`state
Yorkshire and The Humber
Posts: 1,215
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Jan 29, 2010 11:21:50 GMT
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LET internals are like chocolate compared to the saab internals.Only problems i can see is the throttle body is facing the wrong way and the sump.What other problems can you think of? Plus you`ve got the price.A grand plus for a LET or 2-300 for a decent 9000 engine. Did you read the escort build in ppc?
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Look at all the plastic people who live without a care.Try to sit with me around my table,but never bring a chair.
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Jan 29, 2010 11:49:22 GMT
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Hey there, Thanks for sharing, CFs are my fave vans and its great to see you re-doing it properly! I'm always attracted to stuff like this, and even with the collected wisdom of the shonky mods and rust i'd still lumbar myself and my DIY with one! No learning, I'd have to try mirror what you are doing though, this stuff isn't easy for the part timer like me and many others. Although the van looked great at first impressions, you only have to look at the rear doors set up or the blocked in engine situation! How did they get the RV8 out then?! Should be awesome when its done. Watching with interest and a hunger for one meself. PS how do you expect it to handle?
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts
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Jan 29, 2010 12:51:27 GMT
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Hey there, Thanks for sharing, CFs are my fave vans and its great to see you re-doing it properly! I'm always attracted to stuff like this, and even with the collected wisdom of the shonky mods and rust i'd still lumbar myself and my DIY with one! No learning, I'd have to try mirror what you are doing though, this stuff isn't easy for the part timer like me and many others. Although the van looked great at first impressions, you only have to look at the rear doors set up or the blocked in engine situation! How did they get the RV8 out then?! Should be awesome when its done. Watching with interest and a hunger for one meself. PS how do you expect it to handle? Yes, the rear doors are a joke.... as you can see just welded shut, cut off at the bottom and then panelled over with a big piece of sheet steel, which is, of course, very rippled... This will have to stay as it though. The old engine had been removed by gas-cutting a section out of the original (removable!) front panel.... This and probably a lot of swearing cos it still would have been tight!!We have tracked down a replacment panel, and made it removeable once again! I expect it will handle quite badly!! Unfortunate, as it's a tuned 4.6, and these vans don't weigh very much (1300 KG as std, so probably 1500-1600 for this one) But it's being built as more of a cruiser ('yank' stylee) than an all-out performer!
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Jan 29, 2010 13:59:03 GMT
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hi, this is going to took great when finished. you didnt happen to get this from Coalville, I lived in Ashby for a while because of work and i think i used to drive past it on my way through Coalville
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Jan 29, 2010 14:09:06 GMT
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hi, this is going to took great when finished. you didnt happen to get this from Coalville, I lived in Ashby for a while because of work and I think I used to drive past it on my way through Coalville You know what, it's a very small world. When the guy who owns the van first contacted me and included the pics, I said exactly the same... I used to live in Coalville and had seen it there too! That is where it's current owner got it from. Anyway, I'd better get back to work on it! Very near to getting paint on it now!.... sandy sandy
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Jan 29, 2010 20:49:40 GMT
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to remove an engine from the bedford cf , you are supposed to un-bolt the front cradle , one cross bolt and a rear upwards bolt into the chassis on both sides , then undo the tie rods that attach to the rear of the cradle , then jack the van up and off the front cradle and roll it out. engine /box and all. the front grill was more for access than engine removal. dave`s a mate of mine and fellow cf nut. still its good to see him getting somewhere with his van.
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Jan 29, 2010 20:53:02 GMT
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I expect it will handle quite badly!! Unfortunate, as it's a tuned 4.6, and these vans don't weigh very much (1300 KG as std, so probably 1500-1600 for this one) But it's being built as more of a cruiser ('yank' stylee) than an all-out performer! [/quote]
they handle very well with a correctly mounted /positioned v8 , been in a few including the famous wobbly bobs black v8 van, bobs mid mounted blown jensen 7 litre v8 handles very very well. almost 800 bhp .
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Isaachunt4u
Part of things
God I Hate Idiots !!.
