Getting back into 4x4

[Kizuki]

Hi Garth here from Hamilton,
I'm getting back into 4x4 after 15 years absence. Last 4x4 was a tough as old boots BJ40 Land Cruiser that was a daily driver and hunting wagon on old logging tracks out the back of Ohura. If I learnt anything from the old girl I learned that having 4x4 doesn’t mean you don’t get stuck – I just means you have to walk further to borrow a bigger tractor to tow you out when you do get stuck. (No winch, no recovery gear, crap tyres and no brains add up to a LONG walk)

In the intervening years I’ve restored a triumph spitfire and been involved in the club sport scene mucking around in a Classic Mini doing autocross, gymkhanas and the occasional hill climb. (I’ve still got the oil stain on the garage floor to remember them by.) I’ve also attained the status of grandparent (while still being on the right side of 50) which brings me back to 4x4. My 5 year old grandson was getting bored watching me have fun in cars (not allowed passengers in most events) so we watched a few (tame) 4x4 videos and he thinks 4x4 looks like real fun. Like most boys he’s thinking that any activity that combines wheels and mud has to be a good thing.

I’m thinking that the toy I end up with will be a non road legal SJ413 or similar so with that in mind I kept the car trailer when I sold the Mini (its wide enough to fit a friends Vitara on mud tyres so it should fit most small 4x4s). I've got the loan of a very rusty SJ413 to play with till I find one of my own - I just have to sort a few minor things like Brakes, securing the body to the chassis and tying on the bits of body that are falling off (mudguards, bonnet, roof...)

I’ll be looking to join a local club that’s more social than extreme in its focus and hope to keep the ratio of dollars in, to fun out, the right way round. We’ll be up for overnighters (in warm weather) and am looking forward to relearning some of the old skills, and gaining new ones, as I get back into 4x4.
Cheers
Garth

[Tonkatoy.]

Cozzie Four Wheelers sounds like what you need. I am a member and we do a lot of family based and a little more extreme if you want. I can't keep my son out of the car.
Check out our facebook page or message me for more info.

[Kizuki]

Thanks for the reply, Ill keep an eye on the Cozzie 4x4 face book page for coming events and will hopefully attend a few runs in the near future with a view to joining the club. I work with a guy already in your club so he'll (hopefully) keep me informed about what's coming up also
Cheers