John Harrison

Hi. I replaced my head in my 2008 AH20 Vellfire, with one of these. It is a generic head off the internet, designed to replace the existing panel. My son fitted it for me. You have to take the air con panel, the ash tray cover and chrome surround off the old panel and fit onto new panel. The latter just clips in place as the original. The actual head panel is only about 1 1/2" thick, whereas the the old unit was about 6" deep. My son also removed the Japanese TV and road toll units while he was at it; the dash is a little lighter now and the screen is now the full width of the panel. My unit can get several types of Radio signal and has two USB inputs. As I remember one is for digital audio (I use music on my pen drive), the other is for digital video, ie, pen drive, video camera/camcorder, DVD disc player, etc. It also has Sat Nav, Bluetooth, reversing camera, and numerous other items the old head didn't. I think yhe screen is 10" too! I looked for details of one, on line, for a friend of mine and there are literally dozens of the same and similar models for most Japanese cars! I hope that this is a help? John Harrison. Wallasey

My Vellfire is a 2008 2.4 and is definately complient for London; not sure about Edinburgh? John Harrison

Hi. My AH20 2008 Vellfire mirrors only fold in and out when I press the button. I would like them to be auto when the ignition is on or off. John Harrison. Wallasey

Great!!!

Think he might like nes leather seat covers gofer his AH10 ALPHARD???

I'm not sure about the 2006 Alphard, but my 2008 2.4 Vellfire couldn't have been easier. My son did it for me, because he had more nimble fingers, but once you carefully take off the horn cover on the steering wheel, and lifted out the airbag, there are two screws to screw the lever in and plug it in. All the other wiring is already in the car! My cruise control lever cost me £7.95 inc p+p!!! Well worth it. I had a look on the internet a few weeks ago, for my neice (who has just bought a 58 reg Vellfire; after travelling in mine) and they are now around £13-£15. Another relative for a VW was quoted £800+ for his!!! If you are unsure, most mecanics/ auto electricians can fit it. I was told by my local Toyota dealer that modern British Toyota/Lexis models do not have the wiring in the harnesses, only the older models, over 8 years old. Hope this has been helpful to people who are not sure about doing it? The even better point is that when used, the petrol consumption goes down!!! John Harrison. Wallasey, Wirral.

I paid £41 inc carrier, bur I have seen them since for £28!!! John Harrison. Wallasey.

Hi. For some reason, I must have missed your question; sorry it'd been so long replying. The cylinder length is 12" long (304.8mm) and cylinder diameter is 23.5mm (59/64"). These work well on my Vellfire and were bought from Ali Express. The first ones I ordered were wrong but they were refunded very quickly and I ordered these that are correct. Good luck! John Harrison Wallasey, Wirral.

Hi. If you have any enquiries about Auto Boxes, I was told by a specialist auto repair garage to get it checked by one of them. He wasn't touting for business, it's just that they have the gear and knowledge to check your box. My local specialist is ROBBS GARAGE, WALLASEY. Their workshop benches are like a hospital operating theatre, spotless! Which is what you need for working on auto boxes! If youbare in any doubt, fins one of them and ask. Usually with them though, if it works ok, leave it alone! Good luck! John Harrison. Wallasey.

I had an SUV before my 8 seater Vellfire. Even with the 8 seats full, the brakes are really good. At about 80,000 miles I replaced all four brake discs and pads and have had no problem since; there had been vibration when braking before. It has done about 97,000 miles now and brakes very well. It could be that it cost me about £120 for discs and about £30 for pads. My brother fitted them for me, but would probably cost around £200 in garage costs to have them fitted. I think it was a company called Toyota Parts I bought the parts from. I'm sure this will be you problem. John Harrison. Wallasey

Hi. Sorry about the delay in replying. The diameter of strut cylinder is 23.5mm. Cylinder length 306mm. Overall length between strut centres is 575mm. They are for non motorised door and come with the fitting brackets already on each end. I don't know any numbers I'm afraid, just that they were under 2008 2.4 Alphard/Vellfire type AH20. Hope this is a help? John Harrison. Wallasey, Wirral.

They have all different types! John H

They do do electric ones, as well as electric kits with switches etc for between £200-£300. I think that will be p+p on top though! John H

Hi again. Yes very easy to fit, as long as you have someone or someone, to hold the door up while you remove the old ones....One heavy door!!! John H

Hi. Yes, sorry. I paid about £41, including postage, from Ali Express Ltd. John Harrison.

Hi. I have a 2008 Vellfire AH20. I've mentioned before, and it has been mentioned by other people about the height of the rear door, when open, being too low. My struts went up the the fully open position if lifted, but wouldn't lift themselves all the way up. Time for a replacement! Had a look on the internet and one company sent the wrong ones; too short and no brackets, even though recommended for Alphard/Vellfire's. I hot a refund in 4 days and had ordered a new set that looked right (showed brackets, etc). These arrived yesterday. I fitted them and they fitted perfectly! The cylinders ar shorter, but the close ok and, FOR THOSE WHO COMPLAINED THAT THEY BANGED THEIR HEADS, they open the door about 2" to 3" higher!!! They lift the door as soon as you unlock, but you can still pull down and shut easily. I'm really made up with them! The make is 'XIANGSHANG'. THESE WORK WELL and are highly recommended!!! (See attached pics) You don't have to bang you head again!!! John Harrison. Wallasey

Hi. If you are setting traps, put chocolate in them. They are like us, they adore chocolate!!! If you catch one to let it go, drive about 3 or 4 miles away, do the dont come back. Watch were you park it. Not over grass or soil. John Harrison. Wallasey.

I know it will probably be expensive, but Toyota dealers can get most Alpgard parts next day!!! John Harrison Wallasey