Posts: 142
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Jan 29, 2010 22:44:37 GMT
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! I expect it will handle quite badly!! Unfortunate, as it's a tuned 4.6, and these vans don't weigh very much (1300 KG as std, so probably 1500-1600 for this one) But it's being built as more of a cruiser ('yank' stylee) than an all-out performer! they handle very well with a correctly mounted /positioned v8 , been in a few including the famous wobbly bobs black v8 van, bobs mid mounted blown jensen 7 litre v8 handles very very well. almost 800 bhp . [/quote] Hello all,
Dave here, the Owner of the Van !!. I can vouch for the fact that it will in fact handle very well when finished. The MK2 CF`s always drove well anyway, and having owned around 4/5 of them as Daily Drivers in the past, they were a much nicer drive than a Transit, and looked better too, which is why they are still the Favourite Mid Size Van to Customise. (Shame mines not a Mk1 though like Ade`s Van !). They had IFS, and the steering even when fully loaded was still plenty light enough not to need PAS, so less curse word to go wrong !. As Callum from Retro Power said, with a Total weight of around only 1500 KG, or even less, its going to be a Flyer with the Rebuilt Rover 4.6 EFi V8, which should be good for around 300 bhp with its Fast Road Cam, Chipped ECU, (Rev Limiter also lifted), De-Catted, De-Junked, etc, etc. It will also have a 4 Speed ZF 4HP22 RWD Autobox, with a Final Drive Ratio of 0.73:1, so the Top End should be approaching 170 MPH with the Wheel/Tyre Combination I have bought for it !!. Not bad for a 26 Year Old Commercial Vehicle I don't think !!. Its obviously still not as fast as Wobbly Bob`s V8 Jensen Powered Blown 800 BHP Monster, but still plenty quick enough for everyday use !!. I know that its probably not everyones cup of tea, which I couldnt give a Stuff about, and is precisely why I am having it done, as it will be Totally Unique, and Individual. This is what is known as "Old School" Customising, try it you might like it !. Whether its "Only" a 300 BHP V8, or a 800 BHP V8, its makes a change from chucking C20XE Lumps into Nova`s, Corsa`s and the like !!.
Dave. ;D
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Old Petrol Head. Owned and Driven most "Classic" & "Customised/Rodded" things from Mk2 Zodiacs, to "Daily Modern Drivers". Now own 2009 Fiat Bravo 165bhp Multi Jet Diesel, (Great Engine), and 1985 Bedford CF2 4.6 V8 Custom Van !!.
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Jan 29, 2010 23:36:14 GMT
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Hi Dave!!!!
Nat here now! I don't get on here as much as Cal, as he does most of the updates. Never knew you came on here, its fascinating as somebody else on here has evidently seen the van in its Coalville guise!!
Cal's too young for these old vans! We used to have one as a rally service barge, and with a 2.3 diesel in it was SLOW but went round corners well and stopped well for a van, it has to be said!
Anyway, be great to see you next week, Cal's arms are falling off with another solid day's sanding, and he's hoping to have paint on it first part of next week, though I keep taking up his time trying to fit a kitchen in my house too.......late nights!
See you again soon Dave!!
Cheers
Nat
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Isaachunt4u
Part of things
God I Hate Idiots !!.
Posts: 142
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Hi Dave!!!! Nat here now! I don't get on here as much as Cal, as he does most of the updates. Never knew you came on here, its fascinating as somebody else on here has evidently seen the van in its Coalville guise!! Cal's too young for these old vans! We used to have one as a rally service barge, and with a 2.3 diesel in it was SLOW but went round corners well and stopped well for a van, it has to be said! Anyway, be great to see you next week, Cal's arms are falling off with another solid day's sanding, and he's hoping to have paint on it first part of next week, though I keep taking up his time trying to fit a kitchen in my house too.......late nights! See you again soon Dave!! Cheers Nat Hi Nat, Yes mate, looking forward to coming over next week and seeing you too !. As I said, these vans "Should" handle quite well, and I used to really enjoy Smoking Around in the ones that I used to own. As you know, (and what I didnt put in my first Post), is that this Particular Van is being done for Two Reasons. Firstly, as a Nice Custom Vehicle in its own right, and an alternative to things like Chevy Day Vans, which rightly or wrongly tend to be Frowned upon a bit, and Secondly as a Practical Vehicle to use for Myself, my Partner Bernard, (only Joking, shes named Elaine), and my Rottie to use as an RV to travel around in. You and Cal are fitting a Fold Up/Down Bed, and a Sink etc, so if we want to park up for the night, we will at least have the Basics next Morning !. I know that given what Engine etc I have chosen for it that it will be a bit "Juicey", and I had thought about having LPG Fitted, but when you add on the cost of the conversion, and take into consideration that it will only basically be used as a Second or even Third Vehicle, doing just 2/3k a Year, I really couldnt be Arsed !!. ;D Anyway, great to see that a few people are interested in the Build, and I am looking forwards very much to getting it back all Completed, and as I have said before, Cal & Yourself are doing an excellent job, whether he doesn`t like Old Vans or not, and all of the Sanding/Prepping involved !!. Speak to you soon, Dave.
