My 1978 Fiat 900T van. And the rest of my fleet...(3 years later!!! ...Updated 11/12/23)

[mat_the_cat]

Just read the whole thread - bloody brilliant! Puts my efforts to shame.

[dollywobbler]

Belarus tractors have a centrifugal oil filter. It's amazing how much Shit they take out of the oil.

 

Discovered today that the Land Rover TD5 also has a centrifugal oil filter. I'd never even heard of one before today! Odd to find mention of them in two different places in one day.

[Vin]

Wow! an update...

 

I finally got this thing into the paint shop!!

 

I took it over to Otley this morning to the chap who painted my MK1 Panda and 126...

 

An update when I get it back...

 

 

[vulgalour]

I almost thought this had become a stalled project, paint's a pretty important stage so hopefully it's going to be resplendent in [insert colour here] for us to oggle very soon.

[skattrd]

That's a bit of a trek to Otley for paint, but worth it if it's someone you know and trust.

[mat_the_cat]

Bizarrely I was only thinking of this yesterday and wondering how it was going!

[Vin]

I almost thought this had become a stalled project, paint's a pretty important stage so hopefully it's going to be resplendent in [insert colour here] for us to oggle very soon.

 

I've been doing bits and pieces to it in the past few months but nothing really towards an update. The colour is going to be the original Fjord Blue in which it left the OM Plant. As per these brochure pics including an open door action shot...

 

 

 

That's a bit of a trek to Otley for paint, but worth it if it's someone you know and trust.

 

It's not to bad a journey, but as you say, worth it, as I know and trust his workmanship.

[Cavcraft]

This is brilliant stuff and that colour is simply lovely. Have they said how long before it's ready?

[PiperCub]

A school friend of mine's dad back in the late 70's had one of these in camper mode. Odd choice of transport as all the family were really tall!

Haven't seen one in 20+ years though, well done with your resto so far, haven't read most of the thread but I'm always impressed by those who have the balls to take on a project where spares (esp. panels) are going to be real hard to find (if not impossible).

[SambaS]

Excellent! Just caught this thread and read from beginning. Fantastic work, I hope one day I will be able to attain enough skill to be able to do this kind of job.

 

How did you get to where you are now with regards the welding and fabrication, through learning it as a trade or a hobby? Am really in awe and cant wait to see it with paint!

 

Hats off Sir

[AlabamaShrimp]

^^^^what he said! One day I might be able to half what you have

[HillmanImp]

 

 

I took it over to Otley this morning to the chap who painted my MK1 Panda and 126...

 

 

 

Who are they and what are their prices if you don't mind me asking? I need to get 2 cars sprayed in the next few months. 

[Vin]

^^^ I'll PM you Mr Imp...

 

I've been over to Otley this afternoon to collect the Van!!!

 

To say I am over the moon is an understatement. It looks amazing. A first class job. I just collected the van, the doors and whatnot are still in primer but I'll collect them after next weekend. Excuse the MB content   I borrowed it off Father Vin as the Marea power steering is being a bit tempramental at the mo...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[skattrd]

That looks well fit. I'd be scared to drive something that nice.

[vulgalour]

That's proper cheery is that.  Lovely stuff!

[mercrocker]

Is it me or does that look bigger than it should?!    Lovely job, these are nice vans and its a shame there is none left anymore.

[mat_the_cat]

I like it so much I clicked the button three times

[320touring]

lovely:)

[M'coli]

That looks superb! :-D

[Sudsprint]

Gorgeous

[dean36014]

Nicer paint job than i did on my 25 years ago!

[Vin]

/\/\/\ My sister did that to her Doc Martens back in the day...

 

 

I got all the doors and what not back during the week. I dropped them off at my Lock-ups while it was dark last week. I went back yesterday morning to stash them away properly in the daylight. I took the pics and then I wrapped everything up properly in sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

In the meantime, I have been cleaning parts and getting together bits and pieces (brake parts, coolant pipe etc) that I need to make a start on re-assembling things....

[pompei]

Lovely job 

[Asimo]

That's going to be better than new!

[purplebargeken]

Yum!

[londonm]

Well nice, and a great period colour.

[Sudsprint]

Superb

[Angrydicky]

That looks absolutely cracking! Excellent work.

[TagoraSX]

Fantastic, well done.

[Craig the Princess]

I love the sight of freshly painted panels. Looks ace.