Help with chassis number

[capnblack]

I've just aquired a late PO van advertised recently in the for sale section on the LCV forum. The chassis number on the original logboook is stated as 308149. This same number is stamped on a small oval plate (which I suspect is not the original). There is no MAV or whatever prefix on this small plate.

There is another small oval plate bearing the numbers MAV-5 216871. I am a little confused here. Should there not be a larger, rectangular plate (like the one on my 71 pickup)? I am currently unsure of the date of manufacture of the van. The date of first registration is 1st Feb 1973, so this, I assume is one of the last PO vans to be registered. The van reg No is BWS ***L

I have been in touch with Rob Thomasson (MMOC Technical Advisor) who has been most helpful in stating that he can help me with a certificate to get the taxation class chnaged to Historic (the van has been off the road since at least 1995).

Any help would be much appreciated.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

A vehicle first registered in 1973 will NOT be Historic and will NOT qualify for free tax - UNLESS you can prove it was manufactured on or before 31 December 1972. The chassis number confusion does rather suggest some kind of identity crisis for your van - I hope it's not a 'ringer'. Some say there should be a stamped in chassis number on the vehicle - but I have never been able to find one on my Traveller. Hope you get it sorted out.

[LouiseM]

The chassis number MAV-5 216871 is correct for a Morris 6cwt van (series v) but I'm not sure about the other number. Have you contacted Russ Harvey at the LCV Register? He will probably be able to assist you with establishing the identification of the van. He can be contacted at: russ@minorlcvreg dot co dot uk

[carlosramalho]

Of Corse Louise!
You are in the right way!
Russ Havey is our Guru for the LCV Morris/Austin!
Cheers
carlos

[capnblack]

Thanks, I have just sent an email to Russell.

[RussLCV]

neither plate is original. The 308xxx number is correct and yes you should a large plate on the door. It should read MAG5 308XXX.

[capnblack]

Thanks for the info Russell. I am "up country" at the moment. Went to look at a M1000 2 door saloon in Taunton this morning and ended up in Stockport buying a Clavinova (long story). I am pleased that the 308 number is the correct one as that is the one on the logbook from day 1. I wonder where the other plate came from. When I get back, I will sort out exactly which plate to get and, if you don't mind, I will confirm details with you before getting one made. Thanks again. Paul

[POMMReg]

MAV-5 216871 comes from a 1967 Minor van.....please ignore!!

the log-book states 308XXX, and the cab number matches perfectly!

the cab number dates your van to autumn 1971.

Chris
POMMReg

[capnblack]

MAV-5 216871 comes from a 1967 Minor van.....please ignore!!

the log-book states 308XXX, and the cab number matches perfectly!

the cab number dates your van to autumn 1971.

Chris
POMMReg

Thanks Chris

Your help with this is invaluable and much appreciated. I was thinking for a moment that the van was not what it seemed. However, the cab number plate has clinched it for me. The plate has obviously been there from day 1 and has the original PO red under the current respray of maroon. I have studied the log book trail in detail and I am quite happy now that I know where the van has been since it was first registered on 1st Feb 1973 by the Post Office, Postal Headquarters, Scotland. I have considered writing to each of the past owners, however this could be fraught with obvious problems. It would be great to get some feedback from the past owners and maybe even a picture somewhere along the line.

It is going to be a while until the van is back on the road. My current intentions are to restore the van closely to its original condition, for which I would be most greatful for any pointers!

I have researched the net looking for pics of a PO Engineering van from the same era and have only found a couple of pics.

Thanks again for your help so far.

Paul

[POMMReg]

No worries!!

ask Russell for a copy of that pic of her sister (CSC 556L).

owt else, just ask!

Chris

[POMMReg]

Blue BL chassis plate should be (stamped) MAE-5 308149F

Postal Engineering vans were essentially BT vans,but painted PO red with horizontal white bands around the middle of the body,rear doors and also centrally from the cab roof carrying onto the centre of the bonnet.

Chris

[POMMReg]

Only thing that should be stamped in 308149F (should of made that clear,sorry)

both the chassis prefix (MAE-5) and engine type (10V/451E) will be the same colour as the chassis plate!!

'BRITISH LEYLAND' on the chassis plate too!!

hope that's cleared that up!

Chris (yet again)

[RussLCV]

Chris for info not all Postal engineers van were PO engineers van I have photographic evidensce mail van were used for Postal enginering duties complete with white stripe too....................speak soon mate

Not heard from Capn black since I have gave him duff gen about MAG5 and not MAE5

H

[POMMReg]

Quite correct,Russ!

WLC 432G springs to mind, yes I know, some engineering vans were even transferred to the postal fleet!!!

MAE-5 305001-308100F (Telephone Engineers)
" 308101-308190F (Postal Engneering Utilities/308110 converted to d/t)
MAG-5 308191-310190F (Postal mailvans)

as the chassis nos of BWS -L is 308149 it is def. one of a batch of 90 ordered by the P.O.C.

Chris

POMMReg

[capnblack]

Evening chaps. I have been looking around to see where I can get a chassis plate for the "new" van. The only one I can find is this:[frame][/frame]

I'm not sure this is the right one as Chris said previously:

"Only thing that should be stamped is 308149F (should of made that clear,sorry) both the chassis prefix (MAE-5) and engine type (10V/451E) will be the same colour as the chassis plate!!

Can you guys confirm that the plate I have shown here is the correct one? If not, any idea where I can get one? And ... will I have to stamp the numbers in myself?

Ta

Cap'n

[RussLCV]

Its the only one avilable I had them made!!!

[capnblack]

Do you have one I can purchase please Russell?

[RussLCV]

Sadly sold out long ago, I was considering haveing them made last year but no interest

H

[capnblack]

Sadly sold out long ago, I was considering haveing them made last year but no interest

H

The picture I posted above is from a company currently advertising them for sale.

[POMMReg]

Have a go at;

pommreg@gmail.com

Chris