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Old 20-06-2015, 11:19 PM   #1
Lorenz
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Default Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Hi everyone I have recently acquired a 1953 Mainline utility and desperately need any information that is available on this model ie. factory manual, parts suppliers etc.
I am really surprised by the apparent lack of information on this model seeings as it was produced here in Oz. All I know is that they were apparently assembled here in Oz using an Australian built flathead V8 and had the bodies constructed here on the convertible chassis sourced from USA.
Basically all I am after is all and any info on this car that will help me when working on it.
It has not been registered and run since 1986 so I am going through it completely and getting it back on the road for some adventures.
According to the previous owner it was taken to a NSW coach builder from new and converted to a camper. Should be fun.

Cheers!


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Old 21-06-2015, 03:01 PM   #2
Tonz
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

friggin 'ell that looks ugly now, but I wish you all the best in restoration, dont skimp on parts or equipment and dont rush the project.

sorry but I know diddly squat about these.
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Old 21-06-2015, 03:14 PM   #3
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Like the towbar incorporated in the front bumper !! I fitted one of those to my brothers Land Rover and he uses it a lot.
Not the prettiest looking machine but very practical for travel in outback areas or camping in s---house weather.
Saw a few variations last year and earlier this year in my travels through western NSW, western Qld and Tasmania.
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Old 21-06-2015, 09:13 PM   #4
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

^^^^ Mick Taylor eat your heart out.
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Old 22-06-2015, 04:15 PM   #5
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Saw this on eBay a while back.
It's a Frankenute for sure.
Flathead V8, 3 speed manual - heaps of parts available on eBay for them.
Same as Aussie Customline and similar to US model so you can get aftermarket brake hoses and cylinders, steering and suspension parts easy.
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Old 23-06-2015, 12:33 AM   #6
Lorenz
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Quote:
Originally Posted by snowcone View Post
Saw this on eBay a while back.
It's a Frankenute for sure.
Flathead V8, 3 speed manual - heaps of parts available on eBay for them.
Same as Aussie Customline and similar to US model so you can get aftermarket brake hoses and cylinders, steering and suspension parts easy.
Cheers mate - I see you own a '58 Customline do you have any leads on where to get a workshop manual etc. for my model?
The flatty and 3 speed certainly make those aspects a bit easier, I would love to find a manual for this somewhere so I can ID all the parts I need to replace.
Also, if anyone has a link or something to decode the VIN of these early Fords would be great my searches have been fruitless...
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Old 23-06-2015, 11:38 AM   #7
snowcone
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lorenz View Post
Cheers mate - I see you own a '58 Customline do you have any leads on where to get a workshop manual etc. for my model?
The flatty and 3 speed certainly make those aspects a bit easier, I would love to find a manual for this somewhere so I can ID all the parts I need to replace.
Also, if anyone has a link or something to decode the VIN of these early Fords would be great my searches have been fruitless...
Just keep watching eBay for stuff
You will have trouble getting manuals for the Australian models as Ford printed buggar all of them. You will have to use the Yankee books that turn up now and then. These cars were very basic and there isn't much in a manual that you can't fathom out for yourself. Yours was 6 volt but may have been converted to 12 volt. Very basic wiring and mechanicals on them.
Go onto US eBay and search for your goodies there.
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Old 23-06-2015, 08:35 PM   #8
Lorenz
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

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Originally Posted by snowcone View Post
Just keep watching eBay for stuff
You will have trouble getting manuals for the Australian models as Ford printed buggar all of them. You will have to use the Yankee books that turn up now and then. These cars were very basic and there isn't much in a manual that you can't fathom out for yourself. Yours was 6 volt but may have been converted to 12 volt. Very basic wiring and mechanicals on them.
Go onto US eBay and search for your goodies there.
Yeah for sure, its an incredibly basic car.
If anyone else is chasing old Ford stuff I have come across Macs Antique Auto Parts in the States and they seem to have a heap of stuff for early 50's Fords and Mercurys which should hopefully match Australian Customline and Mainline models...
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Old 23-06-2015, 08:45 PM   #9
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Oh, an early '53 Winnebago............
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Old 23-06-2015, 09:36 PM   #10
XR Martin
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Default Re: Information needed! 1953 Mainline Utility

Isnt there an XW ute getting around with a similar camper?
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