My MK5 Minibus Project

[RonTransitmk5]

Trying to get this minibus fixed for it's MOT, what do I do next?
Was thinking of getting some ramps so I can start grinding underneath, buy really need to way up the different options & costs of getting it done.
Would a nice kind member who lives near me or who is passing through pop round for a cuppa (Tea or Coffee), have a look & offer some advice?
Just waying up my options to get my 8 seat minibus on the road legal as cheap as possible

[dieselhead123]

Hi mate and welcome to the forum.
It looks like there is quite a bit of welding to be done there on the old girl, nothing unusual for a Mk5 though.
Cab you weld? Because if you can't then you will be able to by the time your van is done, there are members on here who purchased welders just to do their vans and did a good job.
Most of the repair panels that you need are cheap or can be made easily from flat plate.
I would be happy to inspect and offer advice when I am next over your side of the river, there are other forum members close by who will no doubt be able to assist.
TIM

[Eggski]

Looks like you have a job on your hands there bud!

Dont let your head drop though, you'll get there.

[transitandy]

Im sure we have other members in dagenham who may help with advice m8y

[RonTransitmk5]

Thanks guys, I am sure I will fine someone to take a peek, it all takes time.

[RonTransitmk5]

Am I right in thinking I have to plate underneath as well as on top of the floor?

[robbie.cee]

Wahey! Essex! another one of us! glad to have you aboard m8!

tim dieselhead123 is the man for panels

[Neilg7777]

Hi look at my posts
Scrap
Let the fun begin

I had the same as you and I had never welded before, Did all the work myself and it passed the Mot. Any advise please ask and welcome to the site a lot of nice helpful people on here
Neil

[RonTransitmk5]

Wahey! Essex! another one of us! glad to have you aboard m8!

tim dieselhead123 is the man for panels

Thanks for that info, it's been noted

[Highlander250469]

Am I right in thinking I have to plate underneath as well as on top of the floor?

I'd cut out the old metal and weld in another piece cut to the right size,

if you patch it by welding plates over rusty metal it'll create the ideal spot for dampness and the rust will soon come through again

[RonTransitmk5]

Hi look at my posts
Scrap
Let the fun begin

I had the same as you and I had never welded before, Did all the work myself and it passed the Mot. Any advise please ask and welcome to the site a lot of nice helpful people on here
Neil

Hi Neil,

I must admit when I 1st lifted the floor I almost fainted & thought no way can I do this, scrap it & cut me loses but after coming on here in less than 1 day I have had many comments of encouragement. The rust/damage is so commom, there was me thinking mine was just a dog.
It looks like this project may be viable after all, we'll see.

Thanks everyone
Ron

[RonTransitmk5]

Am I right in thinking I have to plate underneath as well as on top of the floor?

I'd cut out the old metal and weld in another piece cut to the right size,
if you patch it by welding plates over rusty metal it'll create the ideal spot for dampness and the rust will soon come through again

Never done any work on motors before other than change the odd tyre & a couple of brake pads & discs.
Not too sure if I am confident in doing it the right way as you suggest, that's why I thought it might be easier for me to just plate.

I will keep an open mind & lookup what other people have done
Looking at selling the minibus & getting a newer 1 in 18 months-2 years, but also thinking if I do all the repairs as you suggest then I may keep it a few extra years.

Decisions decisions decisions

[gavuk]

Hi Ron ,for info the weld repairs as mentioned, are best if all the rust is cut out and a plate made to the exact size to fill the hole ,the plate then needs to be continueosly welded,patches laid over the top will pass an mot,if welded correctly,but the rust will return quicker than if the rust is cut out......If the welding is correct,it only need to be welded from one side ,so most if not all the floor can be welded from inside.....sounds like there may be some members that can give the entire van the once over and give better advice if its repairable or give you some lessons if you buy a mig .....don't buy a sip .....read the diy mig forum for the reasons.....Gav

[robbie.cee]

D'oh! i got a sip gas/gasless.

saying that it does the job, 6 power settings plus feed speed control too. the few welds i made on test pieces withstood smashing with a hammer after to test strength. they held but the scrap metal mangled right up.

out if interest what are the issues with sips , so i know if/when it happens.

cheers gavuk

[CH1]

Dont let it get the better of you mate, thought I would post up my tread of my mk5 restoration, might give you some ideas viewtopic.php?f=27&t=67521