Oka owners group newsletter



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About a third of the way along the track, on a rocky steepish climb I decided to select 4H. Bang! and then some horrible noises. After encouraging Virginia to chock the wheels, I discovered that the front tailshaft was on the ground. The rear universal had come away, caused by the loss of a bolt from the saddle bracket hold one of the bearings, and when torque had been applied the bracket bent and the joint came apart.

To get mobile I tied the tailshaft to the stay under the gearbox and put the front free-wheeling hubs into free, and

so we were now a 2WD. We travelled back out onto the main road and back to Thomastown where we decided to stay the night. As mentioned Thomastown is a beautiful spot with water a flat grassy area and new pit toilet, but being off the main drag most people would miss it. We were set up by 3pm with Virginia sitting by the “beach” reading her book, while I collected firewood and put the solar shower out and organised the camp. We had the whole area to ourselves. It was most civilised.

As we were now a 2WD we had to make a few changes to our itinerary. So on Sunday the 12th we returned to Licola and back towards Heyfield to travel across to Dargo. We travelled by Glenmaggie Dam, Boisdale, Newry. This was farming country, dairy and crops. Very Pretty. At a road junction, the road sign said straight ahead to Dargo or to the left “An Alternate Tourist Route to Dargo”. This looked good, single lane tarred road, a typical country road, only it wasn’t on any of the maps we had.

BUT, it soon turned to dirt and became narrower and narrower. With the trees brushing both sides of the vehicle it did not seem to be well used, there was grass and small trees growing in the centre of the road. It was becoming another of “Michael’s Shortcuts”. The road followed the creek the whole way, and was slow and windy, mostly 3rd gear travelling. We later learnt we were following the Freestone Creek Road. But in reality it was more like an overgrown forest trail.

We eventually got to Dargo bought some bread and ice-creams and set off for Grant. This was 26km climbing the mountain 2nd and 3rd gear, the temperature gauge sitting on 100C. Grant is an old gold town with lots of plaques and pictures of how the town was. Today it is a mountain hilltop paddock. The camping ground was basic, so we decided to push onto Talbotville, which is on the Crooked River. The track down, McMillans, was listed as 2WD. But it was bumpy and narrow with little room for passing on-coming traffic, with shear drop-offs to the side, and it went for 8/9km. Needless to say Virginia was excited. Talbotville was beautiful, large camping area, green grass, fresh flowing water, shade, and isolated. We camped beside the river with no one else in sight.

The next morning, I had planned to travel back up McMillans Track. But Virginia insisted that, as we had already travelled it, we should take a different route (or something along those lines). So I looked for a track that would not be as “scenic” (precipitous drops). And so decided to follow the track out to the Dargo Road by following the Crooked River Track. This was very pretty, but I failed to tell Virginia that one of my maps noted part of the track “narrow not suitable for large vehicles”. But nothing eventuated and we were back on the tar heading for the Dargo High Plains.

We lunched on Lankey Plain and again experienced the only negative about camping in the high country and that is the millions of friendly bush flies.We reached Mt Hotham having passed The Blue Rag Trail “arguably the best four wheel drive trail in the Alpine Region”. Unfortunately, we only had about 500M visibility due to smoke, which we had been travelling through all day. The smoke was from fires at Mt Buffalo and Wangaratta. I had not seen smoke so thick without the presence of fire/flames near by, it was very dense.

We stopped in Bright to check out the shops and have an ice-cream. While here, we were very saddened to learn of the death of Maurice Gibb, one of the BeeGees.

We passed tobacco farms and orchards on our way to Beechworth. We set up camp in The Lake Sembrell Caravan Park. And decided to dine out at the local pub. We had a great night on the first floor balcony watching the sun set, while enjoying our seafood platter and pleasant music.Next morning we looked around the town and had morning tea in the famous Beechworth Bakery. It claims to be one of the biggest bakeries in Australia

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employing over 100 people and making 234 different items. We looked in a number of shops and antiques places, before setting off for home.



We travelled through Yackandandah, got lost in Wodonga, had a late lunch at Gundagai, McDonalds at Smithfield, Nelson (home) at 9.30pm.

