Guys,

I have just done exactly what Jack wants to do to my HQ.

If you are smart about it, get on as many forums as you can and do some wheeling and dealing. I bought a HQ tonner for $500 and sold the cab for $300 and the chrome fuel pump for $100. The 253 then only owed me $100.

All I changed was the following:

* I had an Aussie 4 speed, so I just changed the bell housing and imput shaft.
* Radiator
* Radiator Shroud
* Brake Booster
* Front Springs
* Throttle Cable to Cable Linkage
* New Exhaust
* New Clutch & Pressure Plate
* Tailshaft and Diff

I know I have repeated myself to what some of you have wrote, but this is the exact list I changed. Absolutely nothing else. To be honest, I reckon I only forked out around $700. I painted every single componenet (that I didn't replace) and it looks like just out the factory.

Hope it helps.

Oh and do yourself a favour and knock out all the welsh plugs while the engine is out and flush out the engine. You will be surprised what is clogged up there. If you can afford it, its good to pull it apart and do an overhaul.

- - - Updated - - -

I also have the original 3 speed and bell housing if anyone wants it. I live in Wollongong just south of Sydney. 0435138978.