Resurrection of the Transit ***Van Alert***

[binge]

As most of you may have read last year, my Transit was hit by a Romanian lorry.

It's been 6 months now, and we're no closer to a pay-out from the 3rd party, and I'm sick of looking at my van all smashed up.

It's already been valued, and I've already agreed to keep the van, so if/when the claim does go through, I will just get a cheque for £2300.


So I started by replacing the stoved in side loading door, and the rear beam, to straight items.

Because of where the van was parked, I had to do the beam in situ before it was drivable (Very pikey I know!)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10341994_10153042914325606_7261712369552503951_n.jpg?oh=db9c0dd3be7d651de88b035e1e99b81a&oe=557D89F0&__gda__=1438086805_d323ef8398bf80592125fb8c77e37ef7


So I got it to work on the new rear beam, and the crazy loud rally-X tyres.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10405473_10153045271820606_4461765128279572615_n.jpg?oh=0ce919d772dde62da687536bf9f52687&oe=557B05BD&__gda__=1438028264_9c46f1254546bbf79def0a7cc2362cdd


Before fitting the side loading door;

Nasty!

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10312680_10153054068990606_7841371820112994142_n.jpg?oh=486de11b2c837b64fd06d8a43b47b5d3&oe=55753F6D

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10968314_10153054102235606_3245892737009357245_n.jpg?oh=f2c33592bace687f0174768c764db813&oe=55804ADE&__gda__=1434489275_edb468ffef174cb859c2b45d2302a542


My van and my courtesy van from the insurance.
I'm not just saying it because it's mine, but I genuinely prefer driving the Mk6.
The Mk7 has a proper squeaky/rattley dashboard, and a noisy engine.
Although the 6-speed box in the Mk7 is lush!

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10985541_10153088722220606_4192528203356298169_n.jpg?oh=a834cea61349238498aeaab779b809ed&oe=55862148


Got my hands on a pair of limo black side windows, with openers, for a very cheap price at £100 the pair.
Seeing as they are £300 a piece from Ford, I'm chuffed!

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10994325_10153093707785606_898825692027357737_o.jpg


Threw a rattle can over the green door until I can get around to having the whole van painted.

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/996125_10153141825820606_8999954468834481556_n.jpg?oh=031aaa5c8d0e450d780174ae24eece0c&oe=55789438


And started going at some of the rust bubbles on the roof from careless loading in the past from previous owners.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11058612_10153157857095606_546245133572147864_n.jpg?oh=74eeb583752c2f5de1694dfcbd6a9bbc&oe=55BBADD3&__gda__=1434465514_faffab4ea904b93bb54df15955854d04


Then, I became a proper pikey, and got my hands on a set of 20" chrome wheels. Quite tatty, but they've polished up very well!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10347241_10153158470305606_4631384676611489773_n.jpg?oh=e5c480cb43eec1bb0842c708d5a4135b&oe=5575FB0B&__gda__=1437714548_93ff1ff3e8d335610a838e1cfc5da680


The front hubs had Mondeo studs fitted into them from the re-drill (Thanks to Pete.! )
But with the 20" wheels, the nuts only had about 4 turns on them, and I didn't feel too confident with them, so I replaced the studs with some +20 ones:

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10994596_10153173233475606_7286490553423509957_n.jpg?oh=f389ade8026848f0f6b9d59b0484e3b3&oe=55B37BA4


I've always wanted to lower the van, but never really known the best way to do it.
So I spent Sunday having a mess around, and a look at what I had.
In the end, I decided to grind off the locating brackets on the shock legs, and smooth the area off.
Slide the hubs further up the shock, do up the pinch bolts, and then weld the locator brackets back on.
In turn, it has lowered the van 2", but not adjusted ANYTHING other than ride height. I've not sacrificed spring rate, ride hardness, or anything like that.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10168095_10153173571180606_1345785633585533776_n.jpg?oh=d220669f06e81c8fce283fd90cd0344b&oe=55881715&__gda__=1434449264_5bbd17f8dabca80ffbcd081e6c2fbc97


As for the rear. I looked into every way of lowering leaf springs, including flipping the axle.
But in the end, I decided to de-camber the springs using the press at work, and 20-tons of pressure.

I've read a lot of write ups from old American racers, and some of the old school Ford boys, and this is a method used in the past, which works. And because no heat has been used, it's pretty damn safe.

I just pressed the springs flatter along 4 equal points. 10-tons on the outer points, and 20 tons on the inner points to ensure both springs were the same.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11024641_10153173414110606_3078219915453580461_n.jpg?oh=f63ab1e699d7eb3745fce9a3750bf7bf&oe=55BAB4D2&__gda__=1433596343_713e7807599f5211ceae32ab202ecef0


And then after a quick drive around the carpark, and a tracking:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11058706_10153177721245606_3445380382658737282_n.jpg?oh=2173b851c27c71a82128dc85cc62b02a&oe=557E8B98&__gda__=1433713127_782703fddbad2e48a4f78b1c17749583


The result was (IMO) pretty good.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10949756_10153178117925606_6802774378256319040_n.jpg?oh=3a790fad20f4db0bd8b306bf984839e3&oe=55B44A94&__gda__=1433627778_f73094e9befa0e5cc9802fd5938efb92


After that, I had the windscreen removed, as the A-pillars need some attention.
Once the bodywork is sorted out around the front end, I will get a fitter out to put a new heated screen in as mine is cracked anyway.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[P.]

