Kırklareli, Turkey

Right sit yourselves down. Sorry about the lack of updates recently but it's been a mad few days. On Tuesday we crossed the Turkish boarder and noticed that the ambulance was leaking coolant, so we decided to pop into the first Renault garage we could find. They took a look and yesterday told us that the head gasket needed replacing and also that one of the pistons was worn and needed replacing. This would put us off the road for a few days and also cost us a minimum of £2,000! Therefore we have taken the horrible decision to pull out of the Mongol Rally, this was such a hard decision but we have already spent a small fortune, and have no trust in the vehicle getting through the tough countries ahead. We have met some really nice people here at the Renault garage who have helped us with phone calls, translations, and even treating us to dinner! This is a really horrible situation and we are in the process of getting rid of the ambulance now. We are planning to make the best of a bad situation, and maybe continue our own adventure into Asia. Mongol Rally game over, a new adventure starts here... Max

Bavaria, Germany

BOOM Under The Fog are back on the road again! Austria Ahoy! Max

Bavaria, Germany

First night in tents last night, they performed well although we are now 1 tent down due to not reading instructions and snapping poles this morning, lucky we have three! Should have the ambulance fixed by 1 o'clock today, but unfortunately have taken the decision to skip the Czech Republic to catch up some time. Crossing our fingers for a speedy getaway now. Max@

Ambulance Day 1

Day 1: A very exciting day for Under The Fog, our first chance to roll up our sleeves, bang on some overalls and get stuck in with getting the Ambulance ready for the Rally. Unfortunately Ash, Alex and Luke couldn't make the delivery or come back for the weekend due to University exams, but me and Max were pumped and got stuck in. 

 

- We started by giving her a full-scale wash, head to toe. The amount of dirt was unbelievable but she's now squeaky clean.  

- Pulled down the electrics box from the roof and started to get everything back up and running. All blue lights, saloon lights, extractors, front map light etc all work from the front panel. The 999 button is our personal favorite, turning on absolutely everything for a 100mph rave. 

- Hoover and clean front cabin

- Attach a velcro strap to the front cabin trim for map reading light 

- Re-fit gearbox surround to floor

- Clean all rear cupboards and rip out medical pot storage for extra space

- Clean down seating and mould from seatbelts

- Clean down back doors and remove thousands of sections of medical tape used for holding down the broken blinds.

- Got the wheelchair access ramp powered up and heavily greased for a smooth movement, it now unfolds completely flat without getting stuck.

- Unclip stretcher and fully clean cushion/metal work

- Begin removing torn livery panel from drivers side door

 

Big big day today, We've made a massive start and made some real progress. We want it looking in tip top shape before the rally, fully kitted out for the open road.

Check out todays work: