Oka owners group newsletter

indicator alarm. Type your question here and then click Search. Helpful information: Gordon Rollinson, MacKay Qld.

Peter Morgan, Tamworth

Paul Nott and Ian Jones, Melbourne

Robin Wade, Kalgoorlie

Rob Clarke, Alice Springs

Robert McClaine, Maitland Nsw

Alan Bajada:

Modifications: has most original OKA options replaced split rims

to 265 x 19.5 tubless

has hf radio vks network call sign whisky 4578

Helpful information: ALAN at OKA parts PERTH 94341300

ANDY at WesternXpress TOURS PERTH

JOHN at DRIVE STRAIGHT Welshpool wheelalignment & balance 93569500

DANNY at WESTRALIA SPRINGS WELSHPOOL 94515151

STEVE at STEVE REECE MOBILE MECHANIC 0403123104

Jeremy Williams:

Modifications: has most original OKA options, replaced split rims

to 265 x 19.5 tubeless

has hf radio vks network call sign whisky 4578

Helpful information: ALAN at OKA parts PERTH 94341300

ANDY at WesternXpress TOURS PERTH

JOHN at DRIVE STRAIGHT Welshpool wheelalignment & balance 93569500

DANNY at WESTRALIA SPRINGS WELSHPOOL 94515151

STEVE at STEVE REECE MOBILE MECHANIC 0403123104

David & Janet Ribbans:

Modifications: Raised roof. Air compressor based on air conditioner compressor. Extra

fuel and water tanks. Tool box in rear door. Grey water tank. Velcro-ed fly screens.

Helpful information: Robin Wade, Oka Kalgoorlie.

St Mary's Autos, Adelaide.

Gordon Rollinson, Oka Mackay.

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Hi Everyone,

OKA OWNERS GROUP (PUTTING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST)

NEWSLETTER October 2006

It is some time since we last sent out a newsletter, but our trek was delayed for a while, firstly because we were still drought feeding our stock, then after it did rain because Lloyd’s mother became ill. Since we came home, we have had a trip to Swansea (near Newcastle) and one to Sydney to see the dentist (Coonamble’s dentist was closed until mid October) as Lloyd had suffered with a toothache during much of our trek.

We really enjoyed our trip this year. The weather was nearly perfect, and we seem to have escaped the cold weather altogether. Some of the roads were rough, but that is to be expected, and our breakdowns were able to be mostly fixed as we went.

We spent a morning at OKA in Perth, and were impressed with the new model, as far as we could see it. There were 3 chassis under way on the floor, with wheels, axles, motors and gearboxes etc, and also a cab with a custom-made wide camper, designed to carry a motorbike on the back and therefore reinforced. It seems that Oka have managed to fix many of the problems that occur with the old models. Little things like air over hydraulic brakes, a redesigned handbrake, window winders that will work, bigger fuel tanks, auto free-wheeling hubs, as well as the big things like heavier axles, slightly bigger wheelbase, bigger motor which they claim will still be economical as it will nearly idle at the speeds that the old OKA travels. They have tried to use components that are readily available, as this not only makes them repairable almost anywhere, but also means that build time is reduced. Seats for example are from Stratos. As the brakes require air, an air-tank and compressor are standard. The cab looks the same, except that the lights are no longer round in shape. They did say that they are having problems with labour – there is a general shortage all over W.A.

All the testing has been done, and even the extra testing that was required to register the campervan that Ruedi & Susi Schoensleben have had made will make it easier to have a one-off vehicle. I am attaching a price list for you to see, and compared with prices for other trucks in this range (if there are any) I think they are very reasonable. I understand that load limits on 1 and 2 tonne trucks are expected to be reduced in the

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future, which will make an OKA a better load carrying proposition than many of the popular makes of light truck.

We also called on Robin Wade in Kalgoorlie as we came through. Robin was suffering from a bad dose of the flu, but got out of his sick bed to talk to us. He is a real gentleman, and is full of information about Okas. We asked him about the history of our Oka, and he pointed to a list of undesirable vehicle numbers, and told us that if we had been talking to him he would have advised us not to touch it!! Much too late now, we have seen almost every part of it over the years! We had had some discussions about tyre pressure in our Michelin XY tyres, and he pointed to the load limits printed on the tyres, and recommends that we keep the pressures up. He maintains that they are excellent tyres, and tougher than the XZ, with a less aggressive tread, and that they can be retreaded more than once as the casings are very strong.

