1983 Austin Minivan Resto begins.
Discussion
if its any help, when i did my MG midget, which was a new Heritage shell, when i fitted the seals the doors where of course proud as the seals were brand new. Once i had fitted the striker, the locks and all i could leave the car with its doors shut and this over time helped. The doors need to look overshut initially as i am sure you have already worked out for the seal to push them back into alignment.
Stick with it, you will get there, you doing a good job, and these things are not easy to get right.....i find it best to walk away, have a brew, then return as and when. You only have to look back at some of the other obstacles you have overcome to see that you can triumph over these issues !! keep at it !!
Stick with it, you will get there, you doing a good job, and these things are not easy to get right.....i find it best to walk away, have a brew, then return as and when. You only have to look back at some of the other obstacles you have overcome to see that you can triumph over these issues !! keep at it !!
Cheers Benters. 
I was talking to someone in the pub yesterday about it and they mentioned trying a trick whereby you put the seal in hot water to release the memory in the rubber or something.
Then fit the seal and close the door.
When it cools it should form to the door.
Although they had a couple of pints by then so probably horses
te.
Might be worth a try though.
I was talking to someone in the pub yesterday about it and they mentioned trying a trick whereby you put the seal in hot water to release the memory in the rubber or something.
Then fit the seal and close the door.
When it cools it should form to the door.
Although they had a couple of pints by then so probably horses
te.Might be worth a try though.
Fit the strikers & adjust them in as much as can to get close to the fit you want then leave the doors shut like that for a few days. It's amazing how much they will settle in.
Probably still need a bit of tweaking afterwards but not nearly as much as you first think. Think this was the job I hated most in the whole rebuild mate.
Probably still need a bit of tweaking afterwards but not nearly as much as you first think. Think this was the job I hated most in the whole rebuild mate.
Wow ok so it's been nearly 4 months since updating this thread and I can honestly say I'm not much closer!!!! haha.
I'm still working on getting the doors to line up as I want them...
I'm also now on a bit of a deadline as I'm planning on getting it painted at the end of March with luck.
Couple of pictures over the last few months.
Engines 90% complete just to line to plumb in, alternator and oil cooler.
Near side doors getting better.
still a bit out though.
New electronic dizzy
That's about it so far.
Roll on the end of March as I'm hopeful that I can have it painted and back by my birthday on April 11th.
We will see.
I'm still working on getting the doors to line up as I want them...
I'm also now on a bit of a deadline as I'm planning on getting it painted at the end of March with luck.
Couple of pictures over the last few months.
Engines 90% complete just to line to plumb in, alternator and oil cooler.
Near side doors getting better.
still a bit out though.
New electronic dizzy
That's about it so far.
Roll on the end of March as I'm hopeful that I can have it painted and back by my birthday on April 11th.
We will see.
Made some sort of progress on the old girl today.
Rolled her out the garage for a clean up and then shifted over to the other side of the garage so that I can take a look at the drivers door.
Here's SAL soaking up some morning rays...
So then I got the door bolted up..... Wait for it...... you guessed it! It doesn't line up either.
The window frame is fine all the way round but the crease link in the skin doesn't line up with the crease in the rear quarter. It's fine at the front but too high at the rear as you can see.
After much head scratching... pondering... frustration... and coffee.
I drew a line in blue where the crease should be.
That's about as far as I got. I wonder if I can slot the skin then try and lower the top section of the skin down and weld it back up.... Feel free to add any ideas or tell me it isn't going to happen.
My only other option is just getting a heritage skin and be done with it. Although I would rather not have to folk out another 80 notes if I can help it.
This that I gave up on doors for another day and fitted the bonnet struts instead.
I cannot decide whether or not to put the other side on at the moment.
Spent a bit of time cleaning up the bright work on the handles. There a bit pitted so not sure to use them or not, I then thought about painting them gloss black...
That's it for today.
PIXEL S- ,my first ever new vehicle was a 1970 Mini van. Two problems with rear end.
1) Drumming noise from rear floor at 60/70 on long runs . I solved it with insulation on floor and carpet on top. Made a nice place to sleep if on an overnight trip ,and nicer than a gear lever up the jacksie on a date
2) - Slight exhaust fumes /traffic fumes from ( to me ) rear door area. Solved, and (IMHO) made van look a lot nicer by finding an old vacuum cleaner pipe end. Mine was fully stainless chromed and fitted a treat.