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Old Petrol Head. Owned and Driven most "Classic" & "Customised/Rodded" things from Mk2 Zodiacs, to "Daily Modern Drivers". Now own 2009 Fiat Bravo 165bhp Multi Jet Diesel, (Great Engine), and 1985 Bedford CF2 4.6 V8 Custom Van !!.
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Jan 30, 2010 11:05:53 GMT
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I always preferred the looks of the CF's but no way they drove better than the equivalent transit van, i was driving vans back in the 80's and everyone on my firm dreaded the week their Transit had to go in for service and we got a CF hire van, given the choice pretty much everyone who was doing lots of miles preferred the Transit, steering was better, gearbox was better, they were faster, brakes were better, transit was quieter and they didn't lean over so much.
CF make better custom vans, but standard ones are not nice to drive
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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Jan 30, 2010 13:27:54 GMT
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I always preferred the looks of the CF's but no way they drove better than the equivalent transit van, I was driving vans back in the 80's and everyone on my firm dreaded the week their Transit had to go in for service and we got a CF hire van, given the choice pretty much everyone who was doing lots of miles preferred the Transit, steering was better, gearbox was better, they were faster, brakes were better, transit was quieter and they didn't lean over so much. CF make better custom vans, but standard ones are not nice to drive Ooh... I feel a debate coming on!! when I said I suspect the van will handle badly I kinda meant compared to a typical 250-300 BHP car... For a van they may be fine.... I'll let you know when I've driven it!! That said, I feel inclined to respect a van driver's view - I used to drive for a big courier company (in 2003), all the vans were sub-10,000 mile, and the choice was Transit 130, Transit 110, Merc Sprinter, or LDV Convoy... The Transit was so much better it was unbelievable. 130's were quite quick too - there was always a scrum for the Transit keys in the morning! The Merc's ok, but laggy turbo, terribly over-active traction control that still cut in even if 'turned off', and uncomfortable throttle pedal postion. However the LDV took the curse word! I've never been in such a badly built, badly designed, unrefined vehicle in my life, and the handling at speed was downright dangerous!
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Isaachunt4u
Part of things
God I Hate Idiots !!.
Posts: 142
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Jan 30, 2010 18:43:54 GMT
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I always preferred the looks of the CF's but no way they drove better than the equivalent transit van, I was driving vans back in the 80's and everyone on my firm dreaded the week their Transit had to go in for service and we got a CF hire van, given the choice pretty much everyone who was doing lots of miles preferred the Transit, steering was better, gearbox was better, they were faster, brakes were better, transit was quieter and they didn't lean over so much. CF make better custom vans, but standard ones are not nice to drive Ooh... I feel a debate coming on!! when I said I suspect the van will handle badly I kinda meant compared to a typical 250-300 BHP car... For a van they may be fine.... I'll let you know when I've driven it!! That said, I feel inclined to respect a van driver's view - I used to drive for a big courier company (in 2003), all the vans were sub-10,000 mile, and the choice was Transit 130, Transit 110, Merc Sprinter, or LDV Convoy... The Transit was so much better it was unbelievable. 130's were quite quick too - there was always a scrum for the Transit keys in the morning! The Merc's ok, but laggy turbo, terribly over-active traction control that still cut in even if 'turned off', and uncomfortable throttle pedal postion. However the LDV took the pee! I've never been in such a badly built, badly designed, unrefined vehicle in my life, and the handling at speed was downright dangerous! Aah, there you go you see, this is what its all about !. You cant beat Personal Opinion, and Freedom of Choice. Power to the People !!. ;D "Personally", I still prefer a 1984/5 CF over the equivalent 1984/5 Trannie !!. TBH, I love Vans full stop, and always have done. I appreciate what Callum meant about his 2003 Transit that he mentioned, as some of the later vans are Stunning. I drove a 2008 Vauhall Vivaro 2.5DTi SWB a few Months back, and was astonished at how good it was to drive !. I could have quite easily have continued to use it as my Main Vehicle no problem at all. !. BUT, its still not as cool as a 1985 Custom 300bhp Bedford CF, whether it drives as well or not !!. Dave. ;D
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Old Petrol Head. Owned and Driven most "Classic" & "Customised/Rodded" things from Mk2 Zodiacs, to "Daily Modern Drivers". Now own 2009 Fiat Bravo 165bhp Multi Jet Diesel, (Great Engine), and 1985 Bedford CF2 4.6 V8 Custom Van !!.
