starider

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!

Hi, Have sold the 5 piece thermal window blind set. Thanks for your interest.

Hi, if you find my posts on "rear wiper arm and blade" I list where these can be purchased and how to fit if motor and shaft are ffitted.

Have just fitted the new rear wiper arm and blade[also replaced front wiper blades]. Removing the rear arm was slightly problematic. Here's the method, firstly I used a marker pen to mark the glass at the end of the blade to aid alighnment when fitting the new arm. There is a plastic cap on the end of the arm which covers the retaining nut on the end of the motor shaft. To remove the cap, the outer ends[near the arm swivel] of this cap need pulling carefully appart, a good finger nail on each hand works fine,once the clips in the cap are clear, the cap should pop off. When the retaining nut is exposed remove the nut and if the arm will not wriggle off[do not use any levers or too much force]read on for the recommended method. The metal insert on the arm is aluminium and mounts onto the tapered mild steel splined shaft of the motor. The method I used was to boil a kettle of water and carefully poured the boiling water over the end of the arm, BE CAREFUL as risk of burning doing this!!! The arm should release with a gentle wriggle, if it still won't release, repeat the procedure. Do not worry that there are no splines on the new arm because once lined up with the mark[or is parallel with with the edge of the window frame] and the nut tightened the shaft will cut the splines in the soft aluminium as it is tightened. If anyone is interested, the reason for the heat is that aluminium expands at a much lower temprerature than steel and hot water is the easiest way to solve the problem. If anyone needs to order an arm and blade the ebay number 164300987401. The arm is slightly shorter than the original, but is not at all noticable. If anyone wants just a new blade, it can be purchased from the Car Mod Shop, Sidmouth ,Devon, 01395 568086.

The wiper arm and blade arrived yesterday and I'm quite impressed with the quality. I'll fit tomorrow and describe the fitment with any pitfalls which may occur. It is possible to purchase the blade on it's own and is supplied by a company near Exeter. Will give details when I report on fitting.

Sorry the reply is a bit blunt but we were about to go out when I picked up your message. If you are interested give me a ring 01409 211340 and have a chat.

Yes.

Using another way of adding privacy when camping.

If no one is interested, I'll put them on Ebay,unless some one wants them with free postage? i.e, £50 post free.

Still waiting for rear wiper parts, realised it was one of the"coming from China items"!! Will report eventually??

From what can be seen a repair seems do-able, I think the best course of action would be to remove the bumper to see exactly what needs to be done and just what parts would be needed. It is usual to find with such damage, metalwork can be straightened and if necessary re-welded. I would expect any competent body shop will be able to help. It's certainly not a write off.

Had a day out yesterday and drove to one of our favourite areas of Somerset. We spent some time in Watchet, Blue Anchor and then decided to try tha Alphard up Porlock Hill, anyone who knows this infamous climb will know how steep and twisty the climb is. I have been up[and down] this hill in numerous vehicles over many years and am able to report how good the Alphard was,I set the gearbox in 1 for the first hairpin 1 in 4 and as the gradiant eased, used 2 with no concerns. It's quite an exciting and beautiful drive from Minehead to Barnstaple with fantastic views over the Bristol Channel.

Hi, Isn't it great when clubs like ours can generate advice which helps other members to sort out problems with their vehicle. Keep it up folks!!

Hi, I'm often interested in the names given to vehicles and was wondering where the name Alphard came from. I think I might have worked it out [or perhaps not?]. The star Alphard is located in the constellation of Hydra,the celestial Water Snake, being the brightest star there. The name Alphard is derived from the Arabic "al-fard"- meaning "the solitary one". Seems logical?

Had a look today and fitting new parts looks easy. Will describe once I have fitted new parts.

Hi,just awaiting delivery of a new rear wiper arm and blade for the Alphard. The one in place has just started to split, so found one on Ebay, so decided to have a punt as my local motor factors didn't show rears in their parts book. Will report back once received and fitted.

