Jeff Kesby

1980 Brumby

(AKA "The Red Brumby")

What the neighbours see                                            What the neighbours don't see !

The Red Brumby - 1980 1600/L-88 single range started life as a recovery vehicle for a Parachuting Club in the Boonah area before moving on to it's second owner a property owner in the same area. After years of chasing parachutists and cattle I became the third owner. This vehicle although not having high mileage the body only had one straight panel (the roof).

After paying $1,000 for the Brumby the plan was to patch up the mechanics, touch up the paint with a pressure pack, register it and drive it. The simple plan turned into a full scale restoration project.

The first step was to strip it to a rolling shell and send it to the Panel Beaters for all the dents to be removed and a respray in its original colour. After the Panel Beater had finished with the car and the bank balance recovered, it was off again for a long holiday to Scorpion Automotive where a Japanese Import EA81 1800 and dual range gearbox found a home under the bonnet. Some many months passed while the bank balance again recovered. During this time many hours were spent on the trim and other minor details.

The brakes, steering and suspension were also completely rebuilt before finally heading off to Buranda to have a roadworthy done. It had been 13 months 3 days since purchase. Disaster struck during the short trip for the roadworthy, the bonnet catch broke, allowing the bonnet to fly up destroying the bonnet, wiper pivots and cowl panel (have you ever seen a grown man cry?).

After more saving a good second hand bonnet and cowl panel were found, painted and fitted, 15 months had passed since purchase and my shiny red pride and joy was registered.

Since 'hitting the road, a 5 speed dual range gearbox, limited slip diff, 14" wheels, Weber Carb, late model brakes, Donaldson air cleaner, spot lights, lift kit, off road tyres (and probably a few other bits I might have forgotten to tell Sue about) have been fitted. I would hate to calculate either the hours or dollars spent on this car, but when one considers the enjoyment, the learning, and the many great Club Trips (and even trips to the dump) it's all been worth it.

I often dream of another project, but the decision to part with my Brumby would be a hard one. Most of more involved mechanical work including the 5 speed gearbox conversion have been completed by Michael Collins at Scorpion Auto.

Jim at John French Pty Ltd was also extremely helpful with chasing the new parts I needed during the project. All parts needed were either on the shelf or available overnight.

During my time with the Brumby my most memorable Club Trips have been Dorrigo - Easter'95, Sundown National Park and Mount Widgee.

Yes, That's My Car.

Jeff Kesby SC373

See Also: My First Subaru

Webmaster's Footnote:  Sadly, as of February 1999, the Red Brumby passed into history as wear and tear eventually caused Jeff to reduce the car to parts, some of which he transplanted into an 83 MY Wagon project.