Carry on Cabbying

[FredTransit]

Hey, id also like a Metrocab, those things used to be really common.Didnt they have Ford lights front and rear? Escort Cabriolet lights at the back, and Granada at the front?

A Metrocab is just a Reliant Scimitar Picasso diesel!!!! Even worse than a Fareway!

All the Metrocabs I know of have the Ford DI, but the later ones may have a different engine.

[AnthonyG]

Also remember a cab is used every day for 12-15 years - when they leave the hackney market they are invariably shagged out, all components will have a lot of wear. The scrappage scheme makes a lot of sense for cabs, I wish most of the early to mid 90s ones had gone to be honest, the diesel engines get very tired towards the end, and the suspension's usually had it as well. Bloody grim for the driver and passenger, and for the pedestrians breathing the fumes.

[FredTransit]

so get a new engine? Actually for any vehicle that's not that old but has a lot of miles on it, replacing major mechanics is THE way to go to help the environment, as the structure is not going to be unsafe, so why waste it?

[warren t claim]

Hey, id also like a Metrocab, those things used to be really common.Didnt they have Ford lights front and rear? Escort Cabriolet lights at the back, and Granada at the front?

A Metrocab is just a Reliant Scimitar Picasso diesel!!!! Even worse than a Fareway!

All the Metrocabs I know of have the Ford DI, but the later ones may have a different engine.

Yep, the later ones are Toyota powered.

[FredTransit]

2.5DI is the way to go, bullet proof.

[garethj]

so get a new engine? Actually for any vehicle that's not that old but has a lot of miles on it, replacing major mechanics is THE way to go to help the environment, as the structure is not going to be unsafe, so why waste it?

Hactually, FX4s can rust like crazy so beware if you're going to buy one.

[The Liberator]

A lot of Brummie cabbies now have Citroen/Pug/Fiat based 'Eurotaxis', which aren't allowed in London (I think for turning circle reasons).

Plus in London there is a requirement that the fuel filler cap is not covered, so the inspectors can check it's secure more easily (or something like that).

 

I'd love an early FX4 with the roof mounted indicators, when I was a kid they reminded me of daleks.

 

[warren t claim]

2.5DI is the way to go, bullet proof.

Only in a Transit. In my Metrocab auto is was nowt but trouble!

[scruff]

Same with the 2.25 Land Rover engine the FX4 had for a while, the type of work and the auto box didn't do them much good, I think premature timing chain stretch was one of the problems. I'd love one, always liked FX4s.

[mk1_4dr]