Gareth's 2004 SWB Med Roof 85PS Transit

[ake]

Good show You can't be angry at £220 to Mot a working vehicle

[Kidman]

Good show You can't be angry at £220 to Mot a working vehicle

Nah i'm not at all. Despite its issues i have had to iron out of it i still love driving a Transit, i barely drive my cars any more!

[Kidman]

Time for an end of year update. Its been very eventful.

When purchased, it had 83k on the clock, it now has 114k.

The only other major expense in recent times was a new battery. I purchased a new one in Jan which was the correct spec, however due to the Transits SCS, the lead acid type soon dried out due to overcharging. Fitting the correct Ford Calcium Silver restored starting power as it should be. This seems to be a little know fact, which may be masked if you fitted a higher power battery to overcome it.

It may be expensive but it will last a long time. I paid about £75 quid for it, retails at £130.


I have removed the signwriting for now. I plan to do a lot of spraywork next year and possibly a change of style, i may even leave it all off, as i prefer the clean look. It never got me any business and the only benefit was looking more professional on site. Came off easily and a wipe with degreaser got any residue off, and a clay bar to finish.

Hopefully get another year out of it, then get a Mk7 SWB low roof 115 Trend or similar.

[stevo]

Looking good mate, it seems people look after the Mk6 vans more than the Mk5's, shame really.

[Hitch]

i realy like this van and i thought the sign writing was the best i had ever seen

Hitch

[Luke]

tbh i like the signwriting too i know it looks clean without it but i think with it gives a proffesional appearance gives people confidence in you

[Kidman]

tbh i like the signwriting too i know it looks clean without it but i think with it gives a proffesional appearance gives people confidence in you

I let my work do the talking!

4 people have now said they thought it was a new van... looks totally different with the 3 mtr awning too.

[Kidman]

Couple of new pictures.






I was getting a smell of diesel fumes in the cabin with the heater on, closer inspection found it to be the EGR pipe near to the turbo had cracked nearly all the way around. Now been welded up and fine for now.



I am thinking of selling the van, so if anyone is interested and wants to make me an offer, feel free to PM me. I am in no urgent rush so i wont be putting an advert up yet.

[cammy]

nice looking van m8 what tints on it am getting my van done on the 16th and cant decide

[madmark]

love the fiama very usefull bit of kit

[Kidman]

nice looking van m8 what tints on it am getting my van done on the 16th and cant decide

Just cheapy stuff from a car spares place, light smoke. Does the job !

[fumbduck]

Thanks for an interesting thread kidman!
You did a great job in documenting your efforts and it was a great read that we all can learn from.
Thanks again

[Kidman]

An update. Now up to 130k, uses no oil between changes now. Still on the same tyres from last years MOT. Had a new green tint screen fitted complete with top seal, looks much better. Apart from its usual 10k services its been solid and dependable, exactly why i bought a Transit in the first plate.

It is MOT time next week though. All should be fine. I had to replace the OS handbrake cable with one from Transitparts off eBay, very quick service and a good quality part, will be buying again from them.

Tried to remove the old cable without stripping all the shoes and springs off but got distracted and it all fell apart, so after a bloody awkward fiddle and much swearing it all went back together, set the adjuster till it was tight for the drum going on (my wear ridge was ground off last year) and then backed off half a turn.

Otherwise straightforward though, just nerve racking working under a heavy van. Well worth the effort, the handbrake is perfect now.

It will be getting the underside treated to Bilt Hamber Dynax UB very shortly, some cavities treated to their wax as well. I need to do some bodywork before the winter time so have had some Selemix Diamond White mixed up, should be a very good match.

Love this van to bits and want to hang onto it for another couple of years, i dont see the point getting a new one which could be problematic, and at least this is paid for.

[Kidman]

Not very interesting, passed with no advisories, excellent emissions and brakes too.

[Kidman]

Again, another boring post, handy for me as its a reference for when i change things and how quickly i do the miles, even if no-one else posts.

Now has Michelin Agilis on the front, nice quiet and progressive tyre, Goodyear Cargo G26 on the back as per original spec.