Rojie

3 minutes ago, Jason cox said:

OK, so it's a 3 ltr 06 mz.

I was running 235/50r18 yokohamas

I now have 205/65r16 dunlop wintermax.

The reason for fitting is work is near Dunkeswell airfield with steep hills and ungritted lanes in and out and its always way colder up there (+ they came with the car).

Now I'm guessing it's just the extra deflection in the tyres that I'm feeling. They are on correctly and balanced, with rotation arrows as should be. 

 

Hi Jason,

Yes I know Dunkeswell, it always seems to be quite bleak there !

So the ride should be better with your winter tyres as they are the original size.

I have an MZ, lovely ride. Hopefully you get accustomed to it and become very happy, and safe.

Joeko, Hi again,

Search for Alphard Insurance in the search box on this Forum.

There are loads of comments, including my own.

You're certain to get on the right track with all the help from the Forum members.

I'm still unsure whether you have an Alphard or Vellfire, and whether it is Gen 1 or Gen2.

Gen 2 if it has the 3.5l, Gen 1 if it has the 3.0l.

Hello Shane

Welcome to this Forum.

I agree with Ian24, and there are plenty to choose from directly from Japan via ebay.

Be careful though, there are different seat options available. Ensure you order the correct version for your machine.

8 hours ago, starider said:

Hi, not sure which brand and make of tyre you have fitted to the wheels, but with winter treads the tyres must be fitted with the rotation marks[ an arrow which is moulded in the wall of the tyre which indicates the rotation of the wheel and tyre], so the nearside tyres/wheels must have the same rotation, the arrows turning anti-clockwise and the arrows on the offside turning clockwise. the tread pattern needs to be turning in the same direction on all 4 wheels otherwise the grip is not evenly balanced and the vehicle will probably handle as you describe. If your winter tyres are all the same it's possible you may have fitted all 4 wheels and tyres on the wrong corners. I am not a tyre expert and have passed on what I was told years ago.

My wife's Connect Van has "Seasonal Tyres" which cover all types of road surface and conditions throughout the year, and the arrow marks on those tyres are fitted as I have described. I have always been told that if I needed to travel on ice and snow, the only sure way is with snow chains.

I have always found that however large the tread pattern is, once the tread is full off ice, you finish up with slicks anyway!

As an aside; over 20 years ago I lived in Denver, Colorado. Many routes were designated as Snow Routes with very restricted parking, similar to London's Red Routes. Parking in the path of snow ploughs could result in your car being literally ploughed off the through road.

Even worse, perhaps, on the main freeway travelling west from Denver, up through the Rockies, there were areas where snow chains were mandatory. You had to stop in all weathers and fit your chains. Failure to do so resulted in you being rescued as you were sure to not make it over the mountain passes. Your car was seized and impounded for 30 days I think it was. Apart from the Wreckers bill, the impound bill you got a massive fine. A very expensive mistake to make.

Jason, as you live in Taunton, in the glorious South West, like myself and Starider, do you really need winter tyres?

Are you fitting them for grip, or to prevent your alloy wheels being attacked by salt corrosion.

Studded tyres can work well in the UK, but are not much use unless on ice and compacted snow.

10 hours ago, Alphard 4x4 said:

Try Mark Richards for insurance they are quite good for most jap imports 

Hello, Is yours a 3.5 ?

9 minutes ago, Jason cox said:

OK, so just fitted a set of winter tyres and wheels that came with my Alph. It now feels like a boat!!!

Front snaking under acceleration and feels like it's going to fall over, anyone else encountered this.

Hi Jason,

Please remind us all what machine you have, and what tyres you have on the winter wheels ?

56 minutes ago, joeko888 said:

I ‘ve asked Adrian flux, jap etc 

 

They can’t quote as there is no car insurance reference. However, Vellfire 3.5 can be insured. May I quote Vellfire 3.5 premium instead of Alphard 3.5? 
 

I wonder is it same?

 

thank you

Sorry. I didn't mean call Adrian Flux on the phone; I meant the other companies.

I would not be able to recommend Adrian Flux.

AF did quote me for my 2006 Alphard, silly, and I mean silly price.

Shop around.

There is very little difference between a Vellfire and an Alphard.

Those differences are mainly, if not all, cosmetic. Different grills, and maybe a lowered suspension and larger wheels.

Get a quote for a Vellfire (from AF, if you must.

The Vellfire is a more sporty (in marketing terms) version of an Alphard. (Same engine, same gearbox).

Once you have that quote call around and negotiate. Someone will recognise the 2008 or later Alphard as the main brand of this vehicle.

This problem should ease soon as there are plenty of Gen 2 vehicles 'on the water' journeying to the UK !

The Vellfire was only introduced in 2008, so you must have an early version.

Did you find the page on this forum where other owners have recommended their insurance companies ?

