Hanuman, aka Car BD 3549, reached a major milestone on 9th August. After months and months of preparing this 1957 Renault 4CV, it was now ready for shipment from Malaysia to Beijing, to partake in the 2010 Peking to Paris Motor Rally Challenge.
But before driving to the Port Klang warehouse, Hanuman visited Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, a Hindu Temple in Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur for a "Car Blessing". A coconut was cracked, jasmine garlands placed on the dashboard, Aum written on the windscreen by one of the three priests conducting the ceremony and finally limes crushed under the wheels.
The start date is Friday 10th September - now for the last minute packing before leaving for Beijing.
Don't you mean AKA "The Gnat" :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, so far so good. Don't know which is harder, you driving for hour after hour or me sitting here scouring the media for information and sending sms's not knowing if you are getting them. This is the first time I have prepared a car for an event and not actually participating myself. Anyway you were not amongst the list of retirements or those who had technical issues so I guess you have made it for the 1st overnight bowl of Gruel :-)
ReplyDeleteIt appears that my sms's may not all be getting through. This became apparent (apart from the disjointed communication) when I couldn't call you back on Day2 morning. From both land and cell lines it went straight to your voice mail. Anyway, re: The Monyet, we used a speedo housing and sabotaged it to get just the frame and the cable drive. The red gear was left in for a reason (can't remember why) and there is a pin from the top to stop the rotor from rising up. This pin has come loose so I suggest you reset it night of day two and secure it with 2 ton gum. It should be just resting on the rotor not pushing down and a little blob of marine grease at the touch point would be advisable.
ReplyDeleteI called maxis and they suggest you manually search for a different operator. They think the one you are hooking up to on auto, may have tha best signal strength for your location but may have an incoming call & sms issue.......
ReplyDeleteFriday (10th Sept) morning report referred to people leaving the hotel with some looking for porters to provide trolleys for all their suitcases and others with just flight bags.Followed by pointing out that this showed who the serious contenders really were (based on the assumption that they were trying to preserve their suspension for the duration). What they failed to notice was The Gnat Team sporting "pencil cases". Now that is serious contention.
ReplyDeleteNow you really got to make the most of Tonight 11th. Coz tmorrow is your 1st taste of real gruel and wigwam life!
ReplyDeleteJudging by day two's report and the barmy score card (which I still haven't worked out) I guess you have made it to the 2nd night stop. Tomorrow at 208km looks to be a relief and you may get some time to give The Gnat some TLC before Monday's challenge. Would like to know how water and oil consumption levels stand and if you managed to resolve the Monyet issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's now 1.30am in the morning and maybe you have found the tuft of grass you are sleeping on tonight. Today's report came out late so at 6.30pm (your time) it seems 30 cars had made it to the camp site. There had been numerous braekdowns and tow ins. An MG Magnette lost it's suspension and bla bla bla. The results have yet to be posted so I have no idea of your real whereabouts but , on the basis no news is good news, you are keeping well below the radar. No doubt there will be no sms or calls until you get out of Mongolia so I will just have to deal with the suspense as best as possible. Keep up the good driving and navigating..................
ReplyDeleteIt is now 2pm of the 13th and I have just seen yesterdays video release. Quite funny, it shows one of the older cars blasting along the dessert track and a modern pick-up overtaking it at high speed leaving behind it a sand storm. A few seconds later can be heard someone talking and what sounded like "F*****" and then the clip was CUT. No sign of te results for day 3 yet, will keep looking.................
ReplyDeleteBoring about the tie rod, both were new, just goes to show. Maybe we should have left the old ones on instead. As for the fuel pump, strange, maybe you are right and the desert dust is getting in. Bet you won't ever forget the journey to hell on the truck, main thing is that you appear to have overcome the issues. I still can't work out the scoring system. Even after the tow in you are showing 7= in your class, 18= overall and up for a Bronze medal. Before yesterday you were on for Silver.
ReplyDeleteAndy, quite a few followers from the club interested in your progress. Have gleaned what we can from Robert and the official website especially regarding tie rods, fuel pump and the truck and tracking it on our website and facebook. Looking forward to more updates and good luck!
