www.borneo4x4.com

Bangkok, Thailand

Mr. Veerasak with Eunice and Malcolm

For years we have visited Thailand and saw all forms of light trucks (some never seen in Malaysia) from 2 or 4 doors cab, high lift to low riders- carrying all sort from agricultural produce to commercial merchandise. They have models of trucks that we never knew existed. We saw the forerunner of the Toyota Hilux SRs- the Toyota Tiger with a 5L engine some 8 years ago. Thailand and especially Bangkok have a considerable number of affluent people so quite naturally a place like VVP is viable.

The VVP 4X4 Centre with its showroom and workshop further right, a full professional set-up.

So, what is it about the Thai and their cars? This goes back to their pride, and a culture that love their machines. We saw many proud owners of cars, trucks, farm tractors,  long tail boats, motorbike and all with tip top maintained machines. Shiny chrome headers and Autosoled engine blocks are common every day items. So, it is only a natural process for them to frequent VVP to get all their good imported goodies.

A Hilux getting goodies fitted. It already has a host of good accessories.

Mr. Vee tells us that one of their top seller are Warn electric winches because a lot of light trucks do not have PTO options on their gear boxes. Together with the electric winches are deep cycle batteries. They cost about RM 1,700 about 1 grand less than in Malaysia. These batteries are necessary to make these winches work. Then there is the twin battery management system.

Mr. Vee's ride a Humvee. It was used mainly for exhibition purposes and rarely sees any action with the price of fuel the way it is in Thailand. The new model has a larger engine and is more economical.

We saw a good number of Hiluxes with lift from 6 - 8 inches. These guys here love the look and they have the torsion bars that can give the lift. The rear is lifted by placing a shim between the rear axel and the leaf spring. Rancho shock are big here. But they also have the full assembly of heavy duty rock crawler suspension imported directly form the US. We saw kits being exhibited with the radius arms, rear suspension arms, panhard rods, etc.

VVP also sells ARB winch bars. Mr Vee mentioned that the quality of work in Thailand is so good that ARB actually get most of their work done in Thailand. These bars are re-imported into Australia for finishing work and re-exported to the rest of the world.

This is one of them speed rally type truck with moderate size tyres and no winch but speed goodies only.

Mr. Vee went on to say that business is a little slow at the moment.  The price of diesel has more than doubled in the past 4 months (up to June) and people are a little more careful on their fuel usage. But that did not stop the cars we saw at the VVP workshop fitting all sort of goodies on them. We were observing the Thai mechanics at work and these guys are artist firstly and then mechanics.

We inquired about a few items and it appears that the prices in Thailand are much lower than in Malaysia. A HighLift jack would sell for RM 350 -370. Winches etc are also much lower. If we had a car in Peninsular Malaysia, we would certainly make a trip to VVP to fit some goodies. Who know perhaps the chance might come sooner than later despite the price of fuel.

Another one of them Thai Hiluxes with 5L engine and body and suspension lift.

If you are in Bangkok, it might be worth your while to visit VVP, they have English speaking staff. Get some goodies there e.g., the HighLift elastomer retainer that sell at about RM70. Map reading light? Cool looking spare wheel cover? Visy jerry can.. other types of jerry can? The list is endless. Visit www.vvp4x4.com also.

Contact:

VVP 4X4 Center
58/166 Moo1, Srinakarin Road, Suanluang, Bangkok 10250 Bangkok (about 1 km from Secon Square)
tel:+66 2721 3161 (-5) fax: +66 2320 2650
mobile: +668 1832 6481

Opens daily from 1000 to 1900