Commer PB pick up
- Thread starter andrew
- Start date
Roatavator
Member
Hi All
I have wanted a truck of some sort for a fair while now. I thought I was going to get a particular Morris FG petrol which my father had in the 70's, it originally being bought new by his then boss in 1965. But that wasn't to be, and my dealings with the current owner left me wondering if there is anyone left out there who is honest and straightforward. Looking on a certain internet auction site, I found this Commer, a marque which I hadn't thought of before. After asking my son Phil what he thought, turned out he'd always loved them, so it seemed to be fate and we went for it. Am I glad we did. Rich/Steve have restored my faith in human nature, what a pleasure to deal with someone who's as straight and honest as I like to think we are. And we were blown away by the collection!
Anyway, proposed uses.
1. Family toy. Thank goodness for classic insurance policies that let you have 4 named drivers at no extra cost!
2. I have a collection of old horticultural machinery which I want to take to shows and working events, and what better way to get them there? Anyone interested can have a look at them working on you tube (Roatavator channel).
3. Heirloom (Phil has already staked his claim when I'm gone!)
So, hopefully she'll get a fair deal of use. As to what to do in terms of presentation, our current thinking is to leave her exactly as she is, with the patina of age. Though to be honest I might wash off the copious coatings of grease/oil applied everywhere; whilst they have no doubt preserved her, its a bit of a bind having to have a full wash every time you get near her! Polished up, she'll still be protected and be nicer to be around. And the big bonus is, she fits inside a standard garage!
I know Commerfest is on, but to be honest one trip over 100 miles in a year might well be all my ears can stand!
I have wanted a truck of some sort for a fair while now. I thought I was going to get a particular Morris FG petrol which my father had in the 70's, it originally being bought new by his then boss in 1965. But that wasn't to be, and my dealings with the current owner left me wondering if there is anyone left out there who is honest and straightforward. Looking on a certain internet auction site, I found this Commer, a marque which I hadn't thought of before. After asking my son Phil what he thought, turned out he'd always loved them, so it seemed to be fate and we went for it. Am I glad we did. Rich/Steve have restored my faith in human nature, what a pleasure to deal with someone who's as straight and honest as I like to think we are. And we were blown away by the collection!
Anyway, proposed uses.
1. Family toy. Thank goodness for classic insurance policies that let you have 4 named drivers at no extra cost!
2. I have a collection of old horticultural machinery which I want to take to shows and working events, and what better way to get them there? Anyone interested can have a look at them working on you tube (Roatavator channel).
3. Heirloom (Phil has already staked his claim when I'm gone!)
So, hopefully she'll get a fair deal of use. As to what to do in terms of presentation, our current thinking is to leave her exactly as she is, with the patina of age. Though to be honest I might wash off the copious coatings of grease/oil applied everywhere; whilst they have no doubt preserved her, its a bit of a bind having to have a full wash every time you get near her! Polished up, she'll still be protected and be nicer to be around. And the big bonus is, she fits inside a standard garage!
I know Commerfest is on, but to be honest one trip over 100 miles in a year might well be all my ears can stand!
Roatavator
Member
Not currently possible, has a radio but no speaker. I assume one of the previous owners gave up trying to listen to the radio. Anyway, what better music than a Perkins?
really pleased your happy with it
it deserves to be out and about as it really is rather special
glad you enjoyed the collection,it was added to yesterday with an early 2.8injection capri which believe or not is for the wife!!!
it deserves to be out and about as it really is rather special
glad you enjoyed the collection,it was added to yesterday with an early 2.8injection capri which believe or not is for the wife!!!
Roatavator
Member
Hi Steve, over the moon, I'm so pleased with it!
Discovered you have to be patient when out in it with people wanting to tell you their Commer stories!
Have decided to wash off grease etc and polish it, started this morning, I'll post a pic or two when I've finished, but don't hold your breath, its soaking up polish like its going out of fashion.
I'll tell Phil about your new addition, he'll be green with envy.
Discovered you have to be patient when out in it with people wanting to tell you their Commer stories!
Have decided to wash off grease etc and polish it, started this morning, I'll post a pic or two when I've finished, but don't hold your breath, its soaking up polish like its going out of fashion.
I'll tell Phil about your new addition, he'll be green with envy.
Roatavator
Member
OK, this is likely to be the firstof many questions.
My cold start procedure seems to be a bit hit and miss. How long to hold the cold start button down for before starting, and do you hold the button down while cranking over?
My cold start procedure seems to be a bit hit and miss. How long to hold the cold start button down for before starting, and do you hold the button down while cranking over?
Roatavator
Member
Here's the new purchase on her home turf.
So far front, roof and driver's door polished.
Really pleased with how she's turning out. I'll keep the grease/oil around the bottom rails etc, I'm only after making her look tidy.
Ideally the cold start is held down for 15 secs before cranking on full throttle, with cold start operating. If no start, then another 15s and full throttle cranking plus cold start. If no start, full throttle cranking without cold start.
I did look at the sales photos, and something about it didn't look like an original diesel installation to me. Does your chassis no. start with PBR? Could you put up a couple of photos of the diesel pipework both sides of the engine from above so I can have a look? There is supposed to be a reservoir for the cold start device just in front of the brake fluid reservoir, which gravity feeds to the cold start device, which won't work without a diesel feed. I'm not sure that yours has this arrangement, but could be wrong.
