STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
“Special Vehicles - Getting started”
Objective: This program is designed to encourage and provide practical help to people so that they can further their special interests in transport vehicles and memorabilia. Firstly, let’s define some terms:-
“Vehicles” can be cars, sports and racing cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, 4WDs, busses, trailers, caravans, and military vehicles. For our purposes we are not including stationary engines, horse-drawn vehicles or vehicles which run on rails.
Your “Special interest” can be in anything you like really, for example:-
-
Brand new vehicles or old ones
-
Vehicles you especially like and are interested in
-
Vehicles which have a personal value to you – such as ones which have been in the family for some time, or remind you of times past.
-
“Classic” vehicles - “classic” usually refers to any vehicle 15 years or older, and more likely 25 years or older.
-
Memorabilia – old signs, books, service manuals, petrol pumps – anything associated with vehicles and their uses.
And your Special Interest may be in what you do with the vehicle, rather than, or in addition to your interest in the vehicle itself. For example:-
-
Making new friends with people who share the same special interest.
-
Using your vehicle in the company of your new friends
-
Touring
-
4WDriving
-
Rallying
-
Motorsports
-
Workshop - tinkering, repairing, restoring
-
Caravanning and camping
So, the scope is very broad. And don’t imagine that no-one else will be interested in the same thing as you are – there are special interest groups for everything.
Dispelling some more myths:-
“My interest in special vehicles would be a difficult, time-consuming and expensive thing to do.”
Not necessarily and not when you are getting started. Vehicles which would be suitable for you to get started with can be inexpensive to buy and can be maintained in safe running order without significant inconvenience and expense. It could be a vehicle already known to you, or from a trusted source such as a friend or family member.
“My first special vehicle” doesn’t need to be an expensive traditional “classic”. For example, a vehicle from the 1960s or newer could be a perfect start for you – affordable to buy, reliable, and with parts and expert service widely available. And, especially with Australian-made vehicles intended for the mass-market, it is usually the case that parts and service will also be available at an affordable cost.
The For-sale websites and classified ads have many affordable, practical vehicles available for sale which would make an excellent “my first special vehicle”.
And all such vehicles represent part of Australia’s motoring heritage and deserve to be preserved for the future.
“Use it and enjoy it!”
Also, don’t imagine that your special vehicle must be shut away in the garage until it’s 100% complete and in showroom condition. On the contrary you will find that most clubs encourage members to bring their “Rolling Restoration” along to club events. That way you can enjoy your vehicle whilst working on it. This can be one of the best kinds of projects. You and your new friends in the club will build a real connection with the progress you make along the way. Or otherwise you can simply leave your classic in “original” condition and enjoy it as it is.
Defining your needs, limitations, budget and expectations
What do I really want to get out of owning a Special Vehicle?
Have another read of the section of this website “Special Vehicles - Getting started”. Then complete this table. You might find that you spend a week or two looking at this table and making changes as you think your way through the questions:-
|
My questions to myself are:-
|
Musts
|
Nice to haves
|
Reality – what can I afford?
|
Reality – how much time do I have?
|
Reality – what capabilities and resources do I have and can I get?
|
Reality – how much space do I have/can I get?
|
|
What type of vehicle is My Special Interest?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The types of activities which are my Special Interest are………….
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Am I doing this for me and why am I doing it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What do I really want to get out of this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have I the time?
If you intend restoring a vehicles then your time commitment is likely to be far greater than if you buy a vehicle which does not need restoring, or only needs minor work (or work that can wait a while, such as a repaint). If you are considering restoring a vehicle then one of the benefits of a special vehicle is that you are not depending on it for daily transport. So if your restoration project slips behind schedule (and like all renovation jobs it probably will) you are able to reach a point where you can close the garage door or put a tarp over it. You can come back to it when you have the time and money to resume work.
Have I the resources? Can I procure them?
-
Tools and equipment to effect minor (or major) repairs if required.
-
Knowledge – either acquired from prior experience, from manuals – via
purchase, the internet, clubs or public libraries or from a car club.
Have I the money?
Don’t enter into special vehicles expecting to make money! It’s a hobby and like
membership of a sporting club or similar it will cost you money. How much it will cost is your decision.
Finding a suitable vehicle – where to look and who can help.
Motafrenz very own gurus are happy to help:-
Motafrenz Gurus are happy to help.
