Fletch heads out to Narrandera, located southwest of the Riverina region, to meet the Narrandera Vintage Restorers and Collectors Club members, particularly one member with a fantastic collection.
The first member is Damien, who proudly showcases his 1947 International KB Truck, modified to his specifications. With no boundaries set, Damien's creation remains a work in progress. Salvaged from a farmer's junk pile, it wasn't in too bad condition, so the project began. The cab is original, and today it's running on a Toyota chassis with Ford AU Tickford running gear and 5-speed automatic transmission, and there's more to come.
Next is Col, the Club's Vice President, with his beautifully presented 1958 FC Holden, in the original two-tone Duco scheme with plenty of chrome and brightwork synonymous with the period. Col has customised the car while preserving its identity. Today, it sports a 327 small block Chevy and 500 turbo, but from external appearances, it's an FC as we know it.
Of course, there is always a Mopar to be found. Mark has two, a 69 VF 2-door hardtop and a 1976 VK Valiant. The VF spent 15 years in a shed before Mark, a panel beater by trade, took ownership and took on the restoration. The spray job by the previous owner needs some more work, but the car runs well, and he says it is used more regularly than any of his others. As for the VK, when acquired, it was in a state of disarray, riddled with holes and has been part of a two-year restoration to bring it up to the condition it is in today.
But the real story is the Narrandera Vintage Restorers and Collectors Club member Eddie's series of sheds on his 7-acre property. There is something in here for everyone; it would be true to say that Eddie has never thrown anything out and admits he doesn't know where it all came from. Nevertheless, in the same breath, he says, "You have got to have something to put on your wall".
Where do you start when you try to describe what's inside? There are engines, memorabilia and farm machinery from the late 1800s to 1970, including Drill Presses that are 100 years old and still running, an F12 Farmall Tractor, a 1932/33 Bedford Truck, a 25-year restoration project, a 1948 Bedford Truck and a 1932 International Truck that his father bought and restored. But there is more, an array of farm machinery including wool presses, a pumpkin shredder, a wheat pickler, a collection of drenching guns, plough seats, shearing combs and cutters, shearing gear, branding irons, and a collection of potato and wheat bags. There are engines from overseas and Australia, plus two seed broadcasters that fit on a buggy. One of his favourites is a very rare 203 Peugeot Ute, but there is so much more, and it's riveting to watch. It's not just a hobby but a lifestyle for Eddie.