I also decided that dash looked very drab and bare . So in came an ammeter( though for alternators, it'd be a voltmeter) ,and an oil pressure gauge ( to balance the dash). My pressure feed was a tee on the pressure switch and meant that if pipe failed, I'd loose oil . Cure was to crimp on a short piece of oil resistant plastic pipe . Dash was made ( by good old Dad)out of Formica laminate.
1) Drumming noise from rear floor at 60/70 on long runs . I solved it with insulation on floor and carpet on top. Made a nice place to sleep if on an overnight trip ,and nicer than a gear lever up the jacksie on a date
2) - Slight exhaust fumes /traffic fumes from ( to me ) rear door area. Solved, and (IMHO) made van look a lot nicer by finding an old vacuum cleaner pipe end. Mine was fully stainless chromed and fitted a treat.
I also decided that dash looked very drab and bare . So in came an ammeter( though for alternators, it'd be a voltmeter) ,and an oil pressure gauge ( to balance the dash). My pressure feed was a tee on the pressure switch and meant that if pipe failed, I'd loose oil . Cure was to crimp on a short piece of oil resistant plastic pipe . Dash was made ( by good old Dad)out of Formica laminate.
I would live with the door issue in an effort to get the project completed and to start enjoying the great efforts you have gone too already.
Mini's are hardly the last word in coach building, so whilst I understand why you want it perfect, you can go back to this when time, and energy allow.
I reached stalling pint on the MG I was doing, and whilst I feel you pain to some degree I do recommend you try to move on.
Mini's are hardly the last word in coach building, so whilst I understand why you want it perfect, you can go back to this when time, and energy allow.
I reached stalling pint on the MG I was doing, and whilst I feel you pain to some degree I do recommend you try to move on.
benters said:
I would live with the door issue in an effort to get the project completed and to start enjoying the great efforts you have gone too already.
Mini's are hardly the last word in coach building, so whilst I understand why you want it perfect, you can go back to this when time, and energy allow.
I reached stalling pint on the MG I was doing, and whilst I feel you pain to some degree I do recommend you try to move on.
I know what you mean benters... I never nearly undertook the project knowing that I wanted a garage queen that got trailered everywhere, this will be a car to enjoy in all weathers. Mini's are hardly the last word in coach building, so whilst I understand why you want it perfect, you can go back to this when time, and energy allow.
I reached stalling pint on the MG I was doing, and whilst I feel you pain to some degree I do recommend you try to move on.
Therefore, I'm hoping to get it over to the painters next weekend!!!!
He then thinks it'll be 2 - 3 weeks after that and it'll be painted. Woohoo....
Hi Pixel
go back to the start of your thread and then take a look at your recent pictures
you've come so far with the van and are making a cracking job of it, without it being a cheque book resto
so carry on and reap your rewards in the summer, driving your little 'AA' van round town in the sun
good luck
ps: your weldings coming on as well
go back to the start of your thread and then take a look at your recent pictures
you've come so far with the van and are making a cracking job of it, without it being a cheque book resto
so carry on and reap your rewards in the summer, driving your little 'AA' van round town in the sun
good luck
ps: your weldings coming on as well
Cheers elgassi means a lot.
Spent the last couple of weekend sorting the bonnet gaps by slotting my nice new bonnet at either end. Had to take a deep breath when I made the first cut that's for sure!!!
I also found a period AA badge at a car boot last weekend.
I've decide to get the shell over to the painter next weekend to have him start on the prep. I'm still deciding what to do about the drivers door and whether I chop it about to fit or just put another new skin on.
I does feel like it's getting closer though.
Spent the last couple of weekend sorting the bonnet gaps by slotting my nice new bonnet at either end. Had to take a deep breath when I made the first cut that's for sure!!!
I also found a period AA badge at a car boot last weekend.
I've decide to get the shell over to the painter next weekend to have him start on the prep. I'm still deciding what to do about the drivers door and whether I chop it about to fit or just put another new skin on.
I does feel like it's getting closer though.
