"Ambrose" - Shonky's 1965 Series IIA Ambulance

Shonky · #1 (**permalink**) 28th September 2008, 08:43 PM

I plan to use this thread as a project diary, much the same as the one I have for "Gus" my '58 Shorty. The general idea is for the thread to keep you all entertained, for me to rack the collective brains of REMLR and for others to learn from the experience I will get out of this.

There has already been a lot of discussion in this thread: I just bought a Bloodbox! Introducing "Ambrose", 113-896. but its in the wrong area and I would rather start a new thread to keep track of the project.

Ambrose was sold at auction in January 1992 and bought by a gentleman who unfortunately passed away only a few years later, leaving him to his daughter Leonie.

Leonie kept him on the road and took good care of him for many years, and he even took her and her partner on a trip all around NSW.

Recently, Leonie decided to put Ambrose on the market as he was not really being used at all, and the local vandals had taken to scratching his windows and spraying him with graffiti. Wanting to make sure he went to a good home, Leonie sent adverts out to various people in the ex-military scene.

As things do, the information filtered (quickly!) through to REMLR and that's where I first saw him.

I have been on the lookout for a bloodbox, as they epitomise what I love about Landies. They also combine three of my interests (Land Rovers, Military and Medical).

I wasn't expecting to buy one so soon (years earlier than I would have thought) but seriously, who wouldn't want to buy this: (Ambrose at Leonies house)

After much excitement I literally ran to the phone and spoke to Leonie, arranging to come and have a look at him that very night.

After having a good look I just knew I had to have him.

As fate would have it, three days later I would pick him up and take him home with me.

It was not without event though... In the one night, The Prince of Darkness decended and blew a headlight,

The battery died,

and I managed to kiss a telegraph pole in the darkness trying to squish him out of his parking space.

.

The nasty pole on the left.

...luckily, apart from a minor scrape there was no significant damage. Phew...

The next day, I unfortunately was too sick to go to work,

So I washed Ambrose.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

A gurney and a stiff broom removed the entire top layer of Olive Drab, revealing the original Bronze Green underneath.

While I was at it, I swept out the inside and removed the CD player and speakers from the interior (these I donated to the other half's younger brother

)

Playing with interior set up:
2 Stretcher, 4 Seat layout:

4 Stretcher layout:

Stretchers: (Dinty tells me they are of the Amrecian type)

More to follow later.

Shonky · #2 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 07:54 AM

That afternoon (a Friday), I was due to be heading up to Singleton Military Area via train to Maitland where I would be picked up by a colleague. I decided that Ambrose went so nicely that I would take a chance, and drive up to Singleton instead.

He wen't beautifully all the way and managed to hold 55mp/h most of the way. It was a little dark though - that headlight that blew still hadn't been fixed.

I stopped on the side of the road just past Cessnock to check the map and again got the urge to take yet more photos...

I stopped along the way to fill up, and decided to fill both tanks just in case. Just to check that it was working, I started him on the left tank and he ran okay. when I got back onto the freeway though, he spluttered and cough and was generally unhappy.

Blocked fuel line methinks. I switched back to the right tank and we were away again.

I got up to Singleton in four hours, which I thought was quite good.

Some of my colleagues spotted him in the carpark the next day and one made a comment wondering why the Army bothered to keep derelict old vehicles around...

Once I bluntly pointed out that in fact it was my new pride and joy there was much uncomfortable shuffling and a chorus of "oh how nice, yes - thats really good..." etc., while everyone looked at their feet...

The next day I arranged to leave Singleton early, as my hayfever was killing me. I also wanted to stop in at Dintys on the way through so we could get some pics of Ambrose and Dianne-May together, and so I could yet again rack his brains.

I even managed to score a ride in the LRPV!

Dinty fixed me up with a new globe for my deceased headlight as well, and while we were picking around he noticed that infact the TAC holder had a plate in it!

I hadn't spotted it as it had been painted over! We gave it a good scrub with the wet and dry and it came up with a pair of crossed swords under a number 2.

A lead on his military history... a stroke of luck and a shove in the right direction.

Anyway, more pics of Ambrose and Dianne-May:

Phoenix · #3 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 08:42 AM

Always good to see more than one ambulance together. It's a rare sight these days.

I wonder how may we could get to corowa in 2010 (year of the european vehicle if I recall).

Anyway, nice work and nice photos. I'll have a look at which medical units were i 2nd div for you.

Shonky · #4 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 10:36 AM

This is what that formation sign would have looked like prior to being painted over... I will post some pics of the one I have tonight.

Thanks for the pic Pheonix.

zulu Delta 534 · #5 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 01:45 PM

A great looking vehicle. I am sure it will give lots of enjoyment.
I notice that you have a bit of graffiti still on the sides. When you get a chance spray some good old 'Aeroguard' on the graffitied spots, leave it for a short while and then wipe it off with a rag. Other brands work just as well.
When we had tourist coaches we were regular targets for all the local village idiots and their spraycans of paint and found this the simplest and most effective means of getting rid of it.
It does tend to make one realise two things,
1/ how toxic insect repellent is, and
2/ how durable our skin is.
Regards
Glen

Shonky · #6 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 02:04 PM

Thanks Glen. The graffiti has been there for years so may not come off easily, but I will give your remedy a go!

I had previously planned to just leave it be until I could respray it, but I am now thinking that I might scrub off the ratty paint and graffiti and then polish it right up and see how she looks!

XSiV · #7 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 03:33 PM

Nice One Shonkey! I guess this will be the new project of choice. I was talking to my panel beater mate the other day and he said he'd be more than happy to offer you any guidance etc in regards to panel beating/spray painting. He does a lot of resto work so he should be able to help you out.

Good luck with this new project.

Cheers
Josh

P.S. We might be out Mudgee way over the long weekend, are you going ot be up at the farm?

Shonky · #8 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 04:12 PM

Thanks Josh!

Nooo...

won't be at the farm. Will be at Cataract Scout Park with a bunch of my Cadets. Damn - next time mate!

Nah there won't be any favouritism between Ambrose and Gus.

I'm still going with Gus too!

I'll definately give your mate a call. I just found out the guy across the road is a panel beater too so I will rack his brains too!

Andrew.

#9 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 05:49 PM

G'day Andrew

You sure are smitten with your new baby. It's great to see such passion and enthusiasm. Congratulations

BTW...What a brave man you are taking Ambrose on such a long road trip first up

69gs · #10 (**permalink**) 29th September 2008, 05:56 PM

Great Bit of kit mate.

Very original. Great to see the interior so intact.

Ferals and spray cans.....On of all things...... I like the idea on the "aerogurad" Glen, however, might I offer another application?......

Congrats on the kit mate.

Cheers

Richard

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The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Shonky For This Useful Post:
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