ReplyDeleteAndy, Diana - per last missive have posted an update on www.msvcr.com as well as the facebook account. Regards David
ReplyDeleteOk, now that we have broken the communication barriers (surprised actually, I thought China would have been better than Mongolia).That is a real bummer about the tie rod (and a new one at that) still, it got you a ride on the journey to hell. You may be right about the fuel pumps being affected by the dust and don't forget that you have one more up front if you really use them all up. When you get a chance, do a post mortem on one and see what may have happened. The horn also because of dust, me thinks. Now that you have become litter bugs you need to check on the angles of the rear wheels when laden.If you can find a heavy enough person to duplicate you and plonk them in the driver's seat and drive 20 feet you will see the way the wheels sit. If they are angled in at the bottom I suggest you get half an inch chopped off the spacers. Also you need to remember that we designed the suspension to give a soft ride but minimum movement up and down, in jettisoning numerous items (one which shall remain unamed) you are creating more suspension travel which could lead to more wear on the rear axle tube bushes. Have you got that cam corder up and running yet ? For those who have joined this blog you can call my office number 03-6038 6281 and i may be able to give you some more recent information.
ReplyDeleteSo fun and games befalls us again. I have contacted Mr.Marmite and all is packed and ready for dispatch. What we need now is an address in Mongolia or Russia. Someone else snapped a stub axle on a Lancia Theta today (second time apparently he has had this problem), he had it welded back together by a local blacksmith there. Apart from that there is a considerable amount of damage to be repaired at the camp firesides tonight. So you standeth not alone.
ReplyDeleteHoly Moly ! Owners of a La Salle have given up on it and bought another car to continue with and the Cadillac, back in your last workshop, may well suffer the same fate.
ReplyDeleteOk, Mr. Marmite has everything packed and ready to go. Awaiting an address in Mongolia for DHL to send to.Have a complete front hub minus king pin but the bushes are still there. Also two track rod ends, just in case.
ReplyDeleteOk, all is on the way. DHL AWB No. 10 7361 5760
ReplyDeleteArrival Tuesday :-(. All you can do is open up all on Monday and do all you can before parts arrive and then just "WHIP" them on. I expect, "NAY" demand, a home video of this operation.....................
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ReplyDeleteThe parts have left London bound for Almaty I expect they will arrive before you do. Hopefully the welding wizard can sort out the old stub axle and get you to Almaty in one piece where you spend your two day holiday administering 1st aid to the Gnat. Strange, all the problems are with that LH frt axle, it must have had a hell of whack some time in the past. Will contact hotel and DHL in Almaty to make sure there are no issues regarding duty etc.
ReplyDeleteThe Pilot has managed to remove the front hub and it is now having a pin inserted and then welded up. Reassaembly should be straightforward and it is hoped that this repair will take them to Almaty where the replacement hub will be awaiting them.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder people refer to "Monday Morning Feeling". Have spent the entire morning doing post mortems on a fuel pump and trying to create a smoothe path for the parts which are now in Almaty customs. Good for DHL GREAT SERVICE and the crew at the Almaty depot are being very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThe welding of the stub axle has been completed and The Pilot is now on his way back to The Gnat to fit it back. Hopefully it will be rolling by mid afternoon. Several more locals there are going to be beneficiaries of Gnat memorobilia, carpets, perhaps another wheel, camp stools and anything else that will help to reduce the overall weight. The Pilot and I have re-established our almost daily contact which has been on-going for 18 months or more apart from a break from day 3 to 8. I kinda missed all the bantar, trading off etc and teasing about who had a tiger and who didn't. So, normal service is resumed la and team Gnat is once again in good spirits. All being well The Gnat will rejoin the Rally tomorrow morning bound for the Russian border.
At around 9.30pm last night the Pilot reported that all repairs were completed. The wheel goes round and the brakes work. A delay through the afternoon was the discovery of some damage to the LH frt shock absorber lower mounting and the wishbone. This had to be removed and taken to the town for some welding. Anyway apart from the trip meter refusing to turn off all else appears to be ok so we are ready for an early morning take off......................
ReplyDeleteJust heard from the Pilot on the satelite phone that the repaired axle gave way after about 50km. The road is just an exagerated washboard and was shaking the entire car to pieces. Anyway he gave it his best shot and now the car will be trucked to Almaty where the replacement hub can be fitted and he can then proceed under much better conditions.
