Tuesday 12th March

Barn...

More jobs ticked off on the old pick-up truck. Rear guards all bolted up.

Tail gate hinges and latches made and fitted. The NZ assembled trucks had to have a percentage of local manufacture - this included a different style of tailgate and hinge. You could argue the original American version is more stylish, however the cost was over $1000 bucks NZ for the the original tailgate, hinges, latches and catch chains - This lot cost nothing as it was all made from left over stuff laying around in the barn.

Things take time when you have to make your own parts before you fit them. The hinges have oil filled plastic bushes, stainless steel eyes and hinge bolts to stop rust weep around the hinges.

Structural frame and carry rack for the deck all done and mounted. The plan is to continue its life as a "workin truck" not just a show pony.

Seat belt anchor points done, plus fixed the broken gas tank and seat mounts.

Re steeled around the windscreen area - The original steel work had rotted out under the windscreen rubber.

This job had been put off until the correct level of motivation was found. Lots of patience required to do it right - Plus choking on all the smoke and fume from all the old paint, sealer and rust preventative that had been sloshed around on the inside of the old steel work and couldn't be cleaned off  before welding.

It was one of those jobs were it didn't matter where you positioned yourself, you still copped the welding fumes or got sprayed with grinding sparks.

Some good burns on the arms too - from setting fire to ones own overalls. Brent said it amazing how big the the flames get before you feel the burn biting in to your skin. A full days work in this job alone - Brent felt pretty crappy at the end of it.

MandaBurms FarmStay Guests...

Smile, prod prod, purrr....