1972 Morris Mini Van

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roger mcnab
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by roger mcnab »

hi
well i have used copper head gaskets and have had no problems as long as tightened correctly and checked after initial run should be fine
your van looks great had one years ago but had to sell it before i even used it house move and to far to take it 900 ks
cheers roger :D
Grant 111
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Grant 111 »

Looks amazing!! Can't wait to see it finished in the flesh. :D
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Andrew1967
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Andrew1967 »

Touch wood, I’ve always used copper asbestos head gaskets without issues … but I’ve heard that new ones are a problem compared to old stock ones.
mini_surfari
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by mini_surfari »

We're going to keep with the copper head gasket for now, especially as we cant get hold of a Victor reinz one!

Progressing slowly though, engine is in, made a start on some trimming etc.... but why is it all the small easy jobs turn in to all day affairs.... :x

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Brakes on as well, extra bit of stopping power is always welcome.

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Oh and found someone finally to fit 10 inch tyres in the area...

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That's all for now!
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Pandora
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Pandora »

Inspiring stuff! 8-)

Al
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Andrew1967
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Andrew1967 »

Looks awesome Oli.

Looking forward to seeing it at Beaulieu
roger mcnab
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by roger mcnab »

hi a lifetime ago i bought a renault 10 that caused some head scratching at the tyre shop as the wheels had no hole in the middle so balancing was a test of skill eventually they found an adaptor that came with the tyre fitting and balancing machine so they could do it a lot better but they hated that poor little car :evil: :evil: :lol:
cheers roger mcnab
mini_surfari
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by mini_surfari »

roger mcnab wrote: Thu May 05, 2022 10:34 am hi a lifetime ago i bought a renault 10 that caused some head scratching at the tyre shop as the wheels had no hole in the middle so balancing was a test of skill eventually they found an adaptor that came with the tyre fitting and balancing machine so they could do it a lot better but they hated that poor little car :evil: :evil: :lol:
cheers roger mcnab
A problem I also had with my Pug 106 back in the day!



Some updates,

Things are coming together, but every 5 minute job is seeming to take hours. Also getting immensely frustrated at the crap being sold by suppliers these days. The loom is a key example. None of the black plugs fitted together, and also just crumbled. They look like cheap 3D printed junk. So they all had to be taken apart, and the spades swapped.

Interior mirror, bought a new one, none of the locking collars fit, so tried another one, the cap to hide screws doesn't fit. So if anyone has a good condition Wingard one please let me know.

But anyway, enough moaning, here's some progress pictures.

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One of Marks lights fitted!

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Back doors are on, currently trying to compress the door rubbers so they'll lock, going to take some effort I think!

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We have had the engine running, unbelievable, it fired straight up, no coughing into life, but burst into life. Will be needing a tune up but the dynamo is out at the moment as its only kicking out 6V.

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Getting close to the deadline now.... Beulieu isn't far away and we were really hoping to be driving it there. Must stay positive :lol:
Old English White
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Old English White »

That is looking fantastic! I love the colour and the little subtle extras and details. Very individual - and well worth the huge effort 8-)
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Peter Laidler
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Peter Laidler »

BRILLIANT. Been following this thread. Great work......... Ready for Beaulieu?
mini_surfari
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by mini_surfari »

Well, it should be at Beaulieu on Sunday!

Few bits to finish off this week, but most of it is done. Needs a good tune up too!

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MOT yesterday, typically had to rain all day didn't it... But it passed with no issues so happy with that.

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Hopefully meet some of you Sunday!
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Peter Laidler
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Peter Laidler »

VANtastic work. Hope to see you on Sunday
Old English White
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Old English White »

Looks GREAT!! :)
You need some mirrors on it ;)
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Peter Laidler
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Peter Laidler »

Mirrors........ But DON'T drill holes to put them on. If it means drilling holes, do without 'em or look over your shoulder!
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Andrew1967
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Andrew1967 »

Looks superb .. hope to get to see it in Sunday
Grant 111
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by Grant 111 »

Awesome work Olli, can't wait to see it Sunday!
mini_surfari
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by mini_surfari »

Well, its been a few weeks since we 'finished it'.

After its MOT we managed to squeeze in a 'quick tune up' on the rolling road JPR tuning in Yate. Which turned into an all day affair and rebuilding one of the carbs as the choke was sticking open. But after we had a HUGE 50bhp. Really does drive well now, and just wants to rev and rev.

So that left us with a few parts left to trim, we didn't like the short cards and exposed door frame, so took inspiration from the estates, and made our own set.

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A nod to the styling behind the Van.

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Beaulieu was an excellent day, barely saw much of the show as most of the day was spent waffling. Also came away with a few awards which was a surprise, as there was some excellent cars on display.

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A big thanks must go to the members of this forum supplying parts and giving out more valuable advice! Just need to find some NOS rear door seals if anyone has any :lol:
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UHR850
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by UHR850 »

Please tell me about your bonnet badge, did you make it your self ?
I am thinking for some time to have one for my Mk3, I have a brass badgering.

Kees.
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DOWNTON Mini is what I like a lot.
Collecting 60th wooden steeringwheels.
mini_surfari
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by mini_surfari »

UHR850 wrote: Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:46 pm Please tell me about your bonnet badge, did you make it your self ?
I am thinking for some time to have one for my Mk3, I have a brass badgering.

Kees.
Kees, no I had it made, it’s a deep gel printed one, rather than enamel.
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UHR850
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Re: 1972 Morris Mini Van

Post by UHR850 »

Thanks for letting me know, it's looking very nice and well done.
The whole project is great congrets with the result of your lovely VAN.

Kees.
Last edited by UHR850 on Mon Jul 04, 2022 1:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
DOWNTON Mini is what I like a lot.
Collecting 60th wooden steeringwheels.
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