14 minutes ago, Ian24 said:

I wrote to Toyota GB and they wrote back stating they do not recognize imports. I'll try my local Toyota dealer.🤔🤔

I, and a lot of other owners, have discovered that Toyota dealers can be very huffy about imports.

My local dealer is the Snows Group. They have several branches.

I am going for mine this afternoon. See what happens.

I only need my antifreeze concentration testing; but it is a sales opportunity for them to make some sales.

But I will appreciate the peace of mind.

1 hour ago, Catweazle said:

I like the idea of a camper conversion too, but I want to keep as much seating as possible and the ability to cart Electric bikes in when needed.

We must have the same grade cars but from the different Jap traders (MZ G vs MZ V) I wonder if it's just leather vs Cloth?

I went Stuart Spencer mostly because they offer 2 year warranty and underseal which I've never seen on second hand cars before....

I guess this depends on how many people and bikes you need to carry.

If you take the rear seats out you will have room for a rear kitchen or small bikes inside; and still four seats.

With a rear kitchen and bikes outside you still have a very comfortable 4 seater.

However, you will only be able to sleep two adults, and maybe one child across the rear (kitchen) bench seats (if you use the front seats down for sleeping).

If you use the middle seats and rear bench seats for sleeping, you could have one child across the front seats

Unless you go for a pop top; which offers many more permutations.

Hopefully you can understand all this gibberish. Otherwise send me a PM.

Of course, you can always consider a side kitchen which give far more storage, usually at the cost of a narrow sleeping area.

It's really nice,

I have 2006 MZG V version with leather upholstery everywhere, which I am about to clean properly.

Hopefully get it looking like new. Only needs the drivers squab and all the piping on the armrests.

I just put a kitchen in mine and have ordered some fancy seat cushions. Nor slept in her yet.

Waiting for my locking wheel nuts and rubber matting. (My never clean Collie just does not know how lucky he is).

Having got the kitchen fitted ; storage is a real challenge; especially when camped overnight.

I have included a fridge in the design, but will probably use a cooler instead.

I enjoy the Project as much as the driving.

I am aware of Stuart Spencer, he has nice vehicles on offer.

I have been looking at another MZG he has.

3 hours ago, Catweazle said:

Sometimes you can get a cover that looks decent though. 

I was quite pleased with this, and it feels good too being thicker...

Hi Catweazle,

That steering wheel looks great, and I love those cushions.

How are you getting on with the cargo net ? I fancied one then began to think it was too small; but yours looks perfect.

Are those car seat covers I can see, or just an upholstery upgrade? I like the piping and the footrests.

A very nice looking interior. One of the best I have seen.

Thanks for the photos.

Just now, Rojie said:

Please remind me Ian,

 

Do you have a late model Gen 1 or an early Gen 2 model.

 

Gen 1 has an indented front wing, the Gen 2 has a smooth front wing.

 

Is it a 2.4l , or 3.0l,  or 3.5l

Sorry, it helps if I read the header !

So Gen1 or Gen 2

Do you know you model number ?

Normally on the B pillar.

AH....

Please remind me Ian,

Do you have a late model Gen 1 or an early Gen 2 model.

Gen 1 has an indented front wing, the Gen 2 has a smooth front wing.

Is it a 2.4l , or 3.0l,  or 3.5l

I thought you might find this really interesting. Looks easy, or intimidating; depending on your point of view !

Hello again Earl,

I was just admiring your machine in your introduction post.

I didn't notice the leather on your steering wheel has split. What a shame.

Thanks for starting another thread with this topic.

I have a lot of 'wood' trim in my MZG, but you have even more than me. I'm jealous, well not quite.

I have some wear, nowhere as bad as yours, on my steering wheel; and I have just begun to look into having it repaired.

It's not particularly good news.

Apparently, special needles are required to redo leather steering wheels.

The company I looked at needed the steering wheel removing too.

What with air bags I don't really want to go there.

What I think I know, is that you need a specialist leather upholsterer to do this well.

What is the trim level on your vehicle.

Is it an Alphard V or Alphard G, (on the tailgate) ?

1 hour ago, Earl said:

Hello everyone.

 

New Alphard owner, 2006 2.4L. Already got lots of questions, and found plenty of answers.

 

Just had the car delivered, it came from Cheshire Motor Car Sales in Dukinfield, if anyone has had any dealings with them. 

 

Hi Earl,

Welcome to this Forum.

1 hour ago, SteveKitt52 said:

Morning all,

 

I have had my Alphard since May and have had a lot of enjoyment driving it 

I was offered the option to change the head unit, which is the NHDT-W57, when I brought the Alphard, but as everything was working, including the repeater screen and the remote control for it, elected to keep the unit and brought a Garmin DriveSmart 61 voice command Sat Nav for navigation and hands free operation.

 

As i found out quickly, the DVD player works fine with UK region DVDs, so decided to create my own. I have a load of pop music videos, so went to burn my own. I found that the DVD burner programs i had would not create a DVD that the Head Unit would recognise.

