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Post by twday on Sept 20, 2014 2:57:46 GMT 1
I have always been interested in British cars and trucks and have owned several British cars. I am now looking to eventually purchase a Mark I or Mark II Transit. I have a cousin of the Transits. A 1976 Ford Econoline van, which looks like a Mark II Transit on steroids. Looking forward to learning as much as possible from folks on the forum. I am originally form the Commonwealth of Virginia in the U.S., but I now reside in state of Texas.
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Post by jonochap on Sept 20, 2014 6:28:48 GMT 1
Hello twday, lovin an econoline, look forward to seeing some pictures If its not broken...I can break it!
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Post by FredTransit on Sept 20, 2014 7:57:01 GMT 1
Welcome mate!
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Post by twday on Sept 20, 2014 13:46:24 GMT 1
Thank you for the welcome. I look forward to keeping up with everything Transit. I will post photos of my 1976 Econoline as soon as I figure out how to do it. It is used daily in my construction business. Folks get a kick out of seeing an oldie on job sites. LOL
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Post by irishtransit on Sept 20, 2014 14:35:36 GMT 1
welcome along from Ireland.good luck on your search.have ya thought of importing one from the uk or oz?
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Post by twday on Sept 20, 2014 18:21:11 GMT 1
From just checking out ebay I think I am going to have to import one from the UK. I am looking at the costs involved with finding one, shipping it to the U.S. and picking it up at the port. I live near the Port of Houston so I'm hoping it could be brought in there. I'd hate to think I would have to bring it into the marine terminal at Norfolk or Portsmouth, Virginia and then have to ship it to Texas. That would be a big cost.
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Post by dodgerover on Sept 20, 2014 18:40:12 GMT 1
Something to remember is that we import cars to here from US 'dry' states as the rust is minimal, unless you get very lucky here you won't find a van that doesn't require at least some work, even the Malta ones that come back have been worked hard for the last 40 years and have had repairs of dubius quality at times to keep them working. Also I would look at importing from Europe rather than the UK as they drive on the wrong side of the road as well You should be able to do RORO shipping out of the UK which may work out cheaper than a container. Having an old van for site work is great thats why i've got mine
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Post by muttleymk2 on Sept 20, 2014 22:43:34 GMT 1
Hello and welcome to you
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Post by twday on Sept 21, 2014 3:13:11 GMT 1
Thanks MuttleyMk2 for the welcome. Yes Dodgerover I do understand about the issues of these trucks having been run hard and put away wet. Its the same for most "utilty' vehicles in the U.S. Finding a first or second generation Econoline that doesn't have to be totally restored is pretty much impossible. On top of that the first and second generation Econolines were built like the Transits using unibody construction. It wasn't until the third generation that they went to body on frame. Actually the issue of right hand drive doesn't bother me at all. As a matter of fact I would rather have it right hand drive as it is a British vehicle. My 1976 will be pulled off as a working van in the spring of 2015 and totally restored. And then I will use it for home shows and car shows. We have other trucks for the bulk of our daily work. Newer pieces of junk that will never last as long. LOL I am hoping to find a Transit that will at least run so it can go on as a RoRo. We used to have a fleet service contract with ACL at one time and I'm familiar with their system. But, if a good deal comes up and it needs a container I'll do that. For me its better if the body and chassis are good and the mechanicals are crappy as I can do all the motor, tranny and other drive line work. Its the body and frame work I have to farm out.
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Post by FredTransit on Sept 21, 2014 11:30:02 GMT 1
I would be happy to help look for a van for you. Did you get my PM?
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Post by FredTransit on Sept 24, 2014 9:24:42 GMT 1
TW I have news on a Mk2 SWB for sale in the US.
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Post by dodgerover on Sept 24, 2014 19:26:53 GMT 1
Fred do you know what happened to the camper van that belonged to the scooter man in the states?
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Post by FredTransit on Sept 24, 2014 21:02:07 GMT 1
Exactly. I tracke her down
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Post by irishtransit on Sept 25, 2014 22:15:41 GMT 1
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Post by twday on Sept 26, 2014 22:28:24 GMT 1
I thought they had laws in Britain that make it a crime to rob folks. LOL That guy sure is proud of that Transit. I think I'll let him keep it. Thanks though for highlighting it for me.
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