Bedford Rascal what to look out for

[strangeangel]

2 minutes ago, sierraman said:

What sort of comically fast engines could you fit to one of these? 

 

 

[Dave_Q]

Rot is definitely the biggie, if looking at one make sure to lift up the seats and check the suspension mountings.

I bought one once for £56 on ebay, was described as "MOT just out" which of course is ebay talk for "MOT failed on epic rust"

I still drove it home and used it as a shed for a couple of years, sold it for £80 in the end so that's a win of sorts.

[beko1987]

I'm amazed there's any left! My step-grandad had a Bedford when I first met him, which was upgraded to a suzuki carry. Helped him rack it out! 

Can't remember the last time I saw one! 

[Richard]

The Rascal is a Suzuki Super Carry, I think various Suzuki engines would bolt in. 550kg payload apparently, which is more than some of the new Transits.

[wuvvum]

25 minutes ago, sierraman said:

What sort of comically fast engines could you fit to one of these? 

Not "comically" fast, but an SJ413 engine should be more or less a straight fit - given that they're mildly terrifying to drive with the standard 970cc engine, a 1.3 should provide plenty of fun*.

[overrun]

53 minutes ago, Noel Tidybeard said:

*pedant mode on*

Sooty had a Honda Acty

*pedant mode off*

Much kawaii. Very JDM. So scene.
 

I recall Scampy running away and Mathew poking his head out of the camper when they were out looking for him - and you could see he was kneeling down behind it in the wide shot.

Hilarious at the time.

[JeeExEll]

Am surprised this one didn't topple over.

[sierraman]

I’ve tried and failed to find a crash test for one of these. Just show your mate someone closing an accordion. Should give him a good idea...

[artdjones]

This series of crash tests of larger forward control vans might make him think.

[Richard]

You could always try not crashing it.

[83C]

I'd actually like a Subaru Sumo, the 4wd version. Rare these days though.

[captain_70s]

1 hour ago, Richard said:

You could always try not crashing it.

Sounds like a lot of effort...

[Datsuncog]

1 hour ago, artdjones said:

This series of crash tests of larger forward control vans might make him think.

Mmm... not good.

I once had to drive a shagged Bedford Midi for work, and I did not feel particularly happy in it; the crash test here of the equivalent Isuzu Cargo indicates I had fair reason to be concerned.

Also, it was totally rotten and after a few miles the column gearchange would only select 1st or 5th...

[MorrisItalSLX]

Forward control vans will never do well in a crash, this is why the previous generation of the Toyota Hiace looked like this:

And the current, new generation looks like this:

But on the subject of Rascals, my only knowledge of them is the Large Restaurant van from Doc Martin.

[artdjones]

1 hour ago, MorrisItalSLX said:

Forward control vans will never do well in a crash,

Unless it's a VW T3.(According to VW's video above)