× Welcome to the OKA forum!

Tell us and our members who you are, what you like and why you became a member of this site.
We welcome all new members and hope to see you around a lot!

New Member- Alan Jugovic

More
02 Mar 2018 18:43 #1 by alanj
alanj created the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Good evening everyone (or afternoon depending on where you may be. My name is Alan. I'm the proud new owner of Oka330. Also a very proud new member of this exclusive group of people.

I understand that I'm supposed to introduce myself and share a little bit of my Oka related experience.

Personal

I'm from Murrumbateman which is a town between Yass and Canberra. I have a small backpackers hostel in Canberra, a motel in Merimbula (a coastal town on the Sapphire Coast) as well as a small tour operation designed mainly to get backpackers out exploring the region.

The main vehicle to get out and about has been a Troopcarrier, but it hasn't really been up to the task (I imagine a couple of Oka owners may be snickering at this moment). To be fair, the Troopy has been really good but it certainly doesn't have firstly the comfort (we call it Bumpy for good reason) or the raw appeal that the Oka has.

I have admired Oka's for a long time but didn't get the opportunity to buy until now. I did recently look at a green Oka bus that spent time travelling between Cairns and Canberra but was concerned with it's mechanical condition and the amount of rust that appeared to be hiding in it. The mechanic who checked over it said it would be a money pit.

Oka 330 came on the market a few weeks ago and I didn't waste time getting a pre-purchase inspection. It has a reasonable amount of rust in the body panels. Apart from that it's perfect! I have all the gear to cut out and re-weld the rust problems so buying it was a no-brainer.

Oka330 Background

I understand this is the first time Oka330 has been on the register. It started life as dual cab but was then converted to a van with 7 seats, solar panels, and a bunch of good bits by the gentlemen with the know-how in WA.

To my knowledge, the owner who had it converted loved it and drove it for 10-15 years but unfortunately fell ill. His wife then sold it to the next owner who used it as a family camper for the next 12 years. They moved to Port Macquarie and the Oka sat unregistered for a couple of years. That's when he advertised it for sale.

Purchase price was $32,000 which I think was a pretty good deal. I got a temporary permit, flew up and drove it the longest way back home (14 hours of driving in total). Amazingly it didn't miss a beat even though it had barely run for a few years.

Oka330 Future

This is the part I ask a little advice from people with the know-how. It is currently a van with a GVM of 5500kg. It weighs about 4700kg with all the bells and whistles. I would really like to squeeze in 14 seats like the bus if possible even though it falls a little short on GVM. That way I can get more backpackers into exploring the region in real style.

I upgraded the Troopy's GVM by installing bigger springs and adjustable air bags before engineering it to to carry more weight.

My question is can I do the same with the Oka? If not, I'm happy to just add 4 more seats and make it an 11 seater.

Why is the Oka bus rated to 6,000kg when everything else is 5,500kg?

Sorry in advance for the long-winded intro and questions.

I have added a photo of the Beast. You should be able to see Oka330 next to her... (I fear I'm really going to regret that one when wifey sees it).

I look forward to reading through the forum and getting to know some of you guys.

Regards,

Alan.
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 04:31 #2 by 210greg
210greg replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
welcome glad to see another in our area 210 and 366 live in Moruya as well as two others close by also 1 in yass call in you show me yours and I will show you ours
Greg

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 10:12 #3 by Frank
Frank replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Welcome.
You appear to have the very early shorter bus body, 4th window is smaller than the rest it appears.

Frank & Christine Thomas

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 10:53 #4 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Very interesting Greg, I sometimes take people to Bendethera Valley via Moruya. Do you ever venture in that way with the OKA? Have you exited via Mt Dampier FT at all?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 10:55 #5 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
You're right Frank. The 4th window is smaller and is a single panel so it can't be opened. I understood that to be the 'van' shape which looks like the bus only a little shorter.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 11:37 #6 by 210greg
210greg replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Yes have been out to Beny several time it is a top spot but have only gone in and out from down here. There are some serious traks about if you go looking. From Bodalla up to Cooma thru the hills is a great drive.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
03 Mar 2018 11:45 - 03 Mar 2018 12:01 #7 by dandjcr
dandjcr replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic

alanj wrote: Oka330 Future

This is the part I ask a little advice from people with the know-how. It is currently a van with a GVM of 5500kg. It weighs about 4700kg with all the bells and whistles. I would really like to squeeze in 14 seats like the bus if possible even though it falls a little short on GVM. That way I can get more backpackers into exploring the region in real style.

Alan.


Alan, it can and has been done a few times.

No doubt you'll get a few replies but while you're waiting check out these posts on the subject: here and here .

The other school of thought is that several, maybe many Oka's set forth on extensive trips somewhat over their GVM rating, (commonly due to large fuel and water loads), on the basis that the vehicles are plenty strong enough and fuel and water usage will progressively lighten the load. If your Oka is in good physical condition, ie suspension, hubs and tyres, a temporary overload may be acceptable. I suspect most (legally licenced) tour busses filled with 13 heavy passengers and their packs (well over a tonne) plus another 1/2 tonne of vehicle necessities and often towing a heavy trailer, would have been over their GVM/GCM limits.