We had had a great time. It was the first time we had been away on a camping trip on our own, without children or another family, in the 25 years we have been camping. We enjoyed it so much we plan to go back at Easter and/or Christmas and we would love to take a group, so if you would like to come, call us NOW on 02.9809.5754 (bus) or 9679.1463(hm).

Michael and Virginia Hession

Technical and Service Notes.

When it comes to OKA parts, I can recommend Andrew Kee of Moe, Victoria. Andrew keeps a great range of OKA parts and what he doesn’t have he can get. An obliging and helpful bloke, keep Andrew in mind! Ph: 0351344211

Fax: 0351337249 Email: breheny@motortrucks.com.au

If you are in the Centre somewhere, Rob Clarke is the one to see. He maintains several OKAs and keeps many parts on hand. You’ll find him at Fidler & Clarke, Lot 5820 North Stuart Highway, Alice Springs Ph: 0889522637 Fax: 0889522463

Robin Wade of Kalgoorlie is the man if you are in that area. Robin was OKA’s first distributor and he is to be found at Forrest St, Kalgoorlie (opposite the passenger railway station). Ph: 90916195

If you need a pop-top or other modifications to your OKA, talk to Gordon & Laurel Rollinson in Mackay, Qld. Ph: 07 49511631

Ron Quigley of Sydney was looking for clutch & brake pedal rubber pads recently. He was in a hurry as a family member was booked in for a driving test. After many phone calls & trips to the truck shops he found that the International Acco truck rubbers do the job. These he purchased from K.S.A Truck Parts & Repairs, 1-7 Moore Street, Leichhardt 2040. Ph: 0296928222. He noticed on the invoice that they handle Spicer parts among others and that they mention exchange units and second hand parts.

To access parts from OKA, ring 08 94341300 and ask for Dean Golding. Dean is an OKA mechanic and knows them backwards and is always willing to give you some advice.

Definitely Non-Technical:

Some time back, the Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo NSW started a monkey-breeding program, which was a little too successful. A few phone calls were made to see where the surplus could be placed, and Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney agreed to house them. A local truck driver was paid $500 to take them there.

The truck driver had only gone part of the way when his truck broke down. After much panic, he asked another truckie to help him out, and gave him the $500 to do the job.

Eventually he managed to get his truck to go, and when he arrived in Sydney he saw his mate still driving around with the truck full of monkeys.

“I told you to take the monkeys to Taronga Park Zoo”, he said.

“I did”, said his mate. “But I had some money left over, so now I’m taking them to see a movie”.

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Hi there!

OKA OWNERS GROUP (PUTTING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST)

NEWSLETTER April 2003

Apologies for being slack and a bit slow with the Newsletter. The drought was keeping the pulpy kidney out of us – from march 2002 – March 2003 we had less that 5 inches f rain, but we did get 2 inches a week or so back, and now we need a lot more.

On 10th & 11th March we went to Girraween National Park just south of Stanthorpe just over the border into Queensland, and met up with Gordon and Laurel Rollinson and Rod Cocks. We had a relaxed time sitting round (talking OKAs mostly) in the peaceful surroundings. Unfortunately it wasn’t really long enough, but it is great to put faces to names. Due to other commitments Rod was late getting there, and we had to leave early to make it back to a meeting but all in all it was well worth the run.

Gordon has to go into hospital about now for major surgery, so we would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. Lucky man has a nurse to look after him when he gets back home.

Gordon’s Oka was a paddywaggon in its former life, but he has rebuilt it and it is now a comfortable motorhome. We will include details of his vehicle below. He is knowledgeable about OKAs and willing to pass on his experience to other members of the group, so if you have a problem he may be able to help.

Rod has only recently come by his Oka, a twin cab. He is at present building a slide-on camper for it.

Our newsletter this time includes a number of excerpts from emails. Vidas Ridikas is working on setting up an Oka forum for the Group to use to exchange information. We plan to use some of this in the newsletters for those who don’t have computers. And Rocky Harvey had great success in sourcing some new springs at a reasonable price.

Please keep us informed about your Oka and your travels. We find it interesting ourselves, and the rest of the Oka Owners Group like to read about it as well.

For those who can make it, don’t forget the Newnes (NSW) trip first weekend in May. We hope to be there. See notice in this Newsletter.

