620Z

The weight of your car should be on the plate under the bonnet. Presuming no serious mods should be close. Good to see a new enthusiastic Zed fan on board.

Here is a write up of the trip for those interested. Looks like it might take a while to get up on the site. So I thought I would cram it in here. AUSZCAR Tassie Cruise 9th-16th February 2010 (5th Trip) Well our Bi-annual Trip to Tassie was on again with 9 people and 8 cars participating in this great trip. 9th Feb Tuesday As usual we all met up out the front of the Tassie boat wharf on a lovely fine evening where shorts and T-shirts were the norm. We were the last cars on and no queue for a change so we drove straight on. We unloaded our gear into the rooms and headed for the rear bar for a few drinks and a chat about what we could expect over the next week. 10th Feb Wednesday We awoke to a cool morning and disembarked from the boat after a smooth trip across the Tasman. We congregated at McDonalds virtually opposite the Tassie boat for some breakfast and a quick look at the map. You could see everyone was keen to get going to our destination being Stanley, so a few happy snaps and we were off down the highway. We knew it was only a short drive today, maybe 1.5 hours on major roads so we just coasted along until we arrived at the sea side town of Stanley around 11am. We booked into our Cabins and decided to kill some time and continue our drive (some 65klms) along the West Coast roads for a look around. We went though one country town where the roads were blocked off and detours ensured we took a wrong turn unbeknown to us. So we happily drove down this road for some time with little or no traffic on it so we were able to hook in a little. What an awesome drive, we all had a ball. Then all of a sudden it turned to a dirt road after about 40klms so we decided to do a “U” turn and return to our base in Stanley. We got a quick bite to eat and decided to climb “The Nut” a massive rocky mountain towering over the small town below. 2 slackers decided to take the chairlift and the rest of us took up the challenge to climb the rock on foot. Plenty of pictures, a walk around the top and down a gain an hour or so later. We walked to the local Pub for a sensational dinner and retired early that night . 11th Feb Thursday We woke to see “The Nut” half covered in cloud and drove out of Stanley the back way for some photo sessions by the beach and some old ruins. Some good shots by all I must say. Shortly out of town we had T’d up with a local Zed fan Hodgo and stopped at his place to check out his collection of Datsuns. Bit of a chat and a look around the barn’s containing his pride and joys and we were off again. We drove through one of the Targa stages at Hellier George in damp conditions and then on to Cradle Mountain. As usual the roads didn’t disappoint. We managed to cruise these roads at an enjoyable pace with a number of stops along the way. We arrived at our accommodation early afternoon where we checked in. Wombats and possums were a plenty, hanging around our wooden huts. Soon after the ritualistic washing of the cars the heavens opened up so it was decided a quiet afternoon of drinking/eating and a lot of chat was in order. Later we headed in to Cradle Mountain lodge for another great meal before calling it a day. 12th Feb Friday Awaking to a nice fine day with glimps’s of sun and not too cold we decided we would walk around the lake at Cradle Mountain. As usual there were plenty of photo opportunities along the great board walk with the sun regularly shining through the clouds. With our daily exercise complete, we were keen to get going, so we skipped lunch and headed out onto the open roads around 12.00 with our destination being Strahan. As usual the dry roads were awesome and we cruised into town a few hours later. By this time we were all worn out so some snacks in the room whilst watching the Cricket was the order of the day. Oh and some car washing. That night we walked to the Pub for yet another sensational meal. 13th Saturday Early rise and a quick bite to eat before a big day of driving to Hobart. We stopped at Queenstown along the way and did the usual videoing, up the hill this time. As usual plenty of windy roads before opening up as we cruised the final leg into Hobart. Booked in, dumped the cars and had a quick walk around Salamanca Market. Few beers out the front of a Pub and dinner around the same area later on. We kicked on at the usual Irish Pub till the early hours of the morning for some of us. Man my ears were ringing for half the next day from the loud band. But it was a good night. 