What did you do last summer?

(above) A “RUSTY” (very rusty) Kirk Barker.

As you can see, Christmas pudding was good to me last year. My New-Year’s resolution was to work it off, but - I’m still working on it.

Over the festive period, the fam and I headed to NSW’s mid-north coast. We’ve a regular haunt there. It’s a great place to relax.

My favourite past-time is ‘beach driving’. Aussies have to be the luckiest people on the planet. You could spend a lifetime doing just a one-lap tour of our country’s coastline. And that wouldn’t include a peek at the more than 7,600,000 square kilometres in the middle!

Here is a clip of the JK on the sand. Annoying background music included!!

What about you? What did you do last summer?

I'd love to see you pics, clips or stories. Please email them here

Cheers.

Q&A with Rick O'Brien (Editor) 4WD 'EXTREME' Magazine

Q: 4WD Extreme is a great new publication in addition to 4WD Action. Why the new mag, and what makes it different to 4WD Action?

Thanks for the kind words! Like 4WD Action, Extreme is put together by a bunch of guys that eat, sleep and breath the extreme 4WD scene. The major point of difference between the two is that Extreme 4WD is dedicated to those who like to push the boundaries of what a 4WD is capable of. We like to challenge ourselves and our rigs to the max!

Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future?

At the moment I am wheeling a 95 XJ Cherokee. It is running a 4.5in lift, 32in muddies, lockers front and rear and a host of other enhancements and goodies. Plans for the future include a larger tyre (undecided about size at the moment) and I’d love to re-power the beast with either a stroked Jeep engine, or make the jump to a V8 of some description.

Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD?

Jeez, that is such a tough question! I’d love to build a VW Beetle-bodied Rangie with Maxi Drive portal axles and V8/auto trans. The transfer case would be an Atlas II. I’d keep the tyre size to a modest 40in, probably a sticky Trepadore. When can we start?

Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go?

It’s hard to go past the Coffs Coast for that elusive combination of sheer beauty and challenging tracks. There is tougher wheeling closer to home, but none of it is as stunning as Coffs.

I’d love to go and take a look at the Cape before too long, I want to see what all the fuss is about!

Q: What is your favourite beer and camp-cooked meal?

This might take you by surprise, but I go alright with the tongs in hand. I actually used to own an Italian restaurant, so it would have to be one of my pasta dishes. So how about a creamy Tortellini Boscaiolia with a side of crunchy garlic bread, washed down with a can of Bonded Beam & Cola? Sorry, Im not a beer drinker.

Q: What is the best part about your job at 4WD Extreme, and what is the hardest?

Without question the best part of my job is getting to drive some of the wildest rigs in the country! I have been lucky enough to wheel nearly a dozen Tuff Truck competitor’s rigs, a real Monster Truck and a couple of tough club-level rigs.

The hardest part of my job? Switching off when I get home is tough because I just love what I do. I am always thinking about the next track, the next rig or the next mod to my truck. It never stops!

Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?)

I am a mad fisho! A tragic! I used to compete in a lot of forum-based Bream comps and I have spent countless hours chasing fish up and down the NSW coast.

Even though I can barely play, I love guitars! I had nine at one point, but I have faced the harsh reality that I am not going to be a rock star, and I now own just two.

Probably the only other thing that I do a lot of is cooking. As I mentioned earlier, I used to have a restaurant back in the 90’s and I like to get the boys around for a BBQ whenever I can to cook up an old favorite or try out some new ideas. Italian is the specialty, but seafood is the fave!

A little bit about Kirk Barker

As a kid

During the 70s, my father worked for a high-profile auto-dealer and car racing family. It was the beginning of the 4WD recreation boom. Every day (seemingly) dad brought home different vehicles, from CJ Jeep Renegades and V8 Cherokees, Suzuki LJ80’s and Sierras, FJ series Landcruisers, Rovers, Patrols - whatever the dealership sold at the time.

Dad was also a regular contributor to the (then) popular 'Bushdriver' off-road magazine. Many a weekend was spent in search of suitable testing ground and dynamic photographic opportunities. My brother and I usually bounced around together on the back seat. This, combined with watching endless episodes of the ‘Leyland Brothers’, and my passion for all things 4WD began to evolve.

