'95 LWB 150 minibus conversion

[Nadjenka]

Oh Andy, it looks better on the picture than it does in reality. I made couple of holes again Need to grind the excess off and then weld again until I get it right. Missed the line on the top and basically damaged the new panel Again - just created little extra work for myself... Learning is a process of making mistakes and trying to correct them until you get it right. Only if I had your patience....... And possibly steel toe in my shoe so I can kick the welder just a little bit harder

[AlanN]

Well done Nada, not sure I would have taken on such a big job in my early welding career.
Keep the progress pictures coming

[Nadjenka]

Thanks Allan! It just makes me happy to think that ESSEX boys will not have a reason to make fun of my cardboard bus next time!

[intransit89]

8)
Well done Nadjenka

Not many would tackle welding jobs like that (I know I couldn't)

i would

[Nadjenka]

Jut a quick update - Lola has failed her MOT (as expected ) but fortunately on stuff that can be done. Holes needs to be welded, lights has to be sorted, sills have to be repaired and steering arm needs to be replaced (think that's what it was). Unexpected fail are the rear brake pipes which needs to be replaced urgently. It's going to be fun again! Getting down and under tomorrow to fight it Let's hope I won't snap something again

Has anybody done the rear brake pipes? Is it advisable to drain the fluid first? Reading Haynes sounds like something that can be done just with spanners, is this right? Or will I find out half way thru that I need some special tools as usual ? Any advice would be appreciated...

[dachre]

Hi Nadjenka,

Best to drain the fluid into a metal pot before hand.... horrible stuff brake fluid.


If you are looking to replace brake pipes then a lot of people will use a special spanner to undo the brake pipe ends.

http://www.lasertools.co.uk/item.aspx?cat=517&item=1398

http://www.lasertools.co.uk/tools.aspx?cat=517&pg=2

Cant remember the exact size of spanner you need for a transit... think they are small ones tho. Perhaps 13mm?



The pipe ends get all rusted and seized... and if you put a normal spanner on the pipe ends it will just spin on them and round off the ends.... then you will have to use an adjustable MOLE grips do undo them.... Mole grips make a bit of a mess but if you are changing the brake pipes anyway it wont matter.

Will you buy new brake pipes or are you making them up your self? You will need a brake flaring tool if you make them up yourself.

http://www.toolspot.co.uk/product/toolz ... g-tool-kit



But you will need to replenish and bleed the brake fluid through the braking system.

This is easier to do with a friend, one sits in the drivers seat pushing the brake pedal the other pours brake fluid into the reservoir and bleeds the system.


You can also get brake bleeding kits to help you do it yourself, these are sometimes called automatic bleeding kits.

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Automatic- ... 8Ta38Paxf0



Hope this helps.

[Nadjenka]

Dachre, thank you for taking the time and explaining this to me! I will not be making them up, I'm not that brave Brakes are one of those things that needs to be done properly so I don't become a killer Transit machine Thanks for the links, will read thru and order what's needed

[MinorMatt]

let me guess... you want a hand?

[belly]

Matt there is a company I've stumbled across down allington lane that are breaking lots of transits! Mostly mk5s one mk6 didn't know if you knew about them ? Brightyellow group is there name down manor ind est

[MinorMatt]

I know theres a boggo scrappy down there with a mini place behind, is that the place? or I it actually a transit breaker?

[wassock]

Hi Nadjenka,

First of all my sincere admiration, as a ex time served mechanic, for your efforts so far.

Just a quick thought, I have always found the best way to undo stubborn brake pipe nuts (when the pipe is being replaced) is to cut the pipe next to the union (nut), using either heavy duty side cut pliers or a junior hacksaw, and use a six sided socket to undo the nut, then tape the union to the end of the pipe to guide whoever is making up the new pipe.

Best wishes Dave

[Nadjenka]

Thanks guys, been to Lloyds today and got the necessary tools and liquids together with bleeding kit and ball joint for the propshaft which is also knackered (oh just like me today ). I only found out at the shop that I have to remove the pipes first and have them made That's going to be fun I did ask the shopkeeper how am I going to get the pipes to him since the shop is down the hill and I'll have no brakes, but he didn't have answer to that Hopefully it will be quieter at work tomorrow so I can try and remove it... Will let you know how it goes...

Have one more question though. Was reading the manual once more and got confused again - is it really that I have to get Lola on axel stands all around? Another flying Transit? And then take it off the axles at the rear when bleeding the system? Do I understand it right?

[MinorMatt]

you can take one wheel off at a time...

is that LMS in Northolt?

One question... Ball joint for the propshaft?

[Nadjenka]

I called it that at the shop and he did understand what I meant and handed me the right thing The long spinning thing underneath the floor, has got two of these joint thingies and one of them is finished. Yeah, here we go again... I'll make a picture

And yes, the one in Northolt. I was calling around and apparently they are the closer ones who can supply the pipes. And he gave me a discount today whils I didn't ask for one... I must have looked really desperate So now it is my favourite shop

This one

[MinorMatt]

Prop center bearing...

im suprised they kept that in stock! You should really replace both at the same time though, otherwise you will be doing it again in 6 months!