Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Light Overland Vehicle Tech
Vauxhall Frontera Prep? Vauxhall Frontera Prep?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Vauxhall Frontera Prep?
I have picked up an old Vauxhall Frontera (92) that will be used as the support vehicle for my forthcoming Pizza-Bikes across the Sahara mission (January 2012). It's got no MoT or tax and will probably need a damn good inspection/service but the engine and gearbox seem to be in very good working order and there is no sign of clutch slippage.

I am planning on making some bash plate/skid plates for any delicate bits of the underside but as it's support rather than a race vehicle I won't be fitting a roll-cage (too expensive). I will also be checking the transmission and suspension bits for any signs of bad wear before I go and take some spare CV joints and ball joints as I've been told they can be a problem. Does anyone have any experience with these or have any pointers about what else needs doing (bearing in mind that I am on a super tight budget!).

cheers,

Henry
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
just to treat it gently! the army rally team ran these for a while as part of a sponsorship deal and they fell to bits, wheras normally they run N/A 90s with minimal mods and no dramas.
I presume you won't be doing extreme stuff as your supporting mopeds but vehicle preservation will need to be part of your driving style. these won't take a lot of abuse.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
A guy down the road from me has been trialing in his Frontera for years and he's a member of FOG The Frontera owners group...

Main Page - FogWiki

That would be a good place to start.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Thanks for the info, will get in touch with the FOG

I will be on a pizza bike myself (two wheels only man!) and an ambulance mechanic (team members brother) and a team mates girlfriend will be in the frontera.

A guy who owns an off-road centre that runs fronteras and defenders said he rated them pretty highly so I guess time will tell on the reliability front. I am working on the assumption that the 'support crew' will have less problems than the moped monkeys at present - it would be good if they could follow on the race stages but if not they can hit the tarmac routes
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Posts: 360
My only experience with Fronteras was when a mates spat a con rod out the side of the block in Morocco

Sorry i can't be more positive!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
<QUOTE>I presume you won't be doing extreme stuff as your supporting mopeds</QUOTE>
I'm offended Moggy, the Frontera is supporting ME on a moped (well technically it's a step-through)!
The 'mopeds' in question will be trying to hit as many waypoints as possible and steer well clear of the black stuff.
We will be using Annova 125s with knobblies fitted and I don't think we'll suffer on pace that badly as long as we are very careful with our lines. It'll be damn hard work and long days but we will be trying to do it properly!

Spat con-rods eh? Just driven my frontera ambulance back from Manchester, its going to take A LOT of work to get it roadworthy let alone Africa-Ready! Still, what do I expect for 325 quid?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I stand back in awe. I considered doing the plymouth dakar on a c90 but had neither the nerve nor the arse for it!
325, bargain!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Cheers. Some of the stages are 500 or so km long so it will be 'interesting' to say the least. Am trying to get sponsorship from an Osteopath.....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
When I had my Citroen XM estate car I followed a land rover through some floods. I was followed by a frontera. As the water rose up the landrovers chassis I kept elevating the suspension until I had it in 'maintenance position' This added about 18 inches (half a metre to the vehicles clearance).
The landrover and I cleared the floodwater but the Frontera died.

so if you anticipate going near water ( I know you heading for the dessert) I would do some waterproofing to the engines ancillaries, airways etc.

The water was 18" to 2 feet deep on a smooth road surface. (ie above wellie height). I drove throught it gently as by then I had no suspension movement other than the rubber bump stops.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
I already have to replace the main fusebox and a load of wiring so will make sure they arfe fairly waterproof. I was thinking about adding a snorkel - sounds like this might be wise....
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
this going from bad to worse. The chassis is rotten, failed the MoT on all 4 sections of sill inner/outer chassis...
As I have to fix THIS vehicle with a 50 quid budget I now have a serious amount of welding to do and metal to find - anyone want to donate a decent donor chassis??
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
Hi Henry i have driven many of the diffrent flavours of fronteras while doing dealer demo's for vauxhall & for off road driving tuition.

generally they are very good one of the better "all terrain compromise vehicles" no real glaring problem areas, though some engines are better than other & suspension joints are an issue on all indy set ups.

they are good for what you have in mind for it, as you will be doing lots of road miles compared with off road work, lots of the accessable areas of the sahara is available to 2WD cars.

seems like yours needs lots of tlc..

bonne route..

Gren
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
Cheers Gren,

Good to hear some encouraging comments about the Frontera

we'll be replacing all the ball joints, taking a few spares along with cv joints, boots, track rods/tie rods wheel bearings, bushes etc as well as a load of 'consumables' (filters etc).

As we have to jack the body up to do the welding I was thinking about giving it a 2" body lift as well, it's a simple job and the only real downsides I can think of are a marginal loss of economy and slightly higher CoG.

There are only two stages on the race that are not open to 2 wheel drive but from some of the videos I've seen there are a fair few dunes to cross!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Crossing from Mexico to Guatamala at Frontera Echeverria Lonesome George Route Planning 0 22 Oct 2010 05:47
Airhead prep chiefrider BMW Tech 14 24 Jul 2007 03:37
F650 Prep - help please twowheels03 BMW Tech 10 1 Feb 2007 18:34
Mexico Frontera Corozal / Bethel Guatemala Crossing jv3 South America 8 6 Nov 2006 02:44
Vauxhall Frontera ronlon North Africa 7 21 Oct 2002 17:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top