Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
HELP! Overlander in need Almaty / Tashkent HELP! Overlander in need Almaty / Tashkent
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
HELP! Overlander in need Almaty / Tashkent
Here's the story:

I'm in a 1993 Toyota Hilux Pick-Up in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and I have broken BOTH my rear springs (two leaves in each, it's driveable, but only with great care).

I have new springs waiting in the UK, but DHL want a life-changing GBP1172 to send them. Clearly this is the last resort.

What do I do? I will try the Toyota dealer, but I've a feeling they will just say Nyet.

Does anyone know any breaker's (scrap) yards for Japanese cars?
Does anyone know if springs from another model or another vehicle will fit a Hilux? (e.g. Hiace, Delica)
Does anyone know any spring specialists that could put new leaves in my springs?
Does anyone know a cheaer method to ship the springs?

I am in Almaty at present. I will check the car bazaar and the dealer, but if I have no luck I will limp on to Tashkent, so my above questions really refer to Tashkent.

Thanks for any help, I will deeply appreciate it.

Daniel
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jul 2007
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Maybe Silk Offroad tours in Almaty could tell you where to go. They are a motorcycle tour outfit, but they may know a good mechanic who could fix your springs.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 37
Daniel, check your PMs.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Drive to "Car City" in Almaty...its on the way out of town to Biskek and Astana...
You'll find what you need there for the HIlux and because they're leaf springs, those guys there will be able to easily help you out...
If its the mother spring, they will have to manufacture something...don't waste your time with the dealer or DHL...
Almaty is the most expensive city in Central Asia so don't think you'll be paying Bishkek prices...Bishkek would be the place to have it repaired, but you are where you are...
If you choose to go to Bishkek...the road from Almaty there is pretty perfect...but Tashkent is another story.
Kyrg visa can be had in a day in Almaty.
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 37
As I told him over PM I am in Bishkek.

If anyone knows a local wreckyard that I could call and check for him, let me know.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jul 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Lincoln, UK
Posts: 63
Not the ideal solution, but years ago when very skint I stick welded the master leaf on a Marina pickup.

It was a pain to do and I took great care to set a good wide 'V' on both sides and laid all but the capping runs with dissimilar rods and capped with standard mild steel rods , then ground everything back down the the thickness of the leaf. Any sign of undercut was then filled with mild steel rods and ground back smooth again. A light smeer of greese put both leaves back together and you couldn't even tell it had been welded.

I have to be honest I was very surprised that the welded spring was still in one piece when I finally got rid of the car about 8 months later.

As I said not ideal, but it's an option.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jul 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skorpion660 View Post
Not the ideal solution, but years ago when very skint I stick welded the master leaf on a Marina pickup.
And it is quicker than waiting for a very expensive shipped spring (then add duty etc) ... get it repaired mate.

The samller the town the more likely they are to do the "tempoary" repair so you can go on to the place that has the "new" "cheap" parts.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Jul 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
Hi guys, thanks for the replies. Here's the situation:

I managed to get one new heavy duty spring in Almaty - a friend of a friend brought it as checked baggage on a flight from London.

I am having the second spring sent as air freight to Tashkent, but I need a weighbill address, and proof of address when I collect it. Is there anyone out there who can help me with this? Or maybe in Bishkek? The idea would be to go to the airport togetherm I will pay the customs duties etc, then take you out for drinks and dinner or so? Can anyone help with this?

I'm leaving repair as the last-ditch resort. I really need decent springs for the roads in Kyrgyzstan / Tajikistan / Afghanistan (if I go).

Alternatively, do you know if I could use a hotel address as a weighbill address? What sort of documentation would I need to go and collect it?

Thanks

Daniel
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
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
BMW in Almaty Calaluna Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 2 3 Aug 2006 12:30
Need help for check up and service on 1200 GS BMW in Tashkent Calaluna Route Planning 3 18 Jul 2006 09:59
2 bikers in Almaty henri Northern and Central Asia 1 27 Jun 2005 20:12
Budget American Overlander wildwade Equipping the Overland Vehicle 14 21 Jan 2005 02:45

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 09:51.

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