18 replies to this topic

[Vanman20]

Here's my recently purchased Mini van.

Built in 1982 and restored a few years ago by the previous owner and fitted with a few upgrades including an MG Metro engine + gearbox,8.4" disc brakes and 12" Supalight wheels

 

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[Vanman20]

I intend to make various changes and what I consider improvements, as time goes by

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

What's the interior like?

[Vanman20]

What's the interior like?

I'll be taking it into work next week to overhaul the brakes.....failed mot.....so I'll take some pictures.Emissions were running at 9% too!Supposed to have been rolling road tuned,maybe someone altered it afterwards.Down to 2.5% now and running smoother.
Managed to source some mirrors, I can now see to reverse :)
Also had to replace the ignition barrel,key kept getting stuck in.

[Vanman20]

New mirrors

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[Vanman20]

Fitted quick release bonnet hinges today and got the bonnet gaps better

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[schelle63]

Hi Vanman.

I like thes mirrors! Where are they from?

Markus

[Vanman20]

Hi Vanman.
I like thes mirrors! Where are they from?
Markus

From here
https://www.classic-...alog/index.html

[schelle63]

Thank You!

Markus

[Vanman20]

Hadn't driven the van for about 2 months so I thought a quick spin was in order.Started 1st time and completed the 10 mile journey.....the longest so far lol.... without any hiccups.
Hope to get some time on it in the new year,got some additional clocks to fit,a new steering wheel and some other jobs I want to do but for now it's back in the garage ☺️

[Vanman20]

Done a couple of job this week.

Fitted new door hinges.....went the new pin route at first but that didn't take out all the slack plus some of the threads were damaged so splashed out.

 

Also removed the towbar....it's for sale for £60 if anyone is interested.Collection from Stoke on Trent

 

 

As a result it needed some new number plate brackets so knocked these up

 

 

Also lengthened the engine stabiliser bar so the carb doesn't foul the bulkhead any more

 

 

 

[Vanman20]

For some reason there's no bracket on the inner wing for the bonnet stay to go in,so I made one.

 

 

Replaced the steering wheel from the Mini Ritz one that came with the van.....it's for sale if it's any good to anyone.....to a slightly smaller 4 spoke wheel.Gives a little more leg room so I can fit a dropped bracket next.I'll give it a fresh coat of paint some time in the future

[steeley]

Don’t forget to adjust rack if you fit a dropped bracket

I fitted this type to mine

https://www.ebay.co....4.m46890.l49292

Looks very nice and a lot stronger than the std ones

It wasn’t that exact one, mine was about £25

Edited by steeley, 05 March 2021 - 04:27 PM.

[Vanman20]

Been working on the cooling system,replaced all the hoses...they were a mish mash of 1/2 inch and 5/8ths...plumbed in the inlet manifold and fitted a solenoid operated valve off a Fiesta to control the heat output from the heater.The heater had a slight leak on it,I couldn't see anything untoward so I just ran some silicon around the plastic flange of the pipes.Unfortunately it's still leaking so a new matrix is on order







I also need a new top bracket for the radiator to thermostat housing if someone can point me in the right direction,seem to be a few options

Edited by Vanman20, 24 March 2021 - 06:14 PM.

[Vanman20]

One thing I didn't like was the noise coming from the air filter through the dash.

So I made a panel

As it's not structural I just tack welded it and then ran some pu sealer around the joint and then covered it in 6mm closed foam on both sides

I welded 2 brackets on the inside so the speedo would bolt directly to it

and the fascia just screws on as before