Merlin the Minibus

[Transit-Tricky]

Well I thought I'd better start a thread for Merlin as he has already appeared elswhere on the Forum. Here's the story so far:


* 9 Seater pre-Tourneo low roof minibus 1992 Mk4
* Purchased in December 2005 from a commercial dealer.
* One previous owner (HM Gov), 82K very clean & tidy
* Dec 2005 New JVC CD Player!
* Jan 2006:
- Oil & Filter Change
- New Diesel stop solenoid
- New N/S Battery tray fitted for 2nd battery

That's it for now. I will post some new pics here soon as more work is planned (towbar, widow tint, speakers etc...). It is worth mentioning that the stop solenoid was causing a fuel leak and the new one fixed it. The main dealer wanted £75 for a new one and I eventually found one for £10.50 inc P&P from http://flag-diesel.rivousel.com/ Dont get conned by your Ford Dealer!

TT

[Luke]

When are you starting the rainbow paint job

[Transit-Tricky]

Now there's a Site Admin who knows his members!
Well Luke, the rainbow paint job will start in spring. Paint sticks better in the warm weather Also my hands dont freeze up so bad. A little reminder for those who dunno what were on about...



Meanwhile the towbar is ready to go on. Pics to follow on completion.
TT

[Transit-Tricky]

Merlin is sporting a nice looking towbar now.

Click here to find out more. TT

[stevew]

Looks nice!
Cheers for the write up as well.
When are we gonna see the new paint scheme?

Steve

[Transit-Tricky]

Guys...please! Be patient. I've got a wife & 5 kids to deal with too y'know The weather is getting warmer & drier so it wont be long now. Probably take me a few months over the summer to get the bulk of it done.

Watch this space...

[Transit-Tricky]

Still not started on the paint job, but I have replaced the front speakers. If you want to know how then click HERE to find out

Cheers, TT

[madmark]

looks like you have a nice rust free tailgate as well!

[Transit-Tricky]

looks like you have a nice rust free tailgate as well!

Yeah it's all quite tidy. I have the tiniest of bubbling by the bottom of the rear window, but will treat that soon. Had most of the trim off inside and all the panels are lovely and clean. I will cover them all with waxoil & hopefully they will last another 14 years!

How's your RAC wagon off for rust?

[Transit-Tricky]

OK, so now I am planning the paint job for this summer. I plan to de-rust all the little spots I have here and there, fill/rub-down, prime/rub-down, then on with the colours. Promise there will be plenty of pics to come. Oh, a good steam clean/underseal and Waxoyl all the cavities at the same time.

I was gonna use Hammerite for the black colour along the bottom, sills and arches. Do you think I will be better off using ordinary paint?

TT

[chadmat]

I'd avoid Hammerite like the Plague!!
It's no good!!!
Unless you can spray it on using a spray gun.
Try coach paint, easy enough to do.
Have a butchers as this.
http://www.stephen.hull.btinternet.co.uk/index.html
Hope this helps you.

[Transit-Tricky]

Thanks Chadmat. That's very interesting. I hand painted my old Pug using an acrylic based paint. It didnt look too bad. I was thinking that with the larger surface area of the Transit, I might need to spray this time.

I've looked around on the forum and am becoming quite scared of using 2K paint in the open air. Cellulose might be a better (old-fashioned) option - at least according to Rover...

[Transit-Tricky]

Started work on Merlin at last! Cleaned and pressure washed the rear arches.



They are pretty clean and sound under the arches



The outside edges are a little scabby though. So I started to rough them up and rub down:



Then put on a little bit of this:



The old rusty bits have gone hard and I will fill and shape them during the next session.



That's it for now. Much more to follow in the coming weeks... TT

[madmax]

I just cant get over how much cancer you guys have in the vans, tho we dont need to salt our roads. but at least you can cure cancer hey!

[Transit-Tricky]

A few more pics of boring old filler:
SLAP IT ON !!



Getting there:



It WILL look like this soon



More pics soon...
Cheers, TT