Join us for an adventure like no other as we attempt to resurrect a forgotten piece of South African motoring history.
While camping at Buffelsrivier Guest Farm earlier this year, the farm owner shared the story of an abandoned truck that has been sitting silently in a riverbed for over two decades. Once a hardworking farm vehicle, it was slowly retired, parked near the old farm houses, and eventually swallowed by bush, sand, and time. No one has tried to start it in more than 20 years — until now.
Led by Dieter, our convoy heads deep into the riverbed to track down the truck. Along the way, the soft sand quickly claims its first victim, reminding us that nothing about this journey will be easy. After setting up camp in the riverbed, we finally reach our destination — a 1960s Ford Thames Trader, weathered, rusted, and frozen in time.
With the help of a bush mechanic, recovery specialists, tyre experts, and a fully self-sufficient overland setup, we begin the process of bringing this old diesel back to life. From clearing thorn bushes and rebuilding dangerous split rims, to bypassing the fuel system and firing up a 6-cylinder diesel that hasn’t turned in decades, every step is a test of patience, skill, and determination.
But getting the engine running is only half the challenge. The real question remains — can this resurrected truck survive a 50km journey back to the main farmhouse, or will it finally surrender to the Karoo?
This is a story of history, adventure, mechanical grit, and the magic of the bush.
Sit back, enjoy the journey, and find out if this forgotten truck makes it home.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro: The Mission to Resurrect a Forgotten Truck
1:48 - Off-road Challenges: Navigating the Riverbed
6:16 - The Discovery: Examining the Abandoned 1960s Ford Thames Trader
8:12 - Bush Mechanics: Initial Site Clearing and Engine Assessment
9:58 - Repairs Begin: Fuel Systems, Filters, and Fan Belt Hacks
12:56 - Tire Recovery: Rebuilding Dangerous Split Rims
14:26 - Troubleshooting: Addressing Seized Clutch and Brakes
16:36 - The Big Wake-up: Bypassing the Fuel System and Starting the Engine
19:26 - Ingenuity: Creating a Makeshift Fan Belt and Battery Mounts
21:09 - First Drive: Moving the Truck After Two Decades
25:15 - Road Test: The 50km Journey to the Farmhouse
28:17 - Mission Accomplished: Reflecting on the Restoration Success
30:05 - Project Thank Yous and Credits
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0:59
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