u/Hannefrakker

Need help with my Abu Garcia Pro Max 6000 spinning reel.

I opened it up for maintenance and now I can’t get the bail mechanism back together properly. When I tension the spring and put the cover back on, it keeps pushing up the clip, so it won’t engage the spring.

The reel was working fine before. I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos but still can’t figure it out.

Has anyone dealt with this before or know a trick to getting it back together? Or is the reel done for?

Also happy to hear recommendations for reel servicing around Sydney’s east.

Thanks!

Looking for some advice on rust treatment.

My 2002 Prado 90 Series (~$10k AUD) is starting to get some rust issues and I’m wondering what’s actually worth fixing before a 4–6 month Australia trip.

Main concern is rusted stone chips (first photo) above the windscreen/window area. I’ve also got some surface rust on the steel roof rack and bull bar.
I live near the coast in Sydney, so the sea breeze definitely isn’t helping, and the car will probably keep sitting there for another ~6 months before I leave.

Would you properly repair the stone chip rust now and potentially sand/treat the roof rack and bull bar? Or should I just leave it and send it?

Trying to work out what’s worth spending money on for a 24-year-old touring rig.

Cheers!

My partner and I are planning a half-lap of Australia and would love a quick sanity check on the route.

We’ll be travelling in a Toyota Prado 90 Series with a roof tent, aiming for roughly 4–6 months. Main priorities are surfing, fishing and hiking, with a mix of beach time, national parks and scenic driving.

NSW
Sydney
South Coast
Jervis Bay
Batemans Bay
Narooma / Bermagui
Eden

VIC
Mallacoota
Lakes Entrance
Wilsons Prom
Melbourne
Tasmania for 3–4 weeks after the ferry
Back to VIC for the Victorian High Country
Great Ocean Road
Grampians

SA
Adelaide
Kangaroo Island
Flinders Ranges
Nullarbor crossing

WA
Esperance / Lucky Bay
Albany
Denmark
Walpole
Pemberton
Margaret River / Augusta / Busselton
Perth
Exmouth and back

In Tasmania we’re roughly thinking:
Bay of Fires
Freycinet
Hobart
Port Arthur
Cradle Mountain / west coast
Overland track

Main things we want to know:
- Does this sound realistic in 4–6 months without rushing too much?
- Is this a sensible route in terms of timing and seasons?
- Are we missing any major surf / fishing / hiking highlights along or close to this route?

Also keen for any general tips from people who’ve done similar in an older 4WD setup with a roof tent.

Thanks a lot

Hi all,

Planning a 6-month half lap (starting in Sydney, ending in Perth) in my 90 Series.

Plan is:

1. Renew 12 months NSW rego with all 5 seats in
2. Then remove the second row + build a drawer/storage setup
3. Travel for 6 months from Sydney to Perth
4. Before renewing rego in WA, reinstall second row seats (likely from a wrecker)

Couple of questions:
- Is it legal to drive for the year with the rear seats removed?
- Insurance-wise: I currently have CTP + Third Party Property — will removing the seats affect my cover? Do I need to notify my insurer?
- Do I need engineering or any checks done?

Keen to hear if anyone’s done similar 👍

Cheers,

PS – images just as an example