Don't they offer a factory tire carrier overseas? That would be your answer there. Or go with the ARB or TJM rear bumper and add the tire carrier.
My LPG conversion pics ...
- Thread starter Sword
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I'm collaborating with a fabricator on a hitch-mount tire carrier designed for the curves of the 100-series. Hope to have first article within a month. With the installation of an aux fuel tank and removal of the OEM spare, the hitch-mount carrier will allow one to carry a spare when necessary.
mobi-arc said:
Nice idea. I look forward to seeing pictures.
Dandon said:
Only skinny Land Rover tires fit on the hood (bonnet) without blocking the view...
uHu
Bridgeburner
Until you have something better, go get two cans of that spray thingy. NOW. BEFORE you need it urgently....Sword said:At the moment, I'm not doing any of the above
Thanks,
Sword
dclee said:Only skinny Land Rover tires fit on the hood (bonnet) without blocking the view...
Never thought of doing that to a LC/100!
Would look a bit dumb!
LOL
What does LPG cost here in the USA?
- Thread starter
- #28
Guys,
Somebody was just horrified that I hadn't put a heat shield between the tank and the exhause.
I've not seen one on similar fits - do you think I need one, and if so, what form might it take?
We've just had the hottest few weeks in recent living memory and have driven around withoug going boom ...
ta,
Sword
Somebody was just horrified that I hadn't put a heat shield between the tank and the exhause.
I've not seen one on similar fits - do you think I need one, and if so, what form might it take?
We've just had the hottest few weeks in recent living memory and have driven around withoug going boom ...
ta,
Sword
I think your installer should know if the heat shield was necessary or not. I he didn't put it, it's probably right so.
Please define "hot" in welsh temperature scale
Please define "hot" in welsh temperature scale
- Thread starter
- #30
We were up to 30 to 35 C for several days over the last fortnight. Hottest since records began in 1914.
I know that's a cool evening to some of you guys - but we just don't have the infrastructure to cope (air con!!!!!!), lol.
Can't always trust the installer to know whether to fit a shield or not - this is still relatively new technology and each make of car is a little different...
Sword
I know that's a cool evening to some of you guys - but we just don't have the infrastructure to cope (air con!!!!!!), lol.
Can't always trust the installer to know whether to fit a shield or not - this is still relatively new technology and each make of car is a little different...
Sword
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Hi, Sword.
Neat installation. I particularly like the lpg switch/display; it integrates very well with the Toyota switchgear.
I am also in the UK and presently have a 1999 Amazon which has been running on lpg for the last four years. I will be buying a replacement Amazon shortly, probably about a year old, and will be converting that to lpg also. I wonder if I might ask for a little information on your system as it obviously works well.
Specifically,
1/ What system did you have installed?
2/ £1,500 seems an excellent price. I think I paid about £750 more than that for my conversion, but perhaps prices have fallen since then. May I ask whether £1,500 includes fitting and VAT?
Any information would be appreciated.
Incidentally, you appear to have a cylindrical tank fitted to your vehicle. This probably explains why it hangs lower than some other conversions; many of them (including mine) use a toroidal tank. Is there any reason why the installer didn’t fit a toroidal tank - perhaps for greater capacity? I don’t remember what size my tank is, but I get something over 200 miles on a full tank during a long journey cruising at 80-90 mph. Your car probably makes a little better mileage with the newer gearbox, but if you can travel a lot further than that on a full tank I guess that is probably the answer!
Still, should you ever want to cross rocky terrain I wouldn’t worry – they build those tanks tough. If the tank hit rock the car might come to a juddering halt (or more likely bump over the obstacle) but the tank wouldn’t be harmed. The mountings will break before the tank…
Oh, one more thing – my car doesn’t have a heat shield for the tank either. I;m not an expert, but I understand that exhaust pipe temperatures are far too low to cause problems. As I said, those tanks are tough.
Neat installation. I particularly like the lpg switch/display; it integrates very well with the Toyota switchgear.
I am also in the UK and presently have a 1999 Amazon which has been running on lpg for the last four years. I will be buying a replacement Amazon shortly, probably about a year old, and will be converting that to lpg also. I wonder if I might ask for a little information on your system as it obviously works well.
Specifically,
1/ What system did you have installed?
2/ £1,500 seems an excellent price. I think I paid about £750 more than that for my conversion, but perhaps prices have fallen since then. May I ask whether £1,500 includes fitting and VAT?