To keep you a bit up-to-date on our members, Walter & Elly Hes were last heard of in the Netherlands, where they were housesitting. They also sent us a newsletter from Thailand – what a life! Collyn and Maarit Rivers have sold their OKA – I’ll bet they miss it but times change and so must we. We nearly crossed paths with 3 other OKAs at Yunta as we went through. The proprietor of the Ampol service station wanted to know if there was something on. Who were the these mystery OKAs? We also had Bob & Sue Worling call in on their way through. They had some video of their OKA well and truly bogged near the NT/Qld border up near the gulf. Recently John & Diane Smithard spent a night with us on their way through from a trip to Queensland. They seem to have a rash of weddings at the moment.

Where has everyone been? And what have you been doing to your Okas? Can you let me know so that I can pass on your ideas and modifications and travel notes to other Oka Owners, please? Meantime, safe travelling.

Marj Parsons

VICTORIAN OKA RALLY DATES & VENUES:

Hughes Creek Reserve - 13^th - 15^th October 2006

Directions: Approx. 20km east of Seymour via Hughes Creek Road.

From Seymour head east on Hughes Creek road. When you reach the intersection of Hughes Creek and Highlands road, keep left on Hughes Creek Road. Shortly after the intersection the road will become dirt. Keep travelling until you see a bridge, go over the bridge, the entrance to the camp is directly on the left. Please note: I think there maybe a few smaller bridges before you reach the bridge near the camp. Please look out for an OKA signpost, which I will place at the entrance of the camping area.

Large camping area on Hughes Creek Strathbogie Ranges, please bring firewood. Reference: Vicroads 61 G2, HEMA: 42 F3

Toorongo Falls Scenic Reserve - 5^th -7^th January 2007

Directions: 8km north-east of Noojee. Access via Tooronga Falls Road from Baw Baw Tourist Road. Features Toorongo Falls, please bring firewood.

Reference: Vicroads 81 B7, HEMA: 44 C6

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Please contact Rowena Paterson for further details.

Our Spring 2006 Adventure

by John Hendriks

We did get away and sort of were restricted with 2 dogs, but we managed OK. WE went to a small coastal town called Wooli and the first 2 days were absolute fantastic....on the 3rd and 4th day it rained very heavy constantly and we were told that 165 mm of rain fell. As I had the annex erected, we where stuck , however it gave us a chance to find out if any leaks occurred. When the wind shifted we did get some leaks and I have discovered that I need to make another small improvement...guess these things need to be tested over time.

As we were booked in to stay a week, the first chance we we got with a break in the weather, caused us to pack up and move on. We ended up in Inverell and set up a little differently this time, allowing us to just roll in the awning and travel around the district. We stayed 2 days in Inverell and on the 2nd day we decided to do some sapphire fossicking. This was a great day and we met many new friends and like you, many came up and wanted to know about the OKA.

On the 3rd day, we decided to move to Moree and managed to find a dog friendly park with artesion pools. The weather and atmosphere was fantastic and Maree spend many hours in the pools. They had 4 pools at different tempartures. I enjoyed it as well and because of the dogs we had to take it in turn and never could be together. Maree has finally accepted the fact that the dogs need to find a new family that stays home with them...so this I hope will happen soon.

Our next stop was Lightning Ridge....we had a great time driving over very rough roads for hundreds of klms and not pass a living soul....except lots of wild life and it brought great joy in finally using the OKA what it was intended for. We arrived in Lightning Ridge around 4 pm after being on the road 8 hours. As we took a major detour in rough country, we saved 30klms of the journey. I tried to find my old boss that had a mine lease in town and after asking around, discovered that he suffered a heart attack earlier this year and spends 9 months of the year in Norravile on the central coast. Upon my return home, I rang him and he was very surprised to hear from me and after some chatting found out that 2 of his married kids live very close to me in Winmalee and he often visits them. He will call in next time he is in the area and we will discuss his mine then.

