About four and a half years ago the journey began. Lesley’s dad’s 51 Ford ute made its way from the farm at Matong to the block at Coolamon to undergo a complete rejuvenation.

At the dismantling stage there were plenty of interested on lookers. Harry hadn’t begun school at this stage. The house in the background now can’t be seen from this point of view because the wattle trees have grown so much.

Reassembling and positioning of the motor was a major event with Lesley guiding the gearbox and yours truly working the engine crane. Jedda, the supervisor, was overseeing to make sure everything was proceeding smoothly.  Spraying and rubbing back was a major task. For some reason all the helpers seemed to make themselves scarce when this task was being carried out.

Back on the trailer again to go into Wagga to have a complete exhaust system fitted. After this occurred the motor was able to be fired up and you knew that the end was in sight.

The father-in-law, Les, had a ride in the ute a few months ago and he was chuffed. He turns 91 in a couple of weeks and he’s very glad he stayed around to see the project completed.

This photo was taken courtesy of Club member John R. It was the inaugural run for the ute to the Ganmain Show on 22^nd August, 2010. It performed most admirably, even in the dark later that night when it was pouring rain. There were no leaks of any kind and the wipers and the lights worked well.

So with the help of many people I was able, with the assistance and patience and forbearance of my darling wife, to finally complete the restoration of the 51 Ford Twin Spinner ute and Lesley and I should be able to engage in many pleasant miles of vintage motoring.

Jeff