ReplyDeleteOk, after 5 days of silence due to a torrid time things are getting back on track. In brief DHL UK managed to get their job done and the parts arrived at DHL Almaty who then screwed up the whole deal. Can only be described as grosse incompetence. We have, therefore, spent the last 5 days mainly on the phone bombarding DHL Almaty, the hotel there, an agent and finally at the 11th hour the item found it's way into the Pilot's hands at around 4pm Saturday 25th. He of course had arrived the night before having put the Gnat on a transporter to take it from the border straight to Almaty. He then chartered a flight and got himself to Almaty to be re-united with the Gnat at 1am Sunday morning(today). It then took about 4 hours to get the cars (there were others) onto terra firma, namely the hotel car park. I can now report that the Pilot has donned his overalls (10am in Almaty) and is proceeding to operate and replace the damaged hub assembly. There are a few other minor items to deal with and all being well his intention is to move out a day early to ensure he arrives at the border with the rest of the gang.
ReplyDeleteRepairs are going ok, there is a problem with the LH front s/a lower mounting. Once again this has been damaged by the car being dragged along the ground. The absorber is also bent and useless. It has been decided to run without a shock absorber on the left for the next 700 to 1500km, hopefully it can be fixed further down the line. All the workshops in Almaty are full to the brim with rally cars having all nature of things done so not much chance of getting anything done in time.
ReplyDeleteIt appears then that The Gnat will creep out of Almaty a day early and gnaw it's way through the next 700km to Shymkent and then another 260 to tashkent and the Uzbekhistan border. After this 315km to Samarkand which is followed by a rest day.
The plan is to take off today and do around 250km in order to break Tuesday's 700+ km journey into two days. Mainly because the Pilot isn't sure how the Gnat will behave minus a shock absorber. He has spare units but the problem is that the lower bracket has been torn off and damaged the place it fits to on the wishbone. Let's hope there are no further major issues, minor ones can be dealt with, time up now for bouncing around on the back of trucks and buzzing around in Gypsy Moths !
ReplyDeleteQuelle Surprise !! Well, not really. The Pilot has aborted take off today due to time wasting at an ATM which wouldn't work and an "Act of Parliament" to be able to draw some money from the bank. Anyway, much to do about nothing, no doubt the lure of camel steaks and vodka in the Interconti Bistro outdid the lure of a lonesome trail to wherever.
ReplyDeleteAlbeit he has now talked himself into a 4am start and a 700+km days drive in a car which he hasn't driven for at least a week. Bon chance mon ami.................. Rather you than me.
The new take off time is 3am in the morning. 3 hours ahead of everyone else and The Pilot is faced with 700+km at an average of 50kph which adds up to a 14 hour drive.
ReplyDeleteJudging by the silence one assumes that they took off as scheduled at 3am their time (2 hours behind Malaysia) and are now heading towards Shymkent, around 260km from the border. Apparently it is essential that everyone gathers there tonight in order to ensure an easy border crossing on Wednesday. The organisers have stated that from hereon it will not be possible to truck cars accross the borders anymore and that everyone should take stock of their vehicle's condition.......
ReplyDeleteHe is well on his way and apart from some other driver's being overly concerned about his LH wheel "figure of eighting" (you can work that one out for yourselves) and losing time taking the wheel off to find nothing wrong (is it April 1st?) the Gnat and all who travel within is still heading for Shymkent.
ReplyDelete(6.15pm Gnat time) Going strong, about 160 km from destination. Minor niggles with LH brake. no doubt the bearings and brake shoes need some adjustment after major surgery.
ReplyDelete(10.30pm Gnat time) Got to within 1km of the hotel and "LIGHTS OUT" plus everything else. After a couple of conference calls we found the wires on the back of the ignition switch were loose , caused by a huge bump shortly before the black out. Anyway, the last km is about to be achieved.
ReplyDelete(10pm Gnat time) Pilot sent sms. All is well, are through the boarder and at the Tashkent Hotel. They have had their camel gruel and off to sleep. Tomorrow holds another 400+km and Friday is a well earned rest day.
ReplyDelete(8am Gnat Time). Had sms to inform that they had already headed out for today's 315km run and looking forward to tomorrow (rest day) in order to sort out the items mentioned before. We may even get some pictures if we are really lucky, but don't hold your breath !
