Oka owners group newsletter

Lloyd and Marj are OKA owners and contacted us with the hope of setting up an exclusive OKA Club They take off for a few weeks every year and have covered a lot of outback Australia. Quite a few private owners have expressed support so hopefully it will blossom - with less OKA's and spares sometimes a problem, a wider circle of contacts and problem solutions seems a great idea.

We're home now so this is going to be the last of these notes for a while - we've spent a few days in the wine growing areas of Mudgee and the Hunter Valley on the way, so the cellar is restocked with some choice selections - we've collected a variety of other goodies, like extra virgin olive oil, etc, and with all the restaurants we've been to, have undone all the good work since last Christmas.

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING:

I am sorry for not giving you quite the correct information about starters when I said that I had fitted a Toyota starter. Actually it is a Nippondenso starter, as is also in Toyota. It looks the same, sounds the same, is the same except that it has a Perkins stud pattern and a 10 tooth cog, and it fits straight on the OKA. Parts are readily available.

Lloyd Parsons

Some information from OKA about their cable gear change:

As time moves forward, so does technology. The Cable Gear Change is one of those advancements that allow a

more positive feel and easier selection of gears with the use of better leverage and shifting mechanisms. The fitment to both XT & LT OKAs is possible although the XT is a little more involved than the LT.

With the use of cables you get away from the direct couple shaft. This helps reduce vibration and noise in the cab, which leads to overall better driver comfort.

For more information, contact OKA at P.O. Box 1307, Bibra Lake, W.A. 6965. Telephone; 0894341300, Fax; 0894341659 or call and see them at 45 Miguel Road, Bibra Lake. W.A.

Hi there!

OKA OWNERS GROUP (PUTTING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST)

NEWSLETTER December 2002

We have had so many interesting letters and accounts of trips that it is difficult to know how much we can fit into a newsletter. If you don’t find your information included here, it will probably come through in another edition. While we had originally thought only private owners would be interested in an OKA Owners Group, it seems that is not the case – we now have a number of tour operators included and these can give us some great clues about maintenance, modifications and repairs simply because of the extensive K’s they travel.

One of the issues that have come up with OKA’s is the question of whether or not they need to be weighed and inspected at the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Stations. It is possible that legislation is different in each state, and maybe the law differs for commercial operators but I understand that in New South Wales it isn’t necessary. If we are wrong, please let us know. Personally, it had never occurred to us that we might fit into that category. We heard of one owner who thought it was mandatory, and when one day he pulled in, he was told by the operator that it was unnecessary. The operator however suggested that the OKA might benefit from one of their inspections, and as there was an engineer free at the time, he innocently drove in. Of course, the engineer DID find a couple of little things wrong (light bulb not working in taillight or some such thing) and slapped a defect notice on the OKA, which meant a trip to the Police station at home to prove that the problems had been rectified. He won’t pull into a Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station again!

On the question of OKA’s on the Canning, Pedro & Kaylene Bridley have sent us an article from OUTBACK Magazine which tells the story of how Ken Maidment (from Treks Across Australia) has on several separate trips restored Wells 15, 18 and 49, and completed work at Wells 26. As we have enjoyed the water at these wells, we really appreciate the work they have put into these restorations, but as well it shows that there are regular OKA trips along the Canning Stock Route. The OKA has practically the same wheel base and length as a Toyota Landcruiser, so we wonder if sometimes landholders confuse the OKA with another wide-based 4WD vehicle.

Pedro and Kaylene also write “Kaylene and I saw our first OKA in 1993 near Mitchell Falls – Crystal Creek area of the Kimberley, W.A. I was gobsmacked by this awesome beast approaching us on the narrow track. On the front of the vehicle it read OKA MADE IN AUSTRALIA. It turned to the left up a steep hill to let us, in our far smaller Troopy, through. At that moment I knew I wanted one and would get one. After much research and a few guided tours of the OKA factory and eight long years later we bought an OKA camper.”

