DAILY GRIND

That’s a cool-looking pickup, Wayne; how long have you had it?

I’ve had it for close to four years now.

Did you build it or purchase it?

No, I didn’t build it. I bought it off a guy called Russell Sherwin. He had it built in the USA in about 2004 and drove it across the continent. Then he stopped driving it. It had done less than 8000 miles in 10 years.

So, how did you manage to score it?

I was lucky enough to be Johnny-on-the-spot and buy it off him. I heard from my cousin Morgan that it was for sale. I messaged Morgan one night — it was the day before my birthday — and said I was looking for a hot rod. Morgan came straight back with photos. I thought it looked cool so I asked when we could look at it. He said, “Next week,” but I said, “No, it’s Sunday tomorrow; let’s go tomorrow”. Well, we went out and had a look around it and thought, Sweet, so I asked Russell how much he wanted.

Plenty?

He said, “Make me an offer. If I like the offer we will have a beer, and if I don’t like your offer I’ll tell you to piss off.” So I made an offer. He then said he had to phone his wife in France and he would let me know that night.

So, that would have been a long wait?

[Laughs] Yeah; he rang at 8.50 that night — which was my birthday — and said, “It’s yours; come and get it.”

Why a hot rod?

I’ve always wanted a hot rod, ever since I was 14 years old. Just never had the finances to do it until now. I’m a member of Rod Benders here in Christchurch and you get to meet some cool people. The club is always helpful. If you break down, there is always someone there to help you out. It’s pre ’49, so all hot rods — no modern stuff.

What is it running?

It’s running a 350 Chev, 700R4 overdrive box, and Ford nine-inch diff. Fitted with air con, power steering, and electric windows. Rear suspension is a four-link set-up with coilover shocks, all adjustable. Front is TCI, as is the chassis.

What’s the story with the steering? Was it built right-hand drive?

No, built LHD [left-hand drive] and had to be converted when it arrived in New Zealand, as it was deemed a scratch-built.

Have you done much to it?

I’ve had to fit a new distributor, new carburettor, and new steering wheel, recondition the gearbox, and change the exhaust system as it was all wrong.

We’ve seen the pickup out a lot, so we’re guessing you love to use it?

Oh yeah. Took it to get a Lotto ticket on Saturday — it’s less than two kilometres up the road and it took me half an hour [laughs]. I take it to all the shows — Kaikoura Hop, Hanmer Motorfest, and Caroline Bay Hop. I’ve put more than 20,000 miles on it since I bought it. There’s plenty of local stuff, and I go to all of it. Never miss going to the Rodder’s Breakfast at Mcleans Island. Looking at possibly doing Beach Hop up north. I never miss a chance to get it out.

Good to hear. Have you got any plans to change anything on it?

No, I don’t think so. I’m happy with it and happy just to get in and drive it.

Cheers, Wayne; thanks for your time, and