Skip to content
Aussieveedubbers

Trip away

0 likes
Share Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Reddit

Newbie Seriously Crusin Dubber

115 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#49253
Hi everyone

I am planning a trip away in my beloved 1973 1800 Auto kombi, down to Sydney from Brisbane.... This will be my first major long drive in my kombi... I was wondering if anyone could answer my following questions... they may seem a bit obvious but im quite new to the volkswagen scene (only 17)

My kombi has been recently serviced and i was told she was in good running order (despite the 4 cv joints which got replaced) I am planning to go down in late June/early july

I have heard "elephant ears" help keep down temperatures.... do these really work???... how much do they cost???

Is there anything i should check/have checked in particular before i head off

Could my kombi cruise at 1ookm/h or should i drive at around 90km/h (i will not be in a hurry just curious)

Is there anything else important that i should do to ensure my kombi makes it there and back

Sorry abdout the silly questions, first driving trip away with my girlfriend and not really sure what things i have to be wary of

Thanks in advance for any help

Newbie Seriously Crusin Dubber

115 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#49270
Would you suggest an external cooler... if so how much do they cost??
Thanks for you help

Bugged Again Wolfsburg Wizard

507 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49275
The kombi will make it fine, there are plenty doing the oz circuit with uncaring backpackers.

beware of big trucks, holidayers with caravans, speed cameras, kangaroos if going at night, overtaking

take the pacific highway if you want it to be scenic and take all the side roads

rachael brown Seriously Crusin Dubber

113 posts · joined May 2003 ·

#49279
dont forget to wave to other kombies!!

daz67 Qld Manx

627 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49281
Quote: "Sorry abdout the silly questions, first driving trip away with my girlfriend and not really sure what things i have to be wary of "


You mentioned them in your statement!!!!

I took a Friend to Cape York with me a couple of years ago, Yep put her on a Bus in Airlie Beach, sent her home. Had a great time after that.

I'm sure you girlfriend is nothing like her, have a great time....:kiss


www.reddogearthmoving.com.au

Newbie Seriously Crusin Dubber

115 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#49285
Thanks for the advice.... and rachael every kombi i see i wave too.... well i have only actually seen one whilest out driving my kombi (just passed the driving test).. everytime i go out i never seem to pass any driving yet when i am in my mums car they are everywhere, begining to wonder if all the other kombis are avoiding me 🙁... I do love the friendlyness of most volkswagen drives it is really great to be able to wave to a complete stranger with the same passion as you and get a wave back😀

[Edited on 20-5-2003 by Newbie]

mhbourke Commited Dubber

72 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49289
Just took mine from grafton to nowra no problems. Just stop every couple of hours,plan your stops so you just back off for a few kms before trying to fill up with petrol.Don't forget the fire ext. Maybe some one can help me who was the poor buggers kombi that burnt out around the harwood bridge near Maclean(around the nationals time):bounce

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49300
Newbie wrote:Hi everyone
I am planning a trip away in my beloved 1973 1800 Auto kombi, down to Sydney from Brisbane.... This will be my first major long drive in my kombi... I was wondering if anyone could answer my following questions... they may seem a bit obvious but im quite new to the volkswagen scene (only 17)
My kombi has been recently serviced and i was told she was in good running order (despite the 4 cv joints which got replaced) I am planning to go down in late June/early july
Is there anything i should check/have checked in particular before i head off
Could my kombi cruise at 1ookm/h or should i drive at around 90km/h (i will not be in a hurry just curious)
Is there anything else important that i should do to ensure my kombi makes it there and back
first driving trip away with my girlfriend and not really sure what things i have to be wary of
Thanks in advance for any help
You shouldn't have any Major problems with the temperatures at the moment..
Please Leave the Ears on the Elephants..
You shouldn't have any problems with Your CV Joints anyway.. .. Just look out for speed cameras and Highway Patrol cars with radar.. both are everywhere in NSW... We don't have any traffic lights in the town I live in... BUT We know have a Speed Camera !! I stay away from that side of town... 😀😀
Best of Luck... :thumb:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce:thumb
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49305
The Most Important thing is to Carry is a good Fire Extinguisher ... and a spare fan belt... and don't forget the BIGGEST VW WEEKEND IN AUSTRALIA - the VW Spectacular at Nambucca Heads-Valla beach on the 1st WEEKEND in AUGUST... The Main Street is FULL of VWs for 2 hours on the Saturday Morning - ONLY VWS-- then a Show & Shine & Swap meet on the Sunday... Try to make it... UNREAL.. nice looking Kombi too..:bounce:bounce:bounce:bounce:thumb:thumb
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

KOM123 Smiling Assassin

1,164 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49308
Took the wife and two kids on our first major drive last year. Sydney to Melbourne (down the coast) and back (inland). No grief with the Kombi 🙂

Just please please make sure you take plenty of breaks. We saw ALOT of cars drifting along the way with very tired looking drivers at the wheel and passengers usually fast asleep.

You will have a great time 🙂

[Edited on 20-5-2003 by KOM123]

Starbug rustbag

2,408 posts · joined Feb 2003 ·

#49318
kangaroos... i cannot stress enough about kangaroos!

depending on the route you are taking, you are either going to see not many, or waaaaaaay too many kangaroos... if you are taking the outback roads, or even the new england hwy, watch out for roos and dont drive at dusk if you are in heavily roo-ed area. My bf and i drove through half the country (well, almost!) last december on a massive road trip and not a day went by where we didnt see roos!

If you have time and feel adventurous, give the outback roads a go. the scenery is surreal but very beautiful, and the sunsets are amazing! The new england hwy rocks and is usually quite free of traffic and trucks now that the pacific hwy is the shortest route syd-bris.

I wish i had the time to go for another road trip... HAVE FUN! 😀😀😀

baybuscamperkid prince of insufficient light, ruler of heck

4,316 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#49481
YAY another 17 yr old! im not the only one on the forum!
Reimagined/Recycled/Upcycled Cool

phatrat REALLY!

891 posts · joined May 2004 ·

#49484
Kangaroos! in Australia:o no way...

The best roo bar: slip-streaming a B-Double travling at 125km, at night😀

Anything thats increases air-flow is a good thing, so buy and fit elephant ears🙂

Oil cooler is your choice. This time of year prob not needed😉

I guess you r only travelling from Bris to Syd, so take the advice of the experts, I would'nt have a clue:P

I've only crossed the Nullaboor 3 times:thumb (in a Kombi)


[Edited on 21-5-2003 by DakDat]