12 replies to this topic

[Steam]

So it all starts again, onto a new project. A Leyland Van.
The back story is I have a soft spot for vans as my first mini was 2yr old Mini 95 roundnose back in the 80s in the UK. It was customised to within an inch of its life being the heady days of the 80s when just about anything went. Glass flip front, simgle peice blown window rear door, 1275 mg metro engine et al.

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Some of you may remember it from various Miniclub runs in the 80s.

This is what I have now here in Aus.

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I will be doing it exactly how I want it so not an original concourse resto by any means.

Edited by Steam, 10 July 2025 - 12:33 AM.

[Steam]

Not much happening, just assesing what needs doing and so on. Also attempting not to spend cash for a while.
And I am clearing space in sheds to give me more room.

[stevie77]

I do love a van. And that colour looks good.
What kind of plans do you have for it?

[Steam]

1275 which I have already to drop in, discs at front and lots of more modern things to make driving it more enjoyable as it will be a daily.

[stevie77]

1275 which I have already to drop in, discs at front and lots of more modern things to make driving it more enjoyable as it will be a daily.

Sounds like it will be great. Looking forward to updates 👍

[Steam]

Work has stalled on the van for now, I have issues with the rear suspension on my road Clubman so that takes priority.
So much for not spending cash as I need to overhaul the whole rear suspension. Normal broadcast will resume shortly.

[Steam]

Having done the work on my road Clubman I can resume on the van.
I have cleared some space so I can now move. Having assesesd what needs doing I need to get at the underside and as I don't have a hoist nor likely to get one I am going to build a spit/rotisserie (or possibly a frame to tilt it over). So I am whittling away at the various things that need to come off before I can flip or tilt it. I have taken the windscreen out and I removed the top dash pad while I was going and next will be the side glass then the doors etc. I hve alr3ady removed the seats and rotted carpets anyway.
I am getting a backlog of small jobs that need doing at some point but I don't mind that as it allows a break from the main tasks nd I am not rushing anything either

[lsto]

Any updates, always wanted a van but I don't think I'll ever afford one. Looking forward to this

[Steam]

Spent a couple of hours screwing around to remove the bulkhead plate, all screws were rusted on and needed spanners all the way. Then I started removing the wiring loom to the engine area. The wiring in genearal is a mess, a rats nest of added cabling with no colour scheme followed at all. Whoever had this van previously added heaps of stuff, it obviously made sense to them and while I could spend time and figure it out I cant be buggered with it as I will fix it all up later when I need to. Electrics do not phase me as it is my profession so no worries there.
Now I can get on with making a spit pole and fitting it.

[Steam]

Finally managed to get the abomination of a torsion bar and the somewhat pointless framework that accompanied it. The bar was rubber mounted using shock mount rubbers so would have been rather limited in its effectiveness and having driven minis for over 40 years I have never thought the handling could be improved with a torsion bar anyway.

I woul upload pics but the system 8s fighting me.

[Steam]

Due to unforeseen health issues work has ceased on the van and other projects and is unlikely to restart. All will be sold off or scrapped in due course

[sonscar]

Sorry to hear this,best wishes.Steve..

[minimikej]

Sorry to hear this. Best of luck to you.