Any information would be appreciated.
Incidentally, you appear to have a cylindrical tank fitted to your vehicle. This probably explains why it hangs lower than some other conversions; many of them (including mine) use a toroidal tank. Is there any reason why the installer didn’t fit a toroidal tank - perhaps for greater capacity? I don’t remember what size my tank is, but I get something over 200 miles on a full tank during a long journey cruising at 80-90 mph. Your car probably makes a little better mileage with the newer gearbox, but if you can travel a lot further than that on a full tank I guess that is probably the answer!
Still, should you ever want to cross rocky terrain I wouldn’t worry – they build those tanks tough. If the tank hit rock the car might come to a juddering halt (or more likely bump over the obstacle) but the tank wouldn’t be harmed. The mountings will break before the tank…
Oh, one more thing – my car doesn’t have a heat shield for the tank either. I;m not an expert, but I understand that exhaust pipe temperatures are far too low to cause problems. As I said, those tanks are tough.
- Thread starter
- #32
Hi Imprator and welcome to ih8mud 
To address your questions, I had a Romano system installed with a 120litre Stako tank (96 litre true capacity). We wanted large capacity for caravan journeys hence happy to get as large a tank as reasonably possible.
The price was low due to the local qualified fitter doing it outside of normal office hours - and yes, it included fitting, VAT, a certificate, 1000 mile check and warrantee.
I don't think we'll be doing any real off-road stuff like many of the guys around here (don't have the terrain for a start!) and you're right, the tank and restraints are extremely strong.
I get 11" clearance at normal ride height and a bit more if I lift the AHC. Have also toyed with a sensor lift and/or larger tyres to get another few inches - but this may well mess with the gearing.
Have been advised to keep AHC on hard ride setting when towing to minimize down travel.
Where you based?
Cheers,
Sword
To address your questions, I had a Romano system installed with a 120litre Stako tank (96 litre true capacity). We wanted large capacity for caravan journeys hence happy to get as large a tank as reasonably possible.
The price was low due to the local qualified fitter doing it outside of normal office hours - and yes, it included fitting, VAT, a certificate, 1000 mile check and warrantee.
I don't think we'll be doing any real off-road stuff like many of the guys around here (don't have the terrain for a start!) and you're right, the tank and restraints are extremely strong.
I get 11" clearance at normal ride height and a bit more if I lift the AHC. Have also toyed with a sensor lift and/or larger tyres to get another few inches - but this may well mess with the gearing.
Have been advised to keep AHC on hard ride setting when towing to minimize down travel.
Where you based?
Cheers,
Sword
Follow this link. It's exactly what you need! I have one and it is perfect.
It is made for the 100 series LC.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-LAND-C...hZ019QQcategoryZ14771QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
It is made for the 100 series LC.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOYOTA-LAND-C...hZ019QQcategoryZ14771QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
- Thread starter
- #34
Where you based Dom?
Thanks for the link - have considered those for some time but as I use the tailgate quite a lot, I'm just wondering whether its a pain to keep opening this thing to let the rear kid in and out ...
Don't suppose the upper tailgate opens with this closed either ...
As we don't have driveways as long as the guys in the US, I didn't want something swinging out into the street while we get the shopping in etc.
Will keep pondering though - thanks again,
S
Thanks for the link - have considered those for some time but as I use the tailgate quite a lot, I'm just wondering whether its a pain to keep opening this thing to let the rear kid in and out ...
Don't suppose the upper tailgate opens with this closed either ...
As we don't have driveways as long as the guys in the US, I didn't want something swinging out into the street while we get the shopping in etc.
Will keep pondering though - thanks again,
S
Hi, I'm in N. Ireland.
You just pull a lever and it swings out. It DOES go beyond the side of the LC when opened.
I was just thinking too, if you had children in the back seats it would be too risky, as they couldn't open the rear door because of it. ( Never thought of that, before ).
With that in mind, I would say definitely not for you!
( I don't have kids! )
You just pull a lever and it swings out. It DOES go beyond the side of the LC when opened.
I was just thinking too, if you had children in the back seats it would be too risky, as they couldn't open the rear door because of it. ( Never thought of that, before ).
With that in mind, I would say definitely not for you!
( I don't have kids! )
Hi Sword.
Thanks for supplying the information I requested. The LPG system on my car is Stargas. It works perfectly, but no doubt technology has moved on in the last four years. If and when I change vehicles I will ask my fitter about a Romano system.
