seem to work. My van is converted, so I will be using a PC for TV, Blue Ray DVD, Radio, and route planning. I hope to use both a TV aerial and the internet and our Android phone for location and directions. Hopefully that is all I will ever need.

He is also on ebay, and I can never remember his name. Guessing it is beanbean280r. He is not always active on there though. £400 from memory.

I think it is still worth you posting some photos, you never know. All it takes is a mishap, especially when carrying small children, and .... Do yours have the ISO FIX system as that cold be important to some potential buyers ?

Hi Pixdee, There is a for sale section in this Forum. There is a limited demand as most conversions involve removing the rear seats for rear conversions, and rows two and three for side conversions. So there tends to be a surplus, and most go to the recyclers. I suggest you describe them well or, even better, upload some photos. Any potential buyer (or receiver) will want to know the colour (for matching), the material, which seats are available, condition of seats etc. Are the seats from a seven or eight seater, etc. as the seat rails are different As they a quite heavy, transport can be an expense too. I would possibly be interested in the half leather rotating single middle seats from a seven seater.

Hello Tarzan, Welcome to the Forum.

Hi Sash, I can recommend a converter within 30 miles of you. I am delighted with my conversion, but it cost more than £2500. Depends on what you need. A pop top itself, will costs more then £2500. Send me a PM for the details.

Welcome to the Forum. Should be doable. There are ingress/egress 'handles' to the front upper of the front doors that could be used for the hammock style straps. And another set above the middle doors, or you could 'sling' around the headrests There is quite a gap between the front seats, but that should be easy enough to deal with. Good luck. Let us all know how you get on.

22.5 mpg, sounds a little low to me, but it depends on the route I suppose.

Hello Phil, What type of blinds are you referring to ? Do you mean curtains> Internal for windows, I assume; or for the front screen ? Some early Gen 1 vans have a screen across the back of the front seats. I found a company that can make internal curtains (I cannot remember which) but if you need them pleated, they will not be cheap.

Apparently the only difference, I am told, between your set and mine is the pattern of the key. The parts, I am told, are identical apart, of course, for the key pattern. Against my better judgement I will buy a 'bigger' toque wrench tomorrow and try to fit them myself. So I will be able to check for myself. The mechanic said they would not tighten correctly ! Maybe he was in too much of a hurry ! I am left hoping that the mechanic hasn't damaged anything. especially the studs. The supplier has accepted a return if I choose to go that route. One of the flat washers does not even pass over the nut ! Hopefully, I'll figure it out without too many damaged knuckles . Thanks for your help.

I bought some of these from the above mentioned company. Went to fit them yesterday, post MOT, and they don't fit properly. I have noticed the ones supplied to me are 21156SU. I am in discussions with the supplier, as they are just out of the return period !

Hello Both, Welcome to the Forum.

Good thinking Nov.

Well Done on winning the auction. Looks great. I hope it is a small crack, or a chip. They are probably repairable, without replacement. Lots of companies can do that. Replacing a screen, not so many. Good luck with the shipping and insurance.