ReplyDelete(7.30pm Gnat time)
ReplyDeleteThe Pilot is in jovial mood having arrived to todays destination without further ado. As we spoke someone anounced that the wishbone and shock absorber bracket had been repaired and were on the way back to the hotel. This is great news because it means tonight the Gnat will be back on four legs and as ready as ever to take on the second half of this adventure. Whilst on the phone a few other things were checked, one or two lock nuts have vanished from the shock absorbers but he has spares and a brake fluid leak appears not to exist after all. Tomorrow will be some routine oil and filter changing and a few other minor items and perhaps even time to relax from mid afternoon until once again under starter's orders on Saturday. Pictures were mentioned erm.... at this point I claim the 5th "No Comment"
(10.15am Gnat time) Pilot called in to inform that the welders got it wrong and fixed up the shock absorber bracket 90 degrees out. This was last night and it was duly returned for collection. Meanwhile he is attending to the brakes and oil changes etc. The plan is to leave late afternoon and try to split the 1500+km to Gorgan into 3 equal days or "whatever" and find a hotel for the night at the appropriate time if possible.My guess is that if the Gnat and all aboard are going strong he will just plough on regardless to closeby the Iranian Border only being stopped by lack of fuel or sheer fatigue. Apparently it is essential for all to be assembled at the border to ensure a smooth border crossing. Officially tomorrow is 369km to Turkmenabat, Sunday 631km to Ashgabad and Monday 560km to Gorgan Iran. Altogether 3 very long gruelling days in a 3 speed Gnat with a top speed of 85kph (down hill and a tail gale).
ReplyDelete(3pm Gnat time) Don't count your chickens.... The plans have gone a bit adrift due to finding the left front brake pipe has been flattened by the suspension arm. Now the Pilot has to make a new brake pipe (a new experience for him), he has all the gear, flaring tool, pipe and fittings but does he know how to use it? Me thinks he does, coz after all he is a plumber by profession so this should be easy peasy for him............ Any ideas of departing today have been scuttled and it will be another early morning creep out under the withering moon.
ReplyDelete(10.15pm Gnat time)The brake pipe has been replaced and an early morning start is the plan in order to cover the 400km in time to assemble with the pack at the next border crossing.
ReplyDelete(11pm Gnat time 2nd Oct) There has been an eerie silence all day and now it is 2am 3rd Oct in KL and no news from the Pilot. My guess is that there is no mobile service. He does, of course, have the satelite phone but at 10 quid a minute he would prefer to opt for "no news is good news" Reading the official rally report and looking at the score cards I am confident that the Gnat has made it to the somewhat bizare accomodation for the night. Apparently a local asylum. Nothing else I can say at present, will update as soon as I hear anything.
ReplyDelete(7.30pm Gnat time) The dreaded drive shaft tube has fractured and in order to prevent further damage it has been decided to take the car by truck the last 100km to tonight's stop. There the pilot will remove the tube tonight and send it for welding and bracing in the morning. This will put him a day behind so the game of "catch up begins" and thus he joins the illustrious few who have already partaken in this particular exercise
ReplyDeleteAfter talking with Dave Wheeler in the UK, who is an expert with Renaults) I now know how a bronze part was joined to the metal tube at the factory and that the 2nd weld on this tube is in fact not correct. He is not aware of any of these ever breaking and these cars were used with the standard tube in Rallies during the 50's and 60's. He suspects that someone in the past had grafted two tubes together because of wear at the u/j end or in the bearing hub at the other. His suggestion is to remove the old weld completely and weld back the tube. After which a collar needs to be welded on to reinforce the repair. Waiting for a replacement tube in not necessary in his opinion. Nevertheless the search is already on for one, just in case.
ReplyDelete(3.30pm Gnat time) I have been trying all day to call and at 6.30 I tried the pilot's hp once more and "hey presto" got through. He was driving somewhere near the Iranian border and said he had managed to get the tube welded. He asked me to call back in an hours time.
ReplyDeleteWatch this space..............
(10.30pm Gnat time) Haven't been able to get through since 3.30pm. The line is ringing but I guess the Pilot is busy at the wheel. Assuming he got through the border into Iran by approx 4.30pm he is now faced with anything from 10 to 12 hours of driving(allowing for the odd tiger break etc) to reach Gorgon at some time between 2.30am and 4.30am. The next 5 days are 585km, 444km, 606km, 728km and 546km respectively.