I am in Norfolk, England - not too convenient for your fitter, unfortunately. The local fitter I use is very good, but I seriously doubt that he will match the deal you had.
I have also considered bigger tyres, but wouldn't fit taller tyres. As you say, there are issues with the gearing, but my primary concern would be the effect on handling. Whenever a vehicle's ride height is raised this will adversely affect the on-road handling, particularly on vehicles like the LC which already have higher centres of gravity than standard pasenger cars. Of course, the effect can be fairly small with a modest lift, but I would notice and it would always bug me.
Wider tyres are another matter. I do like wide tyres (I know, the standard tyres are already pretty wide!). Of course, handling can be adversely affected here as well, but this isn't an automatic result. If anyone happens to read this who knows how wide you can go without any fouling issues (based on maintaining the same rolling radius by using lower profile tyres, and without getting into using wheel spacers or offset wheels etc.) I would be interested in their comments.
Regarding towing - I haven't towed a caravan, but my vehicle is frequently used to tow a car transport trailer. With a car on the trailer the all-up weight is usuallly between 1.5 and 2 tons, although occasionally it has gone to 2.5 tons. I have never had any issues with "bounce", regardless of the ride setting used; the LC has always run true and level. Of course a caravan poses very different aerodynamic issues, but I suspect you will be OK at whatever setting you prefer - and a little careful experimentation will help to keep you entertained on a long journey!
Dominic
Thanks for your post; that wheel carrier looks like a fine solution. The price isn't bad either.
Like Sword, I am a little deterred by the extra inconvenience involved in accessing the boot - and by the fact that the carrier is bolted to the bodywork, making it an irreversible (or at least not easily reversed) fitment. Of course, if I ever find myself stranded in the middle of nowhere on a bitter winter's night with no mobile phone signal I will no doubt have different priorities...
My present solution to the lack of a spare wheel is two cans of Holts Tryeweld and crossed fingers. Funnily enough, I did have about five punctures on the car in the first eighteen months of ownership (Micelin LTX tyres - no wonder they don't make them anymore!). However, all but one of those were slow punctures and the only full deflation happened a few miles from base so the spare wheel was run out to the Amazon. I have therefore never had to use the tyreweld. So far, so good (as the man said as he fell past the thirteenth floor headed for the concrete road waiting below...).
Out of interest, did you need to have the car strengthened when the wheel carrier was fitted (as recommended in the item description)? Also, have you noticed any effect on handling resulting from the spare wheel being carried high and way out at the rear?
Thanks for supplying the information I requested. The LPG system on my car is Stargas. It works perfectly, but no doubt technology has moved on in the last four years. If and when I change vehicles I will ask my fitter about a Romano system.
I am in Norfolk, England - not too convenient for your fitter, unfortunately. The local fitter I use is very good, but I seriously doubt that he will match the deal you had.
I have also considered bigger tyres, but wouldn't fit taller tyres. As you say, there are issues with the gearing, but my primary concern would be the effect on handling. Whenever a vehicle's ride height is raised this will adversely affect the on-road handling, particularly on vehicles like the LC which already have higher centres of gravity than standard pasenger cars. Of course, the effect can be fairly small with a modest lift, but I would notice and it would always bug me.
Wider tyres are another matter. I do like wide tyres (I know, the standard tyres are already pretty wide!). Of course, handling can be adversely affected here as well, but this isn't an automatic result. If anyone happens to read this who knows how wide you can go without any fouling issues (based on maintaining the same rolling radius by using lower profile tyres, and without getting into using wheel spacers or offset wheels etc.) I would be interested in their comments.
Regarding towing - I haven't towed a caravan, but my vehicle is frequently used to tow a car transport trailer. With a car on the trailer the all-up weight is usuallly between 1.5 and 2 tons, although occasionally it has gone to 2.5 tons. I have never had any issues with "bounce", regardless of the ride setting used; the LC has always run true and level. Of course a caravan poses very different aerodynamic issues, but I suspect you will be OK at whatever setting you prefer - and a little careful experimentation will help to keep you entertained on a long journey!
Dominic
Thanks for your post; that wheel carrier looks like a fine solution. The price isn't bad either.
Like Sword, I am a little deterred by the extra inconvenience involved in accessing the boot - and by the fact that the carrier is bolted to the bodywork, making it an irreversible (or at least not easily reversed) fitment. Of course, if I ever find myself stranded in the middle of nowhere on a bitter winter's night with no mobile phone signal I will no doubt have different priorities...
