280 replies to this topic

[ChrisCityE]

Been doing this thread on another forum and keeping the photo's updated on Flickr, but I might get some decent information from people about my Van on here aswell.

I downsized my car collection from my 90bhp Imp and Mini



And instead bought this:









It was pretty rough all over, but for 51 years old that was to be expected.

[ChrisCityE]

Dropped the subframes out:








Put it on some frames:




Then it was time to start working:

[ChrisCityE]

The front wings aren't great, but I was more interested in the condition of the front panel.

[ChrisCityE]

Unfortunately progress is slow at the moment as I cannot get into the garage to work on it. The Mk2 is the priority.

[g111mds]

nice project.

[Mad Max]

Nice project, got a fairly solid start

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

That Imp looks amazing

[jagman.2003]

Good looking project..!

[mk3 Cooper S]

Nice project.

I have a very simular 1961 Van project to start. Austin or morris?

[attachment=123620:post-47285-1297812577_thumb.jpg]

Edited by mk3 Cooper S, 09 March 2012 - 02:15 PM.

[ChrisCityE]

This one is Austin, it will be going back together as original as I possibly can.

[mk3 Cooper S]

Yes mine will be rebuild as original also. Mine is a Morris.
I think the structure has faired a little better than yours from the looks of the photo's , I rescued it from it's barn storage where it had been slumbering since 1971 and it is very original - as yours looks.

What are the large round holes in the floor for?

Do you know numbers or early vans left? Values, clubs/regesters etc

[madboy]

looks like a nice little collection you have there,van looks a cracker

[ChrisCityE]

Yes mine will be rebuild as original also. Mine is a Morris.
I think the structure has faired a little better than yours from the looks of the photo's , I rescued it from it's barn storage where it had been slumbering since 1971 and it is very original - as yours looks.

What are the large round holes in the floor for?

Do you know numbers or early vans left? Values, clubs/regesters etc

Sounds like you've picked up a great project there then. Unfortunately my Van, whilst original, is missing a few bits.

I am not sure the exact reason for the large holes in the floor, I have read suggestions that they were for letting paint out of the shell whilst at the factory. How true that is I am not sure, so the usual take it with a pinch of salt. They were fitted with a piece of metal that was flat except for a lip around the edge which allowed it to fit tightly in/on the floor.

As far as numbers go, I used the "howmanyleft" website and it suggested 100 Austin mini 850cc Vans left, I can't remember Morris stats. Obviously though that works on SORN and Tax, so there are potential barn finds like your own that possibly never went through the SORN process so are in hiding from the DVLA system.

[minifcd]

Could the holes be jig location point holes as with the smaller holes on the saloons? I have a jig diagram for saloons that take measurements from the centre of the holes using cones to check alignment but nothing for a van, so can't confirm this. They're a bit large if they are though.

[Bean]

I recognise that red Mini, but no idea why!