62 replies to this topic

[Gadgets]

Hi Sal

We could encourage others to restore vans, they are out there but in general pretty shabby (from my experiuence) generally worked to death. People / enthusiasts like us keep these wonderful vans alive. Lets face it there is not many that do not enjoy seing a Mini van on the road.

I asked Matt recently about a van section on here, perhaps others could also do the same.

We could learn from each other, ask questions, and ideas, find out what our vans are now being used for, any mods that we have, any spares that we hear of and of course share this with the rest of TMF membership.

If enough ask it might happen?
Cheers
Garry

[Teapot]

There is an embarrassment of vans in our club. Two are actually on the road.
Here is the one being restored (formerly a true passion wagon as the inside was purple and fur-lined)
while under the sheet behind it is the second, and out the back is the third.
Do we win the lollipop?

[Gadgets]

Nice pension fund you have there Teapot!
Oooh I can just see it now a convoy of Mini vans, which reminds me I must get around to installing my CB.

10 10 till we do it again and all that!

[SAL 821X]

ew. ew. ew! Teapot more pictures of the AA yellow van thats how I want mine... its currently blue and being restored.


Sorry for the thread hi-jack Garry.

Matt

[SAL 821X]

Also where would one go about asking such questions?

- Nevermind wasn't looking hard enough.

Questions posed in a round about way I guess.

http://www.theminifo...pickup-related/

Edited by SAL 821X, 07 February 2013 - 02:15 PM.

[Gadgets]

Please can admin move this to Mini variants restoration?

[Bungle]

just click report and a moderator will find it

[brum,brum,mike]

very nice van!

Out of interest, if you where to get spares for your 1929 Austin where would you go?

Mike

[Gadgets]

Thanks brum brum mike

R u coming down to our somerset fundraiser www.retrofundraising.co.uk ?

Heavy austin spares: depends what I need but over the years I have got a fair bit of autojumbles etc, clutch, brake linings, spark plugs,exhausts, timing chains, steering link ends track rod ends,you can get from the vintage austin register, repoduction spares are made by austin repro in poole, alloy water jacket castings, door handles, radiators, wiper blade etc, but body panels, wheels, windscreens, glass are almost impossible to find now.

Are you looking to step back into the austin vintage era then?

Cheers
Garry

[Gadgets]

I have replaced front rubber cones with new Moulton ones (that was a nice job to do) fitted hi los, on the rear I already fitted coil overs so now have all round adjustments.

Now have room for front wheel clearance.

Van is now in mates bodyshop waiting for floor repairs as I dont have mig welding kit for 2 patches of floor heel tin worm. Arches will be fitted then fingers crossed back to me for carpet and sound proffing, I also have to sort blowing exhuast joint at branch, fit new oil seal on gear linkage change oil at that time, bleed brakes again and that should be it ready for an mot test (unless I have missed something) strange after so many months odd hour here and there working on van to see it is not here! I miss my little van...

No room at the inn for my wheels! before new rubber cones and hi los.


Now we have room with new cones and hi los fitted!


Here you can see the old and new cones



Jim waiting at Bodyshop (with Rosie in back ground) to have bit of floor welded and wood & Picket arches fitted.


Next photos will hopefully be with wood & Picket arches and suspension levels adjusted to suit. (still waiting for Perfomance to deliver the centre wheel caps)

Edited by Gadgets, 26 February 2013 - 07:17 PM.

[brum,brum,mike]

Thanks brum brum mike

R u coming down to our somerset fundraiser www.retrofundraising.co.uk ?

Heavy austin spares: depends what I need but over the years I have got a fair bit of autojumbles etc, clutch, brake linings, spark plugs,exhausts, timing chains, steering link ends track rod ends,you can get from the vintage austin register, repoduction spares are made by austin repro in poole, alloy water jacket castings, door handles, radiators, wiper blade etc, but body panels, wheels, windscreens, glass are almost impossible to find now.

Are you looking to step back into the austin vintage era then?

Cheers
Garry

Just wondering really,

I work at a garage where Alderton Austin Services are based so get to see alot of vintage austins in for reapirs etc.

I would love a vintage austin, especially and Austin 7 chummy

Vans looking great again!

[SAL 821X]

Looking good Garry.

[Gadgets]

Van now in bodyshop. Front Wood & picket arch fitted.


My van had no rear arch flanges to attach the W&P arches to! So Dan "the man" has made up this and grafted it to the side of the van. We now have a flange to attach the Wood & Picket arches to.



His first baby is due this week so I may have to wait now for his paternity leave!

I fitted a genuine Maniflow Fletcher LCB exhaust last week as it ws so much easier with van on the 4 post lift!

Next job once arches are completed and painted is the MOT! (I can not wait to get Jim on the road)

Edited by Gadgets, 15 April 2013 - 04:45 PM.

[Gadgets]

In the booth for 2 coats shiny black paint on rear qtr panel and where rear arch fabrication carried out, then this afternoon fit the Wood & Picket arches on. seats in and fingers crossed MOT tomorrow!

Edited by Gadgets, 18 April 2013 - 12:46 PM.

[Gadgets]

Headlights are high as I now have to wait for the new front rubber cones to settle /drop a tad.  Whilst driving it to rolling road for tune up I had a total short, main battery burnt by the exhaust pipe after 4 miles. Towed it to local auto electrical enginner who also sorted intermittant indicators which have always been a pain during the resto. Problem was a poor power feed to the ignition switch (nothing I had done LOL). All sorted now and off to the rolling road for tune up next week.