Rojie

1 hour ago, starider said:

All this seems very hit and miss, We're just using the VHF Radio 2 and disc player and once we find the correct adaptor we will use our Sony MP3 player for music. There doesn't appear to be a straight forward replacement for the Japanese head unit, which doesn't require adaptors etc. to produce all the same functions as the original OE.

We will manage until, if ever, someone finds an exact fitment. Of course there are several different units fitted anyway.

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.

1 hour ago, Jellybean said:

Hi Tarzan. There is a guy in Bham called Ben Hau. Not sure if he is on here, but is on FB. He usually retains the original head unit, but allows it to show an Android screen layout to mirror your phone. By doing this steering controls and all camera functions are retained.

Hope this helps!

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.

3 hours ago, Pixdee said:

 

Hi Rojie

 

Thanks for the info, I had thought there would be a surplus.  My seats are all fabric and the beige colour, sadly not the half leather you're looking for.

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 ?

6 hours ago, Pixdee said:

Has anyone managed to sell their Alphard seats before getting as conversion done?  Any suggestions of where to advertise them please.  I've looked on eBay but the seats there seem to have been there a while.

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.

1 hour ago, tarzan said:

I live in Birmingham. Any recommendations for someone local who can do it for me. Thanks

Hello Tarzan,

Welcome to the Forum.

3 hours ago, Sash said:

Hi, where did you have it converted please? I'm Torbay based

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.

1 hour ago, Mike Matts said:

Hi folks just finished the last tank of e5 returned 315 mls on 63 ltrs. Only diff was ac off al other parameters kept the same. My conclusion is the extra performance advantage using e5 outways the cost while getting piece of mind regarding the mechanics. If I find any problems in the future I will let you know.

Mike

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

13 hours ago, Phil sheath said:

What are people doing for blinds? I really don’t want to spend £500 quoted at North Star…

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.

17 hours ago, starider said:

Hi,can't remember all the set numbers but if my memory serves me well the 21156SU are either a different thread size or not the flat washer fitting. The set I purchased are as given in my previous post. I believe a returns period is not binding, it's worth reding the "sale of goods act". If you ordered the set I quoted ,it's their mistake.

Good luck with your negociations!

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.

On 11/25/2021 at 11:57 PM, starider said:

Hi Rojie, Sorry for the delay in answering, I purchased the locking wheel nuts from:- sales@wheelpartsdirect.com   and are a set of McGard  21156SL  12 x 1.5 FLAT 35mm Chrome Locking Wheel Nuts. You can buy cheaper ones, but the quality of these are of typical German manufacture. I'm not sure which model Alphard you have, but it's worth checking with the seller. Some alloys have a tapered seating for the wheel nuts, but many of the Alphards like mine, have a flat seating with a large washer. Hope this helps.

 

Regards Tony.

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 !

20 minutes ago, Helen and Craig said:

Hi everyone and thanks for letting us join you. We are looking forward to learning more from you all - there is a lot of information on here which is very useful.

 

We took delivery of a 2006 Alphard yesterday. (Yan the van, don't ask why.) We are looking to convert him. We'd like him to be quirky / individual.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for good companies / people to deal with? 

Hello Both,

Welcome to the Forum.

13 hours ago, nov said:

Ask your agent to get the windscreen and send it with the van.

 

If this is not possible get in touch with your local Alphard dealer in uk to do the same thing. 

 

Can I ask which auction site have you used?

Good thinking Nov. 

52 minutes ago, Serghei V said:

thank you very much. I won the auction today. asked my agent to take detailed photos and video report. after that it will be clear. thank you very much. I'll post the details here as soon as I find out.I can't see it in the photo but the auction sheet shows a crack.

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.

On 2/16/2022 at 1:49 PM, Serghei V said:

Thank you very much. Yes WINDSCREEN

I got an answer back which wasn't helpful.

I am trying again for you.

Personally, I think it is a high risk strategy.
Depending on the crack, it will probably fail the MOT.

You will need an MOT before you can register the vehicle in the UK.