Lloyd & Marj Parsons

GORDON & LAUREL ROWLINSON’S VEHICLE

1995 LT Bus body Vin 306 Ex- Police paddy wagon

Current registration OKA-001

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We have owned the vehicle since July ’99 and we converted it to a full-length pop-top camper van in May 2000. It is fitted out for two people and includes a double bed, 4 burner gas stove grill and oven, 120 lt 12V/240V fridge, 1 x 80lt & 2 x 60lt S/steel water tanks, Sink, 150W inverter (to charge Lap-top), 2 x 80W solar panels and Lyncom regulator, Smart regulator (Ample Power), 200AH Deep Cycle house battery, 12,000 lb winch, air compressor and reserve tank, O/head console containing both UHF & HF radios (Member of National 4WD Radio Network – Quebec 1631), EPIRB, GPS, Roll out awning, 2nd spare, fly screens, heaps of storage, Radio/cassette in camper section, External shower, Lock-rite rear diff., Free wheel hubs and currently running 900 x 16 Michelin XY tyres (on road) and 900 x 16 Michelin XZL (off road).



MODIFICATIONS IN PROGRESS

Rewiring the Battery Selector Switch from negative to positive switched

Fitting of intercooler

Fitting of a exhaust brake

Removal of Lock-rite diff and replacing it with an open one. (I have just recently broken both left and right hand rear axles)

GENERAL


If any members are travelling up this way please feel free to give us a call and drop in for a visit. (It just so happens that we live in the best part of Queensland). I can also help out with all vehicle servicing, oxy & electric welding, plumbing, carpenter, 12V electrical repairs, mechanical repairs and solar panel problems, Gordon & Laurel Rowlinson

SPRINGS


Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 8:07 AM

Subject: Oka springs

This message was addressed to all members with email address in the Oka Owners Group as received from Lloyd and Marj.

The springs in my early model Oka are sagging badly on the passenger side. The rear set has already had an extra leaf added. The front RHS spring is bodgy and the standard Oka bushes do not fit in the spring eye. I have concluded that I should replace them but the parts from Oka were about $3,000 plus freight for a full set. Oka does not have stock in any event.

Has anyone replaced springs at a more effective cost and if so who through etc?

Has anyone added an intercooler to their Oka?

Myself and wife Kylie and 9mth old son Harry are travelling to Kimberley (hence want springs up to

scratch) and will be there April 5-21 and again May 17 to June 1 (travelling Darwin to Broome on first leg and Broome to Darwin on second leg). Anyone who is going to be around that way at those times who is interested to meet up can drop us an email.

Anyone not interested in receiving this type of email should let the group know. Cheers

Rocky Harvey

chapman@bigpond.net.au

SPRINGS


Hi Lloyd and Marg. You would have received a copy of the email I broadcast to all members with email addresses. I have already had three responses and that is within a few hours. As per Michael Hession's suggestion, the feedback I got from Bob Richards regarding springs is below and you could possibly use this in the next newsletter. I have priced a full set of springs at $1914 including GST plus $150 freight (they have a set in stock) so the price has gone up since Bob bought them in 2001. Still a lot cheaper than from Oka at $3,000 plus freight.

This kind of advice is what will make the Group really valuable - saved me a thousand bucks already.

Cheers Rocky Harvey

"Jenkins Springs Pty. Ltd.ACN 008 705 084

188 Railway Pde, Bassendean, W.A.6054

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phone (08) 9378 2133 : Fax: (08) 9378 2839



Jenkin's also known as West Coast Suspension were the original makers and suppliers of springs to OKA. Their latest springs are a better design, so they tell me. On the 12/12/01 I purchased:

OKA Heavy Duty Front Spring x 2 = $550 OKA Heavy Duty Rear Spring x 2 = $682 Total including GST = $1232

You are right the OKA parts are expensive, I did go to OKA for the bushes etc. because like you my suspension on OKA22 (XT) had been modified and I had no idea what the original parts were like. Use good grease and use it often, that's what the guys at the factory recommend ;

OKA FORUM

I am putting together an Oka forum which will be accessible to our Oka Owners Group via a password. The aim here is to have a communication network which will be visible to all our members. We can use the forum to reach all members via a single posting. An example: a member might want some information about a specific subject such as say starter motor problems. The posting is listed and any member can reply which is visible to all members.