Even if you don't get the GVM increased, checking/upgrading spring ratings, suspension pins, brakes and steering gear would be a great investment anyway. These are the mechanical areas most at risk of problems.

BTW, what's that protrusion from the right rear hub of your Oka? Is it an axle shaft upgrade or just an LT variant? Doesn't look familiar.

David

David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
Last Edit: 03 Mar 2018 12:01 by dandjcr.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
04 Mar 2018 17:54 #8 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Indeed David, I'm sure many do go over the their limit. That's why I put the extra effort into getting the troopy upgraded. To make sure there was no issue. It took about a year to all the necessary licensing to operate the business. It would be a crying shame for it to fall over due to a weight issue.

I was told the Oka did have an axle upgrade so I'm guessing that what the protrusion is.

The posts you pointed out were useful. Can you tell me if suspension, steering and brake gear is difficult to find? I think I'll take up your advice and look at upgrading over time. One of the GVM posts also points out that the main difference between the two GVM's is the extra leaf that wraps the pins. Can I order extra springs locally or do I need to contact a specialist in WA?

You can see I'm still pretty green with all of this.

Alan.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 08:39 #9 by Paul Scherek
Paul Scherek replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
For what it is worth, I have an Oka that seems to be perfectly standard but is registered as 7,000 kgs GVM.

Presumably someone in the past had an engineer certify it for the higher GVM. Not sure how they got by the axle loadings!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 09:46 #10 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Hi there Paul, I noticed that Oka's appear to have a GCM of 7,000kg which includes the trailer. If your GVM alone is 7,000kg then it must have had some significant upgrades to add a ton +. I'd love to know what that was if at all possible. Are there any engineer's papers or mod plates on it?

Alan.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 09:52 #11 by Paul Scherek
Paul Scherek replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Hi Alan, No mod plate, but the rego papers list the GVM as 7,000 kgs. It may be that it has lost a mod plate, or (unlikely but possible) that the rego dept made a typo error that has been perpetuated over the years. It was like this when I bought it some years ago and it would be very difficult to trace back through the owners.
Cheers,
Paul

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 11:22 #12 by PeteFox
PeteFox replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Oka 266 has a mod plate for a GVM of 6600kg and GCM of 8400kg, i.e. an increase of 20%.
No mods were done to 266, just a brake test and and 305r 19.5 tyres are required.
Pete

Pete Fox OKA266 MultiCab
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.byles.net/www.oka4wd.com/forum/membe...oka-266?limitstart=0

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 15:32 #13 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Thanks Pete, that actually arms me with very interesting information. I'll speak to the engineer soon and raise your discussion. It would be great to get it across the line that way.

Alan.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 19:00 #14 by MichaelLHession
MichaelLHession replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
HI Alan,

Your OKA was originally owned by Bob and Sue Etherington. Bob was a very enthusiastic OKA owner, sadly he passed away a few years ago. I have spoken to Sue, and she is happy for me to pass on her contact details, if you would like to talk to her. If so, contact me on 02.98095754 (bus Hours), 0414.980.957 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (note there are two l's). The email might be best as It allows me time to get her details together.
Michael Hession

Michael Hession
OKA 160

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
05 Mar 2018 19:14 #15 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Wow, thanks for that Michael. I'm genuinely impressed by this site and the people using it. I have to say that when the previous owner told me the story about the Etheringtons and then shared his own passion for the Oka, I almost felt like I was being handed a torch rather than buying a vehicle.

There's a lot of emotional attachment to them isn't there? I admired them for a long time and was so happy to finally get one. By the time I finally got it home, I felt quite attached to it and couldn't wait to commence working on it.

They certainly grow on you.

Alan.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
06 Mar 2018 05:17 - 06 Mar 2018 05:20 #16 by dandjcr
dandjcr replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic

PeteFox wrote: Oka 266 has a mod plate for a GVM of 6600kg and GCM of 8400kg, i.e. an increase of 20%.
No mods were done to 266, just a brake test and and 305r 19.5 tyres are required.
Pete


Pete, I've edited your signature link to your 266 Members Page so it now works.

There's a lot of very useful info contained therein on this topic and your other early developments, except for some photos which are stuffed up by Photobucket. That has become a real PITA and I can no longer extract the photos. You should be able to edit your post and re-add the originals, or I can help.

David

David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
Last Edit: 06 Mar 2018 05:20 by dandjcr.
The following user(s) said Thank You: PeteFox

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
06 Mar 2018 06:03 #17 by PeteFox
PeteFox replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
I’ve attached a photo of the mod plate for those interested
Pete

Pete Fox OKA266 MultiCab
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.byles.net/www.oka4wd.com/forum/membe...oka-266?limitstart=0
Attachments:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
06 Mar 2018 06:41 - 06 Mar 2018 07:24 #18 by dandjcr
dandjcr replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
[quote="alanj" post=15451
The posts you pointed out were useful. Can you tell me if suspension, steering and brake gear is difficult to find? I think I'll take up your advice and look at upgrading over time. One of the GVM posts also points out that the main difference between the two GVM's is the extra leaf that wraps the pins. Can I order extra springs locally or do I need to contact a specialist in WA?
Alan.[/quote]

Alan, springs can and probably should be upgraded for strength and reliability as they can break. Local spring specialists can probably help to reset and/or remake spring packs. The current thinking is to replace the top 2 leaves with thicker 10mm leaves (and we added a 3rd wrap around top leaf after breaking one). You could also consider fitting airbags to spread the load and provide "anti-sag" ride adjustment.

