Rojie

I believe Safe Guard is a sister company of Scenic. As above, Scenic will insure a converted van. I seem to recall Safe Guard (at that time) wouldn't, but did refer me to Scenic.

How DO you keep your machine so pristine ? Bon Scotage !

Hello Trevor, Welcome to the Forum. Nice to have a new member from so far away. I hope some of our members are able to help you with some suggestions. Good Luck.

Yes

Agreed. Unfortunately, Alphies prior to 2006 (July, I believe) are not 'seen' as compliant by the UK authorities (whether they are or not).

The Congestion Charge and ULEZ are not the same. ULEZ is about emissions. Congestion is about location; a surcharge (if you like) intended to deter entry into congested areas, thereby lessening the congestion !

I believe the Theatre System has amplifiers (and goodness knows what else) all installed under the passenger seat. Some, or all, of that could be missing. Are the buttons push buttons to on and off ? My guess is the controls have been disconnected as the Japanese owner has removed some form of upgrades. Sorry, I have no definitive solution.

Yes, the lifting off the footbrake is also a point of interest. I have no statistics to support my view; but many drivers involved in a minor rear end will brace themselves against the footbrake and steering wheel autonomically. Often, but not of course always, the driver will be aware that the rear impact will occur; as they themselves just performed a sudden or emergency braking action. I guess the real point is that, ignoring outlandish bad practice, drivers should use whichever technique that provides most control of the vehicle. Stalling at a junction can, sometimes, create the very minir accident we all hope to avoid. I confess that many, many years ago I rear ended a car at a roundabout. They drove off, I looked to see if it was clear and drove off too. They had changed their mind and stopped ! I have been retired many years now,

I'm so glad you are enjoying you trip so much. Take care.

Well put Gareth. I agree. I would question the DVSA view that a handbrake will help if rear ended. In a rear end the rear tends to lift, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the handbrake, but it is locked on. Applying the footbrake applies braking to all wheels, whereas the handbrake is just two. Additionally, the front brakes are more important in stopping a car, than the rear. However. I also confess, when driving manuals, I sit with the footbrake applied; even on hill starts. Not in gear, and not riding the clutch. On a hill start I engage the handbrake momentarily, keeping the button depressed so as not to lock it, only when about to move off. Despite all these bad habits, some years ago I passed my Driving Examiners test.

Hello Celia, Welcome to the Forum.

Hi Martin I don't have the Home Theatre System, and am wondering if you do ! Does the passenger seat have lots of electronic gizmos ? It should have. If so, is the rest of the system working OK? All (12, I think) speakers ? May I respectfully suggest you try eightseater,blog.com (or something very similar). He provides wonderful insight into the HDD head unit you have It may help you; hope so.

Hello Martin, I am assuming you have the Home Theatre System ?

I doubt there is a Halfords in Vancouver ! Plastic pry tools is the item to look for in your local store.

Hi, Ian, Honestly, I don't know what you need ! Finding a Toyota dealer to work on a grey import is no easy task ! I have full confidence in any advice that Picasso gives, otherwise I would not have called upon him for an opinion. I am not a mechanic but I fail to understand why your mechanic thought you convertors needed a clean. How many miles has your machine done ? I'll send you a PM of the dealer that I bought my Alphie from. I believe, there is a garage 'next door' that does his work; not far from you. Perhaps a phone call to them may be helpful. I expect Picasso will be back on this thread asap.

, E Hi Ian Sorry to hear about your issues. Fuelling your van with Shell V Power (E5) should be fine. It's probably ethanol free ! I don't use it, but feel you will receive reassurance from members that do use it Is this the first time you have used the Shell fuel ?

I have an external blind, supplied by Fuel Lagoon. It covers the front screen and two front doors. I cannot fault it.

I'll probably have some Nitrous instead. Thanks for you good wishes.

Hello Bernard, Welcome to the Forum. Presumably, you mean the front fog lights ?

It would if I spelt it correctly ! Toyota not Toyoya ! https://toyota.epc-data.com/alphard/ I'm having eye surgery on Friday (at High Noon). Hopefully that will improve my responses.

My guess is, and it is a guess, you will need to remove the seat track(s). I have never done it, but, I assume it is not a huge job. Check the seat rail spacings carefully. Most converter companies remove the seat rails, perhaps it is worth contacting one of them regarding how easy, or difficult, it is.

Picasso, what do you think ?