When the cold start device is working properly it is very effective.
Have a look at this thread which may help you. http://forum.commervanfan.co.uk/index.php?threads/diesel-cold-weather-starting-problems.7485/
I did look at the sales photos, and something about it didn't look like an original diesel installation to me. Does your chassis no. start with PBR? Could you put up a couple of photos of the diesel pipework both sides of the engine from above so I can have a look? There is supposed to be a reservoir for the cold start device just in front of the brake fluid reservoir, which gravity feeds to the cold start device, which won't work without a diesel feed. I'm not sure that yours has this arrangement, but could be wrong.
When the cold start device is working properly it is very effective.
Have a look at this thread which may help you. http://forum.commervanfan.co.uk/index.php?threads/diesel-cold-weather-starting-problems.7485/
Colin Stewart
Active Member
Looking great 
soon it will take over your life.
soon it will take over your life.That's so good!
To get a vehicle that age that comes up nice with an oily rag (so to speak) must be the holy [edit]grail[/edit]
To get a vehicle that age that comes up nice with an oily rag (so to speak) must be the holy [edit]grail[/edit]
Roatavator
Member
Yup, we're feeling very lucky and grateful. Yes, it already has taken over my life.....
Roatavator
Member
Hi Colin
Had a look at the thread, followed advice, started after about 15 secs cranking, so result, thanks!
Chassis number is PBCM.....
I've attached pic of engine.
Peter
Had a look at the thread, followed advice, started after about 15 secs cranking, so result, thanks!
Chassis number is PBCM.....
I've attached pic of engine.
Peter
Roatavator
Member
AND ANOTHER
HI PETER
JUST GET BACK FROM A WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL SO HAVENT PICKED UP ON THE FORUM
YOU DO NEED TO PRESS THE BUTTON IN FOR 15SECONDS AND THEN FIRE UP,WHAT I WOULD DO IS REPLACE THE BATTERY WITH A HIGHER OUTPUT UNIT,WEVE ALWAYS USED A CAR BATTERY BUT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF AN INDUSTRIAL BOOSTER UNIT TO AID STARTING
COLIN NOT SURE IF YOU ARE ACCUSING US OF SOMEHOW BEING UNDERHAND IN OUR SALE TO PETER,IF YOU ARE BASICALLY MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!
THE PICK UP IS A DIESEL, IS REGISTERED AS A DIESEL AND BADGED AS A DIESEL AND ALL THE TIME WEVE OWNED HAS BEEN A DIESEL.NO ONE TO OUR KNOWLEDGE HAS GOT UP IN THE NIGHT AND REPLACED A PETROL ENGINE WITH A DIESEL WITHOUT US NOTICING
JUST GET BACK FROM A WEEKEND IN LIVERPOOL SO HAVENT PICKED UP ON THE FORUM
YOU DO NEED TO PRESS THE BUTTON IN FOR 15SECONDS AND THEN FIRE UP,WHAT I WOULD DO IS REPLACE THE BATTERY WITH A HIGHER OUTPUT UNIT,WEVE ALWAYS USED A CAR BATTERY BUT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF AN INDUSTRIAL BOOSTER UNIT TO AID STARTING
COLIN NOT SURE IF YOU ARE ACCUSING US OF SOMEHOW BEING UNDERHAND IN OUR SALE TO PETER,IF YOU ARE BASICALLY MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!!
THE PICK UP IS A DIESEL, IS REGISTERED AS A DIESEL AND BADGED AS A DIESEL AND ALL THE TIME WEVE OWNED HAS BEEN A DIESEL.NO ONE TO OUR KNOWLEDGE HAS GOT UP IN THE NIGHT AND REPLACED A PETROL ENGINE WITH A DIESEL WITHOUT US NOTICING
Spanking lovely...I had the Williams' other pickup off them a proper ratter and not a patch on this one like but fun all the same, Already earned its money with tip trips
Come to think of it I had a camper off them too! Just waiting on the Rapier that's never going to happen
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT JIM,ITS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN
GLAD THE OLD ONES EARNING ITS KEEP
GLAD THE OLD ONES EARNING ITS KEEP
Roatavator
Member
Hello gents.
Thanks Steve, I will certainly replace the battery, I started it much better today, I think I wasn't holding the button in long enough.
Sorry if I've been the cause of any misunderstanding, definitely NOT my intention. We were blown away by the truck when we first saw it, her performance on the way back to Norfolk was faultless and we are 100% happy with the purchase. As for the vendor, you couldn't wish to meet a fairer more honest person. I'd have no hesitiation in recommending him to anyone thinking about buying off him, and said so in my feedback!
Thanks Steve, I will certainly replace the battery, I started it much better today, I think I wasn't holding the button in long enough.
Sorry if I've been the cause of any misunderstanding, definitely NOT my intention. We were blown away by the truck when we first saw it, her performance on the way back to Norfolk was faultless and we are 100% happy with the purchase. As for the vendor, you couldn't wish to meet a fairer more honest person. I'd have no hesitiation in recommending him to anyone thinking about buying off him, and said so in my feedback!