Our Motafrenz Gurus can help you with finding a suitable vehicle, getting it checked-out, and finding reliable people who can repair, restore and/or maintain it.
They can give you practical advice, watch-out-fors, contacts to help you with the search & checking-out, and give a general helping hand.
Please remember that fellow members are busy people, and the amount of help they can give you is limited. And of course, the final decision, and the responsibility, always rests with you the buyer.
Contact details for most of these people are included on the Listed Members List. For those not on the List please contact Alistair Riddell and he will put you in touch:-
Alfa Romeo – Darrell Sugar
Austin and other BMC makes – Gary Davey
Austin A40 - Nick Horn, Peter Flavell
Bentley & Rolls-Royce - Mel Carey, Danny Martin & Gavin Smith, Robert Whitehead, Denis Yates
BMW – James Heaney
Bristol – Sue Young
Chevrolet - Michael McNamara & Peter Briggs (1960s)
Citroen - Leigh Miles, Matt Gough, Mel Carey
Chrysler - Michael Frith
Dodge Trucks – Les Fitzgerald
Fiat – Greg Johnstone
Ford - Michael Frith, John Craddock
Holden - Sue Young (Monaro), Allan Kilby
Jaguar – Peter Anscombe (mid-1950s to mid-1970s), Alistair Riddell, Michael McNamara & Peter Briggs
Lancia – Ian Gould, Frank da Pinna (Veteran)
Land Rover – Richard Hill, Anthony Wiseman
Mercedes Benz – Paul Spence, Trevor Shingles
Mini - Josh Reeve & Matt Cripps, Stuart Poole
Morris 1100/1300 etc - Brett Tooke, Kevan Walsh & Lloyd Swindon, Josh Reeve & Matt Cripps
Nissan – Andrew Haler (ZX series)
Porsche – Tony Scanlon, Ray Shaw (newer models)
Rover - Alistair Riddell
Toyota - Peter Anscombe, Matt Gough
Trabant – Neil Fitzgerald
4WDs – Peter Flavell, Alistair Riddell, Richard Hill
Caravans – Michael Frith, Peter Flavell, Les Fitzgerald
Motorbikes - David Crebbin, David Provan
Motorsport – Chris Meaden, Tony Scanlon
Vintage & Veteran – Trace Williams, David Provan, Robert Tenney, David Crebbin, Nick Horn.
Vehicle clubs – are often a good source of vehicles and parts for sale, and advice and resources.
If you are intending to get a particular make of vehicle it is often a good idea to join the club for that make before you make your purchase.
-
Club members
-
will give you the “inside story” on how to acquire and/or restore a vehicle
-
are usually experts on their make and
-
are usually very happy to help you “get your vehicle”.
-
Many clubs
-
Have websites and magazines which include “for sale” ads, and ads for people who can help with service and restoration.
-
Have “restoration projects” waiting for new members to undertake
-
Have a spare parts service, and some even arrange for manufacturing of new parts.
-
Therefore the cost of membership, compared to the benefits of membership makes joining worthwhile.
-
Go to the national organisations’ websites for club listings and contacts:-
http://www.aomc.asn.au, and click on “Member clubs”
Federation of Veteran, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Clubs (FVV&CVC): http://www.federation.asn.au, and click on “Member clubs”
Looking for a restoration project:
-
A tour of car yards or recyclers’ yards (we used to call them wreckers’ yards) can also give an idea of offerings available.
-
The magazines and websites listed below include both “restoration projects” and vehicles which are already mobile.
-
And of course there is always the dream find in a shed or farm.
-
A walk around your local area or a nearby town may locate a hidden gem just waiting for someone to love. Someone like you.
Looking for something that already goes, and/or a restoration project:-
Magazines:
Unique Cars: http://www.uniquecarsmag.com.au/about-us.aspx
Wheels: http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/wheelsmag
Australia’s Best Cars: http://www.australiasbestcars.com.au/
Australian Classic Cars: http://www.ccar.com.au/
Just cars: http://www.justauto.com.au/justcars/
Websites: use Google to refine your search and/or go to these sites:-
Australian Classic Car: http://www.ccar.com.au/
Carpoint: http://www.carpoint.com.au/
CarSales: http://www.carsales.com.au/
Carsguide: http://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car
Drive: http://www.drive.com.au/
eBay: http://cars.ebay.com.au/
Just Cars: http://www.justauto.com.au/justcars/
Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars: http://melbournescheapestcars.com.au/
Trader Classifieds: http://www.traderclassifieds.com.au/
Trading Post: http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Home?intref=nav167
Unique Cars: http://www.uniquecars.carpoint.com.au/
Checking it out – what to look for and who can help.
