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.

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, 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??

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.

Engine doesn't run, its part stripped, inlet and heads are off. Looks like someone has put a big cam in it because there are marks on the tops of the pistons where the valves have just been kissing the pistons. I've been doing a lot of research and these small blocks can make some big power! I don't need lots of power. I think it's going to be expensive to rebuild tho'. I think at the moment I'd rather put the money in paint and bodywork??

Hey Clive, Just wondering who built your engine? I've seen the pics and it looks like it runs pretty well on that chassis dyno ! I've picked up a 318 for a knock down price. It needs a rebuild and I really want someone who knows Mopars to put it together for me. Preferably somewhere close to me in North London / Hertfordshire

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.

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.

I'v just watched this video again but never noticed the guys expression at the end of the dyne run before. to say he looks surprised is an understatement. Priceless.

Wheel spacers fitted to rear wheels and the doghouse tinware has all been sent to the paint shop. before and after.

Vanjam. Count me in!

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.

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

haha. Hi Clive. Hi Ange.

I want to flog the centrelines. They’re actually Weld wheels. Made by Cragar. The Magnums aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! I’m based in north London.

Thats more like it, proper patina. the keystone wheels are cool but the magnums came at a price I couldn't turn down

Thanks Gary. It had centrelines on it when I got it but the magnum 500's suit it much better. Planned upgrades include lots of sound deadening and finishing the interior. New ball joints and track rod ends for the steering and maybe rebuild the steering box and get rid of the faked patina look

hey chaps and chappesses (made up word?)I met Clive and his missus (sorry, can't remember her name) at the Trip Out a few weeks ago. I've just bought a 1965 Dodge A100 so I'll be looking here for tips and advice on some of the improvements I'm planning over the winter.