Congratulations on being selected for Auszookers Zook Owner of the Month!
How does it feel being honoured with the nomination for Z.O.O.M. 2014?
Quite surprised but thanks SierraDan for the nomination!
So tell us about yourself. Who are you, What's the meaning to your username, Where do you live, and what do you do for a living?
My name is Kevin, living in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. My username basically just reflects my year of birth and well I'm a fan of zooks. Quite lame
I'll be finished my mechanical engineering degree in a couple of months and I'm currently working at an open cut Glencore mine in Queensland.
How did you get started in Suzuki's & how many have you owned?
When I was about twelve or thirteen I begrudgingly went to my first four wheel drive competition. Once I got there and saw what it was about I wanted to be a part of it. When it was time to start learning to drive it had to be a four wheel drive and a Sierra was about the best thing out there in my price range, plus I liked to be a bit different.
After my first one, I got another for spare parts, then another, then another. I've had around 10 Sierra's including Larry and Lazareth which is my long term project.
Then I met my girlfriend who drove a current model GV and after taking it to Fraser and to work I wanted one of them as a daily instead of the Sierra I had. Picked up a 07 GV Prestige which now sports some muddies and a roof basket but otherwise just stock and very nice for long distance driving.
I directed my studies towards suspension design which got me interested in IFS. I wanted something I could play around with adjustable suspension for some practical knowledge so I picked my 99 GV and plan to race it later this year. Follow along with the build!
How long did it take you to build your zook to what it is today?
I got Larry back in 2008, still got it now but it's a little more bent. The LWB (Lazareth) was purchased in 2013 but hasn't got very far due to working out of town.
The two Grand Vitara's were purchased this year.
Any changes in store for your Suzuki?
New chassis for Larry so it can be restored to his former glory
Lazareth needs to be built. Worst part of working out of town is not having time for this project.
Daily GV will be fairly basic maybe an awning, a second battery, ARB bullbar and some additional lighting.
What has been your best modification?
Power steering on my sierra was probably the best thing that happened to it. It wasn't a huge capability increase but the drivability just made it so much nicer to drive. Of course gearing and lockers is about the best thing for capability.
What has been your worse modification?
Extended shackles. Seemed to bend rear springs at will with only inch longer shackles in the rear of Larry.
If you could have anybody else's zook, who's would it be and why?
Would be a hard choice between 31zook's Jimny or Piggles. Very different vehicles but both built for functionality which looks very good.
What has been your best 4wding trip?
Best trip would have been my first competition. Very challenging terrain with plenty of variety.
Really looking forward to the first trips out in both the competition vehicles in the build stage!
If you could go to any place in the world to wheel, where would that be?
Johnson Valley, US. KOH is definitely on the bucket list.
Who are you closest to in the auszooker's community?
Being in CQ I haven't really met most of the guys on here. In honesty I'd say I'd be closest to 31zook, the only member I talk to outside of the board.
Tell us what the wheeling is like in your area?
It's a bit of everything here. We don't have much in the way of rock but lots of creek beds, hill climbing, mud, water crossings and a bit of flat tracking between more challenging spots.
What other toys/hobbies do you put a lot of time into?
Other hobbies? Between work, life and Suzuki's there's not a lot of time to put into anything else.
I restored a 76 Gemini a few years ago which I was driving too and from uni but it has sat relatively unused for far too long.
What is it about the auszookers that brings you back for more?
The tech is what brought me here. Back then it was a very small member group but it taught me a lot and I got enough confidence to try things and understand what I was doing with my car.
I still come for the tech but I can contribute with a bit of knowledge now. The buildups on this site still provide inspiration and ideas plus it's always good for a laugh.
What about the auszookers forum would you like to see changed?
Less useless Jimny build thread updates
That might have fixed itself with the last tantrum I read though
Now for the million dollar question, who do you select to be the next Z.O.O.M. & why?
?????? Mystery at this stage ????????
Also guys, apologies for the lack of pictures. I promise they will come, things have come up and this has been a bit rushed unfortunately.