ReplyDelete(11.30pm Gnat time) Just managed to get the Pilot on the phone, He has decided to stop short by 300km from Gorgon and was checking in to a hotel when I called. A smart move coz he going to get some sleep and stands a good chance of catching up with the pack over the next two days.
ReplyDelete(Midday Gnat time) The Pilot called and sounded quite content. He was about 100 or so km from Gorgon and sitting by the roadside having coffee. His plan is to go on as close to Rasht as possible, and find somewhere to stay overnight leaving about 444km left to Tabriz. These next few days are going to be grueling, each day approx 550 to 600km and all at an average speed of 55kph, as the Gnat gnaws it's way along the Iranian byways towards Turkey, Greece, Italy and finally France The intrepid little devil seams hell bent in getting to it's country of origine despite several attempts at self destruction these past few months. Maybe the red mist has been fueled by the audacity of some lunatic backing into the Gnat and crunching the right rear mudguard and door. Me thinks the Gnat will take umbrage at such ungentlemanly behaviour (it loves to dish out the treatment but will not receive it with any grace). This we found out over 18+ months of preparation !
ReplyDelete(4pm Gnat time) Had an sms from the Pilot to say he had reached Gorgan (supposed to be last night's stopover). They are having Marmite on toast and then going on their way as far as they can by 9pm tonight. The plan is to try ang get a good night's rest and leave very early tomorrow to make Tabriz by late tomorrow night.
ReplyDelete(10.30pm Gnat time)They have arrived at Babol and checked in for the night, About one third of the way from Gorgon to Rasht. Tomorrow is going to be approx 850km to Tabriz and will require a very early start in the morning for what could possibly be up to an 18hr journey.
ReplyDelete(9am Gnat time) Pilot just called in, has reached Tehran (he must have got up very early for his Farley's rusks, boiled eggs, soldiers and Marmite) Lol. The Gnat may have had Un petit bouffee of some ripe Camembert way up ahead, should be a suitable bait to ensure making the finish.He appears to have cut back in land away from the coastal route (they had two routes to choose from) and according to the map he has a Loooong but clear drive to Tabriz. I estimate he has about 600km to get there and hopefully sometime between 10pm and midnight (Gnat time). That would indeed be a job very well done.
ReplyDelete(6pm Gnat time) received sms "250km or so to go" to Tabriz. They appear to be on target.
ReplyDelete(8.15am Gnat time) I just called the Pilot, he answered (but actually I think he meant to reject the call) despite cat whistling and shouting I could not get him on the phone. However, I heard some of their conversation amongst themselves and the dulcic tones of the Gnat gnawing it's way to the Turkish border I guess. So all is well and the "hue and cry" about missing in action has turned out to be a load of tosh. ( now there's a surprise). It's obvious that someone has got his nose out of joint over the chartering of a plane at some point of the proceedings (one should not condemn initiative) BOOM ! BOOM ! Lol
ReplyDeleteI shall continue to attempt to talk to the Pilot and bring you all up to speed, as soon as I do.
(9am Gnat time) Pilot just checked in, Gnat going strong and they are indeed on their way to the Turkish border. They got into Tabriz at 2-30am, some of the hills during the last 100km to Tabriz were unbelievable, down to 1st gear and 10kph, no wonder it took so long. Anyway they made it. The author of the rally reports should get his facts right before churning out false information, several people connected to the rally knew perfectly well where the Gnat was and what the game plan was.
ReplyDeleteI think he has done a fantastic job condensing three long hard days into two and quarter and although he left late this morning by a couple of hours ( a few feathers were ruffled over this) I am confident that they will cross into Turkey and make the scheduled stop at Erzurum along with the rest of the pack. He has a few minor things to do namely change the oil and filter and adjust the clutch. He mentioned Tehran was a driving experience never to be forgotten !!!!
More later...............
(2.15pm Gnat time) Border has been crossed and now starting off for Erzurum. The Pilot had to hang up because the Police were about to direct them on their way.
