AMM - Non members welcome

[The Moog]

Welcome to the first meeting of the Accrington Minibus Massive.

 

At the back of the room you will find some sandwiches.. bit of an issue with the cheese and ham, but help yourself to the loaf of bread.

 

Today the founder, only member and runner up in the AMM sexiest man poll - The Moog, is going to present us with a special slide show.

 

Over to you Mr Moog

 

Thank you Mr Moog.

 

A couple of days ago a tantalising beast was advertised for sale on AS - a 1989 Transit Minibus. After consulting Mrs Moog (who gave it a double thumbs up) Pm's were exchanged and issuance people talked to.  Getting minibus insurance was almost impossible, although if I removed the seats it becomes a van and that can be insured. A loophole was found that if the vehicle had only 8 seats then day insurance would be allowance.

 

After a discussion with Andy, slave labour (aka the apprentice) was offered to help remove the seats and then this happened

All that travel for the princely sum of £16.50. Bargainlicious. First train was a scabby Northern Rail train (no photos as locals werent friendly), but then at Preston I entered the luxurious age of the train

Knowing my journey home may be noisier than a jumbo taking off I travelled in silence

Vistiting the Water Closet found this delightful sign

Speeding through lots of this

 

Once at Glasgow, one of the famed SVM members met me in the soon to be mine carriage.

Back at the garage everyone couldnt wait to tell me what a great van it was and were even more impressed when I told them I had Missus Moog's blessing.

 

Seats were attempted to be removed but the floor fixings needed someone underneath to unbolt them. With time at a premium, we decided this turned them into non seats

 

English cash monies handed over and in return received some page, a key and what was known as The Popemobile. Scottish hospitality was offered and the tank was topped up for free before I left. A really nice gesture

The final flourish was added by Andy (as if it wasnt enough of a pussy wagon already)

 

 

Journey home was a mix of 80% rain followed by 10% sunshine and 10% inbetween. To add to the fun factor side gusts of wind meant some lane tango would happen if not paying attention.

 

Luckily the noise of the van worked well to keep me awake, in the way that no one sleeps at a motorhead gig. Mind you the stereo goes really loud! 

 

Top speed (no matter what) is indicated 62mph and gps 60mph. That was even downhill foot flat to floor.

The box fitted to the van doesnt suit it for motorways as 1st is not really used, 2nd is good, 3rd is a bit namby pamby and 4th screams at 60.

 

No diesel needed but i stopped to see if could deal with the noise that sounded like the exhaust about to explode on overrun. So petrol station pic

 

The journey took around 4 hours, which wasnt too bad

 

After presenting the beast to Missus Moog, it was met with a smile and then a big discussion about how we could turn it into a camper.

 

This morning, rather than tidying the house for guests, I got stuck into the minibus. i had been trying to think of a way to remove the seats so armed with tools I went and had a look.

Using this

 

I worked out I can remove the seat body just leaving the upright for now.

 

Pretty soon it became this

 

 

 

My action list is

 

Sell the seats

Remove all decals

Work out the floor heater

Decide on gearbox

Plan camper conversion

 

Thank you for listening.

 

The next AMM will be meeting at the Crab and Testicle in the back room on Tuesday the 32nd of August. Hope to see you all there