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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:14 pm    Post subject: Adelaide van Reply with quote

Hi all,
I seem to have been a little late in putting some info about my van on this forum. Sorry about the tardiness.
Basically a farm find with MANY problems and a lot of rust.
Thus a looonnnggg term project which I hope to finish asap.
(Some fool with lots of money said it would be finished by Christmas...as if!)
As I am not a welder nor suitably mechanically minded it may take a little longer than most. Shocked So be patient.

I have restored a 56 Morris sedan but it was in such good condition there was no need for tackling the issues I now face.

Presently I am in the dilemma of replacing the cab with another. IF I could find one.
The van section is in excellent condition with no rust or dents anywhere.
The suspension is in good condition. Very Happy

I intend to replace the 1098 with a 1275 (already bored out to 1340)coupled to a 5 speed Celica gearbox. I also got hold of some escort disc brakes for the front.
All have been mothballed in the shed for when the cab is ready.
I will retain the current suspension, adding telescopic shockers to the front and an anti sway bar.

The rear suspension I have yet to tackle, so any advice would be helpful.

The plan is in place. The first hurdle may be my biggest.
I will keep you up to date with the progress of the restoration Blue Van


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Nancy
Got the hang of this ...


Joined: 19 Feb 2010
Posts: 228
Location: North Ipswich QLD

PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 6:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Neil

Would love to some pics of your new project when you have time. Hope you enjoy restoring the van, what year is she?

Best Regards
Nancy


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Nancy
The van is a '58.
Presently I am still weighing up my options on this project as my bank manager is optimistic that the garage will be empty soon..
The current topic is: "do you really need ALL of this?"

However she likes the shape of the van so I shall let the car do its own talking. I may have to change the name to win her over.
BUT there is a 'silver lining' that may save the day.

All good news for the moment. (I have hidden the garage key)


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grant69
moderator


Joined: 27 Jan 2004
Posts: 2796
Location: Cairns Nth Qld

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

My excuse for projects used to be "its better I'm here in shed where you know where I am than being down the pub, and you not knowing what I was up to". I then got her involved now she is more keen than me. Good Luck with your project


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DON58VAN
Full Licence


Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 863
Location: Sydney/Bowral

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Neil

You would never know from my Forum name, but I have a 58 van too!

I don't have any rust to deal with, but even so, I think mine is going to take longer than yours. Mad

As for SWMBO, my approach is that I always refer to it as 'our project' 'our van' etc. I find it works pretty well.

So, from a fellow LCV restorer -- all the best with your project. You certainly seem to have some nice bits there for it.

Cheers
Don


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 12:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Don. Nice to know there's another van owner nearby.

Seems I now have a few new techniques to waylay the bank manager.
Truly inspirational guys! Very Happy


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 1:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sadly 'brian's' cab may be sent off to Simms metal.
It's fixablex but beyond my limited skills.

I have found another LCV in the Adelaide Hills and will ustilise 'brian' as a donor car.

(Tha'ts the third van in Adelaide on offer in the past two months. How many more are hiding in sheds/back yards?)


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Finally, after months of problems with health and the cars I have made significant progress with the vans. My original van is now heading to the metal merchant in the sky. (Although I am keeping the back van section)

I have callled the new van "Allie" after my granddaughter. Well why wouldnt you? And suddenly the project has no problems. Except it is now called a Christmas tree...the pics will help.

Its off to be painted underneath and a few minor rust problems solved. The chassis is ready and waiting in the shed for the cabin to return.

Here are a few pics. Notice my humongous guard dog? It has already pinched 2 spanners. I have yet to find the spannerss so now I guard my spanners from the dog.
Enjoy the pics.... Blue Van

OK..how do you ad a pic?


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Feeling kinda silly cause the info was already available...here are the pics

The Christmas trees


Chassis finished and waiting


The guard dog and vans


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Allie" is back and looking very splendid. The "little" rust turned out to be a major task. She had to be re blasted, rust cut out (loads of it) and replaced with major designs.

It was decided that to have the parts sent over from England would cost more than having it on the spot "creation". So with a bit of "ingenuity" and great patience all parts look new.

The battery box disappeared and the firewall cleaned up. Its was amazing how many holes were "redundant".

The right 'b' pillar was replaced with a few dents fixed.

A 'few' holes in the body where the cab had been dropped some time in the past were dealt with. This helped to straighten up the twisted body, which was discovered when I tried to put the front bumper on. It was out by aprox 30mm.To the restorers credit this did not phase them as they had seem worse. (holdens)

It created a lot of interest by the 'rod fraternity in South Australia as mose recognised the cab as a 'morri' on first glance, but none had seen one in a 'rod workshop. A "first"

Coated underneath with tar, undercoat on the rest and "Allie" was ready.