Once again we have confirmation that the OKA is a reliable and fairly trouble-free vehicle when it is properly maintained. This comes from Robin Wade from Kalgoorlie, who specialises in repairing OKA’s, so if you are down that way, keep him in mind. His letter is included.

We have to thank OKA for sending us some OKA badges. Unfortunately we have a small problem for distribution. To attach them to your newsletters and send through the mail would be fairly pricey, and unfortunately the metal won’t go into email. As well, in some cases we have only an email address. Have you any suggestions? Thank you, Angelica. We will work something out.

We had intended including an up-to-date Owner list for you in this edition, but I really think 8 pages is more than sufficient, so will attach the list next Newsletter in a couple of months time.

On a more serious note, Michael Hessian has sent his thoughts on what we might want from an OKA Group. We would ask you to read it and give it serious thought and let us know your views, and if possible complete and return the survey he has devised. Obviously we need to set up a format for our group and hope some of you will be happy to take part in the running of it, or it will surely fail

We wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and adventurous New Year.

Lloyd & Marj Parsons

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What Do You Want From An OKA Owners Group? What should it do/look like/offer?

The following are my thoughts to generate discussion about what the OKA Owners Group should be.

As you may or may not be aware, the concept of the “OKA Owners Group” was originated by Lloyd and Marj Parsons, from Coonamble, who are the instigators of the newsletter. When we visited last October, Lloyd was hoping more members would have turned up, so that we could discuss the future of the group and involve some others “in the running” of the club. At the time I made a commitment to put some thoughts down and to put out a survey of members’ wishes. Below is my contribution, please let us have yours and send them to Lloyd and Marj. Thanking you in anticipation.

The club should be a National Club with an Executive nominated and/or elected. Nationally the club would hold an annual rally, rotating through each state (NSW[includes ACT], VIC, TAS, SA, WA, NT, QLD). Communication would be via a newsletter primarily distributed by email. Those not on email could have the newsletter posted to them, but as this is a cost, they would pay an additional annual fee of $25.00(?) for this service.

As this is the era of the internet, I feel a website promoting the club and the vehicle would be appropriate This site would contain an archive of all Newsletters, Technical Information/Modifications, list of Repairers/Suppliers of Parts and Accessories (a small annual fee could be charged to list commercial enterprises, this would help with some of the costs), Calender of Events, An “About Us” page, Photos, How to Join, Trips, Links Page, Bulletin Board, Contacts and maybe some other areas.

Being a national club, to help promote local members interests regional meetings could be held on a regular basis to provide technical days and plan trips. Maybe each 3 months, or even more regularly, as the members decide. These regional meetings to be convened by interested members and advertised through the newsletter.

THE PURPOSE of The Club.

The OKA Owners Group is a recreational four-wheel-drive touring club. The purpose of the Club is to unite people whose common interest is the OKA Four Wheel Drive Motor Vehicle. Membership is open only to owners or principal drivers of these vehicles. The club’s primary purpose is to educate members about the vehicle through the sharing of knowledge and expertise, facilitate trips and act as a forum for members. Club activities are not restricted to members only; friends, family and associates of members would be welcome to participate in all club activities. If this activity, was for example a trip, visitors’ vehicles would need to be on a par with the capability of the OKA, and the demands of the trip, so as not to cause undue problems.

Activities offered by the Club would include a wide variety of differing types of trips, off road driver training, technical days, community events, social gatherings as well as the cameraderie of a group of people who like to use their vehicles for the purposes for which they were designed. Visitors are always welcome.

STRUCTURE

I feel the club could be reasonably informal, I don’t see the need for a constitution at this stage. But it does need some formal leadership to operate.

o President/Chairman o Secretary

o Editor of Newsletter o Treasurer

o Trip Coordinator

o Web Master

o Regional Co-Ordinators. In major areas where ever there are a number of owners who want to meet. o Technical Officer/Co-Ordinator

o

ACTIVITIES

• • • • • • • • • • •

Where to source parts

What works and what doesn’t work with accessories and modifications Sharing of knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm.

