Post by timvw on Oct 5, 2020 9:18:31 GMT 1
Hi, just thought I would drop you a line about the 71 Transit I bought recently as a 50th birthday present for my partner. To be fair, its something we've both been after for a long while, but there likes hens teeth when you come to try and find one.
Its a 71 Canterbury Savannah in blue and appears to have been used as a show pony for some while with no actual signs of having been used for camping based on the layout of a few things. The exterior appears very pretty, although I'm sure there'll be a few things to sort as time goes along. The original neck snapping(!) 1.7L V4 is still present and appears in rude health, along with a non-standard period Ford (not Transit) overdrive gearbox fitted.
The original interior has long since departed, replaced with a basic DIY job which does the job, but is a little below standard based on the outside. The cab has been fully reupholstered in matching blue, including the door cards, which must have cost a fortune, but does look good. I've been busy working on the interior rectifying a few issues (reinstating missing worktops, sprung bed slats, table etc.) as well as losing some of the weight from the over engineered woodwork. I will be looking to a full interior refit somewhere down the line, but for now, with new cupboard doors she'll be fine.
I've yet to have the electrics looked at, but whilst they work, there are a few peculiarities, hopefully earth related. Also the 3, yes 3 heavy duty batteries powering the rear (plus one for the engine) seem over the top for 2 small strip lights, a fridge and water pump? I did have some success with the faded switches in the cab - I found some remanufactured MK1 Escort switches, adapted them to mate with the transit rears, then re-fitted them into slightly enlarged dash holes.
Due to a vibration above 50mph, she was diagnosed with misaligned prop/gearbox/axle by a specialist prop engineering company in Bristol recently, so they are currently sorting this. Work will involve fabricating new gearbox mounts (replacing the ratchet strap - possible previous attempt?) and replacing the flange on the rear of the prop shaft to correct the pressure and angle towards the engine.
Having now been able to get underneath (I'm no mechanic) it all looks ok, but the suspension needs going through. The springs looks very flat, and all the bushes appear well past their sell-by dates, so anyone who could point me in the direction of suitable suppliers would be much appreciated. I may get away with re-tempering the springs but its too early to tell as yet.
In general I'm as green as grass and completely new to running what is now a 50 year old van so would also be keen on any advice in regards to service items as I'm guessing Halfords aren't going to be of much use when it comes sourcing new oil filters and things??
Anyway, I'm going to try and upload a couple of pics as like I said, she is pretty! In the meantime, thanks to anyone who can help, and hopefully if we're allowed out next year you might start seeing us out and about.
Tim
Its a 71 Canterbury Savannah in blue and appears to have been used as a show pony for some while with no actual signs of having been used for camping based on the layout of a few things. The exterior appears very pretty, although I'm sure there'll be a few things to sort as time goes along. The original neck snapping(!) 1.7L V4 is still present and appears in rude health, along with a non-standard period Ford (not Transit) overdrive gearbox fitted.
The original interior has long since departed, replaced with a basic DIY job which does the job, but is a little below standard based on the outside. The cab has been fully reupholstered in matching blue, including the door cards, which must have cost a fortune, but does look good. I've been busy working on the interior rectifying a few issues (reinstating missing worktops, sprung bed slats, table etc.) as well as losing some of the weight from the over engineered woodwork. I will be looking to a full interior refit somewhere down the line, but for now, with new cupboard doors she'll be fine.
I've yet to have the electrics looked at, but whilst they work, there are a few peculiarities, hopefully earth related. Also the 3, yes 3 heavy duty batteries powering the rear (plus one for the engine) seem over the top for 2 small strip lights, a fridge and water pump? I did have some success with the faded switches in the cab - I found some remanufactured MK1 Escort switches, adapted them to mate with the transit rears, then re-fitted them into slightly enlarged dash holes.
Due to a vibration above 50mph, she was diagnosed with misaligned prop/gearbox/axle by a specialist prop engineering company in Bristol recently, so they are currently sorting this. Work will involve fabricating new gearbox mounts (replacing the ratchet strap - possible previous attempt?) and replacing the flange on the rear of the prop shaft to correct the pressure and angle towards the engine.
Having now been able to get underneath (I'm no mechanic) it all looks ok, but the suspension needs going through. The springs looks very flat, and all the bushes appear well past their sell-by dates, so anyone who could point me in the direction of suitable suppliers would be much appreciated. I may get away with re-tempering the springs but its too early to tell as yet.
In general I'm as green as grass and completely new to running what is now a 50 year old van so would also be keen on any advice in regards to service items as I'm guessing Halfords aren't going to be of much use when it comes sourcing new oil filters and things??
Anyway, I'm going to try and upload a couple of pics as like I said, she is pretty! In the meantime, thanks to anyone who can help, and hopefully if we're allowed out next year you might start seeing us out and about.
Tim