First 4WD

My first 4WD was a 1976 FJ55 I bought with my brother John. We got it off a clown at a circus - literally! (It was Perry Bros), although as it turned out, JB and I proved to be greater clowns.

The FJ55 was unregistered, and in order to get in on the road, it needed a major service, and well as rust removed.

We worked out that by the time we cut the rust out of it, we would have ourselves (like the old farmer’s joke) approximately five tyres left sitting in our driveway, so we moved the FJ on for parts to a happy buyer.

My first (road-registered) 4WD was a 1995 model Suzuki Sierra (the last of the leaf-sprung models). I bought it brand-new with borrowed money in my first year out of school. I was a first year apprentice then and also 'moonlighted' as a pizza delivery boy at night in order to keep it on the road.

The mods were limited to a set of 15X7” CSA alloy wheels, mounted to 30-inch Yokohama Super-Diggers. I had to trim the guards in order to fit them with the stock suspension. While the modifications were simple, the little Suzuki had a strong-shouldered look and (combined with the right attitude) took me pretty much anywhere I wanted to go.

Favourite 4WD?

I am driving it! It’s a 4-door JK Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. I love the Jeep’s practical size, comfort and off-road capability. The factory-fitted front and rear diff locks, combined with electronic remote-operated front sway-bar disconnect and super-low 4.10 gearing make the Jeep extremely difficult to get stuck or bogged. This one also has a high-articulating Rancho 4” short-arm suspension kit and 35” tyres mounted on 16x10 wheels.

Favourite specialised product?

Currently we are involved in providing suspension solutions for armoured vehicles in various parts of the world. Most of the vehicles are popular Australian-sold types (Hilux, Patrol and Landcruiser) but the application in terms of suspension is different compared to the normal touring vehicle.

I have enjoyed the challenge of “getting it right” and establishing good working relationships with conversion specialists and service companies.

The context of the work is also interesting. In the first decade of the “noughties”, war and terror around the world, plus the expansion of industry into countries with turbulent political environments, has seen demand for armour-protected passenger vehicles increase significantly.

This has brought many opportunists to the market, with not all firms being equal in their performance. There are plenty of small workshops and ex “chop-shops” grabbing the current opportunity. It’s like “pimp-my-ride” for some, rather than the business of saving lives.

Biggest "oops!" moment?

In the mid 90’s when I first began selling suspension, I supplied a pair of front shocks for a D21 Navara that I had “matched” from the almost identical D21 Pathfinder.

However, the Navara has a different upper wishbone, requiring the fitment of a smaller body shock. During my customer’s travel through central Queensland, he discovered this when the inside area of the wishbone jammed onto the shock body and fused.

Upon inspection (on the side of the road) my customer was bitten by a brown snake. While he was OK, he had a fair way to travel back for medical assistance.

Weeks after the experience, he rang our office to tell us about it. His main concern was if it would be alright to post the shocks back to us for a refund!

Fortunately, I have learnt a lot since then.

Best tips?

Know the inherent strengths and weaknesses of your 4WD type, before you spend money on accessories. Remember this before you buy your next 4WD too.

Some vehicles with independent front suspension really suffer from the fitment of the traditional steel bar, winch and dual-battery fit-up. It can make for a very demanding suspension application, particularly on corrugated roads.

Always try to keep weight (accessories and load) to a minimum. Always think safety. Ask yourself (or find out) if the modifications you plan to make will have some other effect on the vehicle that needs to be compensated for, or at least be taken into account.

From experience, higher-priced products provide the best value-for-money.

When making any type of product purchase, be certain about the features, benefits and responsibilities that come with fitting and using it.

Don’t spoil your time away with a highly-accessorised, yet under-serviced vehicle. Generally, vehicle reliability issues are the first consideration to ensure you have safe travels and a good time off-road.

Cheers, and thanks for reading.

Q&A with Mark Jones - Owner RWV Conversions

(above) Co-owners Mark Jones (left) with Gerry Hill (right)

Q: What is your main role at Trinity Smash/RWV Conversions? How long have you been with the company?