Classifieds for vehicles and parts

Trips

Rallies

Regional Meetings

Technical Days

Exchange of information

Trip log, track notes.

To try and get a good deal on pricing of spares and their sourcing.

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Source competitive Insurance.

COMMUNICATIONS

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• • •

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Web based communications website

email newsletter

OTHER IDEAS

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–

Try to do as much via the internet to keep costs low and maintain communications.

Website, for access to some information, possibly have a password for members only

List the Modifications and Accessories added to vehicles, alphabetical. E.G. Solar Panels, with information about it and a list of members’ vehicles with this modification.

Meet via a chat room with all members Australia wide.

Questions emailed/faxed to technical officer, who is then able to source the answer. These answers to be communicated directly to the member who enquired, but also through the newsletter so that other members are aware of the answers.

Regular Newsletter. This could include:

– A write up of a member’s vehicle detailing the fit out, etc.

– Trip reports from members of trips they have run.

– List of trips that members are running, on which they would welcome other participants.

– Technical articles

– Reviews of accessories or items members have found useful. A “Tips and Woes” column.

– From time to time a listing of members and their contact details.

– “Classifieds” where members could list vehicles/parts for sale or wanted.

– Calender of events.

– Contact details for the “Group”. Listing the executive.

The name “OKA Owners Group” should be registered so that it can’t be stolen

Contact John Wheeler (ex OKA Motor Company) to see if he would be willing to act as a Technical Advisor.

wise Rob Clarke in Alice Springs.

$40.00 (?) annual fees, to help with any running costs.

Rally next year in July to Innaminka, camping on Coopers Creek. Remote “bush camping” with easy access to the facilities of the town of Innaminka. Good and “fair” access to all members, except for those on the WA coast. Coonamble next October long weekend combined with a trip to the Macquarie Marshes/Pilliga/Lightning Ridge. Rallies run during school holidays to allow those who have children to attend.

Visit OKA Motor Company when the new vehicle is released

Register of vehicles with modifications and accessories. This to be only available to members.

Register of repairers/parts suppliers and others who work on OKAs

Circulate members contact details among members to facilitate exchange of information and joining up for trips as desired.

Where does the company fit in?

Anyone who abuses the club information to be excluded by a vote of the committee

One of the first things I would like to do is have a training day on servicing the vehicle and what to use.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU

^•Why did you purchase your OKA? How do you use it?

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• •

• • • • • •

• • •

Like-

• •

•

What Model/Type is your vehicle? (Year, body type; single-cab, dual-cab, multi-cab, bus)

How is you vehicle set up ?

– Self-contained or need facilities.

– Motorhome/Camper.

– For Caravan Parks.

– Bush Camps.

– Tenting.

– Remote travel on tracks /Off road.

What type of trips are you interested in?

– Solo

– Group

– Isolated/Remote

– Coastal

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• •

• •

•

• • • • • • •

How many in your party? Are there children, if so, what ages?

– Desert

– Outback

– Four wheel drive

– Secondary roads only

What is your experience level? – Just starting out

– No four wheel drive

– Limited off-road experience

– Remote camping, four wheel driving – Have led group trips

What are you willing to do?

What length –

– – – – – – – –

of trips do you prefer?

Day trips, weekend, long weekend, extended long weekend, week, 2/3 weeks, months, full time.

Level of Mechanical Knowledge? None,

Can do servicing,

Handy DIY,

Qualified mechanic,

Work on OKAs.

Are you willing to share knowledge help run a workshop to train other members? Do you service your own vehicle?

Facilities you have? Workshop, welding, hoists, tyre changing equipment, etc. What tyre/rim combination do you run? How do you find it?

What modifications have you added?

What accessories have you added?

What areas do you want to learn about, need help with?

Do you know of other owners who may like to join?

Do you have a preferred time for trips?