Since 1969 cars sold in Australia must carry the manufacturer’s plates showing the date-of-build and the compliance of the car with Australian Design Rules. If you find a car sold after 1969 which is missing these plates, walk away! Vehicles earlier than 1969 may require research to confirm that they are what it is claimed they are. The AOMC can help-
AOMC Engine & Registration Records Search Service: http://www.aomc.asn.au/eng®records.htm
Things to look for:-
Original or Restored?
There is a school of thought that original paint with its patina of age and use is more fitting on some vehicles than a showroom finish. Others say that a perfectly restored vehicle is the best kind of special vehicle. Generally, standard unmodified vehicles will command a higher price and in the long term they are likely to hold their value better than a similar vehicle which has been modified. However, in the end – what do you want?
Make sure you know the rules of buying a car. Before you start serious looking it will pay to update yourself on these things:-
-
buying a vehicle with or without registration
-
buying a vehicle with or without a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC)
-
making sure you get a clear title
-
arranging a pre-purchase inspection
Note that modified vehicles may be rejected as being unroadworthy if the modifications are extreme. So get expert advice before committing your money.
Useful information and practical help are available from:
Vic Roads: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/
RACV: http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/primary/my+car
Clubs are often a good source of for-sale ads, advice and resources.
Go to the national organisations’ websites for club listings and contacts:-
http://www.aomc.asn.au/members.htm#TOP
-
Federation of Veteran, Vintage & Classic Vehicle Clubs (FVV&CVC): http://www.federation.asn.au/index.htm
-
Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF): http://www.asrf.org.au/
-
Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS): http://www.cams.com.au/
Some clubs are not members these organisations. Therefore you might need to do some searching to locate them.
Repairing, restoring, maintaining - Where to get information and training. Who can help you?
Got a vehicle and working on it?
All restorers have their war-stories to share with you. Don’t close your ears because their experiences will help you further down the track.
Here are some starters:
boot lids and ensure doors won't close on you,
-
Try to complete one task before starting another,
-
Take photos or sketches of assemblies, processes, layout of pieces before
starting and during the work,
labels and make sure they are firmly attached,
Experts who can help:
How can I get information on my Special Vehicle?
As noted earlier, information and service manuals can be obtained from fellow owners, clubs, public libraries, and the internet or specialist suppliers. Caution may be required at times and the experience of others counts for a lot.
Garaging - affordable, secure, accessible, protective.
Make the most of the space you already have by using stacker parking.
Get a garage or an extra shed.
Commercial storage is also available.
Commercial carparks.
-
Salary packaging significantly reduces the cost of commercial parking. Many employers will salary-package your commercial parking costs. Enquire with your Pay Office.
-
Google “commercial car parking Melbourne”
-
Call Wilson Parking on (03) 9224 0301 and enquire regarding permanent parking with 24/7 access.
-
Have a look at these sites:-
-
The local newspapers often have ads for car spaces and garages for sale or rent.
Registering your Special Vehicle - Club Permit Scheme – savings on registration
Save around $500 per car per year on Registration!! How? All you have to do is change over to the new Club Permit Registration
Permit registration fee is only $114.50 for 90 days usage per year or $64.59 for 45 days usage, compared with $640+ for normal registration. AND you should be able to save hundreds more on insurance. Under the new scheme:-
-
Vehicles can be used at any time for any purpose other than for the carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward.
-
A log book entry must be made each day that the vehicle is used (unless the vehicle is within 100 metres of the garaged address).
-
The logbook must be carried in the vehicle at all times the vehicle is in use.
-
Apply for either a 45 or 90 day Permit. If you get a 45 day Permit and use up your 45 days you can get another 45 day Permit.
-
You can’t drive your vehicle for more than 90 days in each 12 month registration period.
-
Permits are issued for 12 month periods.
-
Vehicles are issued with specific club permit plates and windscreen labels.
-
You must belong to a club registered with Vic Roads for the Club Permit Scheme. Motafrenz is such a club.
-
VicRoads may suspend or cancel a permit if you become an unfinancial member of the club through which you obtained your Club Permit or if your vehicle becomes unsafe for use on public highways.
