Mk1 Beavertail Recovery

[I_hate_rust]

Well here I go, today (after alot of talk and research ) I have started to get the van up to it's original standard (or as close as possible)

I don't have much experience with panel repairs or welding but will learn as I go. Most other things I have covered at one point or another during my many years driving Fords

Here she is in all her glory

I'll try and get a more current picture of her as I didn't have my camera with me today!

First thing on my list is to get the beaver tail off her and have a good look at the chassis. There were something like 20+ bolts holding the beaver tail on. As usual the last 3 decided that they weren't going to play ball so I've opt'd for the "soak in WD40 and leave" theory. If that fails I have a very good friend called Mr Grinder

The van is currently outside so work is progressed curtesy of the weather, and here in Northern Ireland it isn't normally sunny for too long

All comments (good and bad) are welcome

Also offers of advise will be greatfully accepted

[lostpaul67]

Good luck mate looks like you've got a big job there

[I_hate_rust]

It looks alot worse than it actually is. The previous owner had sand blasted the complete van and applied undercoat.

Due to it sitting outside most of the time there is alot of surface rust which just needs to be cleaned back and undercoated again.

Well that's the theory anyway, and we all know how theory goes

[malta transit]

Good Luck mate,may the Force be with you

[baby stepside]

love that
yes it does look solid

[I_hate_rust]

A short update with more pics

Finally managed to get the last and EXTREMLY stuborne bolt off alowing me to lift the beavertail away from the chassis so I can have a good look at it!! Just need to get the next door neighbour round and lift the bed

Also discovered that Mk1 wheel nuts are not as you'd expect OS is as you expect but the NS is LH thread!!! I broke my long socket bar before I realised Ah well, needed a new one anyway, the old one was looking taty



as she is now


her good side


her not so good side


engine is in perfect working order

Anyway, should be lifting the bed this week so will update as and when.

P.S. This progress thread may be a long one as I only get a short amount of time to work on her

[FredTransit]

A twin wheel Mk1 and Mk2 transit wheel nuts are the same, opposable LH thread on the hear side, supposedly to make sure they don't come undone . Helpfully they are stamped with an L on the end of the stud.

[I_hate_rust]

Can't say I noticed but then again I didn't look to closely just went ahead and tried to remove them

[FredTransit]

Have a go at wire brushing the end s of the studs, it should show up! If it really bothers you, the studs are easy to change, they just tap through the hubs. The ordinary threads are easy to get, it's the LH threads you can't get. After all you don't see transit wheels falling off on a daily basis so it's not vital.

[intransit89]

nice project should keep you busy for a tho years

[I_hate_rust]

nice project should keep you busy for a tho years

Probably be finished in time for my son to drive it

P.S. He's 2 at the moment

[FredTransit]

About the same amount of time it will take intransit to finish his then!

[intransit89]

About the same amount of time it will take intransit to finish his then!

i hope not but you think you done then you find a bit more

[I_hate_rust]

How to remove a beavertail bed from a Mk1 chassis cab in 30mins


Gain access to the beavertail


Sling her up and take the strain


Check you've disconnected everything


Make sure she's level


Don't forget to have a break down in communication






Make it look as if your doing SOMETHING helpful


Remember to put blocks down so not to damage mud guards


Disconnect lifting equipment from bed before they drive off


Last but not least, have the Health and Safety officer check everything is OK AKA Son

[I_hate_rust]

Just for a little entertainment



Have your 21month old so push the van back into her parking place

I hope you can all see the pictures ok, I tried to reduce the size of them so everyone can see