Hello All,
We have got the Mini bug, we are part way thru doing up our 66' sedan and our next in line to drive wants a Mini too! Just hes really keen on the round nosed Vans, any for and against doing these up??
cheers TSB

Any Mini with a 1/2 decent body is well worth doing up.
Just be aware that vans do tend to rust more around the back floor-valance- door pillar area- this compromises torsional rigidity, which is less than a sedan to begin with.
I was asked to weld up the rear floor of a certain van on here that `had a crack in it' and the body was flexing. It proved to be a sculpture in fibreglass and paint.... so beware when buying.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Like Doc said make sure the body is not rusted out. Very important with the Australian rear side window vans because they have even less strength than full sided ones. Vision is much better though with windows.

They handle better than the sedans due to the longer wheelbase, and have considerable room inside, even more with the passenger seat removed. They're a bit spartan and noisy though but these 'features' can be overcome with a bit of ingenuity.

Once great little workhorses and common as, now becoming a rare sight indeed and much sought after. Who would have thought!

_________________
Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

If your after a round nose it's not incredibly hard to fit the panels to a clubby van, that way finding one is easier and you still get the roundy look .

_________________
Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=66297
the real deal and for sale.

_________________
Dog Food! Most kids like it more than Broccoli.

Body panels are harder to find for a van...having said that i chose my van over a sedan even though its a bigger resto job

_________________
one van, one mini s, one knitted cardigan

How often do you see a Mini Van on the Road..but insaying that any Mini on the road is Brilliant

_________________
Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

can you can find a decent van to do up, that is the question.

_________________
Aussie Leyland, Aussie Factory, Aussie Mini S.

My cousin just bought a clubbie van... there were a couple roundies on ebay recently.

Can still find em, then put the work and effort it and happy days

Pete

_________________

Click here for the Turbo Conversion Thread!

Yes, but how long before we see yours on the road? Couldn't be far off now!

_________________