New to commer van fan

M

Milo

New Member
hello everyone ,
me and my fiancé have early inherited her grandads commer camper van.
Super excited to start adventures in her.
Any heads up on anything I need to do :)
Been sat in barn for 4 years since last use and now been picked up and delivered because wouldn’t start (assuming old fuel)

Thanks in advance Tom and Kim
 

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Hi guys and welcome to the Madhouse:D
You have got yourself one seriously gorgeous van, looks like a very desirable Maidstone conversion and a very early solid looking van too - early sixties. Most jealous and would love to see some more pics please:)
Anything you need to know just ask and we'll try and help.
 
To get your little beauty running I would first check all the fluids, fully charge the battery, take the spark plugs out and crank it over until the oil light goes out, pour a dribble of fuel down the carb and after replacing the plugs see if it will fire. If it does then drain off all the old fuel, change the oil and filter and start the engine again - this time get it good and warm to check for any leaks.
After four years a lot of the rubber components will have started to perish, so all engine hoses, clutch and brake cylinders will need to be inspected and replaced if necessary. And bits and bobs that you need will probably be stocked by Martin Maltas who is our resident guru on everything.
That'll do for starters;)
 
Welcome to the Madhouse. I would second everything that Panky says, it looks a very desirable and solid van. My sister has a very similar 1961 van. You do appear to be missing something though: There should be drop-down step below the side door.
 
wow you lucky lucky people! Lovely it gets to stay in the family. Welcome to the Madhouse; Panky is bob on there
 
Thanks for all messages,
Il have to speak to grandad to see whether he has ever had a step on the side. He mentioned one being on back that he hasn’t got now. He has owned since 1967 so should know. It’s a 1961 model. For insurance wise how much has people put for value of vehicle? None around for sale to compare so hard to know. Will try and get started over weekend and keep you posted
 
I would estimate at least £11k for valuation, but Martin would give you a better estimate which I would expect to be more depending on overall condition.

Saying that I'll risk getting stung and give you £500;)
 
Hi and welcome. Lovely van. You’ve come to the right place. There are people with lots of good advice and help on here. A great place for knowledge, laughts and tears. :)
 
Does anyone have his contact details or name on here? Then can speak about few bits.
The van has quite a few spots of rust but mostly surface and not big bits.
The roof trim has collected a lot of rust from water being sat in the lip. Does it have holes to loose the water or is there anything to be done to help it not get any worse.
Most of window rubbers are slightly perished and cracked also. Managed to give her a quick clean to remove the dust where it has been sat and hoping to be able to dry her tomorrow before putting a caravan cover to try and help :)

Thanks again for all lovely messages :)
 
Her you go. Martin will sort you out. Just to point out Martin is working on a new site so the prices quoted on here are probably out of date

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

There should be drain holes at each corner but they are prone to getting blocked and rusty gutters is pretty common.
 
Welcome and congratulations on a truly awesome van. So glad that it has been passed down to a younger generation that sounds enthusiastic and willing to throw themselves into a life long commitment. Love to see more pictures especially ones of trips away :)
 
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