A: Owner 15 years

Q: You guys have a great reputation for the work that you do – How did you start out and then become involved in motor vehicle conversions?

A: We did a conversion on an old 60 series Landcruiser wagon for a friend of ours and it went on from there.

Q: In converting a 4WD wagon into a dual-cab ute, what are some of the considerations from a technical perspective?

A: The main point is that the 4WD must have a chassis.

Q: What (generally speaking) makes the difference between a first-class professional conversion job, and a ‘cowboy’ one?

A: Detail to the finished panel and paint work to give a factory look. We have a modern workshop, full downdraft spray booth, we use top quality paint Glasurit, we have the latest migs and plasma cutters, Dataliner drive on body straightening machine. Most importantly we have staff that are fully qualified and are conscious of the standard of the finished product.

Q: What is your favorite 4WD vehicle conversion and why?

A: Chassis extended 800mm, 2.2m tray on a Toyota Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol with a boat rack on the tray for a 12ft dingy and 15hp outboard. Room in the tray for 120 ltr fridge, room in the car for 3 people or more. You can go bush for a week and not have to tow a trailer.

Q: No expense spared, what would be your 'dream' 4WD?

A: Latest Lexus 5.7 V8. We are in the process of doing a job like this one for Mal Vlsca the owner of Cairns Steel Works. I have included a picture of it.

Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go?

A: Usual visit spots are past Cooktown up to the Staten River, Cape Melville, Bathurst Head out to Kalpower, Normanby River and Lakefield National Park.

Q: What is your favorite beer and camp-cooked meal?

A: XXXX Gold, and Cheripin (fresh water prawns) entrée and Barra or Margrove Jack main course.

Q: What is the best part about your job, and what is the hardest?

A: Best part – People enjoying the vehicles we convert and the stories of their trips. Hardest part - Getting jobs completed and out on the road, as customers are busting to use their vehicles.

Q: What other things are you interested in? (Sports, hobbies, music - anything?)

A: Spear fishing, line fishing, shooting & watching rugby league.

(above) Before Tough Dog suspension kit

(above) After Tough Dog suspension kit

(above) Check these rear shock guards fabricated by Mark Jones

(above) Unique Tough Dog 45mm-bore adjustable struts eat corrugated roads for breakfast

(above) Rear-end suspension - Tough Dog coils with 45mm-bore adjustable shock

Dave and Brenno's Excellent Adventure

David Luke and Brendan Seymour are 4WD men.

For the bulk of the week, they’re living the dream….Yep! Key blokes at 4WD Action. The world’s best 4x4 magazine.

When they’re not on the job, they keep doing what they love: Thinking about, dreaming about, building, buying, all things 4WD – and continue to get as much time as possible behind the wheel.

Above is a pic of their latest project. A highly-modified Range Rover. The intention is for use as a dedicated comp-truck. Expect to see it at many of Australia’s popular events.

The Rangie has a 351 Windsor V8, GQ diffs, A-frame rear and 5-link front suspension dampened by (6) Rancho RS9000 ride-adjustable shocks. The diff centres are locked and geared low. Power transfer is by a C4 auto box.

Top stuff guys! Look forward to hearing about your future mods and adventures.

Q&A with Grahame McCraw (AAAA) and 4WD Council of Australia

Q: G’day Grahame. Thanks for meeting with us. What is the AAAA about, and what benefits does it bring to both its members, and vehicle owners?

The AAAA is a national organisation, focussed on promoting the present and the future of the automotive aftermarket Industry.

We formulate an industry response to growing regulatory restrictions on the modification of vehicles. To strengthen our representation, the AAAA has formed two specialist Councils … the Performance, Racing and Tuning Council and the Australian 4WD Industry Council.

These Councils bring together specialists in the relevant product areas to address industry concerns.

For consumers, the benefit is that they have a professional Industry Association, prepared to promote safe vehicle modification and respond to threats by interest groups and others who would unreasonably attempt to restrict vehicle modification. The AAAA/PRTC/4WD Councils bring to the table, specialists and experienced people to speak on behalf of consumers and business … to minimise the chance of unforeseen consequences of regulation affecting vehicles.

