Austin Van - First Produced

[whyperion]

Can someone refresh my memory of when the Austin LCV Van version was first issued by BMC?
(I think they were all 1098cc after the A35van had been discontinued.

[bmcecosse]

And I think at least some had 848 cc engines...

[ManyMinors]

1968 is the earliest to my knowledge and yes, they all had 1098cc engines.

[whyperion]

As said above , the GPO specified 848 engines for some of its vans, but were they in the Austin, rather than Morris versions? (the LCV register will know)

[whyperion]

I was just thinking 2018 will be the 50th year, wondered if that one in Kelso was a suitable club candidate for rebuild ( it looks too far gone for a one person rebuild, but not beyond total restoration with the right stuff )

[irmscher]

!968 and the changes to the Austin were crinkle grill,horn button,bonnet badge ,rocker cover ,and the 8cwt had wider wheels

[SteveClem]

I know the Coal Board were still using them in the North East in the early '70's. Blue and yellow livery with NCB on the side. Used for light deliveries between pits.

[morris van]

I have a 1971 Austin LCV but mine has the Morris badge and grill etc but I want to put the right badges on.[frame][/frame]

[les]

Those wing mirrors look pretty useful, where did you get them?

[TFM150K]

As said above , the GPO specified 848 engines for some of its vans, but were they in the Austin, rather than Morris versions? (the LCV register will know)

To the best of my knowledge the PO used 803cc engines throughout the period that 948cc engines were standard issue (ie 1956 - 1963).
But don't quote me
I stand to be corrected
and probably will be
probably by POMMReg
and others.

[POMMReg]

Have to watch myself here as someone has complained about my "complicated answers" (?).

Yes TFM, you're 99.9% correct - albeit ONE Scottish 1958 postal re-engined in 1962.

Oooops, off I go again....

Must keep it to yes/no answers in future.

[les]

That'll be the day!!

[POMMReg]

That'll be the day!!

Watch it or I'll pour petrol on the LBM inferno...

[mike.perry]

The GPO definately used the 803 engine and did not fit the 948 engine or diff. They did fit 8 in front brakes and large back windows before they changed to 1098 engines
Source - Michael Perry who owned a 1963 803 driving instructors van

[morris van]

The mirrors were on the van when I got it but I broke one the other week and I got a replacement from Charles Ware. The owner of the garage that has done a few odd jobs on it says they are handy as you can see past the side of the van.

[ManyMinors]

The mirrors are made by Tex. They were fitted to the Mk1 Ford Transit range.

[faversham999]

...

[les]

Thanks for wing mirror info.

[drivewasher]

Thanks for wing mirror info.

Hi Les,
I have those on my van fro ESM described as van mirror stems. You can see past the van body but they are useless for reversing in tight spots as you can't see the rear corner
I'm just sorting your idea useing tie bars. Can't find the post you did with the sizes of bolt & threads etc tough

[drivewasher]

I have a 1971 Austin LCV but mine has the Morris badge and grill etc but I want to put the right badges on.[frame][/frame]

Here's my Austin 1098 as near as I can get to origonal yet Ex Co-Op Society, Reg Nov 1971



[frame][/frame]

not a good pic I'll look for a better quality one