Proceed with extreme caution is my advice !

12 hours ago, Jords said:

Thanks that's quite reassuring to know, maybe I could check with my local Toyota garage first as well to be sure. 

You need to check with your local garages. Most official Toyota Dealers will not work on imports.

Snows in Torbay and Plymouth will.

I use them myself.

As Phil says, there is a lot of commonality of mechanical parts. I have the V6 too.

Toyota Direct can source 'common' parts, genuine but not cheap !

Motor factors can supply oil filters air filters, oil etc. 

Do use genuine Toyota oil and antifreeze.

I believe as these vehicles become ever popular parts will be easier to get.

1 hour ago, Serghei V said:

Hello. Today  I will try to bet for the Toyota Vellfire 2008( auction in Japan). The windshield is cracked.  Tell me please: in the UK is it possible to change to a new one?  I really want to buy this car. maybe someone changed the windshield in UK.!? Thanks

 I have made a request to Autoglass on your behalf.

Welcome to the Forum.

I will let you know their answer.

My guess is, it won't be quick, and it won't be cheap !

Anyone had the misfortune to need their windscreen replaced ?

Hi Marty, Hi PaulE,

Welcome to the Forum.

Thanks Paul, this is really useful to know.

Don't forget to tell your insurance company what modifications you have made !

May not be important in SA, but is in the UK.

16 hours ago, Charlie Brown said:

Hello Everyone

We picked up our Alphard today. It's a 2008 2.4 that has been professionally converted to a camper van. Impressed with the Alphard Club which has a wealth of good information on it. Latest info on insurance was very useful and we have also bought some items through this club. Thanks for taking the trouble to share your knowledge.

Welcome to the Forum.

Thanks for reading the content.

HAPPY Motoring

2 hours ago, Carrera1 said:

I bought it off eBay , £1000 , it comes flat packed .

it’s very similar to the other rear conversions I e seen , quite a bit cheaper .

I think the company is called First Cut .

if I can post photos I’ll  definitely get them up .

Sounds like a bargain; but then you are doing most of the work !

1 hour ago, Carrera1 said:

I had a look at this again , the code is there Po174 .

could be a few things , hoping it’s nothing major .

I’ve also bought a rear conversion that I need to fit , looks like I’m going to be busy 👍🏻

I think many members, myself included, would like to know where you got the Conversion Kit from.

Good luck, keep us all posted on your progress; maybe a photo or two !

1 hour ago, pjzeer said:

Hi all,

I'm in the Market for a Vellfire, 2.4. I have looked at a few but up to now disappointed . I'm looking for a top of the range all bells and whistles !. Any pointers on what I should be looking for? I would like Pearlescent white,  20" Alloys, twin sunroofs, body kit maybe?  

Anyone near Liverpool could let me have a look and show me around there's ? all help appreciated, thanks in advance, Paul

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the Forum

17 minutes ago, Jellybean said:

You will need a substantial pole to prop the tailgate in the fully open position. Alternatively position your wife under it, if she is fairly tall!

Unbolt one ram at a time and replace with the new ram, don't remove both at once!

The brackets are held to the rams via c clips, inside each end of the rams. If you can get these out good on you! I used a hacksaw to cut the ball housing open, then a hammer and chisel to open the saw cut enough to fish the C clip out. Then the bracket with ball, can be easily removed.

Re-fit the top and bottom brackets. Spray white grease in the ball cups, each end of a new ram. Push each end of the ram over the ball joints, they clip on.

Same with the other side.

Remove the pole ..... or wife!

Hi Jellybean,

Thanks for the method.

When finished, throw pole away, or take wife to hospital !

If I can get the correct struts, I'll get a correct mechanic, and HIS wife, to do the job for me

I just checked the part numbers for my MZ G 2006 in the EPC.

They are different. I have a power door which may make a difference.

I need to check more fully.

So, if you have a Gen 1, as I do, proceed with caution.

The Gen 2 units may not fit a Gen 1 correctly.

I need some struts so will research this more thoroughly and advise.