Woodie-izing a Morris Minor 8 CWT Van(?)

[ubermojo]

Friends and Fellow Travelers,
I just aquired (metaphysically speaking, as I won't have it for a couple months) what was described as a '72 Morris Minor 8 CWT Van via New Zealand auction. '72, the 1st yr registered, so likely '71? As a novice, I apologize for my ignorance (differentiated from our moron junta prez and general international schoolyard bully, but I digress political).

From my research to date, and what can be gathered from web pics, the all metal body look to be the same as a Traveler(?). Does anyone know if this is true, and if so, has anyone woodie-ized a Traveler that wasn't a production Woodie? Are there any contacts, kits, other direction to expertise that can help me assess the feasibility of this?

I very much appreciate the time and trouble, and to readers whether helpful or no, wish all the best of health, happiness and trouble free motoring.
in spirit.
Paul
Ridgefield, WA, USA
(near Portland, Oregon)

[Chris Morley]

Hi Paul,

I see you're no friend of Dubya - I don't think many of us are on this side of the pond either....

I believe there's a fundamental difference between your van and a traveller: the commercials are mounted on a traditional chassis, whereas the traveller has a floorpan similar to the saloon. I'm sure it's not impossible to overcome this difference but it would need a lot of work and creation of custom-built panels and woodwork.

[ubermojo]

Dear Chris,
Thanks for the backatcha and the info therein. So maybe a pipe dream, but I'll keep groping down the path until too defeated to continue. On the woodie-potential scoreboard, I may be way behind and outclassed, but as Alexander Pope wrote "hope springs eternal in the human breast, man never is, always to be, blest."
Take care of yourself; keep the shiney side up and the oily side down.
in spirit,
paul

[les]

the light commercial vehicle register might be of help when you get your van, use your search engine to find the site. Freedom of speech is great!

[Kevin]

Hi Paul the LCV site can be found at
http://lcvreg.tripod.com
Also a good contact your side of the pond
http://members.aol.com/MorrisMinor1000
These should get you pointed in the right direction