GPA wanted in Australia to build Half-Safe Replica

[Jan Thompson]

I had a report from Craig this morning and he has organised a mechanic and another person who is very familiar with GPA's to join him on Sunday. I plan to go and have a look so will post some photos on here after Sunday.

[Jan Thompson]

After reading reports from people who were negative about this project all I can say it has been a great success and will be seen in Sept or October on Channel 7. The program is called Sunday Night. The film crew have been over to the United States and interviewed one of the passengers, went across to the Guildford Grammar School in Perth and drove the original Half Safe and have watched Craig modify the GPA. This afternoon Alex Cullen, the reporter drove the replica into Pittwater and we were able to go out on a boat and watch the entire filming process during the afternoon. Rob, the mechanic did an amazing job to get the vehicle running well and any problems that arose today were quickly sorted out. A Maritime boat came over and checked out what was happening and I ended up being able to have a ride in the water.

I have posted some photos and we should see the vehicle at Corowa in March 2017.

[Jan Thompson]

Here are some more photos of the replica Half Safe

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Great to see that a GPA owner was found willing to convert his prized posession for this venture. I hope to see the documentary one day!

[lynx42]

Congratulations to all, the story of Half Safe is one everyone should read about the ideas and challenges of man against nature.

Is the new replica able to be returned to an ordinary GPA without much trouble?

The photos you have put up Jan shows a rounder bow, was the design taken off the original Half Safe? I seem to recall that Half Safe had a much pointier bow. Maybe it is the photo angle.

img035.jpg IMG_2394.jpg

Regards Rick.

[Jan Thompson]

Craig said he looked at the dimensions in the book and got something made to look similar. It will not take much to put the GPA back to its original state.

Craig started building a GPA a few years ago and after finding out that Channel 7 were looking for a vehicle to be made into a replica decided that he would add on the modifications needed. Within 5 months the vehicle was complete. The person who did the bodywork was skilled but held up the process with personal issues. Internally it looked similar and the cabin section is slightly smaller than the original. Most people wouldn't know the difference. He will take it to Corowa next March. Alex Cullen has the contact details of people in WA who were very accepting of the vehicle being driven around and photographed by the tv crew. In 2019 when we celebrate 40 years of the Corowa Swim-In we would be thrilled to get the vehicle back across the country. If anyone is able to assist with this please let me know.

In 1999 we had the enthusiasm of Bob Dimer and the generosity of Bob, Jenny and Budget which enabled it to leave WA. Many of our enthusiasts helped fund the costs involved.

[jeepfinger]

Hi Jan,
Have you any more details on when the programme will be shown? Do you think that it will be shown on Ytube anytime for us that live outside Australia?
Dave