Another newbie from down under!

[Guest Mick Kelly]

Hi to everyone here.

My name is Mick Kelly. I am a 55 year old truck driver I drive a "B-double".

My vehicle is a 54 Dodge coupe utility (I think you guys call them pick ups).

When purchased, it was in a rather sad state requiring substantial rust repair.

Rust repair is progressing slowly. One of the forum members here provided me with a Dodge script for my tailgate it has just been welded in (thanks Reg).

Plans are as follows. HQ/WB Holden front clip frame graft (power steering disc brakes)

Motorvation will be an LA318 with a torqueflite 904.

Rear end is a Dodge 8 3/4" diff ex Dodge Phoenix (1" shorter either end) than the standard diff.

Wheels are 7"X15" front and 8"X15" rear chrome smoothies with baby moon caps.

It will be gas dedicated. (L.P.G.)

Will try and post some pics shortly.

Mick.

[Job~Rated]

Welcome aboard!

And hurry with those pics...

[PatS....]

Yes, WELCOME!! Looking forward to the pics...and as an "old" trucker, maybe some of your rig, too.

[greg g]

Greetings and welcome. Interesting to see the fuel conversion. Is a double B like a tandem rig, one tractor two trailers? What do you haul?

[Guest Mick Kelly]

Thanks guys.

Greg g, Spot on a "B-double" is the prime mover (tractor) then 2X45' trailers.

both tri axle. It's a cab over Freightliner.

I used to drive a road train when I lived in the "Northern Territory". prime mover (tractor) plus 3X45' trailers but they are not legal in the state I now live in (Victoria).

My digital camera has just died, will post some pics of my rig after Christmas.

(a little birdy told me Santa was bringing me one).

I haul general freight 6 months of the year and do the tomato harvest for 6 months (our summer).

Mick.

[blohmiller]

Hi Mick,

Where you from we were just over in your part of the world this last Jan. We were in Melbourn, Sydney and New Castle. I had the gusts to try and drive on your backward roads from Melbourn to north of Sydney to New Castle tell you it was an experiance don't know if I would do it again it took too much time but we enjoyed the drive it's beautiful country over there. I would love to move there and find a truck driving job there

Bryan

[Guest Mick Kelly]

Bryan, I live in Elmore in Northern Victoria approx 200 klm north of Melbourne.

Plenty of driving jobs over here.

You just have to get used to driving on the right hand side of the road!

Mick.

[Guest Mick Kelly]

I shall try and post some pics of my Dodge (when I bought it home)

[Guest Mick Kelly]

[Guest Mick Kelly]

[blohmiller]

driving on the right didnt bother me it was the time it took we didnt think it would take as long as it did. I was thinking we could do it in 2 days instead of 3. Were taking about going back there in late '09 I hope it works out

Bryan

[Guest Mick Kelly]

That was how my Dodge Coupe ute looked like when I bought it home.

It looks much better now. (a lot of the rust has been removed)

I am dying to post a pic of my tailgate. Had to be fabricated from scratch.

I have welded in the Dodge script kindly provided by a member here "Reg Evans".

Camera is stuffed shall try and get the pics I took burnt on to a CD then I shall be able to post them.

Not many of these beautiful Dodges left over here. Although they are gaining popularity!

Could be that all the Chev/Ford stuff is drying up or as I suspect people are at last getting their minds' right about the Mighty Mopar!

Mick.

[Guest Mick Kelly]

Bryan, if you decide to come over in 09 give me a yell.

Would be good to meet you.

Mick.

[blohmiller]

ya we'll have to meet you it will probably be late '09 or early '10 haven't got the wife talked it to an earlier date yet. This trip we want to make it up in to Queensland and the northern territory

[Reg Evans]

I have welded in the Dodge script kindly provided by a member here "Reg Evans".

Mick.

Mick, I'm glad you were able to get that DODGE script to work for you. Looking forward to seeing the photos!!!!

Alas....I'll probably never be able to own a UTE but at least I cansole myself with the knowledge that I was able to contribute to the resurection of one !!!!

[Guest Mick Kelly]

Hey Reg, I shall be forever indebted to you, "good Dodge scripts" are very hard to find over here!

It's funny, these Dodges sat in paddocks for years suddenly there is a resurgence in their popularity. Quite a few popping up on ebay lately.

I bought a pair of "Classic Instruments" guages to fit the original holes.

Cost me a fortune $880.00 (Au) brand new from the states. Had the speedo made for K.P.H. (can't afford a speeding fine).

I have a "big brake pedal) ex Plymouth Fury. Should look good.

"Coffin Style" console for the auto floor shift. ex VG Valiant (Dodge dart).

Bucket seats from a Land Rover Discovery. (very comfortable).

66 Valiant steering column.

I now have "all" parts required. Rust removal should be completed early next year. I shall then get the front end installed. Then throw some paint at it.

Have more pics but I am having dramas with my camera. Our girls are coming home for Christmas, I will get them to sort it out. (they are the experts).

Hopefully I shall be able to post some more pics of the progress then.

Glad I finally caught up with you. Tony pointed me in the right direction.

Mick.