I have been as busy as hell lately, but I also have a Nephew who has turned 18 and wanted a Valiant.
I thought at first he only wanted one as Uncle Dave has one, but I tested him out a bit and he certainly knew what he wanted.
So I was given a budget and told he wants a 6cylinder Latey (CL-CM)
Some searching on facebook groups and I found a car, it is a 2-81 CM, K code cop car. Engine has been replaced with a built 265 running a cam, cain 4 barrel manifold and a new holley 575 4 barrel.
Also has a rebuilt BW35, still in cop blue.
The car was in Melbourne so a mate went and checked it out, gave it the nod for the sale price and picked the car up for me.
I flew down on Saturday 9th, Mick picked me up, caught up with Pete and Rosco on Sunday night (Greek restaurant).
Monday morning I headed out and grabbed some carpet for the car.
Then over to Micks shop, fitted a thermostat and had a quick look over the car, loaded up some bits and pieces and headed over to Mums.
The Mrs's flew down on Monday, then we headed off to Adelaide Tuesday morning.
We drove as far as Nhill the first day (deliberately going slow to see some people along the way), Caught up with friends and stayed in a local Motel.
Damn it was cold the next morning.
Off to Adelaide after warming up a little, we decided to call in at Hahndorf for lunch, so of course had to take a picture.
Then caught up with another mate who recently moved down to Adelaide hills from Alice Springs.
He has a lovely old house (built in about 1850).
Before continuing on into Adelaide, caught up with more friends before staying the night down at Glenelg. Up early the next morning before dropping the Mrs's of at the airport to fly home.
I headed out then and called in at MoparFarmboys house just north of Adelaide.
Continued on my merry way then, with plans of overnight at Cobber Pedy. On the way up, the weather started looking a little sketchy, and timing should have me arrive at Coober right on sunset (6:07pm), a few kls before Glendambo this old Volvo past me by. I stopped at Glendambo to refuel and the Volvo was there, driver was an older lady (about my age I guess now that I am old) not the prettiest thing in the world but not ugly either.
We started chatting and she was planning to drive late into the night, she asked me about kangaroos etc and if any safer driving behind a truck.
I told her it is dangerous and will be extra dark with rain around.
I took off leaving her to fuel up.
The Volvo once again caught up to me, but she followed me for about 100kls before finally overtaking and disappearing out of view.
As can be seen, the weather was starting to get overcast.
Before the rain started.
I then caught the Volvo who was also following another car. But the hazard lights came on on the Volvo before it pulled over, I thought I better do the right thing so I pulled up behind her and she trotted back to my window.
She then says (and I **** you not) "I am a bit worried about driving in the dark and rain, can I stay in your motel room and either pay some money, or we can work out another form of payment"
Well I crapped myself and blurted out "Sorry but I am happily married" before pulling that column shift into D for drag and getting out of there.
After a sleepless night (cause the blue Valiant stands out and is easy to spot) I was up early and headed for the last 700kls home.
Stopped at a sign for a picture first.
Another fairly boring days driving and I was in Alice.
Gave the car a bath and unpacked at home, here it is Sunday morning on my pristine Alice Springs lawn.
Organised a roadworthy today before putting the car on club reg.
