62 Split Ute

[Beatts]

I’ve had this ute for 18years and finally had both the time and money to do it justice. Can’t match the hands on approach like most of you, so metal work and paint have been done via my savings. Likewise mechanical assistance was also needed to ensure things got done right the first time.

In the beginning:

[Griffin]

some interesting touches, particularly like the vents to the treasure chest door and the roof lights!

[splitthis]

What was going on in treasure chest? Looks like a good base, where is it at now?

[vanell]

Beatts, we need the story, where did you get it ? what was it used for? Are you going to leave the cabin lights on ,looks very truck like. Ian

[Beatts]

Beatts, we need the story, where did you get it ? what was it used for? Are you going to leave the cabin lights on ,looks very truck like. Ian

Thanks for the beginners guide Ian, although you could probably tell the story after hearing it from me a dozen times.

Picked up the ute from Andrew Edward’s 18 years ago who found it in Mannum SA, there was a refrigeration unit in the treasure chest, belt driven by the pulley and shaft system that went into the engine bay. There was also a plug on the short side panel to run it off 240v when parked. Apparently it had a water tank on the back that was refrigerated for transporting crayfish. So I’m assuming it ended up in Mannum but worked it’s life elsewhere before that. So no gates, plenty of non factory extras like the long side access point, vented treasure chest door and amber lights on the roof.
I have the original engine, found some gates a few years back, have been collecting odds and ends while saving up until April last year.

I’ll let the rest unfold as I resize my photos and keep the journey moving.

[Beatts]

What was going on in treasure chest? Looks like a good base, where is it at now?

Hi Matt the utes finished with just the roof cards to go in, no OG paint but kept to true commercial style and used Acrylic paint so hopefully it will age nicely.

[Beatts]

Engine bay and pullley

Will load some more shots over the next few days.

Cheers
Beatts

[Beatts]

They made a few agricultural modifications to the ute while installing the pulley system.

Ute bed wasn’t too bad and rust in the usual places

Chopped and vented treasure chest door and camper plug

The cab floor was good in the centre but both drivers and passenger side needed work.

That’s enough back ground, I’ll put up the progress work. Typically found a couple of surprises along the way but overall wasn’t too bad.

[Cam Biscuit]

Looks interesting Mark!

[Beatts]

Thanks Cam. I guess they all have a story and what I’m doing is just the next chapter.

[Beatts]

I chose to not preserve the original paint and blast the lot. Not everyone’s idea of the way to go about it but with no original gates, bastardised treasure chest door and extra access in the long side panel it seemed logical.

Long side panel removed

Rear corners also

Found some rear end damage and Cooper said the passenger side rear corner literally fell off once the short side was removed.

[Beatts]

Sorry, Still getting the hang of posting pics

Cab floor rotten sections cut

Front lower section also removed

Only a couple of surprises from previous dents in the front nose

[dmb]

Wow that tray is incredible. I like where this is going. Good one

[morts]

At least you can see what you need to do now.

What are you thinking of for motor and paint?

[Beatts]

At least you can see what you need to do now.

What are you thinking of for motor and paint?

Pearl white and a single port 1600. I still have the original motor but the extra horses are alway nice.