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Post by pk on Oct 28, 2015 20:28:02 GMT 1
The guys have had there work cut out just replacing the rusted sections, the worst of which has been the two inch channel that runs the entire perimeter of the rear floor. It seems the old roof must have been leaking behind the wall panels and pooling up around the floor to outer skin area which has had to be replaced all the way around. The rust has penetrated the outer skin on both sides and someone has put a new arch on the drivers rear but not welded the rotten inner arch so the outside is not connected to the floor causing the sides to flex and vibrate. It sounds like a big drum as soon as it goes over 5mph. Ric's done a great job of replacing the side sections. The rear floor perimeter and re-doing the rear arch. Trying to replace so much whilst maintaining the panel lines and shape is a big undertaking for anyone. This is the passenger side when I got the van. Full of filler, and we know why now. Then cut out and replaced Now the body shop have worked there magic: Next time I'll get pics of the drivers side, that was much worse.
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Post by pk on Oct 29, 2015 19:44:08 GMT 1
Some cleaning up and welding on the rear drivers side The extensive repairs to the drivers side panels and arch The outer arch had to be cut off to get to the inner wheel arch and then repaired and put back properly Plates needed welding in to the rear balance to replace the rusted sections and the rear step was removed
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Post by pk on Oct 30, 2015 22:21:31 GMT 1
Started on the front end, getting the balance lined up for the front end change; cut out the battery tray and inner grill supports to open up the engine bay more
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Post by pk on Oct 31, 2015 14:11:35 GMT 1
Welded all the strengthening bars and a cover panel for the front valance.
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Post by retiredtruckie on Oct 31, 2015 22:46:45 GMT 1
Coming along nicely
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Post by pk on Oct 31, 2015 23:03:50 GMT 1
Thanks, it was always gonna look worse before it got better but I think we're over the worst of it now. Nice to see the guys mocking up the front end
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Post by muttleymk2 on Nov 1, 2015 0:14:19 GMT 1
Coming along nicely, I like the work in progress look not sure about the diesel front though, they are a necessary evil as far as I an concerned
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Post by pk on Nov 1, 2015 1:05:44 GMT 1
Thanks Muttley, quality workmanship on Fred's famous transit. I'm on the fence as far as the flat front/bullnose goes. Obviously I prefer the diesel bullnose look on this one, it seems the flat front is more pretty and compact where as the bullnose seems more rugged and commercial. Just my opinion, each to there own. I must say that had the van been the 60s style front like the one below I would have kept it flat because that look is timeless.
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Post by retiredtruckie on Nov 1, 2015 8:49:16 GMT 1
Like the van prefer the flat front personally
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Post by jonochap on Nov 1, 2015 10:57:01 GMT 1
I think the bullnose looks very American truck when it's done right and I like that, but if you want a brown coat fruit and veg van, gotta be flat, esp simple campers
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Post by pk on Nov 1, 2015 22:55:38 GMT 1
Doors are now sorted, had to replace the bottom section of the door with new steel and the relief holes and some wax oil should help to keep them in good shape for as long as possible.
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Post by pk on Nov 7, 2015 19:16:39 GMT 1
Behind the drivers seat under the floor is a hole that I think the previous owners must have installed for a leisure battery or water tank or something. So we are going to repurpose it and put a new gel battery and re-route the cables so no need for a battery under the bonnet. More room and less clutter for the conversion.
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Post by pk on Nov 9, 2015 16:41:57 GMT 1
Has anybody on here heard of or had any experience with banded steel wheels? I was thinking of having the wheels widening by two or three inches to fill the arches better and give me the bigger tyres. Been referred to a company in Essex called bandedsteels but I'm wondering if they are dangerous/legal?
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Post by cadill69 on Nov 9, 2015 16:58:12 GMT 1
That would certainly give you a good workout when parking in a tight spot. I had 205 tyres on the front and droped them down to 195 for that reason. They where originally designed for crossplys which had a lot less rubber on the road than radials. Wonder what year radials became standard?
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Post by retiredtruckie on Nov 9, 2015 21:39:23 GMT 1
Didn't Aus ban the rag tyres mid to late 70's?
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