Wow that is a long time since I last posted and it is the time of year where (to avoid the embarassment of not having done a thing since last year) I have a mad panic to improve the old jalopy.
As an update I got the van to the W&P rally last year and it was very well recieved. More to the point (as I was there for seven days) I actually got it running and drove it around for a bit.
It was running from a can of fuel next to the drivers seat, hot wired ignition and rear brake hose clamped off. After I while I was even able to select different gears without stopping.....!
While originally, my idea was a rapid rolling restoration. The plan was to see the chassis brakes and steering serviced into working order and the bodywork tackled at a later date.
So of course I got started on the body and.............
But in the main I discovered what a hobby is as opposed to all the obsessions and infatuations I'd had in the past. Somthing which I can enjoy immensly without having to get stressed over a timescale.
So it has been a bit of a journey. If that doesn't sound too soft. And I have recommissioned 3 other vehicles over the last year; though sadly not old commercials.
As I mentioned elsewhere, I have still been collecting bits. I finally managed to find a set of original 16" wheel rims. After spending 2 years to find a set I wasn't keen to let a shotblaster near them. They wern't exactly pristine, so, one at a time, I pickled them for a couple of days in my electrolisis tank, then rotary wire brushed them, gave them a coat of 'Aqua-Steel' then primed and painted them. It took weeks.
This isn't actually one of the set but the principal of electrolisis is the same.
This is a hub cap tree. I tried painting these body colour (as I believe they were originally) and the looked naff.
So white it was and I am rather pleased.
The full effect of the wheels fitted..........
Lovely big wheels short little van. I love it.
Sorry about the piece of Gaffa tape holding the rear side window closed but did you noticed the front door windows?
First set I have even had a sniff at in two and a half years. Cost a fortune. Fantastic