Commer Highwayman

D

danthevan

0
Hi All, Im new to all this classic campervan business. I bought the burgandy and cream one off of ebay that somebody on here spoted. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270207530336&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017
commer camper

Its nice enough condition underneath but the inside is homemade and the doors fly open on roundabouts. Ive just a few questions to start things off.
Wot should the tyre pressures be? I set them at 40 psi because it felt like none of the van was touching tarmac at any speed, although that made some difference... it still dont feel safe :S

Does any1 know of a cable change RWD box that bolts to vauxhall, ford or peugoet diesel engines (i did eye up a nissan cargo drive train, but it looked too big.. and..yes, a 60 mile drive is enough to make me change the lump..)

Right, Im off to pick up my next ebay special.. a caravan interior!

Dan
 
Tyre pressures 40/40. Unfortunately they never really feel like they are attatched to the road :I
Will and Dave may be able to advise on Vauxhall boxes. I have just bought a Toyota Lightace which should at least proveide a complete forward control drive chain setup, with only minor mods:)
 
Hi Dan, welcome to the thrill ride that is commer owning, good to hear from you.

Van looks to be nicely turned out from listing - can see why interior may cause problems as not sure the Ikea style doors were designed for cornering! If you have a rummage around site you should find some more vans like yours to see other interiors - this is my friends highwayman which is still pretty original if you were thinking of authentic look an I have seen some pretty funky highwaymans here too. Rummaging will also turn up some engine conversions and will be interesting to hear how your search for box goes - keep us posted

Scary handling is something of a Commer trait - my tyres on 45 and up until recently had hard compound tyres which had to use up but did nothing to reassure me with grip[:0] Just means that you don't need speed to make things exciting - 45mph round a corner never felt so thrilling!

Bessie - four star commerdation
 
I think I've found me an engine and a gearbox.. In the form of an Isuzu engined Beford Midi. Its as rusty as sin and has about 20 minutes tax and MOT so it'll do a few runs to tip first to make it worth the £200 price tag. On the highwayman front, we've hit a set back.. its been leaking (like a sieve!). Im gunna have to weld 3 dinner plate sized pieces to the floor, repair a load of internal timbers and seam seal everything. Does anyone know what the ride height on the back should be. Mine is 1.5" off the bump stops and drops an inch when 1 person gets in it?? Are my springs shot or is that about right?

Dan
 
Hiya Dan. This pic shows the rear gap gauge in position, The measurement from the top of the axle to the chassis member it about 5"



RearAxle.jpg


'Harvey the RV'
 
Well spotted Mr Maltas, either that or Will's van with its Rover rear :)

'Harvey the RV'
 
Dan, it sounds like your springs are shot. I have just had some re-tempered with extra leaves for the Detector van, cost about £100.
Extra leaves on a coachbuilt would be an advantage. ;)
 
Cheers for that, thats what I figured. where did you get your springs done? Any one know of a company in the March / Peterborough area ?

Thanks all.
Dan
 
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