1971 Van AOW68K Resto and Intro

[IanC]

Hi All,

My names Ian and I have been viewing the threads on the forum for a week or two now and decided it was about time I introduced myself and my dear old van to everyone.

I am from the Ashford / Canterbury area (double hello to anyone local).

My van was purchased in Sept 07 from a local dealer whos speciality is MM Convertibles. Went along to see him and in the corner of his barn was this poor old neglected and forlorn 6 cwt'er. Bit of a sucker for the underddog so bought her there and then. What is they say about never buying a car in the dark? Needless to say the MOT was probably on valid for the time it took the ink to dry! So earlier this year as time allowed a full bare bones resto begain.

First job has been to start stripping back 30+ years of paint to ascertain exactly what does need doing - Could have saved myself a few weeks there as the answer appears to be everything!

Out has come the marine ply that lined the rear, doors, wings, front all off. Chassis is fine nearside but quite heavily patched offside. Stripped out the seats and carpet. Descision time - patch or restore? Well while enthusiasm remains high have gone for the full restoration.

Don't know if this is the right place to ask but can anyone make sense of the following please?

V5 says (Vin# 306079F / Engine# RKM1121E62876). Number on engine actually says - 10MA-U-H289412. After this amount of time I know its going to be a replacement engine and thankfully it does run quite well.

Anyway, I have attached a few pics of the old girl in her current state. I am not sure that progress is going to be quite up to "eveline's" standards but will do my best to update as and when.

Cheers,
Ian<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

[d_harris]

Hi Ian. Bit Concerned about that VIN no, is it possible that its *1*306079F

Otherwise you are looking at a ~54/55 vehicle (which would not tie up at all!) for info the F designates that the vehicle was built at the Adderly park plant.

the 10MA number is a standard engine number and I'm sure someone will be along to interpret it soon (my knowledge is limited to it meaning its a 1098)

Good luck with the resto

[PSL184]

I don't have the build figures to hand but I do know that the commercials did not follow on from cars in numbering terms. My chassis cab is 106773 which was built in June 1960..... 306079 would therefore be well after 1960..... My only question would be the chassis plate on the bulkhead. Usually on commercials they were on the passenger door although this could well have been added later in life. Nice project you have there and good luck

[IanC]

Thanks guys. As so much needs to be done I am trying to resist the temptation of trying to start on everything all at once.

Dan, nope all I have on the paperwork is 30xxxx - def. no 1 in front. I will try and find the plate and double check.

[d_harris]

Dan, nope all I have on the paperwork is 30xxxx - def. no 1 in front. I will try and find the plate and double check.

Seems that PSL has proven me wrong, so don't worry about it

[RussLCV]

All in order with this one the 306079F is spot on a late ex PO Telephone engines van and would have carried MAE before the chassis number. The F confirms it was built in Adderley Park

it is an ExPO van confirmed

Drop us e-mail if I can be of any further help

Editor@MinorMonthly.co.uk

[rich-legg]

That looks like a cool project. I'd roll it with the paint as it is, just add a nice set of rims!

[davidmiles]

great project, please keep the pictures coming so we can follow the gradual progress, (when it gets a little warmer and your camera lens de-mists.)

[IanC]

Thanks guys for the encouraging comments. Have been suffering with the weather (like everyone else I guess) so time in my wooden garage has been limited to say the least. Thanks RussLCV for confirming the old girls origin - Is there any way of finding out where she may have been based and what kind of work called upon. I am not anticipating anything out of the ordinary but would be interesting to try and find out.

As for the paint job, I must admit I am kind of getting attached to the mottled "yellow/green/maroon" look! I think that the GPO's 15 layers of base coat are what has probably saved her from terminal rusting out. Some how what colour I finally have her painted seems a looooonnnnnnnng way off yet.

Hope to have a few more pics loaded as soon as I can dig through the snow to the garage doors.

[POMMReg]

AOW 68K (71 300 1079) New to TELEPHONE MANAGER SOUTHAMPTON

Cab nos (xZ37923-4 52??? x)

Original Engine type (10V/451E/L7???) - (black)

wiring loom should be covered with PVC tape - couldn't see it on piccies!!

should be fitted with steering lock too....

AOW 69K was (1040838), a mailvan new to Head Postmaster Southampton but was later transferred to Gloucester - sold off in late 1977.

Chris

[MaltaMM]

Hi Ian,

Great project! Looking forward to seeing more posts and pictures!My project, which I am about to start, is a 1967 Morris Minor with Malta-made pick up bodywork and which was originally a GPO van, so we have somewhat related projects!

Paint removal from my engine bay has revealed that it was originally green, similar to your van's load area interior, however the outer panels have traces of yellow paint, just like you have under your windscreen rubber. I am based in Malta and have no idea of the UK Post Office corporate colours and changes throughout the years, however I have seen photos of GPO vans in Green and also in Yellow (apart from Red!) Were all GPO vans green till a certain year and then changed to yellow later on, including those already in service?

Stuart

[IanC]

Hi MaltaMM,

If your doing a pick up check out David Miles project - There are some great pics of his work. I am not sure that I am going to reach his standards of metal work. But its something to aim at.

I am not sure about the colour schemes for the GPO vehicles - I only ever remember them being either Yellow for the Telecoms and Red for the Post Office (Mail collection etc). There are some guys on here who will probably be able to help out with paint numbers and what was what in 1967 for you. Try contacting either "POMMREG" and/or "RUSSLCV" both know more about commercials than I ever will.

My van has a base paint of yellow both outside and in. Most panels have a mask of about another 4 or 5 layers of additional paint but I am guessing these were added after she left the GPO! When I bought her the top coat was a plastic green paint which I have only ever found before on plastic boats!!!! The van body was also panelled out in ship ply so maybe she was owned by a boating enthusiast.

I hope to have some new pics up soon as I have been making the most of the dry weather we are having and have been stripping back the drivers door and working to free the chassis from the engine and body work.

IanC

[chickenjohn]

Hello Ian,
van looks like a good project. Double hello to you too, as I am fairly local being in East Kent myself.

We have a few vans in the East Kent branch and much expertise on welding, paint etc to draw on so, we'd be delighted to see you at the next branch meeting!

[IanC]

Hi John,

are the EK branch meetings still at Plucks Gutter? I would like to make it along but you will have to forgive me turning up in a Swedish motor for the time being! As you can see from the photos it might be a while before "AOW" is back on the road.

It would certainly be handing to have a van or two local that might be available for measurements and pictures as I get to a stage of fitting bits back on.

Cheers,
Ian

[chickenjohn]

Hi Ian,
yes, Plucks Gutter, the Dog and Duck pub, 2nd Monday of the month.
You'll be welcome to come in any car! There are usually some Morrises outside but by no means obligatory to arrive at the meeting in one.

Next meeting:-


Next Meeting: Monday, 9th August, 8pm at the Dog and Duck Plucks Gutter.

www.ekmm.co.uk

There are a couple of very good examples of vans in the club, and I'm sure the owners will help with measurements etc.