MECHANICS IN LONDON

N

nzingher

0
Hi Everyone!

I'm looking to buy a commer highwayman 1972 and convert it to a street food business. I'm a bit worried because my mechanic told me that these old cars are unreliable and are difficult to find parts for.

I was wondering what people's expereiences are here?

Should this be a solid vehicle?

If I do run into trouble, any ideas on where in London I could find a mechanic?

Thanks!
 
You will probably fair better than most with daily use - friends who run classics daily have far less issues in my experience.

As for parts I have not yet found anything that cannot be sourced by a combination of Speedy Spares, Commer Van Spares, Past Parts, Steve Williams on the forum and countless others who have supplies they will share if it speeds up a repair.

Not exactly a mechanic and not entirely sure where in London you need but Commer Jules on here has experience and has restored a few by now!
 
Welcome along :)
Don,t forget modern vans break down too ;)
I run a 1968 van as a daily driver and for work, and don,t own a modern vehicle. There is no reason you can,t so long as you do a few upgrades like decent alternator,electronic ignition, fuel pump etc. Yes they are higher maintenance, but it,s much easier and cheaper to do.
There is already one out there that is used as an ice cream van :)
Parts are cheap and most things are easily obtainable from people on here.

4650583641_dba2503b41_o.jpg

"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Hi Mr Zinger and welcome to the madhouse:D
Most of us on here are rank amateurs and we get by fine with the help of the rest of the guys on here. As John says although you can't go down to the local motor factors to pick up some bits they are readily available through many specialist suppliers at reasonable prices. Saying that the vans share may service bits and pieces with other cars and you can get them from Halfords etc - plugs, leads, oil filter and even alternators are all the same as a Mini for instance. I just ask for the item off a 1986 model Mini and it fits:)

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How refreshing
 
that's great thanks for the info. I''m based in NW London, but obviously happy to travel wherever is needed!

Commeracer - what's the name of the ice cream van do you know?

Thanks all!
 
Not my old Peggy is it?

BazRockscropped.jpg

I am not a person, I am a number, 395 actually......Be seeing you!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
 
Here ya go :)

http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2188&SearchTerms=ice,cream,van

4650583641_dba2503b41_o.jpg

"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
We bought a Commer Highwayman toward the end of summer last year and its finally ready to be a food truck in London. Just some final touches with the addition of the power steering - LITESTEER - fitted on so that I still have working arms at the end of each drive! We hope to start trading on the 23rd of April at the Surrey Food Festival. How did you get on with yours nzhinger? I am looking for a good mechanic that can do the MOT and an engine tune up. The main issue being that it has not really been driven much since the summer. Fingers very very crossed that there are no major issues coming out of this. Does anyone know of a good mechanic??
 
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