167 replies to this topic

[minivanman]

Well, progress at last! Things went slightly tits up just after the last update when the lift decided to die, with the mini left on it. We didnt want to play with it either - it runs on 3 phase - so in the end we got a sparky in. Its not fixed yet, but if you poke the inside of the switch with an insulated screwdriver it works... So today we got it down, took the n/s wing off and straightened the radiator grill out:


Then gave the bulkhead where the steering rack mounts a few "love pats" with Mr sledgehammer, its gone back perfectly! The rack was ever-so-slightly bent though :


Then I degreased it all, wire brushed it (new favourite tool - wire brush attachment in a die-grinder ) POR15'd it and slapped some red oxide on:


Feels good to be getting on with it again!

[Down&Out]

good to see work again

[minivanman]

Tell me about it! I've been at a real loose end while I've not been able to get on with it. I was so bored one day I even cleaned the shed out

Today I got some paint on the lower bulkhead, so the rack can go on tomorrow. Also pulled the wiring loom out and the master cylinders. Before I can get the rest of the bulkhead painted I'm going to have to bring the welder home and blast all the screw holes up that are in it - looks like a colander!


The wiring is totally shot, so I'll be sticking a new loom in it and chopping it about to make it better. My favourite bit - "how to pimp your fusebox" - just screw some aluminium to the bulkhead and attach fusebox, badly. Couple of scotch clips, a bit of bodge tape and some piggyback connectors and there you have it. Rats-nest wiring.


And the inside all stripped out. It all seem to be in really good condition, just a little bit of rust at the bottom of the flitch panels, but nothing major at all.

[Dog]

Nice to see it making progess again!

[minivanman]

Cheers dude

Today the new rack went on, then subframe, assembled the CV's and fitted it all up and put an old set of discs and drive flanges on to get it rolling again so we can make with the grinder and welder...

[Tomf]

Keep up the good work mate, what engine are you going to be putting in this then?

Keeping it the same colour?

Also any updates on the inlet manifold?

[Dog]

ha!

Want a race with these?
Who can get back on the road first

I can tell ya it'll be you !

[minivanman]

Yeah, I reckon

Ze eagle has landed!

[minivanman]

T'other wing is off. The metal underneath all seems nice and solid - its just starting to rust so it seems I've just caught it in time.



Pimp your heater, inspired by stewartGT:

[minivanman]

Finally got the welder home from work today! This morning the bulkhead was looking very swiss-cheesy:



And by close of play tonight it was looking much nicer:



(I also welded up the spare wiper holes - looks much neater)

Just needs a tiny bit of bit of filling to get it smoothed out, but it came up bloody good for just welding and grinding it off! Found a couple of little rust holes under the scuttle so I'll get that patched up, and another one at the bottom of the flitch panel. Once thats done this side will be finished, ready for new panels.

[minivanman]

We have progress...

Finished taking the A panels off, and found the bottoms of the A posts were a bit rusty. Also got the door fitting properly(ish). I set to today with the welder and got both A posts patched up, and a load of other little bits that needed doing. Theres a bit of grinding to do now, and get it all cleaned up properly. Once thats done I think we'll be ready for new panels. Also picked up my new rear subby at MITP, so yesterday I bust out the die grinder and got the adjustable camber brackets fitting properly.
Some pics:
Rusty A post


Repaired


New subby


And the outer skin behind the shock mount on the N/S had rusted out so I chopped it out and zapped a new bit in.

[minivanman]

I think we're about ready for panels now. Everythings welded up, ground back, seam sealed and stonechipped. Hopefully next weekend I should get the front end welded back together.

[minivanman]

Got on from work today and had a bash at it. Got both A panels tacked on, the front panel bolted up and one wing fitting pretty well.



Things went downhill when we tried to put the other wing on - snapped the tack weld at the top of the A panel And the neighbours wouldnt have appreciated welding and grinding at this time of night...

[Dog]

Crack on!!

Looking like its getting there...

[minivanman]

Cheers dude, it is! Re-welded the a panel tonight and tried clamping the wing up, and for some reason it now fits perfectly! Slightly better than the other one now Hopefully a day this weekend should get it all welded up.