Hi everyone. Thanks for accepting me into the club.
I’ve been browsing through the forum for a little while now, and I already get the feeling this old Pajero is going to become a much bigger part of my life than I originally expected.
1. Name:
Wynand Vermeulen
2. Birthday and Age:
25 January 1982 — 44 years old
3. Town & Country Of Residence:
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
4. Home Language:
Afrikaans
5. Occupation/Business:
I work at Nemtek, and in my spare time I run my Old Goat projects and small business interests.
6. Family Status:
Not married, but in a long-term relationship. Father of two teenage boys.
7. Membership Of Other 4X4 Clubs & Forums:
4x4 community forum
8. Current 4x4:
2004 Mitsubishi Pajero Gen 3 GLS LWB
3.2 Di-D 4M41 turbo diesel
5-speed automatic
Super Select 4WD
Silver/champagne colour
She is slowly becoming known as the Old Goat Pajero.
I have had the vehicle for almost a year now. It belonged to my mom, and I took it over after she passed away suddenly. So the Pajero means a bit more to me than just being my first 4x4. I want to look after it properly, use it properly, and gradually turn it into a vehicle that reflects both its history and my own adventures with it.
9. Current Modifications:
Still mostly stock at the moment.
- Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres, 265/70R16
- Original Mitsubishi alloy wheels
- Old Goat spare wheel cover
- Basic recovery gear and portable compressor carried for trail outings
The brakes have recently been repaired, which has got me mobile again. I am now working through the vehicle mechanically before spending money on unnecessary accessories.
10. Modifications On The Wish List:
My goal is not to overbuild it. I want a comfortable, reliable daily-driven Pajero that can also handle local trails properly.
Current wish list and planned work:
- Fix the tappet/rocker cover gasket oil leak
- Sort the steering wear and any remaining front-end issues
- Investigate an intermittent flashing Super Select indicator
- Mild Old Man Emu or similar suspension setup to correct the front sag and gain roughly 35–50 mm, while keeping the ride comfortable when unloaded
- Custom LWB rock sliders with a small rear kick-out
- Proper rated recovery points
- Improved underbody protection where actual trail use proves it is needed
- Snorkel later, if my trail use justifies it
- Subtle lighting and perhaps a low-profile roof rack much later, if there is a practical need
I initially looked at steel wheels and larger tyres, but I am now leaning toward keeping the original alloys and upgrading from actual need rather than just from want.
11. Vehicle(s) On The Wish List:
At the moment, none. I am far too busy falling in love with this Pajero and figuring out what it is capable of.
12. Previous 4x4s:
None. This is my first 4x4.
13. Last 3 Offroad Trips:
I have been to Hobby Park a few times so far and even attempted parts of the obstacle course, with mixed success.
I am still very new to proper off-roading, but I have recently met someone with Pajero and off-road experience who knows Hobby Park and Hennops well, and he is keen to go out with me and show me how to approach some of the more challenging sections correctly.
14. Favourite Destination:
I do not have one yet. Still discovering the local trails and learning what the Pajero and I enjoy most.
15. Other Hobbies:
- Building the Old Goat 4x4 app, a vehicle profile, trail and navigation project that I am developing around real use of this Pajero
- DIY e-liquid mixing and recipe development
- Building coils and general vape-related tinkering
- Practical DIY projects and learning more about vehicles and off-road builds
16. GPSr & Map Data Used:
Currently phone-based navigation, along with my own Old Goat 4x4 app project that I am building and testing around my Pajero.
17. Rate Your 4X4 & Overlanding Experience:
Beginner, but keen to learn properly.
I am not looking to rush into extreme trails or fit modifications simply for looks. My plan is to first get the Pajero mechanically sound, learn how it behaves on trails, listen to experienced Pajero owners and off-roaders, and then upgrade only where real use shows a need.
18. Photos Of Yourself & Your Vehicle:
Photos attached of the Old Goat Pajero as she currently stands, including the spare wheel cover and a few early outings.
Looking forward to learning from everyone here, especially the Gen 3 owners. I already have a feeling this old Pajero is going to take me on a lot of adventures.