Needs a chrome wrap for the uber chav look

[Ste]

The Rally X tyres are many times cooler than those things.

[finniee]

Needs one of these to complete the look.

https://mattbowenphotography.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Vintage-Caravan-Hire-Cheshire-Florence-the-vintage-caravan_0001.jpg

[stevo as b4]

This Van is always an interesting project, but it's the interior that gets me moist though.

The mk7 Transits are ugly I drive them a lot at work. And yes that same Duratorq 2.0 engine that's also in the Mondeo and X-type has a noisy whiney clatter that I don't like. I prefer the sound of other un-refined diesels like the Rover L-series etc.

I want to love your chrome wheels, but I bet they were once left abandoned on someones doorstep with a note.

I didn't know you could lower the strut bottom through the hub like that though? I thought all struts had some sort of stepped reducer so that they only fit the hub in one position only.

[grr666]

[N cee thirty]

lol they are the worst wheels i've ever seen
____________________
'00 Aprilia RS50 > '92 Honda CG > '99 Yamaha Fazer > '91 Yamaha RXS > '79 Suzuki X5 > 01' Honda Cg > 07' Honda Cg > 82' Kawasaki Z200 > suzuki gsxr 400 gk73a > honda vfr 400 NC30 Mod 2 Passed 09/06/2011

Jewlio Iglesias wrote: I actually did vote BNP once

[Iain.]

https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/fragbert/6542893/113463/113463_original.jpg

[binge]

[binge]

[binge]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/r90/11032369_10153181092660606_7775434536825318428_n.jpg?oh=d9c587c51f8918ac268fc4a8342c052d&oe=557F6F7A&__gda__=1437551472_bea1b6cd581cc07d347b5acbea24f2d1
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[DottyDuck]

i am probably wrong, but isn't it not illegal to have wheels as the widest part of the vehicle, as I say, I am more than likely wrong

p.s the other wheels look better
____________________
CBT- 2012 Theory- 18/12/13 Mod 1- 07/01/14 Mod 2- 15/01/14
Old Bike: Zontes Panther 125cc - wrote off Current Bike: Kawasaki ZR7

[binge]

I've got wide arches to put on.
and the black wheels were no good.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[binge]

I've got wide arches to put on.
and the black wheels were no good.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[bikertomm]

Looking hellaflush sir!

Liking the stance.
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[Bubbs]

Keeping an eye on this one.

I envy your abilities!
____________________
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

[binge]

If I can find out about shortening the front shocks, I can go lower. Not a lot, but another inch will be good (That's what she said)

Back can go as low as needed really.


Quick update.
Bought all the shit to repair the A-pillar, gonna get the welder out one day this week.
And I've been quoted £155 for a heated screen including fitting, and new trims.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[Aff]

Looking good sir, the wheels are chavtastic.

[binge]

I was quoted £155 for a standard screen, supplied and fitted.
But then had a chat to the fella who removed my screen for me. He got onto a lad he used to work with, and said as the old screen is already out, he will do me a heated one for the price of a standard.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[binge]

Started fitting up the wideys.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/934856_10153186195485606_8657261123422202998_n.jpg?oh=f3d6db83f67284708aee1ffa3e520a7c&oe=55754CCA&__gda__=1438183584_2e1fd549f7fa26e81cd9d7ee350d854d

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10425488_10153186195535606_2101400955498178859_n.jpg?oh=6bdde5d08f112028dee43a00da52c26e&oe=55B2F341
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[binge]

Bye Bye windscreen rust!
It was really rusty at bottom of driver side A pillar. Had to rebuild a part of it.
Few scabs along the top, and around the middle between wipers.

Ground back to shiney, treated, and then cleaned and painted with oxide paint stuff that stinks!
Once dry, tomorrow I will colour code it back in, and then get a nice new screen fitted.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10896_10153191906855606_7382935636570171326_n.jpg?oh=8ea6c385a4e10e19b5f7cf40a739f637&oe=55B61E73&__gda__=1434063538_24db8f4ef4a1413db75580e500062139
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I bet those Chromies were really expensive back in 1995. Truely disgusting. (Trucker mud flaps to go with them?)

The rest is cool.
____________________
My Flickr

[binge]

£1200 new for the wheels.

I love em!

Yup to mud flaps, just looking at different types. Gonna probably run a big one in each of the front two arches, and then one long mud flap along the rear under a custom made step...

But that's just a possibility I've dreamed up.

More realistically, I will probably just have 4 mud flaps, 1 in each arch.
____________________
- Honda XL125S - CBR400 NC29 - VFR400 NC30 - CBR400 NC29 - TL1000R - TeeZeR Pit! - Bandit 12 - YZF450 - LuckyMX125 Pit! - Demon X XLR 140 Pit!
- Stomp KZ 160 Pit! - Demon X D-link 140 Pit! - CRF50F Mini-Pit - MonsterMoto 155cc MiniSM - Honda Chaly 150cc - Yamaha 98' R1
- Honda Chaly 140cc - Thumpstar 190cc 4v MiniSM - Aprilia RS125 Pit-Bike -

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Aff]