Originally an Australian Defence Forces 6 x 6 general purpose cargo truck, our vehicle was modified in Victoria in 1992
by dismantling the original Army body and cabin and replacing this assembly with a bus superstructure capable of carrying
21 passengers plus driver. It was an individually constructed vehicle using the original 6x6 chassis and running gear .
Some modifications were made to safety items such as the fitment of a dual circuit braking system .
These trucks were built by International Harvester Co, at their Dandenong, Victoria, manufacturing plant.
In its heyday two assembly lines worked in tandem, with Army vehicles occupying one line,
and trucks for commercial use being produced on the other line.
The vehicles, both 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 were designed by ADE and put through their paces at the Army Engineering testing ground at Monegeetta.
The engine in these vehicles was available in the commercial vehicle, but only with a single carburettor.
Also, the army design with approval, led IHC to developing their first cab-over truck in Australia, which was known
as the AACO (Australian A Line Cab Over) series of vehicle, which was followed later by the ACCO (Aust C Line Cab Over)
At the time of puchase by Desert Sky Tours (1996), the vehicle had been fitted with an International 345 (V8) petrol/gas engine to replace the original
282 cubic inch 6 cylinder engine used by the Army, and was operating in the Coffs Harbour area under the name “All Terrain Tours”.
The original Army vehicle
Specifications included:
Transmission 5 Speed Constant Mesh (Fuller 5W - 43BT) Direct in Fifth
Axles Front 8400 lbs capacity Rear Bogie 17048 lbs capacity Ratio 7.166
Wheels/Tyres B8.00 x 20 3 piece single mounting 12.00 x 20,
Mechanical Steering Ross S 35
Suspension Leaf Spring
Electrical System 12 Volt - 60 Ah Battery
Chassis Number ADE6x61877
Engine Number 345CM2A013517X
Following purchase, an upgrade of the vehicle facilities included installation of refrigerant air conditioning, HF/UHF radios, and PA and sound systems.
The vehicle operated in this configuration until December 2003.
To The Present
Work commenced on 5th January 2004 to repower the vehicle with an Isuzu 6HEI overhead cam diesel engine,
together with 7 speed transmission (Isuzu MLD7.R)
The decision to convert was based on several factors:
The increasing difficulty in obtaining LRP fuel in the outback.
Age of existing engine and number of kms travelled.
Reliabilty of diesel engine in hot and dusty conditions.
The ability to install power steering, synchro mesh gear box, and exhaust brake.
The 7 speed Isuzu gear box was chosen to provide suitable ratios particularly at lower gearing and remain compatible with existing transmission.
The conversion was undertaken by Detrac Diesel of St Marys South Australia.
New specifications
Engine : Isuzu 6HEI o/head cam diesel. (Ex Isuzu FTR 800)
6 cylinder 7.127 Litre
The original Army vehicle
Interior of the vehicle is coach design - not separate box on rear of vehicle
enquiries@desertskytours.com