A uniquely restored 1953 Bedford OLB flat-deck truck has appeared on Trade Me with a starting bid of $48,000.
The sellers claim the chassis has been dismantled, sandblasted, zinc treated and bolted back together. The sellers also claim the vehicle has been rebuilt for a working life of 10 to 15 years.
According to the Trade Me listing the internal timber in the cab has been removed and replaced with steel.
“The cab has been insulated, lined and undersealed and some Ripo was worked into the seams. There are shock absorbers all round to ease the ride.
“The 214 petrol engine has been completely rebuilt, and receipts are available. The brake cylinders have been re-sleeved including the master cylinder.
“We have installed a thermo fan for peace and quiet, a heater for modern softies, indicators and modern instruments,” says the Trade Me listing.
“There’s no seat belts or power steering to acknowledge the men who drove these trucks in their heyday. But there’s no draft up the trouser leg in this one.
“There are modern headlights behind the original lens, modern lighting and neat mirrors. There’s 
even a hazard switch and you can flash the overheads to your truckie mates.
“A synchro box and a 2 speed axle give this machine a road speed of 80/90 kph. New radial tyres help to give a soft ride.
“The deck is 3.6m by 2.2m in ply with Kwila coaming rails. The underbody is Douglas Fir beams and the Loading Anchorages are certified. There is a large dunnage box.
“With a new COF, registration, some RUC, personalised plates, and even the original owners handbook and a comprehensive wiring diagram, this beautiful machine is ready to serve.”
More details are available here