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Jan 30, 2010 19:15:07 GMT
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well said that man..
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Jan 30, 2010 20:57:17 GMT
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Good grief, sorry about that I created a bit of a monster with my question! I am curious cos I would love one of these. Every time I've got involved with a big transit it always feels sluggy and big, ya get used to em though n start chomping on your Yorkie and everything is cool again! I've probably not been in a CF since the 80's when I was a likkle kid and that was a builders hack with the associated builders hack old van smell and clutter. Infact I remember my dad and I dicing our chances under a bridge in a luton! we did a U turn in the end! If I was gonna bother with another mid size van myself it would have to be a CF I reckon, or possibly a US version with V8 already in. In the meantime I have a Mitsubishi L300 project on hold doubling as an indoor shed in the mean time. I'm tricking myself into thinking it will handle great as its mid engined (as standard) but sitting over the front wheels and a bizarre manual column shift is bizarre. And I still crave a CF or tricked up Ducato.
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it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts
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Jan 31, 2010 12:33:08 GMT
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Thing is if its a custom van you can alter stuff to make it drive better anyway, i think a mildly modded one would ultimately handle better than a mildly modded transit, driving position i found better in a transit but again you can change that in a custom van, steering wheel is pretty flat in a CF though. I guess we can compare the two when mines finished (i wanted a CF for its looks but ended up with a transit) i think this one V8 will swing it though, mines staying a 4 pot.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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Isaachunt4u
Part of things
God I Hate Idiots !!.
Posts: 142
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Jan 31, 2010 12:46:01 GMT
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You haven`t Created a Monster at all. Its all about good Healthy Debate and Opinion. At the end of the day, Transit, CF, Sherpa or whatever, we are still talking mid 1980`s vans here, which are all 25 + Years Old, so cant possibly be expected to drive as Nicely or be as Luxurious or Perform as well as something like the 2008 Vivaro 2.5DTi I mentioned earlier. BUT, we are talking about Customising these 1980`s Vans, which in my case means fitting the 4.6 EFi V8 etc, etc, which means they are no longer your Bog Standard Run of the Mill Motor !. Also, the aim of "Customisation" is that you Design and Build something yourself or to your Spec, which will hopefully be one of a kind, and no other will be Exactly like it, and/or with all of the different Mechanical Options available to you, Drive or Handle the same either !. ;D If you are looking for a Decent project to take on, think about rescuing this Early 1970 MK1 CF on Ebay. The Essex V6 will give it "Reasonable" Performance if you want to keep it, and if you are Fairly Competent with a Welder and a Set of Spanners etc, "Should" be a fairly easy Project for the Summer. cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280458308656&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Dave.
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Old Petrol Head. Owned and Driven most "Classic" & "Customised/Rodded" things from Mk2 Zodiacs, to "Daily Modern Drivers". Now own 2009 Fiat Bravo 165bhp Multi Jet Diesel, (Great Engine), and 1985 Bedford CF2 4.6 V8 Custom Van !!.
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Anyway, moving back to the project.... A nice engine bay needs a nice engine. The 4.6 Rover has recently been rebuilt, so no internal work needed, but it was a little 'cosmetically challenged'! Stripped off all the alloy bits and bead blasted them, as well as the pulleys, engine mounts etc. Pulleys & mounts were then Zinc plated with either a bright polished finish or a Gold Passivate finish. Fitted some chrome rocker covers, and then turned attention to the plenum. This has been smoothed, and painted the same colour the van will be, before sanding the raised 'fins' back through to the ally. Had to make up an idler to replace the steering pump - this was done using the pulley from a spare tensioner attched to a machined boss/fabricated mouting plate (also zinc plated). Fitted a pair of tubular manifolds, and the (very rare in Rover V8 fitment) ZF 4 HP-22 autobox... .....Just needs a chrome alternator casing, and a new belt, and we are done. Oh, and the eagle-eyed viewer might spot the rocker covers are on the opposite sides to how they 'should' be... This is intentional as it will be easier to fill the oil from inside the van... The filler sits back inside the tunnel otherwise (see the pics on page 1) and you'd most likely spill oil all over the fresh shiny engine!!!
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They are no turbo vecs, but they'll do
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