ReplyDelete(6am Gnat time) I see from the satelite that all are encamped at Erzurum. Today is 728km to the next stop, Kozakli, yet again another tough day but it is the last of the 700+. From here on 2 600km days and the rest are all around the 400km mark except the last at only 200km, maybe it's going to be a sprint for the line. Some sight that would be as they all jostle for position on the French roads. The night crossing by ferry Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa could prove to be an interesting sight, there may be a few taking advantage of the stand down time to repair any issues with their cars. A bundle of fun if the sea is a bit rough and all assuming the Captain has no objections to his ship being used as a floating workshop.
ReplyDelete(7.30am Gnat time) The Gnat is under arrest in the local nick. Going before the Beak at 9.30am where bail will be posted. Seriously though, this all came about because it couldn't get up the hill into the Hotel car park so the police offered a secure environment for the night (don't come much securer than that).
ReplyDeleteDue to some technical issues, clutch adjustment, poor quality oil, brake adjustment, some other minor niggles and the fact that the Pilot and Navigator are completely exhausted it has been decided to truck the Gnat to Istanbul and the crew will fly down today and prepare for the Gnat's arrival some 22 hours later. This will then give a day for a) the crew to charge their batteries and b) carry out some much needed maintainence in preparation for the last week and the run in to Paris.
It is just not possible to endure going behind another day, the crew have been falling asleep on the job and will end up killing themselves if this measure is not taken. The catch up after the axle tube broke was a great effort but they have no time to do the necessary running adjustments etc before the next stage. Last night they got in at around 1am and were back up at 6am. This has been the pattern over the past few days and it is just too much. The lengths of the stages and the fact that they are down to 15kph on long winding hills has extended the time at the wheel to up to 18 hours at a time.
One good thing to come out of this is that I have been promised some pictures, at long last, during the next two days.
(1pm Gnat time) The Gnat has been bailed and bound over to keep the peace two years and now on it's way to Istanbul on a transporter. The crew are on a flight and all will be reunited tomorrow when remedial adjustments will be made and they will rejoin the rally on Monday.
ReplyDelete(9am Gnat time) Our crew are well rested and have been reminded about pictures. The Gnat arrives at around 3pm and the Pilot will immediately do whatever is necessary. In my up date yesterday I got it wrong, they actually rejoin tomorrow.
ReplyDelete(3pm gnat time) All have been re-united and the Pilot has found some decent engine oil rather than that processed from Lotus flowers. Oil and filter changed,clutch and brakes adjusted and brake light switch sorted out. Just the air cleaner oil to change and wheel alignment to br reset. The adventure starts again tomorrow.....
ReplyDelete(11.15am Gnat time)
ReplyDeleteRunning repairs are complete and they are pulling out of Istanbul to join up with the pack. Tomorrow is 600km to Thessaloniki in Greece.
(11.30am Gnat Time) The crew were given a wake up sms at 7am. The Pilot just checked in to say they are "well on their way" to Thessaloniki. He says the Gnat is going well and appears to handle much better now that the 4cm of bad alignment on the front wheels has been corrected. (Quelle surprise) I could hear the engine in the background and it sounded pretty good. They are averaging today 57kph which is considerably more than any day during the past ten. There is an air of cautious optimism amongst us all.................
ReplyDelete(7.30pm Gnat time) They have arrived at there routed hotel which is great news. At last 600km has been driven and thay have managed to get to their destination at a reasonable time in the evening. Still a long day but nothing like the days of the last week. The gnat team wishes to extend special greetings and thanks to Nick the Greek coffe vendor who was based (roadside) just before the 28b interchange on the A2/E90 to Thessaloniki. They didn't have any currency of legal tender in Greece but he saved the day and gave them some great coffee that was much needed. "It hit the spot" said the Pilot. So tomorrow is 400km down to the port and a boat ride to Italy through the night and then on to the Alps.
ReplyDelete(1.30pm Gnat time)Just had an sms, they are 65km from the port. Being on time for the ferry is not going to be an issue after all.
ReplyDelete(3.45pm Gnat time) They have arrived at quay side and waiting for the ferry. Feeling very content that they are keeping up with the pack and starting to get some time to relax and take in what is going on around them. Usually last to arrive anywhere, food finished and just enough time to grab about 4 hours sleep before setting off again. It sounds like it has become enjoyable now and all the effort to get this far has been worth it.