14th Sunday Well there is a long and a short version here. Basically I made a call in the morning to confirm everything for the Eco tour where I was told by the tour operator, “Oh you would need to have left Hobart 20minutes ago to make the ferry to Brunei Island. Well we all went into a frenzy and jumped into our cars. We contacted Dave who was at a Car wash, Evan was out as well. So 20 phone calls later, lots of chat on the 2-ways not to mention a bit of swearing and we made it with 5 minutes to spare. OK this “ECO” tour was absolutely fantastic. Way better than I expected. We jump in a boat with 3x300HP motors and head out to sea. The sights were truly amazing with massive cliff faces, rocky blow holes, one tunnel we could ride through and massive 300 meter cliff faces. Then there was the seal colony. I am a surfer so I thought this would be a little ho hum! But I was mistaken. There were 100’s & 100’s of them everywhere. In the water and hanging out on the rocky ledges. You really got up close and personal on this trip. Often only a few feet from seals and rock faces. A truly memorable trip. Arrived back at accommodation buggered and meet up with a local Zed fan Jason. Where we had a chat and he checked out a few of the cars. Then out for another awesome meal. We never had a bad one. Sunday night was quiet in town and since we were all tired it was an early night. 15th Monday 9am start was the call for another great drive to White Sands Resort. Along the way we stopped at Bicheno for the mandatory photo op by the beach. Upon arriving at the magnificent White Sands we got changed into the togs and hit the beach in perfect sunny weather. I had a great swim on this secluded beach along with others from our group. I was probably in the water for 30 minute with fish swimming around us and perfect waves for body surfing. Bit of a rest on the beach and later in the rooms, mandatory wash of the cars then saw us head down to the on site Restaurant. Not a bad meal although some would say more quality than quantity hey Dave. Ha Ha. Dave went home hungry.  Maybe we were spoilt at the other places. Went back to a room and watched “Love the Beast” on DVD by which time we were all pumped for the next days event. Yep Symmons Plains here we come. 16th Tuesday Up early, quick breaky and as usual everyone was ready to go (at the time nominated the night before) on time. So at 8.00am we headed up St Mary’s Pass (another Targa stage) and onto Symmon’s Plains. We stuffed around trying to find some 98 octane fuel before giving up and settling on 95 plus a bottle of boost. We arrived at the track and before I was out of my car Lurch had already paid and was heading out to give Bruce’s blue Zed a whipping. I gave a small driver briefing on what was expected and it was all go from there, with one car out at a time simply because we could. Gordon & Dave took there time carefully preparing for an assult on the track. As expected it was neck and neck between them all day. In the end Dave took home the trophy with a 1.03:4 half a second quicker than Gordon. Simon, Evan, Bruce, Brian, Hodgo and your’s truly all had a ball. We had a local, Mick rock up in his LS1 Zed. Looked great and he pulled a good time straight up 1.09 before throwing his harmonic balancer (I think) So he parked for the day. Shame because I am sure he would have gone quicker. I reckon Evan, Hodgo and Lurch definitely got there money’s worth with number of laps completed. Me well I ran out of brake pads towards the end of the day so that finished me but I managed a 1.06:6. Bit of mucking around saw me limp into Devenport with minimal breaks (Rear only) before arriving at Mick’s workshop opposite the Tassie terminal where a pair of pads were arranged and waiting for me. A quick pad change and the car was back to normal. By then everyone else was on the boat when I heard on the 2-way if I didn’t get there in 5 minutes the boat would leave without me. Well a few expletives and a bit of driving to get there, but I made it. All on the boat safely we had a few quiet drinks, shared a few tall stories and even got to watch Top Gear before dinner. All in all it was a fantastic week. We had some truly awesome driving combined with some exercise (walks), tours and great company. All cars got on the boat home in the same condition they left, although maybe a little tired and no problems with the local law enforces. I must say we all really did drive sensibly this year which is a reflection on the maturity of the group and I thank you for that. I look forward to the next one or Thredbo in 12 months time. And for those people reading this who think, hmmmm sounds like not a bad trip. Get off your butt’s, stop talking and get your car’s going.  You are missing out on a rare opportunity to enjoy driving your car for 7 days running. Something that can only be appreciated by those who participate. Till next time. Cheers Craig (Tour Director)

