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Thanks for the replies!
The van has a 'new' 1725cc engine with a Weber carb, (Martin built it around a new old stock cylinder block). It had covered around 40 miles when I collected it. I gradually built up speed as it warmed up, but generally between 45 and 50mph, being gentle, keeping the revs low and moving up the gears quickly. There seemed plenty to spare! It was missing a little to start with, but this soon cleared.
The cooling system seems fine. I investigated further yesterday - the radiator, (which is new) is full, and oil level fine. The temp sender is new too. I am not convinced about the gauge. If it was accurate, I should be at the side of the motorway in a cloud of steam! In the longer term, I think an additional electric fan and alternator conversion will be on the shopping list anyway!
I have removed the speedo and replaced the oil pressure lens so the fuel gauge is now working. I found a 1950 two shilling coin stuck behind the instruments!
I did consider letting the tyres down to get it inside!
In the longer term, I am going to look at making a removeable section in the top of the door frame, (it only needs a few extra inches to clear).
No name for the van yet! I have told Lily that we can't name it until we are on our first camping trip!
The questions begin...lots more to follow!
Can anyone identify the blue colour with name and code? Having discussed with Martin, we think the cream is original, but applied by car camper, so this could be anything, but the blue will/may be a Rootes colour. I have asked the Rapier community, (who love questions like this) and so far have had about a dozen different suggestions!
Does anyone have a pic of an early instrument panel so I can see if the temperature gauge in mine is original or not?
...I think I might need to start a restoration thread for questions! Ordering material samples today for the front seats - I'm not sure they will be able to match the silver gaffer tape though!
The van has a 'new' 1725cc engine with a Weber carb, (Martin built it around a new old stock cylinder block). It had covered around 40 miles when I collected it. I gradually built up speed as it warmed up, but generally between 45 and 50mph, being gentle, keeping the revs low and moving up the gears quickly. There seemed plenty to spare! It was missing a little to start with, but this soon cleared.
The cooling system seems fine. I investigated further yesterday - the radiator, (which is new) is full, and oil level fine. The temp sender is new too. I am not convinced about the gauge. If it was accurate, I should be at the side of the motorway in a cloud of steam! In the longer term, I think an additional electric fan and alternator conversion will be on the shopping list anyway!
I have removed the speedo and replaced the oil pressure lens so the fuel gauge is now working. I found a 1950 two shilling coin stuck behind the instruments!
I did consider letting the tyres down to get it inside!
In the longer term, I am going to look at making a removeable section in the top of the door frame, (it only needs a few extra inches to clear).No name for the van yet! I have told Lily that we can't name it until we are on our first camping trip!
The questions begin...lots more to follow!
Can anyone identify the blue colour with name and code? Having discussed with Martin, we think the cream is original, but applied by car camper, so this could be anything, but the blue will/may be a Rootes colour. I have asked the Rapier community, (who love questions like this) and so far have had about a dozen different suggestions!
Does anyone have a pic of an early instrument panel so I can see if the temperature gauge in mine is original or not?
...I think I might need to start a restoration thread for questions! Ordering material samples today for the front seats - I'm not sure they will be able to match the silver gaffer tape though!
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