grumpy grandad

Hi, I have a 2006 3.0l petrol alphard, converted this year which qualified for a critique Air 2 certificate for France and is ULEZ compliant in the UK. I only had to input my Reg no. into the official Gov Web site for confirmation so I can't understand why a hybrid wouldn't sail through!!!!

Hi All, Applied for my Crit'air sticker online on Sunday evening, received an email today ( Tuesday )with a copy of the sticker and my sticker is in the post. Crit'air 2. All the information they needed on my Alphard could be found on my V5C even though it's a first registration in the UK V5C with next to no information on it. They didn't need my emissions in CO2/gm which is a good job because I don't know what it is, I think the pertinent information is the year of first registration. I wasn't sure of the EU emissions category (4) but found it with an Internet search. When filling in the online form I put in the wrong information for EU emissions and the form wouldn't accept it, let me have another go at inputting the right information so the form is fool-proof. Armed with my V5C, a picture of the V5C to upload as proof and good old PayPal the task was reasonably simple not least because of the option to select an English version of the application form. My french is not quite on a par with Del boy. My only word of warning would be to make sure you are using the official French Government site where it will cost you just over £4.00 and not £20.00 + you will be charged on a third party site. It really was straightforward. Grumpy Grandad. 2006 3.0l Alphard

Hi Roundhiller I stumbled on a 2 bike rear van mounted bike rack on ebay for £120. It didn't come in its original box and no identification of manufacturer on the assembly instructions. I've been in touch with the seller but no joy as it was from a garage clearance. I bought 6 boot straps and buckles as I didn't fancy using the metal on metal brackets it came with. I fitted some rectangular tubing across the top mounting bars to fit an extra mounting foot, I probably didn't need to but it gave me peace of mind. I also fitted some rubber under the feet to protect the paintwork as the feet are made from quite hard plastic. The rack is height adjustable, sits securely on the narrow bumper and has ample clearance when passing over the rear spoiler to sit on the roof. The rack has to be removed to open the rear door so that might not be ideal for some. Sorry I couldn't give you exact details on a suitable bike rack, hopefully the photos will give you some idea on how to overcome the spoiler issue. Grumpy Grandad. Pic 1 Rack fitted Pic 2 Seated on rear bumper Pic 3 Clearance over spoiler Pic 4 Top 2 boot anchors Pic 5 Rectangular tubing & foot Pic 6 The assembled rack.

Hi everyone, Took delivery of my 2006 3.0 Alphard early July and spent the last month trying to get my head round the HU. All the good advice on the forum has certainly made my life easier. Extremely grateful to all of you who share your expertise and I look forward to picking your brains in the not to distant future. Grumpy Grandad Crewe.