Not only do these Councils respond, but they initiate pertinent matters.  For example, the Choice of Repairer Campaign is aimed squarely at allowing consumers to choose who repairs their vehicle and with the parts of their choice … If consumers are to exercise that choice the independent aftermarket service and supply sector must have access to the specifications, diagnostic and service information and tools to complete the task.

With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles this will be increasingly important for the future of consumer choice of repairer and the independent aftermarket industry.

Q: The 4WD Council was launched in 2006. What is the role of the 4WD Council, and what functions does it perform.

The Australian 4WD Industry Council has a specific focus on 4WD issues. It is governed and directed by a committee elected from the 4WD Council membership.  My role in the committee is to coordinate the actions arising from committee decisions and do the admin stuff.  Where the AAAA is involved in 4WD matters – the 4WD Council takes the lead.

Q: Late last year, there was lot of discussion among 4WD clubs and online about the NSW VSI 50 Suspension Policy, regarding vehicle suspension system modification and ride-heights. What is the policy and the nature of the situation about, and where are we up to now regarding regulation on such mods?

The VSI 50 was created to improve safety for road users. However it was drafted without consultation with stakeholders – (industry and users).  The July 2009 VSI was unreasonable in its restrictions and after strong community response and representation to the Minister for Transport by the Industry and 4WD NSW/ACT, a working party was formed.

The AAAA/4WD Council, MTA and 4WD NSW/ACT combined to work through the original VSI 50 of July 2009 to a most recent draft which allows modification of vehicle suspension, with significantly less restrictions than the original document, indeed would permit the most common vehicle height variation (+/- 50mm) to remain as owner-certified. The working party has not yet completed the review process, with a couple of outstanding matters to be agreed upon. The AAAA understands that there will always be some who want more, but the negotiating direction has always been to gain the greatest benefit for the majority.

Q: Currently, the Federal Government is considering regulations which will significantly affect the type of bull bars that can be fitted to motor vehicles. What are some of the specifics of these regulations, and how is the 4WD Industry Council involved?

The Federal Government is presently considering adopting European regulations that relate to the frontal design and safety performance of motor vehicles. It is the belief of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry that it will not be possible to develop bull bars that will meet this European standard. Therefore, full adoption of the standard is likely to lead to bull bars being effectively regulated out of existence which will have a knock on effect for other bumper mounted accessories such as winches and driving lights.

Given the unique nature of Australian roads and conditions, it is the industry's belief that the European regulations are inappropriate for this country.

The Australian 4WD Industry Council is preparing submissions on this subject, and is collecting data on vehicle usage. At present, by completing a short survey, you will be able to provide us with invaluable information on your experience as an Australian motorist.

For every completed survey, the 4WD Industry will be donating $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000.

(Editing note: Since my meet with Grahame, the Federal Government has made the decision to withdraw the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on Pedestrian Safety on the basis that the proposal was not suitable for Australian conditions. Special thanks to the AAAA and the 4WD Council for their lobby efforts, as well as many other industry stakeholders..... Well done guys!)

Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future?

It may surprise you, but my current stress-release ride is a 1962 Morris Minor 1000.  I guess that emphasises that the Industry’s representatives are the ones who drive the 4WD Council.  That said – I have a keen interest in things 4WD and spent many years in New Guinea, where 4WDing was every day! And if you weren’t travelling by 4x4, you were on a motor bike!

Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD?

Looking to my retirement in the next couple of years, I have my eye on something like a Prado GXL, diesel powered – With the sales history and the good reports on the vehicle – very high on my interest level.

Q: What off-road destination would you love to go?

I’d like to get to the Cape – and if I have anything to do with it, I will!

Q: What is your favourite beer?

A nice RED in a relaxing situation!

Q: What is the best part about your work with the AAAA and the 4WD Council.

I enjoy dealing with real people and real situations.  The way in which this Industry can pull together when required to combat unreasonable issues … that is exciting to see --- in the marketplace they are competitors, but when Industry wide matters are seriously at stake – they are the strength of the AAAA/4WD Council/PRTC

Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?)

My favourite stress relief (and isn’t that what hobbies and holidays are about) … is travelling our great country. An early morning departure brings the best of the day to your windscreen.  I also have a keen interest in photography, and getting out is the best way to find subjects.

