[Dianaa]

This request was forwarded to the REMLR forum:

"Dear Blitz parts collectors,

Could you please put the following story into any newsletter that you think aapropriate. If people are able to help or forward the letter onto possible contacts it would be greatly appreciated.

The Hill End Rural Fire Service needs your help for a 1942 Ford Blitz Restoration!
While I know many of us military vehicle enthusiasts have parts, vehicles and bits’n’pieces just waiting for the day we start our restoration, now is your chance to help a group of volunteers complete a restoration project.

The Blitz Is Back

In July 2004 the Hill End Brigade brought their original Fire Tender back to Hill End. The Blitz had spent a number of years in a paddock on a property on the Bridle Track, about 12km from Hill End. Brigade members undertook the recovery with the assistance of Hill End Police. After some preparation to ensure a safe journey the convoy made its way along the narrow winding road crossing the Turon River.
The Ford Blitz came to Hill End fifty four years ago following the big fire of 1958, it was the first vehicle the Brigade had.
Research indicates the Blitz is a Ford Canada, Canadian Military Pattern Vehicle, and Model F60s 30cwt 4 x 4 with a type 13 cabin manufactured in 1942. The water tank was built and added by Engineering Products Pty Ltd of Burnley, Vic. There are also indications that parts of the cabin may have been built in Australia.
The Brigade believes the Blitz is the single most important item of history it has, and as such, the Brigade is determined to see the Blitz take its place among the buildings and history of the Hill End Historic Site. It is intended that the Blitz will be the centrepiece of a museum that the Brigade is in the process of putting together.

The proposed museum will chart the Brigades history from the early days to the present and recognise the efforts of its voluntary members, the equipment they used and their contributions to the Hill End district.
While maintaining changes that were made by the Brigade, it is intended to sympathetically restore the Blitz to full working order. The Blitz will not be ‘locked away’ once restored but used for Hill End celebrations, Anzac Day commemorations and similar occasions. Those of us who had anything to do with restorations will know projects such as this take time, effort, care and skill.
The restoration is close to completion and it is at this stage that the Hill End RFS is calling on YOUR help to bring the Blitz back. With restorations there are often one or two items that are hard to find. Such is the case with the Hill End RFS Blitz. The volunteers have looked high and low, near and far and have managed to find, use and restore all but a handful of important parts.
Please help!

If you have any of the following parts that you would consider donating to the project please get in touch with us now. I realise that these items are scarce and valued by owners but you would be helping out with a great cause.
The Hill End Rural Fire Service is looking for the following parts;
1 Bonnet catch, Steering wheel with horn centre, All rubber boots (gearbox, handbrake, 4x4 lever)
2 mirrors and 1 arms, 3 gear stick knobs, 1 rear window 790x 245, 1 wiper blade

If you are able to help in any way please contact;
Robert Anderson – Retired Captain HE RFS 63378275
Or Jim Shanahan – Senior Deputy Captain HE RFS 63378239 email: rfs@hillend.net

Thank you! Chris G"