OKA 298

298


Did get a chuckle out of "OKAs have a virtually rust free body"

TH wrote: "OKAs have a virtually rust free body"

Virtual as in "virtual reality", ie seemingly but not actually real?

Hoping to have a look at this vehicle this coming weekend, so will be able to provide some feedback on the 'virtual' rust situation....

Anyone got any history on this vehicle?

Oka 298 used to be owned by Wayne Chadwick who was a member of the OOG (now apparently deceased).

These pics from one of the first Oka gatherings in Sydney in 2004 shows Oka 298 in a somewhat better state of repair...





...compared with now.



Looks like a good base for a camper renovation project if mechanical maintenance is as per the advert.

I reckon there is a good chance that the rear overhang (including the spare) exceeds the legal limit of 60% of the wheel base...????
It certainly looks more than #196 which is within a few mm of the limit.

I notice it looks a little long.

Very different rear body for sure. Doors etc.

Looks like it may be a good buy for someone.

Ok, so I will take a measuring tape as well.
wheelbase: 3045 so overhang (including spare) should be less than: 1824?

Thanks David

Looks like it was a fairly decent set up in it's day.

Renovators delight.

Does look a touch long in the tail end. If it's legal it would have a massive internal area to play with.

Lobo you reckon every oka is a good buy! lol I suppose you might be right... (about every oka, not just this one!)

An easy rule of thumb instead of measuring from the centre axle line (which can be sketchy), if you measure 4m from the rear of the front cab, that's about spot on max length (ie the join between the cab and camper body). Looking at where the tow bar is though i think it might be an optical illusion, it may scrape in. Either way, i'm not sure how important just the spare overhanging would be... If you're polite to the bloke who pulls you over (if anyone ever does, i haven't yet!) you should be right with a bit of a nose tap, wink and a nod.

Cheers, Alister

Well every OKA is a good buy, some are a great buys.

If this was brought for the 35k, it may be a good buy, if it was brought for 20k it would be a great buy, if it was 55k then it wouldnt be.......

However when anyone asks me about buying a OKA, I always tell them to allow at least 5k if not 10 for repairs,upgrades etc etc.

I have not seen an OKA for sale yet that needs something to be done.

It's had a NSW rego so presumably it was legal there at some time.

The lesser of 60% of the wheel base or 3.7m overhang is what I determine from this standard , part 2.

That standard also include widths and frontal extension limits.

Outback Jack wrote: Well every OKA is a good buy, some are a great buys.

I have not seen an OKA for sale yet that needs something to be done.

So far the only thing I have had to replace is master cylinder. I like driving it too much to start pulling it apart. Only minor issues in the camper, no mechanical issues, and they can wait. I want to pull the radiator out as a precaution.
Just rolled over 10,000kms since purchase.

True Tony, but as all of us, you wont be able to stop fiddling.

I think your changing the seats etc.

There will be things you will tinker with.


As for the mechanics or body etc, I am sure if you looked hard enough, there will be things needing to be done. Most probably they can wait.

Or maybe I am wrong.

Others here have a lot more experience than me buying OKAs, so maybe they will disagree with me......

Yep. It's a machine, things always break or wear out over time. That's the reason I hate flying.

Had a look last night as it was getting dark, so under torch light.

Overhang: 4000mm from back of cabin/twincab joint to end of spare wheel chassis extension. Spare wheel is clamped to this and projects further.
After visit vendor called and advised that there was a NSW roads sheet approving a modification ... listing says RTA approval of pop top (untested).
Rust: plenty .. looks like the twincab has had drivers side door relocated to passenger side, new cladding is galvanised, and lots of paint has come off this showing the galvanised sheet.
Original steel skin is rusty around the edges, and being pushed off frames by the rust. Rust inside doors is evident, and near lower hinge inside on drivers door almost see through.
Dash etc all pretty good
Engine started quickly and idled evenly, tacho worked.
Gearbox worked through the gears smoothly, without crunching. Stationary test.
Oil leak evidence on engine/gearbox/transfer/diffs/hubs ... vehicle has been sitting for some time.
Little if any coolant/water in catch tank.
Brake pedal firm, but evidence of fluid (maybe hub oil) on calipers.
Tyres 255/?/16 Michelin on 16" split rims, good spare.
Interestingly, capacity for twin front shocks, both fitted on rear, but only 1 fitted on each side on front, and one was the forward shock and other the rear one!
Shackle pins etc all seemed standard.
Interior needs gutting.
For a "VEHICLE WAS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL MECHANICALLY MAINTAINED AS DECEASED OWNER WAS FANATICAL" it looked very run down, and knocked about that did not really match the description.
Some of the interior fittings/camping furniture showed original carefully constructed, other bits were quite roughly built.

Hope this helps, in case any one is interested.

I think I'll keep looking for something that is less of a project!

Any one know what happen?

Hi OBJ, It went to Northern NSW, sold for $40k....I dont know new owner or if they are on forum.......anybody?

okapete.