173 replies to this topic

[leeuk]

I thought I would have a go at fixing the n/s a panel and wing to the van this afternoon and so I had quite an enjoyable few hours in the garage. All went well for my first go I think.

I decided to start with the n/s as I've got 2 different wings, A genuine and a pattern part and the fit on this n/s isn't as good as the fit for the genuine o/s wing but never the less after welding up the a panel I was able to get it to a position I was happy with and that too got welded on. 

 van front panels 8.JPG   47.9K   9 downloads

 

 van front panels 2.JPG   36.42K   9 downloads

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Here I've just rested to o/s wing on just to check the fit.

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I couldn't resist but chuck a door in the hole just so as I could see my van with a door on, Ive never seen a door on it since ive owned the van lol,

I`ll get some hinges on it tomorrow and have a butchers see how it looks..

 van front panels 1.JPG   46.71K   10 downloads

 van front panels.JPG   66.37K   4 downloads

 

Click on the images for larger picture`s

Edited by leeuk, 04 October 2014 - 11:15 AM.

[RossKnight]

Looking good Lee 

[leeuk]

Looking good Lee 

Nice one Ross, Its taking shape now mate

[leeuk]

The front end is now on and I have also attached the original van doors to some hinges too,

 van front panels 11.JPG   62.01K   2 downloads

 van front panels 13.jpg   33.61K   3 downloads

 

No catch on the bonnet so I had to improvise a little, It needs a little squaring up but its there, I'm happy with it

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I couldn't get the 1 nut off the back of the hinge and so I had to hang this door for now with the old slack hinges.

 van front panels 17.JPG   46.66K   6 downloads

 

Next to sort out is the areas around the rear doors.

 

Click on the images for larger picture`s

Edited by leeuk, 04 October 2014 - 11:16 AM.

[SAL 821X]

Tut..... you not finished this yet.

 

Also complete though by the look of it. 

 

[leeuk]

Tut..... you not finished this yet.

 

Also complete though by the look of it. 

 

Im going as quick as I can lol

 

Not far off now mate to be honest, A little work to the rear door frame also n/s rear door and both the front doors, the new rear valance needs to go on, weld up the repair panel to the o/s quarter, and fix the roof vent and I think that's just about it for the panel work oh I need a 2" plate welding on the loadbed too

 

I was going to paint the van myself but its now off to Car Perfection on Monday (Wayne at Street Tweaks) as I've decided me doing my own paint job in my own little garage isn't going to cut it, I just cant see it turning out as good as a proper job and I know I would only end up having it done again by a professional in a spray booth anyway lol,

There is quite a bit to paint on a van when you think about it due to the inside of the van being painted too so I think its a good call.

Roll on when Its time for the build lol

[SAL 821X]

I know what you mean Lee. I would really like to do the paint myself too but only have a single garage which is covered in dust, not much light and cold most of the time.

 

I'm trying to find an alternative at the moment but it's not looking hopefully so I think it will be down to someone with a booth to paint it.

[RossKnight]

I'm making my own temporary booth kinda thing to paint mine in, so that I don't get lots of dust, flys etc.

 

But probably wise to send it away for paint, I wish I could afford to!

[SilverSaloon]

gazebo assembled inside garage with sides attached?

[leeuk]

I've been doing a little more on the van`s front end, I fount it had a slight bump to the o/s of the front panel some time in its past life and I wasn't 100% happy with it and so all the old filler was dug out it was given a little panel beating and then refilled giving the front panel a much better look,

 The worse of it will eventually be covered by its bumper but still I would know its there and so I want it done right.

 van front panels 24.jpg   46.83K   15 downloads

 van front panels 20.jpg   37.51K   14 downloads

 

I've also been fettling with the bonnet and so its panel gaps are starting to look pretty good. I'm quite happy with it

 van front panels 23.JPG   37.81K   4 downloads

 

I gave the o/s wing a complete coating of rust treatment yesterday as surface rust had started to settle in due to the bare areas, That then had a rub down today.

I also gave the bonnet the same treatment today too, firstly rubbing away all the slight surface rust areas on before giving it a decent coat all over. This will get a rub down tomorrow and then a coat of primer

 van front panels 22.JPG   56.37K   4 downloads

The n/s wing will have the same treatment too when I get round to working on it.

 van front panels 21.JPG   48K   7 downloads

 

Click on the images for larger picture`s

 

 

I'm hoping to have the front end in a coat of primer before it goes off to the body shop so I had better get a move on lol..

Edited by leeuk, 04 October 2014 - 11:16 AM.

[Gadgets]

coming together nicley, the end is now in sight mate.

Edited by Gadgets, 15 June 2014 - 06:42 AM.

[leeuk]

coming together nicley, the end is now in sight mate.

Sure is mate

I'm glad I had a go with the front end myself as now its on it has enabled me to prep the front of the van and help get the van much closer to the finish line.

I've already started thinking about what to do next after the panel work is complete "the engine" as I was told it was 100% a good one so im hoping its is,

I haven't a clue as to when it was last running so its going to need a decent overhaul,

For some reason it was missing its water pump, radiator and dynamo, I have dropped in a rad and fitted a water pump but I need to get my hands on a dynamo before I can give it a go, Can you believe I have 4 spare alternators knocking about but not one dynamo.

I hooked a battery to it yesterday and we have power to the dash, So touch wood things are straight forward when it comes to the start up..

[SAL 821X]

Damn it i need to get back on mine!

Looking good pal.

[Gadgets]

You can never have enough bits, but sometimes we have a clear out to make room and yes a little way down the line we need them bits back, arrghhh..

[leeuk]

Cheers lads, Touch wood I maybe able to get hold of a dynamo over the weekend so as I can give the engine a go 

I've also decided to have the rest of the welding completed before it goes off to the paint shop over the next couple of weekends, I would rather roll the van into the paintshop as a complete car in primer than me relying on them to complete the repairs before they paint it.

I have also been thinking on the vans final look and I've decided on a simple standard looking interior, I have a new roof lining to fit on its frame and a set of seats in need of a referb but I've also decided to go with a set of original Dunlop wheels so they are off to be refurbished, I need to keep an eye out for a good set of used tyres for those, Hopefully I can pick up a decent set pretty cheap..