Q: For people and entities that work in the 4WD Industry or otherwise general automotive industry, how do they go about becoming members and getting involved?

If you are in business in the automotive aftermarket industry, then drop me an email and I will be happy to talk with you about the AAAA and the sector specific Councils. Your readers could check out the AAAA Web site: www.aaaa.com.au and if you have a 4WD issue – register it on the Issues Register (www.4wdcouncil.com.au)

Cheers! Grahame McCraw gmccraw@aaaa.com.au

Thanks Grahame!

Cheers! Kirk.

Q&A with Shaun Whale (Editor) 4WD Action Magazine

Q: ‘4WD Action’ is the best 4WD-related publication in the world. In your own view, what is it that makes the mag so special, and also, so popular?

This is a magazine put together from start to finish by people who live and breathe 4WDing. Just like our audience, we’re enthusiasts and very passionate about the offroad lifestyle. I believe we are much loved because we give readers what they want (as simple as that sounds).

We will spend over a month testing, fitting and breaking lockers for example, just so we can deliver the no bull information that 4WDers crave and can’t get anywhere else.

Giving fellow 4WDers great value for money is also a big hit with our audience – where else can you get a 308 page magazine filled with tech articles, hard-hitting features, great customs, 4WD travel and a movie length DVD each issue for under $10?

Q: In issue 159, you had the opportunity (we are jealous!) to drive the same Artic Hilux that was on the famous North Pole expedition (Top Gear) and that drove up the side of a live volcano in Iceland. What was it like to see that car in the flesh, and go for a decent drive?

Talk about an experience, I’m still trying to wipe the smile from my face! The Arctic Hilux is without a doubt a beast and much to my surprise a very capable truck…Almost as good as the 60.

Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future?

I have LandCruiser 60 series turbo diesel. I’ve built it for touring and the odd tough track. Mods so far include, lockers front and back, 2in lift, 33in muddies, winch bar, HID spotties, UHF, 3in exhaust, front mount intercooler, re-built transmission with billet torque converter and custom valve body, rear bar, dual batteries, mounted compressor and air tank… probably a few other things, but that usually keeps me out of trouble! Future mods? Where does it end…never I suppose that’s what’s so good about modifying your 4WD. Probably a set of sliders. 

Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD?


A 60 Series of course! If money wasn’t an issue I would have a new LandCruiser 76 Series wagon with all the fruit and a fuel card that would last me a few laps of Oz. 

Q: What is the best off-road destination you have been to, and where else would you love to go?
I would have to say the Simpson Desert. There’s nothing like driving for four days and not seeing another soul. Mix that with sitting around a desert camp with mates and watching a piece of mulga wood burn while you have a coldie and as the sun disappears behind a red sand dune. It’s an experience of a lifetime and what keeps me addicted to this great lifestyle of ours.

I would love to go to the Kimberley and drive the Canning – another two must see places! 

Q: What is your favourite beer and camp-cooked meal?
Beer would have to be a cold tinny of Carlton Draught. Meal? It doesn’t get much better than a roast slow cooked in a camp oven or my famous (for all the wrong reasons) curried sausages! 

Q: What is the best part about your job as editor of 4WD Action, and what is the hardest?
Where do I start? Test driving new 4WDs, visiting some of the greatest off road destinations this country has to offer and trying out the latest 4WD products is definitely right up there. The hardest part is coming back to civilisation when I have been bush for a while! 

Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?)
Other than 4WDing and camping, I am right into fishing and spearfishing. If I’m not 4WDing you’ll find me out on (or under) the water. 

Q: What is your favourite off-road driving tip?
Traction – it’s everything off road. If you’re driving a challenging rocky incline for instance, make sure you plan exactly where you want your tyres to be and plan out the entire obstacle from start to finish. Pick enough throttle to get you past the obstacle, but not so much that you break traction or end up bouncing all over the place. Pick how much throttle you need and stick with it, don’t vary your revs all over the place. Get your throttle control right and you’ll be out-driving your mates in no time! 


Thanks Shaun!
Cheers, Kirk.