CJ Lancer - Road Trip Prep & Helpfull Advice

[Lancer1993]

Okay finally getting stuff together for the long awaited road trip to SA.

So might be worrying too much but I saw on the news about a moth plague in parts of the outback which got me thinking of a way to protect the radiator.

Not too fussed with the bumper it's self as that can always be washed but stopping bugs from collecting in the front end and causing things to over heat.

First thought was some shade cloth material somehow attached to the front which I'd only put in place when needed to reduce marking the paint work.

Does anyone make a purpose built cover to fill in the radiator openings?

Other thoughts?

EDIT - Changed the title

[aspir3]

I looked at doing this. Just be aware anything you put there like shade cloth could rub against the paint which can cause more damage than the bugs

[Lancer1993]

I know it's also a balance between keeping bugs out and allowing enough air for cooling. I might custom make 3 panels that fit in the spaces so not to cover the number plate or go over the paint work and actually look good.

[aspir3]

I don't think you will have any issues with the car over heating coming to Adelaide. It would need a lot of bugs.

You could try to fit something between the grill and radiator

[Lancer1993]

Probably not but good to be prepared, I'll do something if I have time.

[Lancer1993]

So I changed the thread title so I can ask road trip Qs for my CJ as I think of them.

It's not like I've never done a trip before but it will be the first extended trip in the CJ, some 6000km plus from the Sunshine coast to Adelaide and return via the Great Ocean Road and Sydney area driving my parents to visit friends and relatives.

So next question, better head light globes, not looking at replacing the head lights but would like some better globes for any night driving.

[aspir3]

Are you planning to drive at night? Always best and safest to drive during the day. Kangaroos will make a mess of your lancer and ruin a road trip. I did it once to Queensland with my dad and we had to drive at 60 km/h to be safe.
Yes good headlights will help but not that much

[Lancer1993]

Not planning on night driving in the outback but I thought it's better to be safe and the easiest option is some better globes. Unless someone has a full on Rally lights system I can bolt to the bonnet LOL

Which brand of globes do others recommend?

[yatza]

could always attach an LED light bar to a roof rack and just run it off a cable to the cigarette lighter.

[aspir3]

Any chance you will have room in your car for Clubcj t-shirts and possibly group buy items. I'm assuming the group buy items would be small and nothing like bumpers.

[Lancer1993]

Should have some room, mind you there will be 3 in the car so we plan on traveling light. Depends on what time I have to meet any of the Adelaide members.

Don't think I'd add a light bar but it would be cool if they made one with a cover to fit the plastic bit in front of the bonnet, any lower would be useless. Think I'd stick with some better globes just in case we get caught short and need to drive in the dark a little to make the next overnight stop.

Coming back we plan on going via the great ocean road so a longer trip but shorter days.

[aspir3]

Okay.

A cheap and easy option is to purchase a little bar that bolts to the front bumper. It actually uses the screws for the number plate screws. The number plate sits in front of it. You can purchase them from most automotive stores.

You then can fit spot lights or light bar on to the bar. Just make sure you use electrical plugs for the wiring so it can be easily removed.

[Speedie]

If you had a RA front you could have borrowed my CarBra

[Lancer1993]

Okay. A cheap and easy option is to purchase a little bar that bolts to the front bumper. It actually uses the screws for the number plate screws. The number plate sits in front of it. You can purchase them from most automotive stores. You then can fit spot lights or light bar on to the bar. Just make sure you use electrical plugs for the wiring so it can be easily removed.

I made something like that for my old coupe.


Not a fan of CarBras, I'm planing on taking my good car wash so will at least give it a wash when I hit Adelaide.

[aspir3]

That looks good. You should have kept it and fitted it to the cj.