.png)
So I've finally (slowly) got stuck in to getting some work done on the van!
I got some Dynamat cheap (good old ebay) and have started getting the doghouse covered on the inside with the sound deadening mat. I've put insulation over the Dynamat as well, to try and keep the doghouse a bit cooler. I'll get the floor and the front wall done this weekend. I plan on taking out the interior trim panels and covering the inside of the bodywork over the next couple of weekends.
I took a sound measurement inside the van at cruising speeds and it came up at 86 decibels so it'll be interesting to see what difference the Dynamat can make?
I've sent the gauges away to a company in Scotland to be refurbished and that will cost 300 quid.
I thought that was pretty good! The company is called "Classic Spares and Engineering" and so far communication with them has been great, I'll keep you posted on the end result.
The other major thing is that I've ordered some wheel spacers for the rear wheels. I love the Magnum 500's but they look lost in the rear wheel arches so I've ordered some 40mm spacers to push them out a bit.
I'll update as work progresses.
Here's a pic of the inside of the dog house.
The Dynamat has more than doubled the weight of the tinware so it will be very effective in keeping things quiet.
While the dog house is removed I'll get it painted. I'll probably go with a dark grey for the tinware to match the carpet I'll get for the front cab area
A bit more work on the dog house today.
What a pain in the ass getting the front section removed!!
Radiator has to be drained and removed! If I had access to a lift, I could've removed the rad from below and simply taken out the tinware.
As I don't have the use of a lift, I had to unbolt the fan, really awkward because there is hardly any space between the fan and the radiator, once the fan was off there was enough room to lift the front tinware and radiator out as one unit.
So, now that is all out I can separate the radiator and the tinware, prep it all for paint and stick some Dynamat and heat insulation on the inside.
While the Rad is out I might even get it re-cored!
With all that tinware removed it's given me great access to the cab floor and front panel to stick even more Dynamat everywhere!
It'll also give me a bit of space to tidy up some of the wiring and give the engine a small service.
Looking good dude. Are you going to make it to Vanjam ?
Vanjam. Count me in!
Wheel spacers fitted to rear wheels and the doghouse tinware has all been sent to the paint shop.
before and after.
Slow progress, but the tinware is back from the painters, Yay.
I should have the clocks back from being re-furbed this week, Yay.
And I'm well on my way to finishing the Dynamat.
Engine has had a small service and it is going off to have new steering joints and proper bump stops installed in a couple of weeks.
I've got a lead on a fresh engine as well but that might be a bit much at the moment.
I'll post some more picks soon.
By the way, I'm probably going to ditch the stainless trim that is around the van.
It's not in the greatest of condition, a few dents and a few screws drilled through it for fixings, If anyone is interested or knows anyone that might be, let me know.
Cheers.
Well, what a funny old year it's been. When I say funny, what I really mean is, "fucking shit !"
The van is currently being completely re-wired so that I don't have to carry on fixing one electrical gremlin only for something else to go wrong next time I use the van. Very annoying.
I'm not too happy with the colour of the doghouse tinware so I'll get that re-painted when the rest of the van gets done. (at the end of the year)
I'll get the seats re-trimmed as well, they're black at the moment and most of the rest of the interior is a sort of bronze colour (looks better than it sounds) so I'll go for something that matches a bit better.
On another note, I had a pretty major health scare a couple of weeks ago so I'm keen to just get all of this stuff done so that when we are all allowed back out to play I can make the most of it.
Stay safe everyone.
Yeah man shite year so far. Van's off the road now for a while, need to install a new tank which is clogging up the fuel system. One's on its way over, was going to seal the old one but new was around the same price as the sealer!
Looking forward to catching up and seeing the progress dude ;)
Yeah man shite year so far. Van's off the road now for a while, need to install a new tank which is clogging up the fuel system. One's on its way over, was going to seal the old one but new was around the same price as the sealer!
Looking forward to catching up and seeing the progress dude ;)
Well, the van is back from its complete re-wire. Everything now works to UK spec,
i.e. orange indicators that don't double up as sidelights/brake-lights etc.
I also got the guy to include provision for reversing lights and a number plate light.
He's also put in an electric fan for when It starts getting hot in traffic and he's left a cable in for electric power steering that will go in at some point.
I'm looking at doing a disc brake conversion next, but I can only find the scare bird kit which seems to get mixed reviews.
If anyone has any other ideas for the disc conversion I'd be happy to hear.
I might even look into getting some caliper brackets custom made??
I’ve done the scarebird front axle kit. Should be some stuff on here somewhere. It’s a cobble of kit with scarebird supplying the plates and some hardware. I added a booster to mine, brakes work great and don’t try and put you in a ditch when you really need them! Without the booster they are heavy as you need the extra power for the fronts. Might be worth making custom brackets and location the bits you need, probably the same stuff in the scarebird kit to be fair. There are other lots available though, if you ask the question on the Vanditos Facebook page I know of 2 A100 owners who have done the swap with different kit. Also one has done the Prius steering conversion ;)
Cheers Clive. I've checked out your videos of the scare bird kit. Some basic engineering and a list of parts. Quality of some of the parts supplied seems to be a bit questionable?? And whats with all the different thread sizes on the brake lines and fittings ? Nightmare!!
Well, Here's an update on progress.
I've found a complete "bolt on" disc brake conversion kit from the states (obviously).
The company is called Engineered components Inc. http://ecihotrodbrakes.com/catalog.html.
They have supplied everything from their own machined hubs, loaded callipers, discs,
a dual circuit master cylinder, flexi hoses, bearings, calliper brackets and a whole load of fittings, valves and hardware.
I decided to get the complete kit from them rather than fanny around sourcing parts like the callipers and discs over here, It probably would've been a bit cheaper but a whole load of hassle.
Talking of cost, the whole lot came to $875, about £640.
I sorted out the shipping myself and DHL charged me £190 and it arrived on my doorstep in 36 hours!!!!! Amazing.
I'm also going to fit a remote booster (like Clive has). I've managed to pick one of those up for £300 along with fittings a mounting bracket and a roll copper nickel pipe.
So it's not a cheap conversion but with safety in mind I don't mind spending a bit of money.
Our hobby is not cheap!
I've also started collecting a few bits for the Toyota Prius power steering conversion.
I'll let you know how the work progresses. I'll try and figure out how FB works and post on there as well.
Good work dude! Looking forward to seeing it!