Any one can contribute to the discussion. It may also be used to send the newsletter. Only have to send it to one location as all members can access it. Still working on it so may take a little bit of time. Should be good though.

DIFF & GEARBOX PARTS

Found a place where we can get diff and gearbox parts its Gibbs Truck and Trailer parts, located at 10 Ivan st. labrador Gold Coast 4215, ph 07 55009555 fax 07 5500 9556 E-mail sales@gibbsparts.com. Web www.gibbsparts.com. Free call 1800 444227.

Cost of Dana 70 rear diff 4.88 ratio ring and pinion set $695. Reconditioned Spicer gearbox T5X2276 $2750 exchange. (dont know what a T5X2276 gearbox is my operator manual list T5X 290)

Planning a short trip with old mates to Briery Park near Brewarrina in May. Big trip to Kimberly in June.

Stay well Vidas

OKA WATER TANK

I have just fitted a second water tank to the Oka in preparation for our Kimberley trip in June. I would dearly love to get hold of the 124litre Oka tank - do you know where I might be able to get one. LOW RANGE

I had a bit of a fright with the Oka the other day. I haven’t had it in low range since I bought it (almost 12 months ago) so I thought I would give it a try. I pushed the lever forward and it promptly got stuck in neutral & I couldnt budge it for ages. I had to get pushed out of the way of trucks entering my bro in laws factory. After shoving at the lever for ages it finally slipped into low range. Is this a common problem or is it because of lack of use?

AIR FILTERS

I cant seem to get a part number for Oka air filters to buy from local truck parts suppliers. Do you have part numbers which I can use? The handbook part numbers don’t help.

Has it rained much up your way? Sydney is green as can be at the moment and the weather is simply superb.

Stay well Vidas

REPORT on the “SYDNEY REGION” - GET TOGETHER

Sunday 2.03.2003. Written by Michael Hession

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Held at the home of Michael and Virginia Hession. Owners in attendance



! Bob Etherington – Station wagon

! Michael and Virginia Hession – Multi Cab

! Owen Jones - Twin Cab Camperhome

! Warwick and Beryl Oliver – Bus Camperhome

! Vidas and Rita Ridikas – Single Cab Camperhome Apologies – Ron and Lyn Quigley, Rocky and Kylie Harvey.

This was the second time we had held a Sydney get together. It was a perfect “autumn” afternoon. As each vehicle arrived everyone introduced themselves to each other and were soon into “OKA conversation”. How do you find those tyres? What pressures do you run? Can I have a look at your set-up? Etc, etc. There were people crawling under vehicles, inside and on top, measuring, taking notes, comparing, checking radios, etc. Bob was helping Vidas check out his new HF radio, that was not quite right. Then Rita insisted that Vidas measure up the folding steps on Warwick and Beryl’s vehicle, as “they were exactly what we need”. Warwick mentioned how he thought the newsletter was a great source of information. The “girls” seemed as enthusiastic as the “boys”.

We tried to have some sort of meeting, but it was almost impossible to get everyone to stop talking.

A few of the points discussed

- An annual membership fee was felt necessary to cover the costs associated with running the group.

- The group should be run along fairly informal grounds. But some structure, in the sense of

spreading the workload, would be a good idea.

- The current name of “The OKA Owners Group” had everyone’s approval. It was felt that the use of

the word “club” should not be used as it had certain connotations.

- Everyone saw the Group as a great way of educating themselves about their vehicles. And, the

following was seen as good things to do, such as developing a list of;

Parts suppliers and,

Alternative parts, such as the foot pedal rubbers are the same as those from an Acco

International truck, Nippondenso starter motor instead of the standard Lucas, etc,



Where to get the best deals,

The idea of a WEBSITE with a chat facility to ask questions and put up your experiences, as

well as housing the collected information was seen as the way to go. Does any member have

the necessary skills or know of someone who does?

- It was felt if members were willing, that if they listed their “expertise” in the newsletter this could be

of use to members. E.G. If you have knowledge of HF radio, solar power generation, navigation,

etc.


