Project 'red van' (says the 4 year old) build thread

[Finiterex]

You might be better thinking about towing it on a trailer. That + the bracketwork would be a real lever on the chassis.

That is very true... But am actually thinking about mounting it up front

 

[chapel gate]

Impressive work rate.
I wish my project's moved this fast...

 

[Finiterex]

Can't take all the credit... The boys have really helped smash it out.

Dropped the diff and half shafts off at TES Transmissions this morning... Should have it all back mid week... Then its rear axle build up time.

 

[Finiterex]

And the underside is raptored... . Well as much as I can until sills and arches are sorted... But it's ready for reassembly and I think it's gonna make it last! The only bits im not doing are engine bay and body from firewall to mid body mounts as that all seems rot free which after 22 years says to me these are areas that don't rot (I hope!)

For anyone considering it.. Do it... Raptor is frankly amazing and so easy to spray... HOWEVER... don't do what I did and think that a gunson mask and spraying outdoors will be OK... Get a proper air fed breather! *rough*

 

[Finiterex]

Getting closer to being back on wheels.

 

[Finiterex]

Half shafts back from TES with new bearings and seals fitted. Knuckles back from Metal Products with new bearings, seals, backing plates, extended studs and new ball joints fitted. She may be back on wheels soon!

 

[Finiterex]

Bit more progress today.

Started with cleaning up and painting the steering knuckles:



Then while they were drying got the half shafts installed:



Then back to installing the o/s steering knuckle, disc, caliper, pads, new lines and hose:


Turns out the roughtrax hoses are a different internal bore for the pipe flare with the consequence of rounding one off and reverting to the old hoses (which looked fairly new to be fair):


Then a bit of stud grinding to get the studs flush with the spacers.

Then on to the n/s until the light ran out so have to finish that one on Monday. Test fitted the rims... She is wide!


Now for the problem... The rear axle is REALLY low... And I cannot for the life of me work out why... Nor get the panard rod to line up... Any ideas guys?

 

[diggerdave]

It looks ok to me. Until there's some weight on it the springs will push it down to its lowest limit. Normally the ARB would limit the drop.

 

[Finiterex]

It looks ok to me. Until there's some weight on it the springs will push it down to its lowest limit. Normally the ARB would limit the drop.

I've come to the conclusion I need to get the front on wheels and jack the rear axle up to stand a chance of getting the panard rod to line up.

 

[diggerdave]

Yes, the panhard will limit the drop too.

Wheels look good... just about MOTable!

 

[Finiterex]

Yes, the panhard will limit the drop too.

Wheels look good... just about MOTable!

We're (well Josh is) going to build new arch flairs that flush with the rims + 285s.

This week and next are my anual two weeks off work so trying to get it back on wheels so it can go over to Metal Products for all the fab work (arches inner and outer, sills inner and outer, rear chassis section, front and rear bumpers, under armour, bar work ausie style from front bumper over front arch and along sills and boot fit out)

 

[Finiterex]

Back on 50% wheels...

 

[Finiterex]

Rear n/s coming together

 

[Finiterex]

What a day!!! Just one of those... prize for anyone who can work out what's happening in this pic.

 

[Finiterex]

She's back on four wheels. 285/75/r16 Cooper STTs ordered from Benjy at Cradocks. Hopefully she'll be on her way to Metal Products next week for the fab work.

Kerry's started cleaning back and priming the wheels... Good on her!

Thanks to @Higgy for the diff loom... Bit of plug modding needed but it's all in.

Thanks to @karl webster for the rims!

 

[Finiterex]

Today's job with my helper....

 

[Finiterex]

5 rims cleaned back and etched... Just don't look to closely lol! Raptor time tomorrow, fortunately it hides a multitude of sins!

 

[Finiterex]

Raptored rims

 

[Finiterex]

Thanks to Benjy I now have this in the garage... The legend even delivered them in Roxy... Only cost me a cider and an evening of awesome conversation! Cheers dude!!

 

[Finiterex]

Wow!