This van is a 2005 LDV Convoy which was given to the charity by Gavin Taylor. The reason he gave us the vehicle was because there was a problem with the fuel injection pump. A repair of this magnitude would actually cost more than the van was worth.

This, for us, was incidental as the engine fitted to the later LDV us no good for the Gambia. We also has a big red LDV that was fitted with a "Banana Manifold" engine. We transfered the engine, gearbox, exhaust, dash complete engine loom and a seat from the year 2000 LDV convoy and inserted it into the vehicle we would be taking to the Gambia. Then it was a simple case of MOT, service and prep for the trip.

Each vehicle will be properly prepared for the very tough trip. This van, to date, has been serviced and all the brakes, tyres, steering and heater have been checked. We have also modified the radiator cooling van - the viscous fan has gone and in it's place is a 12c red van operated om a switch in the cab. We have also fitted a twin beacon roof light. The roof light has been fitted because when driving at night in Africa, I want to be seen! This light slows down on-coming traffic!

We still have a few things to do to "Big Red" to completely get it ready. It stills needs a CB radio, decent speakers and a centre prop bearing. A supplier of mine, "Haydn Callow Coolant Alarms", heard that I was driving to The Gambia again and donated a coolant alarm for each vehicle. His company have been developing alarms and basically they are fitted to the vehicle very simply and if you lose 2 pints of water an alarm is sounded and the light glows bright red - these devices are know in the trade as "engine savers!" If the alarm sounds, and you act accordingly you have probably not driven the engine to a point of total collapse - and destroyed / blown the head gasket. 
When driving for up to 12 hours a day, a coolant alarm is an invaluable asset! A very big Thank you to Haydn!

We have been fortunate to get the support of Andrew Page who are providing some sponsorship and support. A big thank you to them also.