Description
Offered is my 1983 (registered 1-1-1984) Reliant Fox Custom Van Pickup. If you are reading this you will probably know that there were only 600 of these built and only 25 (+8 utility's) are left on the roads today. When did you last see one out and about?
I have only owned this since September last year when I bought it as an unfinished project that I have since returned to the road after much work. I have covered a little over 100 miles in it since it gained its first MOT in goodness knows how long (the system didn't go back that far!) but know that it just isn't right for my needs hence its sale. The MOT runs until Feb 2023.
It had a new alloy radiator, thermostat and housing along with a new brake master cylinder fitted by the previous owner and in my ownership it has had the following :
Full brake overhaul to include all new flexi hoses (braided Stainless on the front) and all solid lines with the exception of the 2 from the master cylinder. It has also had a complete set of new cylinders, New Old Stock Genuine front brake back plates and a new handbrake cable complete. The system is filled with DOT5 Silicone fluid which I have used in all my previous classics with excellent results so no more sticky cylinders! I also had all 4 drums skimmed to remove the pitting from where it had been previously stood.
The front suspension has been totally dismantled, de-rusted and rebuilt with new polyurethane bushes where available so again, fit and forget! The steering rack was removed and cleaned and fitted with New Old Stock Reliant Gaiters so none of the new modern rubbish rubber.
The wheels are 12" Minilight alloys that have been blasted and powdercoated and then fitted with a new set of original size 155x12 tyres. Even though I have changed nothing to affect the speedo it does read wrong (fast) so not sure what has been changed through the years with any of its 8 previous owners?
It has also had all the electrics checked over and new headlights with halogen bulbs fitted along with new front indicator lenses and I know of no electrical faults which for a fibreglass bodied vehicle is an achievement! The battery is also a brand new item of the correct type and size for the Fox.
The front door sliding window channels have also been cleaned up and the base rails replaced with a set purchased off ebay that were obviously homemade but are fit for purpose and work fine.
I haven't touched the interior aside from cleaning it up and fitting a gauge for the charge which is an original Reliant item and works well. I have left the radio slot empty as I never have one fitted in any of my classics, I just enjoy their soundtrack :)
Fuel wise, the previous owner replaced the tank which I have since taken out again and fitted a new sender and pick up unit to with a new seal and refitted. All flexible pipes are also new and R9 spec and its only ever had E5 fuel in.
Basically I have done everything to this Fox with the intention of it being a "keeper" but sadly now realise I need to re-home it.
Bad points :
There are always some with a 39 year old vehicle lets face it!
The previous owner has patched up the rear silencer on the exhaust system but its gas tight and the MOT man was happy with it but will need seeing to long term.
Bodywork/ paintwork : As can be seen its flaky and patchy but hasn't just been tarted up to move it on, what you see is the original "patina" with the exception of a few grey primer touch in's on the front end.
There is a crack on the n/ s rear quarter panel that could do with a repair but nothing that affects its usability.
It used to have a towbar fitted which I have removed but the holes are still there so would ideally benefit from repair if you intend to paint it. I have left that for the next owner to do to their tastes.
The 2 stay cables for the tailgate are missing, but I believe them to be Mini Saloon items so easy and cheap to get.
The alloy wheel centres are missing but again are standard Mini items and I do have some Reliant badges ready for them which I will of course include.
I don't really know what else there is to say, its a fibreglass body, on a galvanised chassis with silicone brake fluid and polyurethane bushes (where available) and next year it should qualify for free road tax and MOT exemption so pop it on a classic policy and you have cheap motoring as it seems to be really good on fuel too!
