Descrizione
I spent yesterday working on this van, replaced all the engine fuel hoses, my friend suggested it is a " Magnum " engine whatever that is, it is fitted with Offenhauser manifold and 4 pot Holley carb. I know little about American V8 engines, look for yourself please.
The engine is the 360 cubic inch 5. 9 litre, I believe the largest available standard on these cans, though larger were options., vin tag is on the door shut where it should be, tank is out and cleaned, new hoses fitted, just waiting for a couple of seals and it will be running again on fresh fuel.
Currently on axle stands for underside inspection, no welding required and the engine cross member is rock solid too.
I have engine and interior pics to send by Whatsapp.
I noticed foul smelling fuel, pulled off the tank, it will be thoroughly cleaned and fresh fuel before starting it, but it fired straight up with fuel in the carb, I can rig a remote fuel supply if you wish to view, good time to do so as it is on axle stands to check underneath at the moment.
Rock solid with no under seal and no previous welding, inner sills, wheel tubs, floors, inner wings, chassis rails, rear corners, inner arches, spring hangers, everywhere is rock solid.
The big chrome front and rear bumpers of this Gen 1 model are un damaged.
The gearbox fluid is nice and red, looks to have had brake upgrade, big twin pot master cylinder and big servo.
For those interested, it has 240 volt hook up, big leisure battery, 12 and 240 volt sockets to the rear if you want a day van or camper, and a massive alternator to charge it all. I think would be nicer being put back to a van, but each to their own.
UK registered and driven to where it is now parked this is a quite rare 1st generation Tradesmen van with a big block v8 and auto transmission.
I have a workshop manual for this model. Obviously goes with it.
The last year 1st gen had a different dashboard that was carried over into 2nd gen vans. so a 1 year only model of sorts.
Solid underneath and does not appear to have had much welding work, few custom bits but easily reversible, inspecting it yesterday this comment was more than correct.
I can see nowhere it has had welding and nowhere it needs welding, the underside is original and rock solid with some very light surface rust in places and on components. Propshaft etc.
Driven to where it is now, I tried to start it this week but a fuel pipe has failed and I will have a play with it when time permits, it had no running issues before being parked.
I would have thought a straight forward body and paint restoration but the custom interior and wiring could be better too.
Currently on a Q plate with V5, these days registering on a standard reg with historic status should not be a major problem with club help and dating, that 1 year only, gen 1 van with gen 2 dash should help with dating.
To make this rare Uk registered Gen 1 commercial, back to commercial or a day van/ camper it needs a cosmetic body and interior restoration, no structural welding is required, and the mechanicals given a good service and should be a relatively easy project, or just rat look and use as it is, after a good going through.
