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Humber heavy utility


Jimmy F

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Picked up a Humber heavy utility the other day and had it delivered yesterday. Work starts in earnest on Thursday, but weather is going to slow the strip down as we're putting it into the garage as we strip it.

 

 

There are a few areas of worry. I'm one of them as this is my first proper restoration. The cosmetics aren't a worry and the chassis is good. Then engine, gearbox, trans box and clutch are all perfectly serviceable although we're missing a carb and a master cylinder (although could be in the mountain of parts that came with it). The woodwork is going to be the horror.

 

 

It's a 1945 with spring and shock suspension and a sliding metal roof. All the seats, instruments and blackout curtains are in it.

 

 

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The strip down is going to take a while. The plan is to have the chassis and suspension done, the engine and mechanics in and running and all mechanical parts done by Christmas so it'll be a running, driving and stopping chassis.<br><br><br>of course the plan is always the first casualty. 

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Welcome to the forum - and excellent choice in project as the heavy utility is one of the most iconic of British vehicles. You're probably aware it is a late model as it has the curved corners to the front windscreen. The suspension is also very interesting as it isn't the normal set-up for this vehicle. I remember the advert claimed it is one of two made like this?

 

Anyway, good luck. You may find some inspiration and advice here: http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?24941

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I have fallen in love with the vehicle. I can't wait to get behind the steering wheel. It has bags of character.<br><br>I had been told the curved windows (and metal windscreen surround) meant it was a later model.  It did indeed claim that this was one of 2 or 3, but I think that relates more to the spring/shock suspension.  We'll do some digging on this to find out how true that is, but also to get the history of the vehicle.  There are some divisional markings on the wings that we're going to try and rediscover.

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We are on with a Humber at the moment - and although Cumbria is a distance it would be well worth while coming up to have a look, photograph and measure up of the one here. The woodwork is tricky but not impossible and we have also fabricated most of the brackets that you will need so can give you some good pointers.

 

There are also tons of pics here:

 

http://s484.photobucket.com/user/RustyTrucks/library/#/user/RustyTrucks/library/Humber%20Heavy%20Utility?sort=3&page=1&_suid=138246807705205652437064224249

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Hello, I know this Humber from when the owner before the on you bought it from proposed to my, but with my Bedford QL restoration and limited funds I had to let it go.

 

So I only can wish you very match luck on the Humber, a very fine vehicle!

 

Guy

Edited by guy66
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My brother used to drive his C.O. (RASC) about in one of these in Germany 1945 to 1948, he never stopped telling me what a fantastic vehicle that it was. So good luck with the restoration, like everyone else I will be waiting to follow your progress.

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The strip down has started. Some bits are better than expected, others not so good. I'm lucky that the guy who is teaching me as we go has done several builds of vehicles that were in this state.

 

Jon, are you in Norfolk? If so I think Dom (the other guy) knows you.

 

 

Thanks for the well wishes. I'll keep posting until I forget :)

 

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Jon, are you in Norfolk? If so I think Dom (the other guy) knows you.

 

 

 

 

 

Nope based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. I actually belongs to my uncle, Mitch Hickman, Who most HHU owners might know.

 

the body was restored about 15 yrs ago and then he lost steam. It's now waiting its turn to be finished!

 

where are you based?

 

regards Jon

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Thanks for the replies. Got stuck into it a bit more today. It's on schedule to have the body off by the weekend. Was hoping we didn't have to take the axles off but the front one has gone in a few places that mean we're going to has to remove it.

 

oh well, some other bits were better than expected.

 

one of the problems is that the design of the front end means water, mud and crap puddle in the chassis around the front axle. Rather annoying. She is a well built piece of machinery though. Incidentally , she has been christened 'Maggie' after my nan.

 

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I see you have a Humber scout car! That is my holy grail of MVT!

 

Thanks Jimmy, I have a few other vehicles that I feel that way about myself..

 

There is a resto blog on here about it http://hmvf.co.uk/forumvb/showthread.php?37823-HSC-MKII-Restoration-USA

 

Photobucket set http://s141.photobucket.com/user/lssah2025/slideshow/1944%20HSC%20Mk%20II?sort=6

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If you ever want to get shot of the Humber I'll happily swap it for my first born.

 

back to our Humber it seems it was one of 3 or 4 made as a development, possibly post war, although our plate suggests it is wartime. Does anyone on here have any information in this??

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The weather has held up the strip down so she's not a chassis just yet. Instead we sorted out the parts in the dry warmth of the garage. We have a lot of body panels, that although need work give us something to work with. As expected the woodwork is going to be awkward, but we'll get there.

 

we also lined the engine up to see what we've got. The block is in good condition, although cylinder 6 is seized. Not the end of the world. We have a good manifold and head that will both need some very minor attention. The fuel pump is there and fits, as do the clutch, flywheel and gearbox, which are all in good order. Fan and all accompanying parts are good and the air filter is good. The trans box was confusing but is, again in good working order. It's all looking good for having the mechanics done for Christmas as we've just bought a fan belt and distributor cap. We are, however, missing a starter motor, so if anyone has one for sale...

 

Oh, and radiator seems to be good.

 

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Oh, and a spring hanger has gone on the rear driver side , so need to get one made!

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