Vandalism - or respect for the engineering?

[Notlongnow]

How does everyone feel about modifications to Perenties that more or less discard their military history? Would painting in civvy colours and using as a work truck, or maybe converting to a motorhome be considered sacrilege? These vehicles deserve a place in motoring history both for their army service and for their engineering. Is it okay to sacrifice one for the sake of the other?

[dugite]

There are obviously sufficient preserved as per original to see examples.

If you are lucky enough to buy one, it's yours, do what you like with it.

Lots of owners like know about and understand the military history, but it doesn't mean it has to be preserved as is. There is a lot an owner can do to improve the comfort and driveability of their purchase.

[Mick_Marsh]

The only time I would consider it sacrilege is if you got a rare variant and butchered it. i.e. if you bought a SRV-SF to turn into a comp truck.
Why spend $20k plus to make it worth less. You'd be better of  spending $7k as a base for your project.

A bit like those "Pacific Rim" blokes. Why spend $20k plus on a RFSV when a $7k GS would have been just as good.

Other than that, your car, you do what you like.

[Notlongnow]

Thanks gents for the replies. I am in the process of buying a very original looking 6x6 - it looks the perfect base for a motorhome conversion, except that being so original I was concerned that it would be a form of vandalism. But I don't think it is a rare model, just a FFR Mortar Carrier, so maybe that is not so bad. Very excited about the purchase - I have had all sorts of Landies before, from 101, S2B forward control plus the usual Series and Deefers but never before a Perentie.

[Mick_Marsh]

Just a word of advice, of what I'd do if I was in your position, before I convert it, I'd take it for a few drives somewhere to make sure I'd be happy with a 6x6 and I'd take lots of detailed photographs of the Mortar Carriers features just in case I (or someone else) wishes to restore it in the future.
It may make it more saleable when you wish to move it on.

[303Gunner]

But I don't think it is a rare model, just a FFR Mortar Carrier, so maybe that is not so bad.

There were only 11 Mortar Carriers (http://www.remlr.com/ARN/ARN-110-Mortar.php), so what is it that you DO define as rare?

[Notlongnow]

Thanks Mick, good advice. If I did convert it, I wouldn't bin the parts removed and probably wouldn't make many changes that weren't reversible with the aid of a stack of photos.

But from what 303guuner says.... only 11 made, might have to re-think the idea.

[Phoenix]

only 11 Bushranger (Not Perentie) mortar vehicles were built, so certainly one of the more rare variants throughout all Australian Army and Rovers in general.   9 of the 11 Mortars have been sold at auction so far, 2 still in the army system.  So 1 of 8 out there if it is an original Mortar vehicle.

Also only 12 Bushranger Assault Pioneers, although some Bushranger IIMV's were also converted to Assault Pioneer as well.  All assault pioneers have been through the auctions or reduced to parts.

[Mick_Marsh]

Thanks Mick, good advice. If I did convert it, I wouldn't bin the parts removed and probably wouldn't make many changes that weren't reversible with the aid of a stack of photos.

But from what 303guuner says.... only 11 made, might have to re-think the idea.

In that case, it might be worth removing the module and storing it (if you can) and building the camper on the chassis.
Or building it on a new, flat aluminium tray. That could be made in such a way that the camper module could easily be removed and you have a useful tray when not touring/camping.
There are lots of ideas out there.