My present solution to the lack of a spare wheel is two cans of Holts Tryeweld and crossed fingers. Funnily enough, I did have about five punctures on the car in the first eighteen months of ownership (Micelin LTX tyres - no wonder they don't make them anymore!). However, all but one of those were slow punctures and the only full deflation happened a few miles from base so the spare wheel was run out to the Amazon. I have therefore never had to use the tyreweld. So far, so good (as the man said as he fell past the thirteenth floor headed for the concrete road waiting below...).
Out of interest, did you need to have the car strengthened when the wheel carrier was fitted (as recommended in the item description)? Also, have you noticed any effect on handling resulting from the spare wheel being carried high and way out at the rear?
Hi Boys,
The wheel carrier is standard on imports (which mine is). Thus the numberplate is properly positioned to accomodate it.
I have to say it is a great design and I find absolutely no inconvenience in opening it. The lever is exactly where your hand is. It is also a really strong, well made carrier and I think, looks great.
I'm going to try to upload some pics of it. Apologies for the quality...They were taken with my phone. ( nearly dark ).
By the way, I was considering getting it converted to LPG. Would you recommend it?
Is there a good saving and does the LC keep it's unbelievabe smoothness and quietness?
Cheers boys,
Dominic.
BTW, re handling, you wouldn't know it was there! No stengthening required, as far as I know.
The wheel carrier is standard on imports (which mine is). Thus the numberplate is properly positioned to accomodate it.
I have to say it is a great design and I find absolutely no inconvenience in opening it. The lever is exactly where your hand is. It is also a really strong, well made carrier and I think, looks great.
I'm going to try to upload some pics of it. Apologies for the quality...They were taken with my phone. ( nearly dark ).
By the way, I was considering getting it converted to LPG. Would you recommend it?
Is there a good saving and does the LC keep it's unbelievabe smoothness and quietness?
Cheers boys,
Dominic.
BTW, re handling, you wouldn't know it was there! No stengthening required, as far as I know.
- Thread starter
- #39
dominic said:
Not sure mate, haven't seen many phones running on LPG so hard to say
Seriously though - we've not experienced ANY performance issues with the LC at all since conversion - just massively reduced fuel bills. There is a bit of a gurgle / squirt noise every now and then while on LPG that I keep meaning to ask the mechanic about ...
Sword
Provided the LPG system is suited to the engine and installed correctly it operates perfectly. Noise and smoothness are identical whether running on gas or petrol. I notice a very small reduction in performance under full acceleration when running on gas, but it's not simething you would notice unless looking for it.
I would, however, recommend finding an installer who has successfully installed a system on an Amazon before. The original installer for my vehicle (despite coming highly recommended) didn't quite get it right; under full acceleration the car would hesitate as though misfiring, and when cruising at high speed it would occasionally switch momentarily to petrol and back to gas, causing the car to jerk mildly every 10-20 miles. That installer never did get it quite right, but a different guy fixed it in one go, no problem.
Other than that, the only problems have been two small gas leaks caused by third party mechanics (one at my local Toyota dealer, another at a body shop repairers) who didn't tighten joints sufficienlty when replacing them after repairs. The rest of the time you wouldn't know the gas system was there - until it's time to pay for your fuel at half price!
Your wheel carrier looks like a very neat installation. The rear is obviously designed for it, with an offset handle amongst other things. Does the rear still open in two halves, clamshell-style, on your car?
I would, however, recommend finding an installer who has successfully installed a system on an Amazon before. The original installer for my vehicle (despite coming highly recommended) didn't quite get it right; under full acceleration the car would hesitate as though misfiring, and when cruising at high speed it would occasionally switch momentarily to petrol and back to gas, causing the car to jerk mildly every 10-20 miles. That installer never did get it quite right, but a different guy fixed it in one go, no problem.
Other than that, the only problems have been two small gas leaks caused by third party mechanics (one at my local Toyota dealer, another at a body shop repairers) who didn't tighten joints sufficienlty when replacing them after repairs. The rest of the time you wouldn't know the gas system was there - until it's time to pay for your fuel at half price!
Your wheel carrier looks like a very neat installation. The rear is obviously designed for it, with an offset handle amongst other things. Does the rear still open in two halves, clamshell-style, on your car?
