Over the past year we have been working to resurrect a 1976 Volkswagen Pick-up truck to be used for local deliveries.  We are happy to announce that the restoration is now complete and the truck is now running and registered.

For those of you with an interest in non-water-going craft, the truck was purchased in non-running condition with some rust and a fairly serious impact crater in the front right corner following a collision with a kangaroo. The stricken vehicle was towed directly to Andrew Wilson of  Superior Automotive in Mona Vale, Sydney for resuscitation.

Andrew got the motor running and gave it a good service, replacing many of the ancillary parts. He then pulled the engine out and sent the gearbox to Dunhams in Wollongong for a rebuild. The body was despatched around the corner to spend several weeks with Mona Vale panel beater Gav Lakayev.  Gav removed all evidence of the kangaroo and addressed rust in various areas throughout the body.  The fuel filler was restored to its proper place too.  A two-pack beige paint was then applied to the main panels while contrasting light cream went on the roof and wheels.  The empty engine bay received a gloss black respray.

While all this was going on we were busy sourcing suitable second-hand wheels and various new items such as a new headlight, rear light lenses, front indicator lenses, seatbelts and a many other items for the interior trim.

Once painted the body shell received a new windscreen and was transported home, where it was reunited with the completed gearbox and engine by myself and 15-year-old son Oliver. Over the next few weeks the engine and gearbox were mated together and installed, and the various new parts were also attached.  After many hours tinkering with electrics and fuel supply she finally burst into life.  One more trip on the back of a truck back to  Superior Automotive for Andrew to give her a final inspection and arrange the blue slip, and she was finally road-worthy.

The final touch was the artwork - Mark Haynes at MG Digital produced the decals for the doors and rear window to complete the project.