It was 30 degrees in Lighting Ridge and the council run artesion pool at the edge of town was 52 degrees...a bit hot for us...and as it was blowing a dust storm, only stayed one night. We moved out next morning at 7.30am and the next stop was Coonamble, with the hope of Lloyd and Marj being back and also maybe the Quigleys in town, as they have a block of shops in town and Ron was going to do some work around them.

Well we got to the farm only to find out that Lloyd and Marj are still in Port Hedland, as they didn't leave until 12th August. The Quigleys were in town the week before and went from there to their farm at Lake Conjola as the sheep are lambing. We met Len & Merl, the caretakers of Lloyds farm and had a cuppa with them...very nice genuine people that have known Lloyd and Marj for many years. We spend almost 2 hours with them and decided that we better make tracks to find a place to stay for the night. Len & Merl wanted us to stay, but as Merl was going into town to visit Lloyd's Mum, we wanted to get going as well.

Maree heard some time ago of a place called Burrendong Lake near Wellington, so that is where we headed next. We again arrived very late around 5pm and as it was blowing a fierce wind all day, we got a nice sheltered position with great views. At sunset the wind calmed down and we enjoyed a great meal outdoors. The next morning, we decided to

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head for home, even though we could of had another free night, which is part of the promotion that the park offered to seniors. We heard on the news that morning that snow was predicted that night and we didn't want to stay for that. As the park had no water restrictions, I washed the truck and around 11.30 we were ready to head home about 4 hours away. The park is state run and is an excellent fishing spot...so what I have seen, we will definitely go again and take our boat, only it has to be a little warmer.

Well that was our trip....just over 2500 klms later....the OKA performed without any problems and even Maree commented on how good she went. She is ready now to go anywhere again and I feel confident she would get me anywhere in Oz. I still have her for sale, but will not budge from my price, as she is just fantastic and I enjoy driving her. On the great stretch form Ligthtning Ridge to Coonamble, we encountered a very strong head wind all the way and I used the hand throttle to keep the OKA going at a constant 90 klm and this saved my legs....as the steering took my full concentration with that head wind.

Desert Trek 2006 Marj Parsons

Our Oka’s performed well during this trip. We left on Monday 14 August, accompanied Alan in a Toyota tabletop with a home- made camper on the back, and at Nevertire met up with Eric and Sylvia Yeo in their Oka with a Candy Camper on the back. We didn’t make it as far as Wilcannia before camping for the night tucked away not far off the road, and made Broken Hill next morning. Here Eric went looking for a radio expert as the reception from his UHF wasn’t the best, and found one at Dick Smiths. Here it took most of the after noon to fit an aerial to his Uniden (the mechanic says he doesn’t do much radio work these days as most people in the area have switched to Electrophone UHF and these simply don’t give trouble).

We decided to press on to Yunta as we didn’t fancy staying in Broken Hill overnight, and there isn’t much in the way of camp spots between here and there, so we arrived at Yunta after dark, refueled vehicles and ourselves and headed west and camped some few km down the road. The road to Arkaroola is in great condition, well formed and freshly graded, so we made good time before turning off to Copley, Leigh Creek, then on to Maree, visiting the Ochre pits on the way. Next day we went on the Oodnadatta track as far as William Creek, then we headed west again to Coober Pedy to refuel before heading out along the Anne Beadell Highway.

The Anne Beadell is very corrugated this year, but we took only 4 days. Eric’s new radio antenna was soon in pieces, but they managed to place the crumpled remains back into the plastic shell, and tied and strapped it to the top of his bumper bar, which is where it stayed until Perth. The reception wasn’t much different, so long as you weren’t too far away. Lloyd & Eric both broke a mirror; they were too slow to remove them for the duration.

Once we had passed the WA border the track soon improved somewhat, as the grader had been along at some time. It was great to find a shed tank beside the road, and we took advantage of the fresh water to have a much appreciated hot shower. We pulled into the Aboriginal Roadhouse of Ilkulka (thank you for the information, Simone Conklin) where we were well looked after. It seems that Russell Conklin uses his grader to make roads and look after them in that general area, so Oka’s are well known here.

