Transit Antics - A Smallish, Majorish Rebuild

[matthew2riches]

I just thought I'd re-write my thread as the other was filled with useless crap

Keep checking back!

[matthew2riches]

Pics when the van was purchased for £650. Nearly a years MoT and 6 months tax. Runs fine but in need of some bodywork.











With a mk4 Grill on I had:



I also put some better rear doors on without windows in and it's also had a better bumper, sliding door, drivers door and bonnet which were all salvaged from another Transit I had. I also added the compulsory towbar step as well as a drivers captain seat It's also had a brand new rear bumper and end caps.

[matthew2riches]

To get the van to a useable state for carrying my stuff, it just needed ply lining and carpeting.





I ditched the idea of having board halfway up the sites in the end and opted for taller sides to stop possible damage to the metal. You'll also see the dodgy carpet... Not the nicest colour or pattern but it does the job It'll be black soon.





From the photos, you'll see what a strange order things are being done in... I tend not to have very much time so I normally do all the odd bits as and when and then when I get a full day, a big bit gets done

From here on, it's just bodywork Not my favourite job

[matthew2riches]

So, the only real way or sorting out the rust is to cut it out and replace it It's going to be a long slog

Oh dear:







Cut it out:







Just a few bits that were photographed... not including A LOT that wasn't!

Weld and fill:









Arch Repair:







Filler time:



Pasted on nice and thick! Did I mention? I HATE FILLER



I have to keep looking at the other side every now and then to keep morale up We'll get there

[matthew2riches]

Some welding from the inside:



Easy sand filler...?? My left eye!! Bloody stuff..... We're getting there I think



A few little dings filled.



Big gouge from previous owner filled (just a few low spots and digs in the filler to re-fill).

[matthew2riches]

Next up will be more filling along with more filling and a bit of filling. After that, I'm hoping for new wings and front arches.

I'm rather busy with work at the moment but will update as soon as something gets done

[MrMPuk]

The other thread's better as a progress report.

[matthew2riches]

Had part of a day free so I've done a little more to the passenger side wheel arch... it's getting there, slowly.



This is the next part after arch is finished



I feel so demoralised and scattered at the moment. It's taking the pleasure out of what should be a pleasurable pursuit

And then the dog pissed on the airline

[Luke]

looks good mate you can see your obviously putting the effort into doing a good job

[matthew2riches]

I purchased a far superior sliding door for £50 as I couldn't be assed with repairing the rust, dent pulling and filling my old one. We have progress..... but as soon as I got the tools out to finish - it rained



As you can see from the photo, there is just 2 pieces in both bottom corners that need treating and a little wipe of filler followed by some stonechip

So when the rain clears off, I'll finish the door and passengers arch when I take the old door off.

All that's left is around the fuel cap, back doors and wings I'll hopefully finish before the winter

[Nadjenka]

Keep at it

[v8rick]

nice work looks like you are doing a good job, and doing it 'right first time'

[matthew2riches]

and doing it 'right first time'

Almost... there's a few work-arounds that need fixing once the bodywork is finished. It's just taking me soooooo long being self employed and all that

[matthew2riches]

Do not under-estimate the power of Jenolite!!!!!! I've given the spots on the sliding door 4 coats and look what it has done to the rust





Just need to wait for it to dry and then I'll fill, sand and paint

[matthew2riches]

Lots of Jenolite, filler, primer and a bit of stonechip later.... WE HAVE A DOOR!! (Marks are just dust from some other sanding I'm doing).



I'll give it a wash and fit it tomorrow Next up is around the fuel filler cap and sill of the sliding door to rear wheel arch

We're nearing a re-spray