Suspension pins should definitely be upgraded from the original 16mm to 20 or 25mm diameter as the original design is pretty weak and replacing one on the side of a remote track is not much fun. Big job but doable and kits are available for both.

The prime source of Oka-specific spares and upgrade parts would be Dean Robinson at Oka Parts in Perth or Paul Nott at East Coast Oka in Melbourne.

There are other sources of parts too, locally and overseas, but they generally need some sleuthing out. Best to post a request on the forum or do a forum search as most things will have been discussed at some time. One thing's for sure, you won't find many Oka relevant parts at local car parts emporiums (ARB/Supercheap etc), most will never have heard of an Oka. There are some exceptions though, eg, I found Bendix brake parts and had callipers overhauled at Power Brakes in Adelaide, bearings, seals, UJs and rod ends can be sourced from local suppliers, once you know the part numbers, and truck parts suppliers can sometimes offer Oka equivalent parts. There is also a local steering parts supplier.

Buying from overseas (mainly the US) is always an option and often quite economic, for driveline and axle parts for the Dana axles and transfer case parts since they were used on many US vehicles. Gearbox parts are becoming rare since they were never very common.

An Oka is a pretty durable vehicle but major failures can and do happen. Apart from mechanical inspections, listening for clanks or knocks from the steering, driveshafts and axles provides a good indication of problem areas but difficulties in changing gear is probably a gear shaft adjustment problem.

Hope that helps.

David

David and Janet Ribbans - Oka 148
Oka148 profile here.
Visit our technical and travel blogs: here.
Last Edit: 06 Mar 2018 07:24 by dandjcr.
The following user(s) said Thank You: alanj

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
07 Mar 2018 06:53 - 07 Mar 2018 06:57 #19 by outyonda
outyonda replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
[quote="alanj"

I'm from Murrumbateman which is a town between Yass and Canberra. I have a small backpackers hostel in Canberra, a motel in Merimbula (a coastal town on the Sapphire Coast) as well as a small tour operation designed mainly to get backpackers out exploring the region.

Oka 330 came on the market a few weeks ago and I didn't waste time getting a pre-purchase inspection. It has a reasonable amount of rust in the body panels. Apart from that it's perfect! I have all the gear to cut out and re-weld the rust problems so buying it was a no-brainer.

Alan, the rust is A factory malfunction !
they used RHS cab frame & galvanised panels, then spot welded & painted over top without treating welds or cuts for rust.
you can bodge it up & dulux overhaul or do it proper job!!
Dean at OKA Parts Aus 0418 943730 has all the panels, laser cut & stamped witch you Stikaflex on, no weld's.
I have A couple here that have been patched up & home made panels that don't fit ; rust back again after 2 years.

The moral of story is do job right first timf, it's cheaper & better.

Oka330 Background

I understand this is the first time Oka330 has been on the register. It started life as dual cab but was then converted to a van with 7 seats, solar panels, and a bunch of good bits by the gentlemen with the know-how in WA.

To my knowledge, the owner who had it converted loved it and drove it for 10-15 years but unfortunately fell ill. His wife then sold it to the next owner who used it as a family camper for the next 12 years. They moved to Port Macquarie and the Oka sat unregistered for a couple of years. That's when he advertised it for sale.

Bob done A good job & you got A good OKA for your money.

Purchase price was $32,000 which I think was a pretty good deal. I got a temporary permit, flew up and drove it the longest way back home (14 hours of driving in total). Amazingly it didn't miss a beat even though it had barely run for a few years.


I look forward to reading through the forum and getting to know some of you guys.

Regards,

Alan.[/quote]

there is a post on forum, Dulux overhaul of A fixit job

cheers Brett 0429 831040

OKAs 091, 093, 094, 113, 346x6 & 405
Last Edit: 07 Mar 2018 06:57 by outyonda.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
07 Mar 2018 09:11 #20 by alanj
alanj replied the topic: New Member- Alan Jugovic
Hi Brett,

I think that we may have spoken when I was looking at the green Oka. You were very helpful and knowledgable. Indeed, I couldn't be happier with Oka330.

I wasn't aware of the panels and will definitely be looking at that as the preferred option. There is some rust in a lot of the panels. One significant point of rust is in the roof between the body and the cab. Do you know if skins are available for the roof section? It may end up being almost a complete panel overhaul.

I understand you have quite a few Okas. You wouldn't happen to have some seats you'd be willing to sell? I have spoken to a couple of people about seats and they do seem to be available in WA. Only problem is getting them from there to NSW.

Alan.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum