mark 1 Transit

[martyc]

I have recently bought a 1969 mark 1 transit Ice Cream Van.

I am doing some modifications and would like to add a second battery and perhaps use an invertor from it.

Any advice on how to do same and if its feasible.


Does anyone know wher I can get an appropriate water pump also. It loses a bit when driving but a gem to drive and not much hassle to top it up but would like to look after it.

[FredTransit]

Welcome marty! What engine have you got? If it's petrol water pumps are available over the counter. Don't bother to ask for transit parts, ask for corsair, capri or consul/granada. If it's original diesel parts will be harder, and it might be a good idea to think about changing the engine for a 2.5 DI. Do yave any pics of the van?

[phatographer]

i have two 100AH leisure batteries and one 1200 watt pure sine wave inverter and it runs a fair amount of stuff. it wont do big heaters and kettles but its a simple set up. charging can be a pain hence 2 batts, you could set up a split charge relay off the engine, there is info somewhere on this site about doing that but i haven't due to being unconfident there would be no problems. you dont need a pure sine inverter a modified sine wave one will do for most things but mine porduces true 240ac home power and runs motors and speakers and delicate electrics more safely so it depends what you are running off it.

if you are interested i have a spare 1200watt pure sine wave inverter brand new with a peak of 2400watt, i would sell for £175 inc postage to the uk

cheers

[The Docmeister]

I came across this the other day, the rest of the website is worth a look too.
This was the clearest explanation of pros & cons of each method...

http://cheaprvliving.com/howtohaveelectricity.html

I've also got a link at home to one of the UK camper/caravan supplies websites that gives a clear explanation of split charging relays, but at work just now - will dig it out later.

[The Docmeister]

Here's the other link:

http://www.marcleleisure.co.uk/store/circuits.php

[martyc]

Thanks for the info. I have ordered a cosair water pump. Have thought about changing to a diesel engine but not sure if the 99 one I have would fit.

All in all I'd like to keep the original in some ways too as it is quite reliable (2.0 Petrol). I'm a little worried that the alternator might come under pressure charging the two batteries.

Have a half notion of installing a generator, has anyone done this successfully. I have space for it and I gather some new ones are quite silent also.

I'm currently working on the bodywork and will put up some before and after pics. In some respects I am modernising the back of the van but quite like the original transit (fond childhood memories) and think this one is pefect to keep restored.

[madmark]

hi martyc
the alternator will be ok i would of thourt ,if you had a dynomo then maybe a difrent matter!

[FredTransit]

Thanks for the info. I have ordered a cosair water pump. Have thought about changing to a diesel engine but not sure if the 99 one I have would fit.

All in all I'd like to keep the original in some ways too as it is quite reliable (2.0 Petrol). I'm a little worried that the alternator might come under pressure charging the two batteries.

Have a half notion of installing a generator, has anyone done this successfully. I have space for it and I gather some new ones are quite silent also.

I'm currently working on the bodywork and will put up some before and after pics. In some respects I am modernising the back of the van but quite like the original transit (fond childhood memories) and think this one is pefect to keep restored.

If you can get a 'bull nose' bonnet and grille you could fit the later diesel engine, though you would need a gearbox and prop shaft to match. If it's a working van is it soft or hard ice cream? If it's hard ice cream I would stick with the petrol if you are happy with it.

[martyc]

Thanks for the info regarding the Diesel engine. As it is an original 69 front I'd like to keep it as close to its original.

Its my first go at converting/restoring a vehicle like this so I'm keen to leave a lot of the mechanics that seem well looked after alone. I also was a bit aprehensive in straining the alternator load, but I suppose the van has proven its build quality over time too.

I plan not to use it as an Ice Cream van. Its back body was glass right around the top with a wooden structure covered with tin on the bottom. The panel joints are covered with wooden strips and all seems in order. I have removed some of the glass at the back and am using light sheet metal to fill up some panels.

I hope to keep the sliding windows, restructuring the frame to open and close more smoothly and not have so many gaps.

The van drives well, though loses a bit of water so I am hoping the advice on a ford corsair water pump will cure that but other than that its fine...a testiment to a vehicle of its age.

I'm sure it will probably dissapoint many here that I hope to fit a lcd screen inside the back but my devotion to keeping the cab and engine standard will make up for it. Hence the questions on power invertors.

[baconsdozen]

Some of the V4 variant waterpumps don't have the stub to take water to the heater.Make sure yours does,the water pumps are not all the same.

[FredTransit]

you really should leave it as it is mate, as an ice cream van it would be worth a fortune (tax exempt diesel is exempt from the LEZ so it adds to the value). I saw a tax exempt CF1 recently for £4000, and it was pants. If you want a van or camper I would sell the icey and buy a van from the proceeds if I were you.

[madmark]

but by fitting a diesel into it ,it would take the value away its original so leave it alone!