by Ncarter » Thu Jan 21, 2021 4:46 pm
So I thought I’d start something here rather, as per my post in the gallery section, I recently purchased an ex Police Mk6 jumbo. It’s the 135 with twin rear wheels. Being ex police, it was no doubt in numerous battles and does have some rough paint repairs. On the 100 odd mile journey home in drove fantastic, the power and pull really do show with the 135. At work we had 90’s and the 100’s, which are good vans in their own right. Now there has been a dry spell I decided to have a more detailed look at what awaits me. Cosmetically there is a decent amount to get done, but the priority is getting it water tight. Both the front doors have laminated/strengthened glass on the front quarters and drop downs. I initially wanted to get the glass swapped out and tidy it up but after looking at it the door cards are butchered, the doors have numerous holes from the additional locking devices and the quarter light glass frame is drilled into the frames. On the inside the framing is thicker and as such the seal between door and body trim on the A-pillar is poor/not water tight, as such the A-pillar has surface rust which I need to deal with. Because of the mods to the glass on the doors the trim for the A-pillar will not locate and has been glued on, inner tabs being removed. I need to get the windscreen changed, it has a full length crack in. There is a locking mechanism on the scuttle under the windscreen, that needs to be removed and a new scuttle facia installed. Above the screen there are the old holes for the lights and rails for the windscreen shield that have been poorly filled. So that also needs to be addressed. The roof has two vents, these are both leaking, it looks like there are able to be closed so I will investigate that one. That should then make her a lot more water tight. The side loading door needs to be replaced. It looks ok but on the inside it has been cut and modified for now removed equipment, so for ease I will look at replacing. Regarding the rear windows I am a little stuck in what to do with the three that remain. The don’t look pretty but are water tight and the conversation has be cut to suit them. I may need to see if it’s possible to get like for like replacements. Other than that there are some minor surface rust areas that I need to address. On the inside, I plan to keep 7 seats, I was going for 6 but have decided on 7. There are some trim bits that need to be replaced and a few dash parts to replace. The previous owner was planning to convert to a camper, I’m going the day van/multi-use van route, so will need to dispose of the fridge, gas bottle, water tank, sink unit, hob unit and two seats. There a rear heater that I will probably remove as well. Being the 135, I know it has the delicate fuel system, so a full service with genuine Ford filter etc will be happening. Anyway, a lot of waffle, but that is a overview of what lays ahead. This will be a first for me so lots of learning along the way!