 

I eventually found a program called DVD Styler, a free, Opensource  program ( https://www.fosshub.com/DVDStyler.html ) that does the job just fine and have burnt many DVDs for use in the Alphard.

 

Hope this helps anyone in the same boat.

 

Steve.

Hello Steve,

Welcome to this Forum and thanks for the tip.

10 hours ago, charliec said:

Yeah, most hondas have similar bolt sizes and PCDs... AND bolt patterns 

My mate has a 05 CRV and the offset is almost identical. Sent them an email on eBay.. Got some summer wheels (work eurolines!!! exactly what i wanted) just thought these were pretty cheap and might work with my mini if they don't work with the Alphard. Would need some new tyres though. 

 

Thanks for the advice

Charlie

 

PS: I'm doing great! getting apple car play fitted well for the van for Christmas! (Very excited) 

Hope your loving your conversion, been a while in the making huh? 

How are you? i assume quite happy haha 

My conversion did take a while.

I ordered special maple veneer panels on a four week leadtime. Somebody screwed up the order, so I had to wait another 4 weeks.

I am VERY pleased with it, although it stinks of the UV wood protection.

Have just ordered the upholstery for it which should be ready just before Christmas.

Need to sort bedding, storage and dog hammock, then all the bits and pieces we will need on a trip.

Good luck with the wheels. I sense how important they are to you.

I am fitting locking wheel nuts to mine next week.

9 hours ago, starider said:

Hi again, I hope to fit mine tomorrow[weather permitting]. I have used the Alphard a couple of times since fitting the new wheel studs and need to check the tightness of all the studs, as at the time I fitted the mudflaps all round[plus reflectors on the rears, lights up like a Christmas Tree now!].

For what they cost a reasonably good quality Torque Wrench is worth having.

80 foot pounds or 110 Newton metres. I haven't checked my rear reflectors yet. Only just got my Alphie back from conversion.

I have a pre winter inspection appointment on Tuesday with my local Toyota dealer.

I may ask them to fit my locking wheel nuts, if I have them by then.

1 hour ago, Ian24 said:

Oh ok. I'll wait to see if they contact me. Cheers.😜

Do Toyota GB know you have an Alphard ?

Hey Charlie,

How are you doing ?

Some time now, no speak.

I got my beauty back from conversion a few days ago, starting to fit her out now.

Alloy wheels in winter, and you do a ton of miles.

You were going to buy some summer alloys.

Presumably because you want to preserve your summer wheels, and avoid them getting 'salted'; maybe winter tyres too; hence looking at these.

You need to check offsets. The wheels aren't even Toyota.

Your original wheels will use flatheaded wheel nuts, what are the Hondas? Are they conical ?

Is the stud pattern the same? PCD.

Are the stud thread sizes the same? 

By very careful Charlie.

If I were you I would buy some second hand Alphard wheels and tyres. That way all your geometry etc, should remain the same.

The only thing between you and an accident are your wheels and tyres !

Good Luck, and be patient

2003 Honda CRV do have the same PCD and bolt size.

Phil raises a very important point for all our LPG readers.

The further you get in the South West towards Land's End the more difficult finding LPG will be.

The M5 motorway ends at Exeter; make sure you have plenty of LP beyond there.

I do not know whether Exeter serviced have LPG. I expect they do, but..

9 hours ago, Wendy Smith said:

Greetings from Devon. I have just acquired a 2003 Alphard V6. 

Excited, happy to be here! 

We all extend our Welcome to you.

This Forum is the place to be when you need you questions answered.

Please ask any questions in the relevant section. Thanks.

9 hours ago, Ian S said:

My garage serviced my recently arrived Alphard. Soon afterwards the oil filter leaked until all the oil was gone. The garage now say that they used a filter which they thought was right but the thread was not precisely correct and they are having great difficulty getting exactly the right oil filter.

I noticed a post from 2017 with part numbers which has this for the oil filter: 90915-YZZD1

Can anyone advise if this is still right and have any suggestions of where to get this?

Many thanks

Ian

Toyota direct.

Hi Henry,

Welcome to this Forum,

I am sure you will receive some replies.

In the meantime, there are tools on the internet that allow you to input your wheel size and tyre size; and to input your intended (or hoped for) new sizes.

These tools will advise you of changes to rolling diameter (affects your odometer and speedo).

They also advise changes to the width and changes to the wheel clearance increases or decreases, wheel poke and inset.

They are vehicle independent so do not advise you of changes to actual clearances within your wheelarches. tyre to chassis or suspension.

They will inform you of any changes in vehicle height, and loss, or gain, to the clearance in vertical gap.

Give it a go.

Finally, any professional tyre outfit should be able to do all for you, and measure any actual changes after the new wheels and tyres are fitted.

Tell your insurance company what changes have been made.