my 1940 Ford Truck | Erika Armstrong

The 1940 Ford Custom Pick-up Truck

'Hellbound Train'

Built by my Father Chris Armstrong and I, - Customized, sculpted, expertly refinished, and custom-painted with a flawless flow coat in 2005 (New Zealand). This project would not have been possible without the unwavering support and inspiration of an incredible woman—my mum. Rest in peace 2005.

Stop AFCA Silencing Consumers: Demand Fair Dispute Resolution Now

🚚 My Truck, My Story

A short intro: truck fire, repairs gone wrong, insurance dispute - AFCA now Court. - It’s affected my life and livelihood.

⚖️ The Fight for Fairness

Insurers and repairers mishandled things.
AFCA and the justice system are limiting evidence.
It’s not just about me—it’s about protecting other everyday consumers in Insurance, Banking and Finance.

✊ Why This Matters

Corporate accountability and fair treatment.
Insurance customers deserve honesty, repairs done properly, and policies that protect—not punish.

📢 How You Can Help

Sign and share the petition.
Spread awareness on social media.
Stay connected by following updates.

❤️ A Personal Note

Thank visitors for even reading.
Every bit of support—big or small—helps shine a light on the issue.

"If this story resonates with you, I’d be grateful for your support—whether by signing the petition, sharing the page, or simply helping spread awareness.

Together, we can push for fairness and accountability."

Sign Petition

🚨 My Story

In 2022, my car suffered an engine fire. The repairs carried out by Gold Coast Restorations Australia left my vehicle with major issues, which I believe were negligent. Since then, Metrix Insurance (under Allianz) has refused to take responsibility.

After more than a year with AFCA and no resolution—along with constant delays, accusations, and pushback from underwriters Steadfast and Dawes (all under Allianz)—the matter has now progressed to court, where I am preparing for trial.

The tactics have continued. Most recently, my insurance was not renewed stating “no-one in Australia would cover it in its current state”—despite the fact I had already been paying the full policy rates for over two years while the vehicle was laid up and unusable.

As a result, I remain without insurance to this day and was left without a working vehicle for more than a year. This had a terrible effect on my own business and the ability to gain work in my field. This hardship compounded and I faced significant losses - No one cared!

To further undermine my credibility under the policy, new accusations have been raised—most recently around the supposed “upkeep” of the vehicle... It relentless. The accusations. The silencing.

Follow the story and stand with me as I continue this legal fight to have the repairs properly addressed.

Depression Awareness Bike

2015 - Paint generously donated to Heavy Duty – Doc Robinson.

Rivet removal, panel repairs, shaping, and refinishing by Clayton Curnow.
Custom paint and final flow coat by me.

As a creative, I've often found myself teetering on the edge — one project away from being pulled back into that overwhelming, soul-dulling vortex of depression. A place where I lose myself… where my worth becomes tied to output, perfection, or the need to be needed.

But this project reminded me: creation can be healing. And sometimes, it's in the grit, sweat, and colour that I reclaim a little of myself.