Maybe next Feb when we do the bi-annual run to Thredbo. Cheers

10,000 Cars confiscated and that's the ones that are caught. There must be at least 100,000- not caught so it really raises the question as to what is going on. This Police discretion to use the law as they see fit does leave the door wide open to abuse as well. As I say does the punishment fit the crime? Lose your car, lose your license, lose your job? For what because a cop says you took off from the lights to fast. Hmmmmm

Cheers boys. I will have a look at what Jaycar down the road have. If not convinced I will take one of those barrell's off you Dat2kman.

Nice keep us posted Dimitri.

More grass being handed around Lurchos!

Thanks for the detail Dimitri. I might do the same since my key barrell seems to be playing up. Are there different types of ignition switch's around? You didn't supply a photo of yours. where did you locate it. I am thinking on the console, right hand side above the air vent.

Well interesting posts going on here. Evo means no harm Johno. Good luck with the sale Sulio. But as discussed I still reckon you hang onto it. Babies don't cost you that much. I guess it's more the wife not working huh. The finances will turn around. Hey look at boom/bust economy. It is coming good as you will. But either way I am sure we will keep in contact especially for those qtly BBQ's.

Very nice indeed.

Well what an awesome trip boy's. Thanks for the laugh's and great company. Well that was the best driving I have done since the last time I was down there 2 years ago. Thredbo is good. But Tassie still is the last frontier. Awesome roads and good to do a few new things. Visiting Stanley and going on the Eco tour. Man that tour was in the words of Bruce (No relation) Special! I will do a write up of the trip and video/DVD to come later. Plenty of pics to go up in the mean time soon. All you guys who couldn't make it are really missing out. Hope you can come along next time. Oh and thanks a million Mick for getting me those brake pads. Your a legend. Hope your car is back on the road soon. Cheers

Just spread the word for all the Zed boys in your area Chris and make sure there cars are good to go in Feb 2011.

Hmmmmm hopefully we aren't in the same area as the bikes at the same time. Whilst I love a Duc and would have one if I reckoned I wouldn't kill myself it sounds like we might have a few people down there then. Should be an awesome trip (as usual) See you at the boat tonight. Cheers

Bank Account update. We had a deposit of $50.00 from Mrs Heather Prit Bruce - Hawthorn E. Thanks 29/1/10 $69.93 Expense for the Qtly Meeting/BBQ. Great to see 20 people along. And 2 x $2.00 Bank Charges. Closing Balance as at 8th Feb 2010 is $715.44.

Well Tassie boys. 2 days to go. The weather is looking perfect so throw in a towel and togs. As we by pass a few great swimming beach's during our travels. The boat departs at 7.30 so I plan on meeting you all out the front between 6 & 6.30 tomorrow night before we all board. My car is raring to go & finally packed over the weekend so nothing to do but drive out Tuesday arvo for a great week. Look forward to that beer on the boat and catching up with a few locals during our travels. Cheers

I wouldn't concern your sel too much Scott. I think this thread is more of a venting session than reality. I can't see anyone of influence actually reading and taking our comments into Parliment. Ha Ha Speaking of hoons. How was that legend in NSW drifting on ACA the other night. Poor bastard has been tried and convicted by media. I reckon a few dudes will be locking up their collection of video's now rather than throwing them on Youtube. Whilst a bit radical. We don't know if he had ensured the roads were clear etc. If they catch him he would be in serious trouble. But I still wonder if the law would come down on him to hard? Let the banter/debate begin again. Ha Ha. It's your fault for starting this Daniel!

Yes Evan it always worries me when I see an "L" Plater in a 2.5 to 3 ton 4WD packed full with the family. That is something I reckon shouldn't be allowed. My mate has a 4WD and when he put's his "Muddy" tyres on the car it wonders all over the road and only just makes it around bitumum road corners doing 60klms. He said one time he actually ran off the road because the tyres were so bad on the road. Just another issue that probably needs review.

