Discussion
Tricky situation indeed.
First question is do you have European breakdown cover? If it's the run of the mill RAC/AA they'll recover you to any old garage. Is the alternator on a 355 a big job?
If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
If I was in your situation, I'd use the most competent looking local workshop to get you back on the road.
First question is do you have European breakdown cover? If it's the run of the mill RAC/AA they'll recover you to any old garage. Is the alternator on a 355 a big job?
If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
If I was in your situation, I'd use the most competent looking local workshop to get you back on the road.
ImDesigner said:
First question is do you have European breakdown cover? If it's the run of the mill RAC/AA they'll recover you to any old garage. Is the alternator on a 355 a big job?
If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
You should have a good 20 minutes or so driving on the battery, so I'd be tempted to get it straight back on the ferry and back to England, where it's more easily sorted.If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
Equus said:
ImDesigner said:
First question is do you have European breakdown cover? If it's the run of the mill RAC/AA they'll recover you to any old garage. Is the alternator on a 355 a big job?
If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
You should have a good 20 minutes or so driving on the battery, so I'd be tempted to get it straight back on the ferry and back to England, where it's more easily sorted.If you're worried about who can do the work and you don't speak french, it might be worth giving someone like Simon Simon Furlonger Cars a call and ask for their advice/help. They're half an hour from Dover so might be willing to help you out but I'm sure that'd cost a pretty penny.
Which way are you heading?
I know 2 places in Belgium - one about 25km over the French border (Pervijze - near by Diksmuide), the other in Bruges. The one in Pervijze can refurbish alternators on-site.
If I can be of help send me a PM with your phone number. I know the guys as well so I can call them in advance.
I know 2 places in Belgium - one about 25km over the French border (Pervijze - near by Diksmuide), the other in Bruges. The one in Pervijze can refurbish alternators on-site.
If I can be of help send me a PM with your phone number. I know the guys as well so I can call them in advance.
You have my sympathy.
My 1986 Range Rover decided to do its battery and alternator (I'm not sure which order!) on my annual Cornwall trip this year.
But waited until the day after I'd arrived and launch the boat time.
Nothing happened when I turned the ignition key.
Battery deader than a dead thing and alternator chucking out 19+ volts.
Which also blew the fuses on the aftermarket immobiliser and the aftermarket ICE.
Replacement battery from Tayna - a Varta, less than 24 hrs delivery from order and cheaper than I could have got an A.N.Other brand at TRADE from my usual home motor factor. So highly recommended!
Replacement alternator from my usual motor factor delivered by my youngest who was joining me a few days later.
Being an old car there are three belts, one for the water pump, one for the power steering pump and one for the alternator so I was able to take the alternator belt off and trundle around the local area on just the battery - I didn't do any night driving!
My 1986 Range Rover decided to do its battery and alternator (I'm not sure which order!) on my annual Cornwall trip this year.
But waited until the day after I'd arrived and launch the boat time.
Nothing happened when I turned the ignition key.
Battery deader than a dead thing and alternator chucking out 19+ volts.
Which also blew the fuses on the aftermarket immobiliser and the aftermarket ICE.
Replacement battery from Tayna - a Varta, less than 24 hrs delivery from order and cheaper than I could have got an A.N.Other brand at TRADE from my usual home motor factor. So highly recommended!
Replacement alternator from my usual motor factor delivered by my youngest who was joining me a few days later.
Being an old car there are three belts, one for the water pump, one for the power steering pump and one for the alternator so I was able to take the alternator belt off and trundle around the local area on just the battery - I didn't do any night driving!
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