Which vehicles are eligible?
-
Veteran – manufactured before 1 January 1919;
-
Vintage – manufactured after 31 December 1918 and before 1 January 1931
-
Classic and Historic vehicles - manufactured after 31 December 1930, but more than 25 years before the date of the application for a club permit.
-
Includes cars, trailers, trucks, and some other modified vehicles such as street rods.
-
Replicas of vehicles in the abovementioned categories may also be eligible
Your Simple Steps to Savings are:-
-
Join (or renew your membership to) Motafrenz. Remember, your Club Permit Registration becomes invalid if you cease to be a current member.
-
Go to the Vic Roads website and download the Club Permit Registration Form at: - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/FeesFormsAndFAQs/Forms/. On this page you will find the Club Permit Registration Form under the heading “Other Vehicle Registration Forms”.
-
Complete the Form
-
Obtain a Road Worthy Certificate (RWC) for your car. Our Motafrenz member Mel Carey (who advertises on the back cover of Cruise Control) can do this for you. Remember that a RWC is only valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Therefore you will need to get your RWC at about the same time as you prepare your Application.
-
Send two copies of the Form + your RWC to
Michael Frith, Motafrenz Car Club, PO Box 1331, Collingwood, Vic 3066.
OR
Email: mfrith@three.com.au
Call Michael on 0409196435 with any Questions you have.
Michael will sign the Vic roads Permit application and send it back to you.
-
Take the Permit Application to a Vic Roads Customer Service Centre. Pay the Fees and Vic Roads will issue you with your new Club plates, windscreen sticker and logbook. If you take your Permit Application to these Vic Roads locations you will receive your plates on-the-spot: Bendigo, Broadmeadows , Bundoora, Burwood, Carlton, Frankston, Geelong, Mildura, Morwell, Sunshine, Warrnambool, Wodonga. Otherwise, if you go to any other Customer Service Centre you will have to wait for the delivery of your number plates via the post.
What can I do if my car fails the RWC? You will need to get the car fixed, and then have it re-tested. Once you have received your RWC you can send it to Mike – see point 5 above.
So, get saving now!
WEBSITE: More details of the Club Permit Scheme are available at: - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/PermitsModificationsAndDefects/OtherPermits/ClubPermits.htm
Insuring your Special Vehicle - savings available on insurance, and what to look for in an insurance policy.
What to look for in a policy:-
-
Agreed value or Market Valuation – remember that most Special Vehicles will have a personal value to you. And their true replacement value is probably far higher than the market valuation for a car of that age – because your vehicle will be in better condition than an average one on which the market valuation will be based.
-
No Claim Bonus
-
Excess
-
Restrictions on who can drive the vehicle
-
Garaging restrictions – many limited use policies require the vehicle to be kept off the street under lock & key.
-
Multi-car policies – can often give you a further discount
Shannon’s offer a “limited use” policy. Club Permit-registered vehicles automatically qualify for a “limited use” policy. Note however that cars on full registration can also qualify for a “limited use” policy if they are not used frequently. Shannon’s tell us that as a rule-of-thumb a “limited use” policy will get you a 40% discount on the Premium you would otherwise pay. For more details go to: http://www.shannons.com.au/insurance/motor/?2473PSEM&ef_id=0zRNDD@hAQABB4Q:20111026013715:s
RACV offer Vintage, Veteran & Classic Insurance on vehicles 15 years and older, hot rods made before 1949, stationary engines and motorcycles. For more details:
Using, showing, and sharing
Events where members can use, show and share their classic cars and 4WDs. For details go to:-
Motafrenz events:-
Other event listings - see:-
Case studies and encouragement from those who've done it.
Case studies with a slant towards first-timers show how Special Vehicles are not really a black art. They help to convince first-timers that you too can have a go. Having these Case Studies on motafrenz.org.au for people toying with the idea of buying a special vehicle but daunted by how hard they think it could be will demystify the witchcraft somewhat.
-
Alistair Riddell will write about his Rover P6 project.
-
Peter Anscombe recently registered a Toyota Corona on Club Permit plates and will write about the project.
-
Matt Gough - Toyota Century
-
Gordon Campbell – Peugeot 504
Specific training courses and information sessions
These are organised from time to time by AOMC and the other federations to provide further information. For details see their websites at:-