Please include any other information you might feel is relevant

As I mentioned in the beginning the above are my thoughts and are meant to generate discussion. You may feel that this is getting too complicated, or, hasn’t gone far enough. Please give it some thought and communicate via telephone, email or mail, as you prefer.

If people are interested in taking this further than I feel a get together at Lloyd and Marj’s to discuss it further and draw up some plans for the future could be the next step.

Marj and Lloyd are available on email: [e-mail] Fax [phone]. “Eulalia” Coonamble NSW 2829.

Warm Regards

Michael Hession 18.12.02

Tel [phone]

Robin Wade’s Letter:

Thankyou Marj, you may upgrade your site by including OKA Kalgoorlie on your 'Preffered Repairers List'. ( Forrest Street,

Kalgoorlie, at the passenger railway station complex, tel [phone], [e-mail] ) 4

We were the first OKA distributor, moving 33 OKA's into the Eastern Goldfields of WA in the first three years. Apart from taking the OKA executives to the USA to raise finance for their project in 1988 we also featured in some of their early 'engineering changes'.

My OKA has now travelled 500,000klms with out the failure of any major components, we work our vehicle aggressively but services are kept to the OKA schedules.

At this moment of writing we supply the transport for the Federal Court System moving the Federal Judges, QC's, Barristers and Lawyers through the harshest parts of WA to hear the 'evidence' from the tradition land occupiers. OKA's are the preferred mode of transport and are actively sought out by the Federal and State Departments where safety and reliability are paramount.

Anyway, just a note to say thankyou Marj, I am delighted to hear about the OKA vehicles 'coming and goings' as the association with these vehicles is truly a 'heart thing'. I would like to hear from other Vietnam Veterans who are current OKA owners, perhaps we should have a few 'good dits' to exchange. ( e.g. being chased by a Bull Camel and having to fight it off with the trusty stock whip, along the 'Connie Sue', I really didnt look at his young cows anyway).

Robin C Wade OKA Kalgoorlie P.O.Box 4176 Kalgoorlie W.A.6430

VICTORIAN OKA JAMBOREE – MURRINDINDI SCENIC RESERVE 2^nd –4^th November 2002

Written by Rowena Paterson

It was great to see 4 OKAs turn up for the Melbourne Cup Long Weekend at Murrindindi Scenic Reserve which is about 100 k’s North of Melbourne.

John & Dianne Smithard (Duel Cab ex-Army OKA) arrived Friday night and found a good campsite which wasn’t already occupied by campers.

Hugo Noyens (OKA bus/motorhome) and myself (Multi Cab OKA) arrived Saturday morning with Dale & Jenny Stevens (OKA bus/motorhome) arriving Saturday lunch time.

I had spoken to John on the phone the previous week before the Jamboree and told him Hugo & I will be on UHF radio channel 26 when travelling down to Murrindindi. John managed to pick us up on radio as we were travelling into the Reserve, which was good as he gave us directions. John & Dianne have an ex-Army OKA which of course blends in with the dense forest of Murrindindi Reserve so we had to look twice as hard in each camp site to try and spot the green OKA.

John came onto the radio and told us to keep coming until we got to a certain intersection in the road and just past the intersection was their camp site. John then told us “I can see you”. I then heard Hugo’s voice come across the radio, saying “he has better eyes than me”. It also puzzled me how John could see us as we were in dense forest and couldn’t see much but forest and the road ahead. I then looked up into the hills thinking John must be up there somewhere looking down at us, but how he could see through the dense forest still had me wondering.

A few kilometers down the road we finally found John on the side of the road with a video camera filming us as we approached. We had finally found the green OKA!

Just after Hugo & I set up camp Dale & Jenny arrived. Dale & Jenny could only stay a few hours as they were on their way to Alexandra, but it was really good to met them and have a chat. Dale & Jenny had recently fitted a high roof on their OKA (enough room to stand up in when inside) instead of a pop top. It is still empty inside as the next stage is to convert it into a motorhome. It was good for Dale & Jenny to speak to Hugo about motorhome conversions as Hugo runs his own business converting Coaster/Mazda buses. Hugo recently converted his own OKA into motorhome with a poptop.

