G'Day Ian,
You're right about the farmers. They have the most amazing things just sitting around. I'm already spreading the word amongst the 'cockys'.
Will be leaving for town in around 1hr, and i'll go straight to the battery place. They are really great people to deal with, so if there is any way they can help me, i know they will try.
I can't believe those old batteries would be used for ashtrays!!!! Good ol Australian ingenuity, eh.
I'll let you know how I go, this evening.