Matt’s Hanging for a Truck Show

In-depth

1 Nov

Perusing Face book the other day, and I came across a post from one Matt Kane who was lamenting the loss of truck shows thanks to COVID 19, and how much he was looking forward to their return. He also posted a pic of his parked up LTL which is itching to get out to the next available gig (maybe Lancefield, Rob Green?)

While we can’t reproduce a truck show, we can at least give Matt’s LTL an outing on this website and at the same time throw up a couple of pics of his regular drive, the famous Jack Daniels Superliner…

The first time I met Matt was in 2011- yes, it was that long ago, mate - at the Castlemaine Truck Show where he brought along the well-known ‘Jack Daniels’ Mack SuperLiner. That beast is still in his brother’s business and Matt still hops behind its wheel on a regular basis.

“I’m happy driving for him - I don’t want his headaches,” said Matt.

At Lancefield this past February he turned up with a 1988 Ford LTL which he bought 12 months ago. “It’s an ongoing project,” he said at the time. “I’ll tidy up as time goes by.”

Matt is the 5th owner, having found the truck in Brisbane via Gum Tree. “It had a CAT in it, which is what I was after. It also runs a 15 speed and importantly, the rear end had been upgraded to airbags, which makes for a more comfortable ride. “I bought it sight unseen. I asked the owner what had become of the sleeper and he still had it. It was refitted before I picked it up”

Unwilling to specify the price, Matt declared the truck was a bargain. He has done up the bottom end with new guards, steps, rims and exhaust. The tanks have been repolished and flares added to the front arches to accommodate the fat drive tyres. He intends to leave the paintwork alone as it shows the truck’s history. That said, it’s in great condition for its age.

Prior to Matt’s ownership the truck was a daily drive, hauling fridge vans around Brissy. Before that it lived in Rockhampton, South Australia and Matt believes it started its working life in the Shepparton area. Ian Clarke, the second owner has been to see the rig recently. “He knew I was coming here to Lancefield so said he’d keep an eye out for it.”

Here you go, Ian. We’d hate to see you disappointed.

Matt relates that someone threw a brick at the windscreen while he was driving just before the show. “I didn’t see them at 5 AM. A new screen only went in yesterday. Luckily you can find windscreens for them. And it only cost me $260 which is the same price as a Ford territory. Go figure?”

Lancefield was the truck’s first outing, Matt only having gained a club permit two weeks before. “It was a damn good reason to join ATHS. I wish I’d done it long ago as they are a great bunch of blokes.”

Matt’s dream is to purchase a Krueger flat-top, load some gear on it and tarp it down. A nice reflection of the era. “Maybe one day.”

Matt’s parting comment in relation to the LTL was that it’s, “Good from afar but far from good.” We beg to disagree.