ReplyDelete(9.30am KL TIME) After reading the reports it sounds as if most crews opted for the low road to the port. Whilst on the ferry they enjoyed silver service with salads and Greek cheese followed by 2 inch thick steaks. Below decks one crew were changing a piston on a Phantom Rolls Royce, rather they than me. It is now around 3.30am (Gnat Time) so no doubt they are all asleep aboard the ferry. Not sure they will get much sleep. I never could on a ferry or even a liner for that matter. More later once the pilot checks in.
ReplyDelete(11pm Gnat time) Sms rec'd to say "In Tortona, Italy now, found good hotel, now gobbling down supergruel... Gnat in good order.
ReplyDeleteOOOps! I made a mistake last night when I said they were heading for Torino, actually Tortona. Crossing into France tomorrow. Watch this space..
(8.45am Gnat time) Team Gnat appears to be confident. Having a leisurely breakfast at this hour is a first since the start. Today is 300km over the Alps and then re-join the pack for the night. We discussed the cold start issues and have a few ideas for them to play around with, either way with only 3 days left it's a bit late to be mucking around with this irritating proble. Just the Gnat being the arrogant little critter it is sometimes. More later tonight/wee hours of the morrow.............
ReplyDelete(mid day Gnat time) The crew were punished by the Gnat this morning for being late. Paying the price for the leisurely breakfast. Little critter wouldn't start and got the Pilot well wound up. Some mekanico didn't help by wanting to take the car apart in order to get it to run.Anyway, as per usual, a bit of rope wrapped around it's bloody neck and a sharp tug soon inspired the dulcet tones of the Gnat to emit and they were once again on their merry way ....
ReplyDelete(5.30pm Gnat time) Just crossed French border...100km to go and then time for supergruel at Aix les Bains with the rest of the gang. Hope the pilot remembers to park facing down hill just in case the little critter wants to play the fool again tomorrow morning...
ReplyDelete(8pm Gnat time) Arrived at hotel late due to a puncture and having to play about fitting 3 wheels. Don't ask why now it is too long winded a story. Today brings 430km in France to Troyes and what will, no doubt, be a rioutous last night before the final run in the morning.
ReplyDelete(7.30am Gnat time) Aix les Bains. Ok guys this is it, we are down to the business end of the trip, getting to the line tomorrow lunchtime in front of The Ritz Hotel, Paris. No time for any more rannygazoo !
ReplyDeleteThe pilot has obviously learnt from yesterday's experience and is proceeding to fire up the Gnat in preparation for the penultimate day of this epic journey. .............. further updates as the day proceeds will be posted here..
(9.30am Gnat time) SMS rec'd from the Pilot to acknowledge that the Gnat was indeed rolling.
ReplyDelete(12.45pm Gnat time) Pilot called in, they had reached about half way to Troy and were going to have a couple of spins round an old race track before continuing the days route.
ReplyDelete(4pm Gnat time) Now close to Dijon and anticipate arriving Troy around 6pm. Early start planned for tomorrow inclusive of some weird ideas to pre heat the Gnat for easier cold starts.
ReplyDelete(6am Gnat time...Mid day KL) So here we are everybody, the last day, 203km left. The lull before the storm, an eerie silence in the air and so many thoughts, will the little critter start, will the tyres and tubes hold out, will the on route repairs take us to the line etc, etc. The brute is not a morning car for sure, more like a mid day riser that will party until someone turns off the power. My last sms to the Pilot last night, was, give the Gnat a hot water bottle 2 hours before you want to start the engine. I guess he fell asleep laughing thinking I had finally gone off my rocker. Actually it was a serious suggestion and infinitely safer than his idea of a bloody blow torch. The Gnat loves heat and the bigger the flames the better.
ReplyDeleteIt was around the beginning of February 2009 that all this started when the Pilot dumped some crappy old wheels on my floor and asked if we could sort them out and paint them silver. About three weeks later he was grumbling about some screws he couldn't get out from the rear axle assembly and also wanted me to fit some bearings onto the half shafts. Then, towards the end of May, he came to see me and revealed his plan. By early June the 4cv was back with us and being dismantled. From then until early August 2010 our lives were dominated by the little critter which I nicknamed the Gnat.
