AlanN's MK3 V6 Day Van

[mr Grimly]

Proper job there Al

[AlanN]

Should have some more window switches coming soon to try out, otherwise I can see some more plastic fantastic mods being done on the switches Ive already got
Went out last night to the Essex/Suffolk meet last night and I wasn't that impressed with the viewing angle on the trip back in the dark... The dials are quite deep set in, but it will have to do. Big thanks to Tony for sorting my starter motor too, yep! came loose again but he replaced bolts and lock washers

[AlanN]

Just took the van up the village shops, dont know why, but it was running like a dream, no knocks, clonks etc. must of been that high speed run on the way up to the meet. Gave it a boot full up the hill into high rd, arm out of window, shades on, yea love , that was meee no boy racers here

[pat stevens]

Thanks guys, not done much of late, had 2 really busy weeks at work, but with the Essex meet tomorrow and what could be the last NW12 next month, thought Id better get a little bit done to the pod...
Cut some textured plastic sheet to size and mounted the Granada MK2 oil pressure and amp meter clocks in, along with the electric windows switches, just to find they arent compatable with the current Granada plug electrics Got the Ampere gauge wired up and some more LED back lighting in. With this sudden hot weather, I painted the dash surround and the pod infil panel satin black, couldnt find a light grey that matched the pod/dash board, but it looks OK, so Im going to stick with it.


Sadly, I had to chop up a Granada dash facia just to get the bits I wanted, but I wanted the dials to match the fuel/temp ones

now that looks cool exelent work as always

[AlanN]

Thanks Pat, how you getting on with the project?

[AlanN]

Just had a text from Fordboynick, my new gearbox has arrived, really looking forward to getting this fitted, but there are few mods to be done before it will go in, exhuasts will have to be lengthened and new engine mounts will have to made, along with sorting the selector arrangment.

[robbie.cee]

Is the engine moving then m8? take it its only like a few cm forwards or backwards?

what will the new box give ya, better top end n lower revs in 5th?



its shiney enough to go in your van!

[AlanN]

Yes, this box is a few inches longer, so got to move the engine forward, plus electric fans will have to be fitted, along with all the other bits. Much better top end for cruising, better than 5th
Yes looks the part, I was hoping to get down there today, but late enough home. I'll be down there tomorrow helping out

[ChequeredRoof]

Just had a text from Fordboynick, my new gearbox has arrived, really looking forward to getting this fitted, but there are few mods to be done before it will go in, exhuasts will have to be lengthened and new engine mounts will have to made, along with sorting the selector arrangment.

This looks very similar to my box. Is it a Ford 5R55E? Tell us more!!
Your van is looking superb Alan. I love what you've been doing with the instrument and switch panels.

[AlanN]

Hi James, its the A4LD, havnt seen it yet, but looks like new from the pictures Find out more tomorrow.
Pod is coming along, just trying to source some matching switches etc., might have to mod the ones Ive got for the windows, but I'll get around to it soon, but Im touching up my old bumper at the moment for Jono.

We gonna see you at Transitmania

[ChequeredRoof]

Hi James, its the A4LD

OK, A4LD, both from the same C3-based family. Lovely box. I'm guessing yours is ex '90-'94 Sierra? Is it a C3 you're replacing?
I played around for ages getting the right selector arrangement, eventually using a floor-mounted set-up from a Ford Explorer.
Good luck with all the "adjustments" to fit it in .

We gonna see you at Transitmania

I'd love to come to Transitmania, but it's my Mum's 80th birthday weekend. Can't be missed! I'm hoping to get to the September Ace Cafe gathering .

Does your mother-in-law still have the mini 12v compressor you mentioned a while back? I'm still interested.

[AlanN]

Yep, the current box is a C3, but its a bit too rev'y, works brilliantly, but not enough economy at 21mpg. Plus it goes through the gears very quickly when youve got your foot down, thought about disconnecting the kickdown cable.
The A4LD was built for me by one for Fordboynicks friends, its got a new torque converter, what one I dont know, XR4 bell-housing and is the early type without all the electrics, so it will go into top. Traded in my old A4LD and a big favour from Nick to keep the cost down, plus the guy is a Transit fan
I have a transit cable floor selector, but I wanted coloum shift, maybe oneday. The C3 was on adjustable rods, so was easy to set selection positions.

Shame you can't make the Transitmania, I'll try and get to the Ace

Compressor, Yes ive got it here, forgot!!! its in the shed, Ill get some pictures tomorrow

[AlanN]

Finally got the banded rims on for North Weald last weekend, had a slight leak on one of the welds, had to take the tyre off again and Nick spotted it in for me.
Fills the arch out nicely, maybe a touch too nicely

[MattBlackMinibus]

Finally got the banded rims on for North Weald last weekend, had a slight leak on one of the welds, had to take the tyre off again and Nick spotted it in for me.
Fills the arch out nicely, maybe a touch too nicely

Wheels look lovely mate, and fill the arches just nicely IMO

[Leeday]

Hey Alan.
Sorry to burst on to your post after all this time....... but the excitement of my 4 year search for some wheels has overcome me....... got some wheels







Front wheels are 14" with 225/60 x 14" BF Goodrich, Rears wheels are 15" with 265/50 x 15" Cooper Cobra`s.

Rear arches filled out nicely

Loving your van.... looking amazing, mine has been abused with work this year but hoping to get some bits done to it now I got some wheels...