Information on van restoration

Let us all know what you are up to with your current restoration project. Get that Minor on the road!
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don58van
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Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Information on van restoration

Post by don58van »

Hi All

I have a van that I would like to restore to a high standard (not concours, but close). It is a 1968 Austin Minor. It is all original and is in good condition. I will be doing much of the work myself.

I have seen excellent threads on here where highly skilled owners showed in detail how they restored saloons, Travellers and utes, but I can't locate a detailed and van restoration thread. I know there will be lots of similarities with the other variants, but there will be differences too.

Have I overlooked one on here?

Can you point me in the direction of one that I should look at elsewhere?

Your help would be appreciated.

Don
Bowie69
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by Bowie69 »

don58van
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Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:24 am
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by don58van »

Thanks for the link, Bowie69.

I don't think the chassis is going to need much attention. The van came here to Australia when it was very young and has spent the rest of its life in a dry, salt-free environment. It has all its original panels--all in good condition.

I am looking for potential pitfalls, tips and tricks for restoration process.

Regards
Don
MattsGPOvan
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by MattsGPOvan »

Hi Don, as l am re making my GPO van which was found in a garden!!! , l can offer to much info l will send you to sleep...😉
As l do this for living... we have a new company called Precision Panel Craft in Ninfield near Battle ...now on Instagram... also check out: old metal shaping.
The time consuming body panels are the roof ...but l butt TIG Weld all my homemade panels which does take time.

Pop down any time.

Cheers Matt.
don58van
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Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:24 am
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by don58van »

Hi Matt

Thanks for your reply.

I would love to have too much information. :D

The van I am about to tackle is a 68 Austin Minor. I am in Oz -- as far as I know, it is the only real Austin Minor Downunder. The body is in pretty good shape (having lived down here since around 1970) but as an amateur I need plenty of guidance. I would like to get it very close to original and close to concourse is my aim.

TIG is far too advanced for me. I am OK with MIG.

I would love to pop 'down' to your workshop, but unfortunately I am a fairly weak swimmer (unusual for an Ozzie :oops: ). Perhaps when the planes start again.

Don
MattsGPOvan
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by MattsGPOvan »

Great stuff Don, your van was a completely knockdown kit ....CKD.

Have you got the wavy front grill ?

TIG welding is fiddly for sure and you need good eyes.... please learn you’re never go back.

I have 36 years in the car trade and live and
Breathe LCV Vans.
don58van
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Posts: 759
Joined: Sun Feb 01, 2009 6:24 am
Location: New South Wales, Australia
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Re: Information on van restoration

Post by don58van »

your van was a completely knockdown kit ....CKD.
It was imported fully built.
Have you got the wavy front grill ?
I have the one it came with--in good condition. And I have a NOS one I found on eB.
TIG welding is fiddly for sure and you need good eyes.... please learn you’re never go back.
This old dog is too old to learn that trick.

Don
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