(7.15am Gnat time) Just rec'd a call from the Pilot and told to listen. Indeed I could here the Gnat grumbling ferrociously in the back ground, obviously seathing with rage at being outsmarted. Why? you ask. Answer, coz the Pilot cooked the little critter with a blow torch until it surrendered and fired up. Me thinks this is going to be a wild 203km to the finishing line. Apparently, because thay are the slowest, they have to leave last, and are scheduled to leave at 10am. I think the Gnat team has other ideas. We shall see.
ReplyDeleteWhatever, all is in place and the Pilot confirms they are as ready as ever for "Take Off to Paris" (whenever that is going to be)....
(8am Gnat time) Cooo! it's never over 'till it's over !!!!! A last minute scare ! Apparently there is a strike in France and a shortage of petrol stations either working or with fuel. The Gnat Team got straight on to the case and have now sufficient fuel to easily make Paris. Some crews, who have already left, may come unstuck with no fuel. Gnat team now waiting to get their card chopped and then they are off..................
ReplyDelete(1.50pm Gnat time) Rec'd call from the pilot. Held 5km outside of Paris. Not sure what is happening but rally cars appear to be being metered through a few at a time. Just have to sit it out and wait..............
ReplyDelete(2.50pm Gnat time) Rec'd call from the Pilot and he said "engine stopped" for a second or two he had me going and I replied "WHAT" the Pilot replied " Switched off for the last time, we have arrived at the finish".
ReplyDeleteI have been sitting here in disbelief, it hasn't really sunk in. I sent of 80 over sms to inform people that the Gnat had made it to Paris and have been responding to the replies ever since.
Congratulations to the Pilot and his Navigator and of course to the Gnat too. The drive across Iran must go down as one of the most incredible journeys ever made, almost unbelievable.
Any further news or pictures (sore point), will be posted here as and when it comes through so keep checking in as I expect there will be plenty more happening in the wake of the Gnat...
(9.34am Gnat time) Well folks, we have all had a couple of days to allow the weekends events to sink in. Team Gnat are strolling around Paris having general nose around and are goint to take The Gnat to a Renault Showroom on the Champs Elysee to take a few pics with some other famous Renaults in view. Renault themselves seem totaly disinterested in the whole event, whatever !
ReplyDeleteAs is so often the case the navigator always takes the back row when all the pomp and ceromony is being enacted and so a special mention here "For she who musn't be obeyed". After all, she hung up her needles and wool and put aside her recipe books (after coming up with an outrageous idea)and navigated for the team all the way from Peking to Paris. The Pilot (sometimes known as Panikabu or Super Gnat) could never have done this trip without her dedication (apart from anything else he has the navigational sense of a flying brick). So we salute you and award you 10 Muppet marks (a high honour in this domain). We also have to award the same to Super Gnat for his amazing "in field" repairs and for providing expert medical assitance to the Gnat as and when required.
I am now going to bid a hasty retreat into my bunker before the above is read and the shit hits the fan (aimed at me , of course for letting out a secret or two, Lol ).
Keep tuning in as i hope to be able to post some pictures in the very near future.
Chow for Now.
(Eveneing of the 19th Gnat time) Team Gnat has become a victim of some rediculous strike in France which has left Paris with virtually no petrol. The Pilot donned his hiking boots (or was it his yellow wellies) and marched around Paris, armed with a plastic can in search of food for the Gnat. I rec'd an sms at some ungodly hour to say he had now 3/4 of a tank, hopefully enough to get out of France and back to Blighty.
ReplyDeleteAlas no pictures to be seen. My suspiscions are roused, me thinks the Pilot ditched the rack as well as the Gnat's toy box and doesn't want me to see the pics which could reveal the sordid truth. Shall just have to wait and see..........
(1.57pm Gnat HQ time) Rec'd copy e-mail from David in Singapore. The Gnat and team have been invited to join the 4cv clubs annual muster in Australia over Easter next year. Lock away your Easter eggs coz the Gnat and crew will make short work of them.
ReplyDelete(11.05am Gnat HQ time) At present the Gnat Team are in oxford they have met up with a few guys from the Renault Club and currently negotiating the car appearing at NEC Birmingham motor show during November.
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ReplyDeleteMarine and Ship spares parts such as oil separator and plate heat exchanger from Alfa Laval and Westfalia Separators by Premier Separator Services.Westfalia Separators
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