Ferret squadron for sale

[Ryan]

I'm sure I saw this collection for sale on milweb just a short while back but I can't seem to find the advert.

[Ian Pullen]

I remember it on Milweb too. I recall the asking price was $80k aust.
I wish them well.

[oztankboy]

CRIKIES $80k... tell them they are dreaming! I recon the only chance they have of getting that sort of money is to sell them as single vehicles.

Phil...

[Mike K]

I too received a brochure in the mail. Why on earth would anyone want a Ferret .. they are a dime a dozen in the UK . Almost impossible to work on , everything is nigh on impossible to get at .

I can recall them being around $1000 each at the Govt. auctions in 1975 ish.

[Douglas Greville]

Mike

Speaking as a Ferret owner, there are a lot of misconceptions around about them.
They are no more difficult to work on than any other Pommie armoured vehicle including the WW2 ones such as Daimler and Hummer and are easier to work on than any British tank other than Valentine.
The problems mostly start when people are too lazy to do the essential maintenance.

As to trying to sell 4 vehicles and spares as a "take it all" deal, then I too think they are going to be disappointed.

Regards
Doug

[oztankboy]

Talking about misconceptions and pomy vehicles...

On one occation when I drove a champ to a monthly meeting of the Qld Milt Jeep club had this one guy ranting that it takes 8 hours to change the spark plugs. I conceed it would take twice as long as a normal vehicle as you have to screw off the shielded leeds... but 8 hours? I made a mental note never to go to him for any automotive work, as he was a auto mechanic.

But also being a tank owner no armoured vehicle is easy to work on but if you approach it the right way and dont try and cut corners they aint too bad. Being also the owner of a 1 ton Humber the same goes for it too!

Phil...

[Douglas Greville]

Originally Posted by oztankboy

Talking about misconceptions and pomy vehicles...

On one occation when I drove a champ to a monthly meeting of the Qld Milt Jeep club had this one guy ranting that it takes 8 hours to change the spark plugs. I conceed it would take twice as long as a normal vehicle as you have to screw off the shielded leeds... but 8 hours? I made a mental note never to go to him for any automotive work, as he was a auto mechanic.

But also being a tank owner no armoured vehicle is easy to work on but if you approach it the right way and dont try and cut corners they aint too bad. Being also the owner of a 1 ton Humber the same goes for it too!

Phil...

Phil

I have repeatedly found the problem is that those who get into armour haven't done their homework. On more than one occasion I have talked new owners through the correct procedures for Ferret operation and maintenance and seen in their eyes they have absolutely NO intention of doing any of it.

That attitude may work with a Commodore for 100,000km, but it isn't going to fly with an armoured vehicles where everything is heavily loaded and
relies absolutely on everything being kept lubricated and adjusted.

These are also the same people who within a year or 2 want to sell their vehicle and I subsequently find out that the gearbox is stuffed or it had a blown hub or bevel box.

I have seen similar attitudes in aviation, the old saying "there are old pilots and there are bold pilots but there are no old bold pilots" is very apt.
It is as simple as reading the manual. But it is also a case of understanding the machine.

Recently I have had several phone calls from an owner of Pommie armour who wants me to solve his problems, but will not do any of the maintenance routines - surprise, surprise, he has had nothing but grief with it.
I can hear it in his voice, he doesn't say the words, but the attitude is unmistakably there "I am not interested in all that".

Regards
Doug