There seems to be a lot of interest from locals to catch up with us while we are down there. (Shame none of you are joining us on the drive around the state you were all welcome ) Anyway my suggestion is that Sunday night 14th Feb we meet up somewhere in the heart of town for dinner. We are in there anyway and have a big day planned so don't want to drive anywhere that evening. Hence the location of our accommodation. Walking distance of everything. Again I suggest all you Tassie guys try to get together and give us a hoy or PM me as one. We have had a few invitations to drop in meet & greet along our route and while much appreciated it would make things difficult with working out times etc. Hence Hobart or the track day seem to be the best options. I have done a lot of organising to bring this awesome trip together. So the last thing I want to do with less than week to go is contact 8 different people on the off chance of trying to set something up. And I mean that in a nice way. We are keen to meet you all and our cars will be in town Sunday. So if you want to catch up early 6-7pm for a bear and a bit of a look/chat at our cars let us know or later for dinner via a PM. Leave your email or phone number and something should get sorted. Less than a week to go. Woooohoooo

I guess my question would be why are you moving it? To smooth over the filler door or put in a different tank would make sense. But just because you want to fill behind the number plate would not be enough of a reason for me. :-\

Yep I have done this on my Zed. I put in an Alloy tank and moved the filler behind the number plate and filled in the old filler cap/door for a smoother looking rear. Just a matter of moving some plumbing I guess. But then again I took out the wheel well and centrally located the tank so you might have a few more difficulties getting around the spare wheel tub?

Nice looking car. I hope we see that at Thredbo next Feb.

You make some valid point Maygz and I agree with your point's re 140klms. Let's hope Brumby can stop talking and finally actually re introduce some of those laws we speak of. I would love to see mandatory sentences come back as it seems with lawyers spin and Judges discretion most criminals just aren't concerned when they are caught since they know there is a fare chance of either getting off or minimal sentencing. And for a cop who does all the hard work to see a lot of people get off lightly must be as frustrating as anything. Let's hope common sense prevails and the "do gooders" get over-ridden some time soon.

Couldn't agree with you more Huw. All this crap about speed killing. Like someone said it's not the speeding that kills it's the sudden stop. It's been going on since the invention of the car. It's only the media jumping on the band wagon because it's a touchy subject at the moment and sell's papers and makes news. Anyone can go to CAMS and buy an $88- license and go racing on a circuit at speeds well over 200klms with no training or testing. Infact plenty of people do with no problems or accidents. I know it's a controlled environment. I guess my point is that like someone said 140klms on a freeway is not massively dangerous if you are not driving erratically like the police try and make out. As we all know cars of today are made so safe and can travel at speeds well over 200klms no problems at all. I guess if they are serious about speeding being so "masively" dangerous why doesn't the government put restriction on all new cars and limit them to maybe 140klms only. No that's to hard. Well probably not if they were serious. Instead let's just give it a label and make out all people over the speed limit are dangerous killers which is rediculous. Maygs - I guess you have never heard of any bashings or knifinings in town either! Come on people walk away from our courts untouched with no Jail time almost daily. We all know there is no room in the prisons for all the criminals. So a slap on the wrist and $200- to the poor box is all that is done. then these joke of Judges go home and sleep at night whilst a rapist, bashers, drink drivers walk free and offend again. I know police have a job to do. I guess my point is to get some consistancy and make punishments fit the crime. Probably why a lot of people leave the force out of frustration since Judges seem to live in a world of their own.

Good point Rev. I particularly like the idea of limiting Finance to kids under 21 to purchase a car. Man that would fix a lot of problem social and financial not to mention on the road.

PM me your email address and I will send you some details. would be good if you can hook up with a few other Zed locals to come along and catch up. I am pretty sure we will see 2 or 3 other locals rock up at some time or another. They are currently on the email list. Guy's in Tassie not sure if you want to meet up somewhere specific at one place or not. But dinner is definately on the cards in Hobart. Cheers