Van on flickr

[Pont.skins]

Where the hell did he get PURPLE brake fluid from?????

It matches the colour scheme quite nicely as well

[JubileeNut]

Brake fluid would be Automec Dot 5 silicone fluid. I use it as well

[jiversteve]

I have exchanged emails with the show organisor. He is going to look up info for me.

The photographer was as helpful as he could be, but one of his emails suggested he was a bit miffed that his photos had been used without his permission?
I have not replied to that as if he didnt want them used, dont publish them publicaly. I have made him aware of this thread on this forum, its up to him now.

[PHUQ]

I think it's fantastic! :mrgreen:

[JubileeNut]

Once pictures are in the public domain it is hard for him to say don't use them unless they are removed or copyrighted.
But I have no use for them but what a great find and glad they did get shown.

[balmy]

As per Paul said. And your not 'using' them as such-only links to them-what's the prob???

Nice van though. I'd never have the patience......

[jiversteve]

OK Guys, I have spoken to Rick, the owner/builder and he has given me a little more info.
I have asked him for a short write up for publication in Understeer and he has agreed to do this by pen and paper.

From a couple of notes I made during the phone call, it is an ex Evening News van, his first car that he learned to drive in. Modified over about 20 years on and off, all except from the paintwork done in a single garage! The front axle is a custom one, but I am sure we will get more info later.

More pics at http://bhra.btck.co.uk/2011MembersCars/Rick

[JoshWard]

I am very much looking forwards to reading that 8) 8)

[jiversteve]

Got a snail mail today from the owner of this van.
Scanned and OCR with a bit of editing.

Apologies for the delay in sending this to you - the usual work and home commitments got a bit in the way!

Marina Van TUW 567T

This was my first vehicle, bought for me by my Dad. It was purchased from the Evening News as the paper closed, and was originally bright orange and yellow with an enormous advertising board placed diagonally on the roof.

My first priority (obviously!) was to change the colour, and it started out in green primer.

Money was (and, as for most people, always has been) an issue, and although originally inspired by a visit with my mates to a car show at the Ally Pally I had to run it as a daily driver, but intended to try and uprate it as funds allowed. Its first incarnation was in black with chrome 8 spoke wheels.

However, when we got our house, with garage (an essential condition!), I was finally able to take it off the road for good, and then over a period of 20 or so years, on and off, allowing for money, family traumas, and ill health, finally got it to what you see today.

In 2005 it had its first 'outing' in grey primer at the Nationals - not road legal, but running. It was trailered there and back and great fun to actually drive at last around the showground. I even picked up a trophy for 'most promising'.

Inspired by this we came home, and I took it apart, knowing everything was working, to paint, chrome, and polish everything I could, and complete the interior, until it was finally legal, loud and 'on the road' this summer 2011.

Without wanting to sound big headed, I'm proud to say that I've done all of the work myself, bar the basic paint application, and covering the front seats, with no prior experience or training, (I don't work in the motor industry and haven't had any of those obvious advantages), and managed in the single garage of a relatively new, small semi, with a garden shed as a workshop.
Some photos of the van can be found on the website for the British Hot Rod Association (BHRA) under 'member's cars'.

Details / Modifications:
Morris Marina van - 1977 10 Cwt.

Rover V8 engine
Holley carburettor
Edelbrock inlet manifold Mallory distributor
Tubular headers
Borg Warner automatic gearbox
Yorkshire Street Rod independent front suspension
Jaguar independent rear suspension
TR7 steering column Borgson Universal joints
Front brakes - Granada Mk2 discs and callipers
Bonnet and wings attached to bespoke frame to create a flip front (steel)
Bespoke front chassis Dakota digital dashboard, bespoke interior
After market wiring harness, remote solenoid front door opening
Customised external paint - blue and purple.

Hope to be in contact with you next year / as the season kicks off again - by then I should have sorted out the glitches at the rear end, and will be properly up and running.

Richard Danson

[JubileeNut]

Cool, be good to see this for real 8)

[billytits]

smart van rick a real labour of love and a maidstone man as well not far from me im in strood i got a nice little pick up im my garage that could do with some of your treatment lol one day prob be 20 years in the making as well
trev