M-H 'DINGO' off to Cairns.

[lynx42]

Originally Posted by Lionelgee

Hello Rick,

Wow the RR "Shooting Saloon" is one very unique vehicle. I did a quick surf on the interwebby thingo and came up with the following article. Accessed 22nd of April 2016 from, http://www.oldwoodies.com/gallery-shootingbrakes2.htm

1929 Rolls-Royce 20/25 hp - Rick Cove's spacious Australian 'safari saloon' was rebodied in 1959 by a Sydney, Australia autobody builder - a Mr. J. Rae, and finished by Rick's father in 1961. The Rolls has traveled just 148,000 miles but was unfortunately badly damaged in 1972 in an accident. Restoration is underway and very soon, Rick hopes to have it on the road again.

It would be great to know more about what type of timber was used on the body for the coach work? I have a 1935 truck that I can only use the cabin timber as templates.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Well found Lionel, That info was put on the web years ago The accident was in 1974 not 1972 and I have recently located the New South Wales Registration papers which shows that a Mr. Brae not Rae was the body builder. Interestingly it was registered as a goods vehicle. Dad purchased it as I am one of 6 kids, so with Dad and Mum we needed an 8 seats and the Safari Saloon seats 9. Problem solved.


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The accident bent the chassis very badly and the car was written off. I have had the chassis professionally straightened and the crumpled front guards have been repaired. Fortunately the radiator was not damaged and I have obtained a pair of P80 Lucas headlights. Many hours have been put into it, so as soon as the Lynx is finished, it's full steam ahead.

The timber is Queensland Maple, a light but hard timber used often in furniture.

Regards Rick.

[Lionelgee]

Hello Rick,

It was a big stroke of luck for you to find the registration papers that were legible and not just a clot of mould.

Thank you for identifying the timber as Queensland Maple. There is a Chevrolet 6 seater and Wayne used Tassie Oak on elsewhere on the forum. Accessed April 25 from http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...22&postcount=7
I looked at a couple of car restoration places and one for a Morgan said to use a Spotted Gum or a similar heavy hardwood. Accessed April 25th 2016 from http://www.morganownersclub.com.au/C...0Selection.pdf

My truck came from Mildura, in Victoria, so they may have used a southern variety of timber on it? I have yet to have a sample identified by Queensland Forestry (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Forestry) to make sure what was used.

Does anyone know if the Forestry Centre in Gympie - Queensland, still have a technical section; or did it get closed down and the museum is all that is left?

I am torn between following what the Morgan Owners club recommend for coachwork or finding out what timber was used back in 1934-35 and then staying with the original species of timber. I suppose the first step would be to find out what that timber is and my checking out its availability. That is, after I start work again and finish my degree, so I can pay for my hobby = addiction

Kind Regards
Lionel