Hi Pixel
spotted on page 115 of cool classic cars spotter cars, in Classic cars and yesterdays heros AA van like yours
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
spotted on page 115 of cool classic cars spotter cars, in Classic cars and yesterdays heros AA van like yours
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Progress is good.
Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint ) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.
Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint
) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
FWDRacer said:
Progress is good.
Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint ) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.
Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
interesting point on the oil cooler. . .I am rebuilding an 74 Innocenti Export Cooper which has a cooler fitted as standard with what appears to be the regular spin on oil filter connection. This is one of the distinguishing features of this model. So am I best to ditch it in your opinion ? Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint
) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
The other distguishing feature of the Innocenti Mini is it was specced to drive around in a market with 30+ ambient. Sicily in June anyone?
For the UK I'd either ditch it, or if originality (sic) is your bag fit a Mocal inline T-Stat. And then usher the beards away when they say it isn't 100% to spec. Toss-R's.
For the UK I'd either ditch it, or if originality (sic) is your bag fit a Mocal inline T-Stat. And then usher the beards away when they say it isn't 100% to spec. Toss-R's.
FWDRacer said:
The other distguishing feature of the Innocenti Mini is it was specced to drive around in a market with 30+ ambient. Sicily in June anyone?
For the UK I'd either ditch it, or if originality (sic) is your bag fit a Mocal inline T-Stat. And then usher the beards away when they say it isn't 100% to spec. Toss-R's.
hearing you. . . . . .For the UK I'd either ditch it, or if originality (sic) is your bag fit a Mocal inline T-Stat. And then usher the beards away when they say it isn't 100% to spec. Toss-R's.
elgassi said:
Hi Pixel
spotted on page
115 of cool classic cars spotter cars, in Classic cars and yesterdays heros AA van like yours
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Hahaha cool. spotted on page
115 of cool classic cars spotter cars, in Classic cars and yesterdays heros AA van like yourshttp://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Door fit better than mine though
FWDRacer said:
Progress is good.
Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint ) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.
A head on you with that one FWD just haven't got round to taking it off after realising. Already got a zinc one but thank you for the offer that's very kind.
Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
Interesting you say that. It had one fitted when I bought it so was just going to replace it. Be a damn site cheaper just replacing with braided hoses instead.
Had a look at the dressed engine photo, very smart - One problem noted, You can't use a none A+ alternator bracket (natty silver paint
) on an A+ unit. Drop me a pm with your address and I'll send you the correct bracket FOC.A head on you with that one FWD just haven't got round to taking it off after realising. Already got a zinc one but thank you for the offer that's very kind.
Don't bother with an oil cooler for a road car unless you are running an Oil T/stat. Oil never gets hot enough and does as much damage as thin/overheated oil...
Interesting you say that. It had one fitted when I bought it so was just going to replace it. Be a damn site cheaper just replacing with braided hoses instead.
Edited by Pixel-Snapper on Friday 27th March 10:35
UPDATE:
Well... A sad day today
I had to let the van go......
Thankfully only to the painter!!!!!!!! :wub:
:P :mrcool:
So the next time I see SAL she should be all Yellow with a hint of black...
Had a right nightmare though with the trailer. When I got there at 8:30am this morning to pick it up I hadn't realised that I couldn't tow a braked trailer on my licence!!! Major ball ache!!! Ended up having to call in a massive favour from a mate that dropped all his plans for the day to come to my aid. Graham I owe you big time for coming to tow it for me.
To be honest it felt really strange leaving the van at Ronnie's knowing that I will now not see it again for around 3 weeks. He has kindly said he will take pictures for me while the process goes on.
So roll on 3 weeks time!
Well... A sad day today
I had to let the van go...... 
Thankfully only to the painter!!!!!!!! :wub:
:P :mrcool: 
So the next time I see SAL she should be all Yellow with a hint of black...
Had a right nightmare though with the trailer. When I got there at 8:30am this morning to pick it up I hadn't realised that I couldn't tow a braked trailer on my licence!!! Major ball ache!!! Ended up having to call in a massive favour from a mate that dropped all his plans for the day to come to my aid. Graham I owe you big time for coming to tow it for me.
To be honest it felt really strange leaving the van at Ronnie's knowing that I will now not see it again for around 3 weeks. He has kindly said he will take pictures for me while the process goes on.
So roll on 3 weeks time!
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