We pressed on to Neale Junction, where we headed north along the Connie Sue Hwy. The road wasn’t quite as good as it had been the previous year, and the shed tank at the junction of a road to an Aboriginal settlement had disappeared. No shower that day! We called in to see some of the gorges and rocky outcrops along the way, then after visiting Waterfall Gorge, headed west again along the Parallel Track (pretty good condition) to the Great Central Road and down to Tjukayirla Roadhouse, which is as far as we made it last year before wet weather stopped us.

While we were here, we inspected the Okas, and found that Eric’s bull bar had 3 broken bolts, and the remaining one was unlikely to hold it in place on the trip ahead, and Lloyd also had a broken bolt. The new manager allowed us to use the workshop and Alan, our accompanying mechanic undertook the job of welding the bull bars back on again, and we set off to head up the David Carnegie Road. On our visit to Oka later in the trip, Alan (from spare parts) told us that the Bull Bars should have Grade 12 bolts in them.

We hadn’t gone far when Lloyd discovered that his alternator wasn’t charging, so we pulled up and he decided to head to Laverton to have it fixed. We turned around, but it started working again, so we reversed that decision and kept going north. We visited the Empress Spring cave and were well along our way when Alan broke a rear main spring on his Toyota. After much effort they managed to winch the rear axle back into position and wedged it there, and we all headed back to Tjukayirla, after Alan had ordered new rear springs from Laverton per sattelite phone.

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Next morning Alan & Lloyd set off to Laverton, where Alan found his springs waiting, but the power off at the garage, so he replaced the rear springs himself out beside the road, with equipment borrowed from the mechanic.

Lloyd meanwhile found an auto electrician, who told him he needed a new alternator, which, if he was very lucky might just possible arrive tomorrow morning (Sat.), but would more likely be next Tuesday. Lloyd made enquiries about a wrecker, and was directed to old Jack, who asked what the problem was, then sat to think about it for a while. He then asked if the Battery light was working, and when told no, suggested that we check that. Lloyd took the bulb from the trafficator indicator light and put it in the battery light, and behold, the whole thing worked again. Apparently the bulb is in the circuit that excites the alternator; when they were welding on the bull bar the bulb must have blown. After obtaining a new bulb from the friendly mechanic, we set off to Tjukayirla again well satisfied. But Lloyd vowed never to weld anything anywhere on the Oka without disconnecting the battery, whatever the advice he is given!

We set off again up the David Carnegie Road, and this time we were able to enjoy all the scenery. The deserts were really blooming in August, and the wildflowers spilled out onto the track. The wattle was nearly at an end, but the cassias were flowering, and many of the desert shrubs were showing off with blues, mauves, yellow and white being the dominant colours, against the red dirt and spinifex which was mostly still green with waving seedheads. The first part of the David Carnegie is more like a highway than most of the desert highways, but there were some washaways at the northern end.

We came to the Gunbarrel in the afternoon, crossed it and headed to have a look at the abandoned Mungilli Outstation. From here we took a very straight track heading south east back to the Gunbarrel, and this proved to be quite challenging, with plenty of rocks to cross and a few washaways to negotiate, and lots of vegetation tall enough for us to have to squeeze through. While on this track in the late afternoon, Eric broke a rear shackle pin, and his tyre was scraping on his mudflap. It took a winch from the Landcruiser in front, and a chain to our Oka behind to pull it back into line, plus a couple of jacks strategically placed to line the holes up for the spare bolt that Eric had in his kit, so we camped on the track where we were, ready for an early start next morning.

Back on the Gunbarrell we found the going very corrugated. At the Geraldton bore (with no water available) Eric found he had also broken off a front shock hanger, but we decided that as the shock had been doing little to help before, it was probably OK to keep going without it. It was quite a relief to turn north up the Gary Hwy. This was an interesting run, with firstly rocky outcrops, then we took the side trip into McPherson’s Pillar and the Mulgan Rockhole, then we came across Lake Cohen which is a freshwater lake, and while the road was somewhat corrugated in parts, mostly we travelled at a good speed.

