Mk1 Camper Help!

[TransitSprite]

Hi all, I'm new to Transits and this forum, so I hope you can help me out!

I recently, well, yesterday, purchased a 1971 MK1 Transit Sprite Motor Caravan, it was one that was advertsied on here for a while actually, here is the link:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=29760

I got it for a reasonable amount, and hope to actually use it properly for family holidays, he certainly seemed happy cruising back to Stockport yesterday at 55 anyway, so here is hoping!

Now, I have millions of questions about this, from how to attempt to safeguard the frame from rust, to how to clean up the paint job... but I have five pressing issues:

1. There appears to be two warning lights come on for a moment when I start him up - one red on the right of the speedo, and one orange on the left. What do they both signify? Today, on a short trip into town, the right hand red light came on for a while then went off again? I was worried... especially since I don't know what it does! Answers please

2. I checked the oil - it seemed ok, but want to know now, before an emergency, what is the best type of oil to use? The engine, by the way, is a V4 2 litre petrol - early 70s like the van, but not the original TO the van so to speak. The local auto shop suggested 10/40 oil for the van, the local garage 5/30... ? Which would you all use?

3. The radiator seems very hot but the temp needle sits above the bottom white marker, but not half way up, so to speak, - is that normal? The engine sounds fine (well, like a truck really... but it is a steady roar and not unhealthy sounding) - is there anyway of checking how acurate the temp readout is? I don't want to risk overheating such an old engine.

4. Finally, but very importantly, was a radio ever fitted to this model? I'd quite like to source an original one if possible!

Thanks for all your help, lots more questions to come! One final point, though only 34, I have driven lots of more modern cars and small vans in my time... but nothing is as nice and REAL to drive as this Mk1!

[Neil]

nice van,the dash and front indicators say its earlier than 71

[rover]

1, Orange light is oil pressure, if that stays out after starting thats great Red light is alternator/dynamo charging light, it should stay off but its pretty normal for them to flicker on a low tickover.

2, 20/50 oil!

3, seems about right, the rad will be bloody hot anyway, considering the thermostat opening tep is between 88 and 92 degrees C

4, No idea

Rover.

[madmark]

the radio was not a standard fit in this model! you could hide one in the glovebox!

[TransitSprite]

Thanks everybody. As for the dash looking older than 71, it was first registered in 71, but I suppose the model itself was older.

I shall now go out and buy some 20/50 oil.

Thanks.

[madmark]

yes 20/50 is what i use in a v4 !

[baconsdozen]

Yes,I agree with mark the modern thin stuff just encourages leaks.

[davev6newman]

Hi, congratulations on buying the Sprite. I too went to look at this van and very nice it was indeed. Ive always lie the shape of the Sprite and its layout. The only thing stopping me from making an offer was that at just over 6 ft tall, my head was touching the ceiling.

Good luck with your camper and you will make some good friends if you join the classic camper club.

Regards dave

[madmark]

dave no luck in finding you old girl then???????

[davev6newman]

No luck what so ever. the only info i got is from dvla telling me its just expired its sorn. otherwise where the hell is it?

[madmark]

somebody must know were she is!