Phil59

Hi Erica I have visited SC Conversions in Roborough Plymouth who were going to convert mine to a full side conversion, fitted fridge double burner etc and pop top for just under 10k. HTH Regards

I too use my Gen 2 as a daily driver. The turning circle can be a bit of a pain but it’s tolerable. I had a 3 litre Gen 1 prior to the Gen 2 and am getting better mileage, over 30 on a run and low 20’s in town. I put this down to the 6th gear. Drove right across France and down to south east Spain and the journey in the Alphard was comfy and smooth. How hot is it where you are? Too hot to look at motors? I’m in Spain, it’s 33 degrees here and only 11am! Forecast is 36!

Hi Jaydog82 Very smart, interior looks immaculate. Enjoy your new Van!

Hi Catweazle Got it from Kidderminster at Worcester Rd Motors coincidentally!

Hi all For those who kindly sent words of condolence after my Alphard was hit by a Ford Puma and consequently written off, I am able to report a new Alphard, Gen 2, which I have just taken delivery of. Planning on a road trip this month to France and on to Spain. Regards to all!

Hi all Just an update if anyone is interested. It’s a total loss sadly. Engineer stated that there is structural damage. We enjoyed our grade 4.5 A Alphard for a total of 8 weeks! Now the search starts again. Advance insurance have been very good and in my opinion, very reasonable with the settlement. Thinking about. Gen 2 3.5, any advice/ info would be appreciated.

Hi Ross We’re in Plymouth on the Devon/ Cornwall border Welcome

Thank you Picasso and wjvh, will look into used spares too once I hear the result of the engineers report.

Hi Rojie Not really, the wing is bent down onto the plastic wheel surround and whilst it could be driven onto the low loader it was rubbing against the wheel. I tried to pull it out but no joy. I will enquire with Snows to see if they can repair it. Thanks for the advice.

Thank you for your advice and kind comments. Wife is ok, thanks, just understandably upset as we were looking forward to our first trip across France and Spain next month prior to the conversion being completed in July. (Deposit paid ) I will contact my local Toyota dealer and see if they can help. Having checked with the EPC website a new painted bumper is £642 and a front fender is £224 plus shipping so not too expensive. Kind regards

Wife was hit by a speeding Ford Puma. Our lovely Alphard we took delivery of in January this year has now been recovered and I fear it will be written off. Has anyone been able to get their Alphard repaired with similar or worse damage? I have looked on the EPC website and confirmed parts are available from Japan, anyone managed to get spares from Japan at all? Gutted.

Hi Jords I have just bought an Alphard and took delivery this month. Like you, I was concerned about parts but my local Toyota dealer, Snows, have so far been happy to service my van and will be changing the water pump and cam belt next week. These parts are shared by other models. In my case, I have 3 litre V6 which is used in the Camry and Lexus L300. I am advised the 2.4 litre Alphards share their drive unit with the RAV 4. Hope that helps. Regards

Hi Starider Yes I have been watching your posts with interest! Regards

Hi Starider. Thanks for the update and info. Regards Phil

Thanks, will keep an eye on developments so any info will be much appreciated as I need to source an arm and blade. Regards Phil

HI Cathy I have made an enquiry with Snows Plymouth and they were prepared to work on my 2007 3.0 l V6. I know you are some distance away but it might be worth giving them a ring?

I love the imagination of businesses, particularly in Cornwall. On my travels I was near the Camel Trail in Bodmin and saw a local recovery vehicle sign-written as “Camel Tow”, who promised the best “Tow Job” In Cornwall! For those who don’t know, the Camel Trail is an 18 mile cycle trail, virtually traffic free and level, that stretches from Bodmin to Padstow, all very picturesque and safe.

Hi Jim Like you I am recently retired. This is our first Alphard and I must admit wife and I are both smitten with it, drives lovely and am getting 30 mpg on a run, providing I keep to about 60mph. Planning trips to the continent with our little dog. Here is the very first picture that we have taken of it. Regards Phil

Hi Jim Lovely looking van and seems in great condition. Will you be having it converted? Regards Phil

I’ve been quoted £9850 for a side conversion and elevating roof by SC Conversions in Plymouth if that is any help? I have visited their workshop and all looks good with plenty of vans being worked on including a number of Alphards, I think he had 5 there when I last spoke. My conversion is due in July as he is so busy but I suppose the proof will be in the pudding. I’ll post some pictures when it is done. Conversion time is an estimated 3 weeks however and he doesn’t offer the wider bed.

I am in the process of having my 2007 Gen 1 converted. The converter I have chosen has undertaken numerous conversions of Alphards and at a recent visit to his workshop he told me that a Vellfire he is converting is a nightmare because of all the airbags. Don’t know enough personally to make any comment about what he has said but it might be something to think about?

Never heard of TEMS before but have now found out about it online. Thanks for the info. Regards Phil

Adding the pic would help!

Hi Rojie It is the switch on the lower left, please see pic. I have additional driving lights but these are operated from the light stalk.