At Windy Corner, we turned west once again along the Talawana track. We had hoped to shower again at Midway Bore, but the windmill was broken and the bore dry. Along here we came across the first of the desert heaths in flower, and the grevillias were also in bloom, along with various peas, and mulla mullas etc. We past some salt lakes and soon came to the sand hills of the Canning Stock Route. We finally showered at Well 24, and went on down the very badly corrugated CSR to Georgia Bore, where we turned west and headed towards Rudall River Nat. Park. We camped just outside the road to Cotton Creek, and here Lloyd discovered a missing front shackle pin. As we had no more Oka parts, he replaced it with a 6” mild steel bolt, (which he straightened for the purpose and which saw us home).

We thought that we could go through Cotton Creek (as shown on our map), but were soon told not. Visitors to the park are asked to call at Cotton Creek before entering, which if you were travelling from Newman would be an extra 70km. Anyway we soon came to the park, and travelled through it and then to the Desert Queen Bath, a beautiful series of waterholes with the magnificent red cliffs on both sides. We would have loved to spend more time here exploring, but drove back through and turned right at Rudall River and found a beautiful camp beside a waterhole. Next day we were in Newman for lunch, and set about checking vehicles, doing laundry and restocking and refueling for our travels through the Karajini.

The Karajini is one of our favourite places in Australia and this time we took the bitumen to the Auski Roadhouse and turned down to Witternoon. This township is largely deserted, but we called at the Gem Shop for directions, and drove down through the Gorges to lunch at the Gorge The road is bitumen, and very accessible as you don’t have to actually climb down steps to see the Gorges, although the rains last year have caused some damage to the track in places. The lady at the Gem Shop assured us that the asbestos study was flawed and that the danger is negligible. Back onto the main road, we headed towards Hammersley Gorge – a spectacular place with beautiful colours in the rock faces, waterholes and waterfalls. From here we travelled to Mount Sheila, where after the very steep trip up we camped the night right on top of the mountain.

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We spent the next day exploring the other Gorges in the park, and paid a visit to the Visitor’s Centre that we found well run and very informative. After Camping near Dale’s Gorge, we visited the Waterfalls and Gorges there before heading back to Newman, and then on down the bitumen. From here our journey was in the traffic. We travelled down the Great North Road to Perth, where we spent only a day before heading back towards home, through Kalgoorlie and across the Nullarbor.

Hi Marj,

Margaret & I have just come across the Nullarbor to

Voakes Hill Corner, then west on the Anne Beadell.

We are now near Tom Price on the way to Kalumburu.

From there we will wander south through WA.

Maybe we will cross paths?

Peter & Margaret Wright.

ps...

We now have a Minimax again which gives us email in the bush, but only when we have

CDMA reception. So if we don't answer for a while, it will be because we are out of

range. It is pretty slow, so please hold the 'junk mail' until we get home.

You are also welcome to call us on our Sat. Phone on 0418 278 520 (when we are

switched on, early evening is best) at your normal mobile rate, and we can recieve

very short SMSs, but can't send them. If you SMS, please include your name as we

don't get it automatically. Love to hear from you, P&M

TYRE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY MICHELIN Michael Hession This information is taken from information supplied by Michelin to their tyre distributors. I obtained this

information from Marks and Wallings Tyres, West Ryde, in May 2001.

LOAD Kg per axle

ROAD use

TRACK (65 km/h)

SAND (20km/h)

Pressure

Pressure

Pressure

Bar

PSI

Bar

PSI

Bar

PSI

2200

2.6

38

1.6

23

0.8

12

2400

3.0

44

1.8

26

1.0

15

2800

3.6

52

2.3

34

1.4

20

3000

3.9

57

2.5

36

1.5

22

3400

4.5

65

2.9

42

1.7

25

4240

5.75

83

Tyre Size 255x100R16 XZL TL

Road : means that the vehicle travels on good road surfaces and is therefore able to reach its maximum speed.

Track : means that the vehicle travels on poorly-surfaced or unmade roads or trails, or on sand, at a maximum speed of 65 km/h.