I am alive, and sent orders out three weeks ago. though I have not been over on DIYC for awhile.
Here is the background story, follow along please.
May 18, 2008; I purchased a 1944 WW2 jeep.
To say that it was a basket case was an understatement. The body tub was in a Chook shed (chicken coop) and the chassis was in another shed.
Here you can see the Tub on top of another vehicle. We had to dig it out to take it home.
Here is the chassis and engine, the day I brought it home. My wife was, unimpressed.
Jump forward to Xmas 2010. I spoke to my Mum and she let me know that my Dad would like to take a ride in the jeep on ANZAC Day (Memorial day - for us Apr 25).
My Dad is 88, and served in WW2 with the RAAF. Here he is with some mates in New Guinea in 1944. My dad is second from the right.
At 88, he has survived 5 strokes, and is not a well man. The likelihood of getting to 89 is not good.
At that point I had completed the chassis and engine, etc. But the body was a basket case still. I did not think I could suggest waiting until 2011, and giving me an extra year.
All stops were pulled out, and the bank raided.
A friend recommended a body guy to help out. He has rebuilt the body and handed it back to me in Feb 2011.
Here is a progress photo in Late Jan 2011.
Well, the tub was returned to me, but in bare metal. I had the job to get it finished and ready in just over two months.
Early March it looked like this. a couple coats of paint and the fuel line and main harness were fitted.
Now it is April, and I have 11 days to go.
I have put in 2 1/2 days each weekend and a lot of week nights over the last two months. a LOT of friends have come over to help, or take parts away to prepare them for final assembly.
Each and every part have been cleaned, treated, painted and installed as per 1944. Fabric covered wire, cad plated hardware, and many original parts. Frank has been postbox for many of the parts that have come from the states.
I have two major tasks to complete. Paint and fit the windshield and fit the new hood.
in 11 days it needs to be finished, yet it may all be moot.
My Dad's health is getting worse and at this time he is unable to take the flight from Brisbane to Melbourne (2 hours). We are still hopeful, but I am not sure the next 11 days will change much.
ANZAC day is still on, and I'll be there to provide a First Class ride to the WW2 Vets.
So, In summary.
I am alive, but out in the garage. I'll be finished by Apr 25, or else. If my Dad cant take a first class ride in a 1944 jeep this year, I will still be proud to provide carriage to many other WW2 vets this ANZAC day.
If you are in Melbourne, please come out for a look and a wave Monday week.
You might see this guy driving a jeep in the parade, instead of riding in the back.
