| FAREWELL OLD FRIEND In 1974, I went with a friend in his truck from Corryong to Dederang in Victoria to buy a Jeep. As he recalled, it had bars in the grille, so a Jeep it was. On arriving it turned out to be a very run down Dodge Weapons Carrier. It had a blown motor, tyre missing off one rim, no floor in the tray, it was a terrible sight. The farmer wanted $150.00 for it and I was happy to get it for $75.00. In 1976 I joined the VMVC where parts and information came at a steady pace. Through the club, I obtained an engine from Bevan Fenner and I found a winch on a grain auger at Avoca. Gaston Saint helped me with a lot of body panels. Some 15 years ago I ran into the original owner, who purchased it in 1946. He was the mayor of Wodonga and bought it through Lanes Motors in Melbourne to use as a tractor as there were no tractors available due to the war effort. I got it off his sold property at Dederang. I drove it over and through Wonnangatta Station 4 times and back to Ballarat. Once the steering failed and the brakes too. On one occasion lan Ledwidge towed me up the mountains and then lowered the Dodge in front of his GMC until we got to flat ground. I have driven it twice to Corowa, once to Noojee, Albury, Portland, Charlton and many trips to Logan. After 28 years and an offer too good to refuse, I have sold it to an eager chap from Guilford, who is joining the VMVC so it will be around for a long time. John Carroll VMVC |
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| Farewell old Friend by John Caroll VMVC |
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