- It was thought to be good for the Sydney Group to meet each three months or so. And so it was

decided we would have 3 more get togethers for this year. The next one to be a trip to Newnes on

the 3/4th of May, see separate details,

- Bob Etherington offered to give talks and demonstrations on various topics,



maps-compass-scales understanding,

HF Communication problems and basic operation, using HF in direct dial telephone,

emergency use of HF radio for direct contact with RFDS 24 hours a day, etc,



tyre repairs in the field,

what spare parts to carry, and

offered to run the Newnes trip.

- The idea of another weekend at “Coonamble” in October seemed to meet with approval.

- A national Rally was discussed, it was seen as a good idea, but no conclusion was made.

- “Broken axles” was discussed but no one had experienced this problem.

- Bob Etherington has converted his rear axles to cap and shaft type construction and 35 spline,

offering superior design and strength. Standard “OKA Axles Rear” both sides (1 long, 1 short) 32 spline of this cap and shaft type of manufacture are usually available off the shelf at; “Anthony Natoli, 100 Seventeenth Avenue WEST HOXTON NSW, 02.9607.2092”. N.B. 1. These axles are of a different construction to the standard axles. 2. Always replace axles in pairs as the unbroken axle has had just as much abuse and fatigue as the broken axle!

- Bob also has had his suspension reset with great success, giving a far superior ride, by “Roger Mills of Southern Cross Four Wheel Drive, Lot2/1805 Burragorang Road OAKDALE NSW 02.4659.6316”.

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Already within our small group it is very apparent we have a great source of experience and knowledge. The one thing that impressed me was how enthusiastic everyone was and the willingness to share their experiences and knowledge. It was a great afternoon, evidenced by the fact that everyone stayed until 6.45pm.



Thank you to everyone for coming and making the afternoon so enjoyable. Michael Hession

TRIP to NEWNES - 3/4th MAY

This will be a pleasant weekend to get to know each other and to find out how our vehicles perform. The trip is

suitable for all levels of experience, so come along. We will visit “The Lost City”, “Blackfellow’s Hand Cave”, “The Wolgan Valley” (one of the hidden scenic highlights of the Australian Bush), travel a track known only to very few people, plus many others areas of interest. We will camp overnight at Newnes, great camping, and next day visit the historic ruins. You will need to be self-sufficient, only pit toilets are available. If possible please bring your own firewood.

Meet Sydney side of Zig-Zag Railway Station at Clarence, for a 9am start.

Please contact Bob Etherington on 02.9627.4277(Bus.) or 02.4576.3309(Hm.) 0417.417.825(Mob.) 30.04.03, so that we know who to expect.

IN THE WHEEL TRACKS OF LEN BEADELL

THE TRAVELS OF THE NOMADS – 2002

by the

Before our real venture began we had about ten days in which to visit some places in Western Queensland we had not been to before {we had made prior arrangements to meet some people at Coober Pedy on the 26th August} and so have put together a narrative of places and events between Mackay and Coober Pedy.



Late afternoon on the 16th August saw us on the road. As we had both been up since the early hours, me at work and Gordon doing a final check and packing of last minute items, we travelled only as far as Moranbah that night. Following an early night we set out with enthusiasm the next day heading for Blackall. Driving through typical flat grain growing country we saw very little wildlife. The scenery remained much the same until we passed Clermont and took an alternate route to Alpha that progressed along a hillier and winding, but more scenic road. Further on was Mistake Creek State School and we noted that the speed limit sign for the school zone read 80 kph in contrast to the city schools where the limit is 40 kph. It was decided that the country kids must be much tougher than the city kids. At the rest area on the Belyando River we noted a marker commemorating the passing near that spot of the explorer Major Thomas Mitchell.

Stopping at Alpha for smoko the OKA drew plenty of attention and we probably could quite easily have sold it to a gold prospector and his wife who showed much interest as well as showing us a tobacco tin full of gold. Jericho was our lunch stop and we enjoyed reading all the information about the Jordan River, Lake Galilee and the Battle of Jericho and looking at the display on the median strip in the town.

A couple of hours later found us near Blackall and looking for a spot for smoko before tackling the history of the area, so we headed for a rest area that someone had told us about and had said was about a kilometre out of town. However on approaching this area we found it was the wrong kind of rest area. There were a great many headstones and though it looked peaceful enough we felt that we hadn’t travelled far enough that day and it was a bit too soon for such a long rest. Eventually we found a shady tree and had our cuppa.


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