Before Dale & Jenny left I brought out my photos of the recent OKA get-togethers I attended while in Glenbrook/ Blue Mountains & Nelson/Sydney last month. I also have a folder with newspaper/magazine articles, photos & advertisements of OKAs I have collected over the years, which was an interest to everybody.

John & Dianne were telling us it was a good thing we arrived Saturday instead of Friday night. Apparently Friday night was mayhem with people driving in and out of the campsite through to another campsite nearby. There was also a lot of loud music and partying to all hours of the morning. John & Dianne were sleeping in the back of their OKA (in the tray under the canopy) so they unfortunately could hear every sound around them. They looked a bit tired when we arrived on Saturday.

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John & Dianne are currently looking at different options to place a camper with a pop top on the back of their OKA to replace the canopy.

Unfortunately due to a total fire ban we were unable to have a campfire, so Saturday night we all had dinner on Hugo’s BBQ.

After dinner the weather became quite showery, so it was good thing that John & Dianne had a tarp tied to the OKA/ trees we could sit under.

The next morning the campfire was stoked up and we were all happy as the fire ban was lifted. You certainly miss the fire when you are unable to have one.

Sunday we spent around the campfire having a bit of a chat. It was then that we remembered to ask John how he could see Hugo & I arriving yesterday from a few k’s away through the forest. Even Dianne was puzzled at the time when she heard John say on the radio that he could see us. John explanation was “did I really say that”? In the end we all worked out that he was meant to say he could hear us not see us. It certainly gave us all a good laugh anyway.

Sunday afternoon Hugo had to leave to go back to work so it was only John, Dianne & myself left. We went for a bush walk as the Murrindindi River was only a short walk away. After the bush walk we had a BBQ dinner over the fire.

I had a bit of a surprise Sunday night around the campfire for John & Dianne. I have been playing Didgeridoos for 6 years so they both enjoyed a bit of musical entertainment. The music echoed around the campsite as other people camping nearby came over to have a listen. They must have thought these OKA people are an interesting mob!

The next day the weather turned bad with showers on and off. In the afternoon the hail started and left the ground white. The rain and hail completely washed out the camp fire so we decided to call it quits and head home as we didn’t think the weather was going to get any better.

Everybody really enjoyed themselves as it was a fantastic weekend and good company. Unfortunately a few members couldn’t attend the weekend due to other circumstances/commitments. We hope to have another Jamboree maybe within the next few months somewhere again central for everybody. Murrindindi is a great spot so it could be a possibility for our next Jamboree. You have a pay a camp fee of $5 per night and a Ranger patrols the area. I will let you know dates and details of the next Jamboree when confirmed.

Collyn & Maarit's Rivers OKA

Coach Body 184#1994

Vehicle ex-Mine Hire in Singleton. We bought it in early 1995, it having completed about 50,000 km. There was a surprising amount of corrosion underneath and I spent a very uncomfortable couple of weeks cleaning everything up, applying lots of fish oil and then epoxy painting. Also fitted the second rear wheel carrying assembly.

I next mocked up the interior using angle and plywood and we used the truck like that for some months to see how it all worked out in practice. This proved very valuable as some things that seemed fine at home proved impracticable on the road.

My original background as a GM research engineer working with the big R-type Bedford had made me aware of the absolute necessity to reduce weight for off-road travel. I calculated the weight of everything that was to be done - and

was dismayed to find that it was close to 6 tonnes. A surprisingly large amount was in cupboards, shelves etc (even made in plywood), so used aluminium framing and sheeting throughout, powder-coated white. Doors and bench tops were timber, but recessed, excepting for outer edges to save weight. Sliding wire baskets were fitted inside all cupboards. The entire interior weighs under 60 kg (instead of the estimated 450 kg using conventional materials).