Living with an MV

[Grafter6]

Might seem like an odd question - but I'm a newbie here! What's it actually like to own and live with these amazing old beasts?

(PFA of a local Scammell for sale)

Edited September 29, 2023 by Grafter6

[Longen]

Hi Grafter6

think of everything as big, to jack up the Explorer, total 12 tons so a big jack. The wheels weight approx 90 kgs. Try to keep then standing up, easier to move and very heavy to pick up if laid down. Storage if inside, the doorway has to be 11ft high. Spanner’s, bsf/whitworth and again big.

you get the gist.

Edited October 1, 2023 by Longen

[Grafter6]

Thanks @Longen this is the kind of insight I was looking for 👍

What about general spares, specialist parts or bodywork? I've not found much online about finding stuff, or is it a case of building good contacts?

I'm good with mechanicals and electrics, and worked on my own classic cars for years.

[Longen]

Spares, larger parts are hard to find. The transfer box doesn’t tolerate abuse or high horse power engine conversions and are now becoming difficult or expensive to replace. Recently a boxed gearbox and transfer box was snapped up for £2500. I heard one changed hands for £3600.

body work is straight forward and can be easily diy’ed with the exception of the front mudguards which are radiused in both directions. I was quoted £500 +vat each.

tyres, original bar grips are now hard to find in usable condition. Modern equivalents are available and can be sourced second hand at acceptable prices. New they’re north of £500 each.

I'm sure others will add their comments.

[bigduke6]

The main thing, is it’s more enjoyable if your single 😂

[utt61]

23 hours ago, bigduke6 said:

The main thing, is it’s more enjoyable if your single 😂

It certainly saves time if you're single to begin with, because it probably won't be long! 

[radiomike7]

On 10/2/2023 at 8:07 PM, Longen said:

Spares, larger parts are hard to find. The transfer box doesn’t tolerate abuse or high horse power engine conversions and are now becoming difficult or expensive to replace.

The Transfer or Transposing box is built like a brick outhouse and rarely gives problems, it only drives the front axle while the rear prop is driven directly from the gearbox main shaft.

The Scammell 6 speed gearbox is fragile and can fail for a number of reasons, it is unique as it only has 4 pairs of gears to give 6 speeds.

[matchlesswdg3]

The question puts me in mind of one of my favourite Giles cartoons...........