In episode three of NTIs ‘Green Diamond’ in the rough truck restoration video series, the team recapped on the journey so far, including the sensational response the old Inter got at the Brisbane Truck Show.
The NTI boys Don and Peeter, who you’ll be familiar with by now, hit the Iveco workshops in Brisbane to pull the old girl apart and get their hands dirty stripping the cab and body for panel beating.
The cab is off, and in this episode truck repairer Royans is doing the panel beating and getting the exterior of the little Inter looking as good as new.
Royans manager Barry Blomeley ensures us this Inter will keep them all on their toes.
“As we get into the process of the repair there will be a few surprises…it’ll be a good little challenge for them,” Barry said.
Barry explains that they’re in the process of analysing the original colour by scanning panels, and so far it looks to be a glossy dark green.
Why go for the original colour? Well Peeter makes it clear, the team want to get this restoration right and for them that means a truck that looks like it did in 1946 when it first hit the road.
“The truck will be as close to original as we can get it,” Peeter insisted.
Don emphasises in this episode that the restoration isn’t simply a matter of swapping out tired old parts for shiny new ones; a lot of custom fabrication work has been needed.
“There’s some real metal work and old fashioned craftsmanship…I think people will be pretty impressed,” Don said.
“Engine, gearbox, radiator, body panels, all of that stuff is starting to come back and putting it together will be extremely exciting, but also full on because we have that time frame to meet.
“It really is going to be a race to the finish line,” he said.
Of course, the primary focus of this restoration documentary series is to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) through the MND and Me foundation, following the diagnosis of former NTI CEO Wayne Patterson.
MND and Me CEO Paul Olds emphasises in this episode just how important this project is for raising awareness, something that takes us one step closer to a cure.
“This is a great project because number one, it’s obviously going to raise funds to help people with motor neurone disease, but number two, it’s the awareness,” Paul said.
“Having this truck will really spread the word because obviously it’s going to capture the attention of the community.
“The more people that know about MND, the closer we get to finding a cure and getting better support out there.”
To purchase raffle tickets and support MND and Me Foundation, click here.