Finally it was returned by a company which deals primarily with hot rods.

more updates later with pic


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Red Woody
The escort axle has arrived and work has begun in putting it all back together. if I remember how!

Guards, all bits and pieces go off to the sand blaster in two weeks.


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 10:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

On close inspection it has ben discovered that one of the vans has been in a accident which has twisted the back. It wasnt obvious until I did a few measurements.

To my disbelief the whole right hand side was 12 mm out. Quite a sizeable amount.
Subsequently I will sell it for a song or exchange.
Either way it goes!


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Scouse
moderator


Joined: 15 Sep 2003
Posts: 5266
Location: Wollondilly, NSW

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Neil wrote:
On close inspection it has ben discovered that one of the vans has been in a accident which has twisted the back. It wasnt obvious until I did a few measurements.

To my disbelief the whole right hand side was 12 mm out. Quite a sizeable amount.
Is this with the van body bolted up to the cab section & sitting on a chassis?

There's a surprising amount of flex in the van body so 12mm isn't a concern if you're measuring it off the chassis. Even with an 'uncrashed' body, packing is often needed under one of the rear mounts to get the body & rear doors lining up properly.


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Unfortunately this one was bought separated from the chassis. Im not even sure if the two are from the same car. Ill put them together to see if they are from the same van Fingers crossed they are and I can follow your advice. Many thanks


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I purchased some shockers for the front of my morris some time ago. I kept them as I prepared my cab. Now I find they dont seem to fit.

Already I had to grind a part of the plate back to go around the damper cylinder. All to no avail.
Either I am doing it wrong or the part is not so good.
It doesnt matter which way I place the plate in position the bodywork gets in the way.
So, being one who has NO idea about such things what is my best approach to the problem?
I have added a few pics to show my dilemma.





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flamestone
I'm new - be gentle


Joined: 27 Oct 2010
Posts: 8
Location: Sydney

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 3:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just been out and had a look at my van for you. And yes it needs to be specially shaped to fit.

Here's a pic of mine in case it helps. Please ignore the dirt and grime!



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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Totally brilliant Flame. The pics helpe show how oversized my brackets were. Fixed those.

Thanks all. Got one on now


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flamestone
I'm new - be gentle


Joined: 27 Oct 2010
Posts: 8
Location: Sydney

PostPosted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

And even better still... I cleaned my engine bay since taking that photo. Very Happy

Awesomeness all round.


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK, so what has happened since then? Actualy little, the problem being solved, it became too b*** cold to be in the shed.
Installed heater. Kidding right? Yep.
Thought of getting a wiz bang u beaut blow heater and shed was flooded twice. There went that idea
So now I wait until a little warmth comes back inot the night air.


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graham
At rest


Joined: 06 Dec 2008
Posts: 744
Location: Wanguri NT

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

G'day

I have a very similar looking kit on the front of MORRX hear are a couple of pictures.





Hope they help.

Cheers
Graham
Very Happy Very Happy Blue Sedan Very Happy Very Happy


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Graham. I followed you advice with the picture and got mine to work
It took a little bit of push and shove, but all worked out in the end


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hell, it been awhile. I have had a time of 'do I really want to finish this' after many setbacks.
Now I have an 1275 engine ready to go, a T50 gearbox and all the suspension fixed.
Next week its off to have the engine bay painted. Then I shall look at the expenses for a new wiring loom. In see they are getting expensive now.

Whilst on the topic of engines, does anyone know what this code means? It's stamped on the block of the 1275:
12Y/T/H14712

It is a Y and not a V.

Try as I may I cant find it anywhere.


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John Ballard
valued contributor


Joined: 11 Feb 2004
Posts: 2646
Location: Dubbo NSW

PostPosted: Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wiring looms are much cheaper from the UK but you may have to add your extras.


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Mon Apr 06, 2015 1:48 pm    Post subject: Engine code Reply with quote

Like a snail on a bowling ball I have finally discovered what 12Y refers to.
It is possibly (there's always a BUT) it refers to "Y" as the code for Australia. Hence it has been imported from the UK.
OR it is a Midget motor designed/built for racing.

Take your pick


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Neil
4th gear


Joined: 28 Apr 2011
Posts: 76
Location: Adelaide, Australia

PostPosted: Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So where are we up to?
Having finished cleaning up the body I made sure everything fitted well. Aligned all doors, bonnet, guards and etc. This time I used new bolts to make life easier.
I could now visualise how the van would look. I chose the color then promptly chose the wrong painter!
He shut his business down before he completed the job.
Hence I have a half painted van and not enough funds to complete it.
Although I had only paid a small deposit it will be hard to find another painter.
Pics to follow


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