Thanks for that,will try some although it has to be sprayed each year according to the advice.

Hi, Last week we did an Exeter and return journey and the roads were filthy especially the A30. When we arrived back home the Alphard was covered in mud and road salt and as it's white it looked awful. The next day it was out with the pressuere washer and a good wash all over plus the wheels, wheel arches and anywhere there was salt. This was followed by a wax and wash. The point of relating the above is just to remind you all to make sure you clean out the lip on the edge of the rear wheel arches.Once we get a dry period, I intend to make sure I have cleaned these areas and once dry smear some grease. The front arches are OK as there is an inner wing lining. If you look at some of the earlier Mazda Bongos,many have corroded rear wheel arches and although the constrution is different it is a good simple remedy to prevent corrosion.

I have an Ifor Williams double axle plant trailer which I use for moving small classic cars around and the rear is covered in reflectors. I have found over the years,when driving with the trailer at night on Motorways, that many drivers still drive at speeds normally driven in good daylight[or wet roads] and have had near misses with high speed vehicles arriving at speed on something travelling at comparatively lower speed and having to take avoiding action. At least the warning they get is extremely visible!

Hi Rojie, I have the problem with the all- in- one rear light clusters on my wife's Connect van, the clear plastic rev. light lens goes opaque after a while and as I've mentioned previously I realised the relector lens did not reflect. I can only get pattern clusters at a sensible price, even when described as OE which I have realised is not the case. I think much of the Chinese lighting products are basically good but they do not understand fully UK requirements. It's still cheaper to buy a new lens every couple of years. Hope your MOT man is happy with the reflectors you have bought. PS My Alphard is also white.

Hi,back again ref. reflectors, there seems to be a lot of ideas regarding fog lights/reflectors. My preference is a pair of fogs as described earlier and as in my case 4 reflectors,two as fitted as standard and one on each mudflap, why? because should my lights fail or I'm parked without lights, I want my Alphard to light up like a Christmas tree!. I hope everyone finishes up with rear reflectors and rear fogs that they are happy with.

We have only had our 07 Alphard for about 6months, when we were buyng it I was slightly concerned with front ground clearance,on return from the vendor I measured the front ground clearance on our Ford Connect van,which as it turned out was virtually the same, we live a bit out in the sticks down narrow Devon country lanes. We have had the van 15years and haven't hit anything yet. The same with the Alphard it's just a case of remembering it's not an off road vehicle and watch where you drive and parking. Our Alphard had tired rear springs so if you read my recent posts you will see there was no real problem having heavy duty rear springs fitted. I would suggest if you have new front springs fitted,you fit standard fronts. I have just today driven ours well over 250miles on all types of road and the ride was so much better[a big wash tomorrow to get rid of all the road c**p]. My big dislike are the poor VW Campers and other makes[this goes for cars as well] which have be lowered to such a degree that the ground clearance is only inches. Watched a VW Camper leave a classic vehicle show a few years ago and driving out of the field left a trail of GRP and sparks from the exhaust as it too dragged along the floor. No such problem with the Alphard though,go for it and enjoy,as someone has said you will soon grt used to it. I don't want to start another MOT/Insurance topic and I may be wrong, but I understood that commercial vehicles must not be altered from manufacturers specifications. I'm sure someone will correct me. I know Insurers need to be informed of any alterations to manufacturers spec. Sorry I must chop up my soap box!!

Hi, reflective on the outside,black on the inside, suckers in appropriate places.

I have for sale a 5 piece window blind thermal kit, windscreen, N/s door, O/side door and N/s and O/side quarter lights. Used only once. Cost new £80+p&p,yours for £50+p&p.

Blimey!! Seems awfully expensive to me, at their prices £100 per hour!! wow.If,as they should, be able to do the job in 1hour that's £100 extra profit. Perhaps they didn't want the job. What is the equipment they use other than a lift and spring compressors, I've never ever been billed for equipment!