G'day everyone,

So after selling my '77 998 LS a few years ago, i picked up this viewtopic.php?f=40&t=90736 van yesterday . I was wondering if someone could give me a run down of what the main differences are between the Saloon and Vans, aside from the obvious doors at the back and ~300mm longer. Are the brakes the same, rear subframe/suspension, carrying/towing capacity, exhaust, things like that.

Cheers

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2015 Ducati 899 Panigale

I suppose it depends on whether you're interested in what was originally fitted ...or what will fit..

If the latter, then pretty much what you see is what you get...

I used my S exhaust (RC40) on my Traveller - just had a local welder add a couple of inches of tube in the middle. In fact I just rebodied my S using the Traveller shell. (By "just" I mean I just swapped the bits over .. I did it about 20 years ago...)

Its obviously much easier to fit a couple of hay bales into a van... and a dishwasher However, I must admit I've never (sic) had any need to actually "measure" the carrying capacity.. If it fits ..it goes...

Other than that, my Traveller has sedan subframes, suspension, engine/gearbox, interior (although you do need different (longer) rear side trim panels.. etc. There are a few minor bits and bobs - battery main leads is one example... rear lights, fuel tank rear bumper etc??? .....but I lump these with WYSIWYG.

Cheers, Ian

sub frames all the same running gear all same carrying capacity 1/4 ton 250 kgs approx towing cap 300 kgs all information in workshop manual.
personally have 2 a 65 and a 73 lots of fun

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65 panel van Sprog
73 panel van Iggy

Towing capacity of a van is 300kg verses the 400kg of the sedan.

All vans had rubber donut suspension regardless of yr built. Where depending on model of sedan had hydrolastic

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Because of their longer wheel base vans are claimed to handle more progressively and be less prone to longitudinal pitching. I don't know if the front/rear weight ratio is different, but the longer wheelbase is noticable. They are also probably less rigid.

Also vans tend to be noisier due to body rattles and booming.

I felt the longer wheels bases made them handle a freckle better .... Just a feeling

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Simonw
Brisbane QLD
1st car - 1964 Mini Panelvan 850
Previous - 1978 Leyland LS 1275 Gold
- 1969 Mini K

Legend has it that vans originally had different rear suspension trumpets which had a larger flange on the end and were a few mm longer, part number 21A1684. Early Minis had 21A1683, but went to 21A1684 later.

Vans often received the lowest spec trim, and for a period in the late sixties and early seventies used the remote change gearbox fitted with the 'direct' gear change instead of the remote extension that the deluxe and Cooper S had.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

The wheelbase is longer by 102mm and they don't have the jacking point under the driver and passenger door like the sedan.



I think you're right as when looking for rear shocks I was told van shocks are slightly longer. As I was putting in HiLo's I went for a 'sedan' shock.



I always thought the vans handled ever so slightly better too.

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"They are also probably less rigid."
Look for cracks at the bottom left and right corners of the rear opening. Nearly every van I've seen has cracked or repaired body work. Having said that I want one.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Yes you do . Vans are great. You'd be amazed how much space they have in the back. I bought mine after crashing the Moke, I could fit my crutches in. I once used it to move a fridge.

I have a Traveller now, it has almost as much room but offers the advantage of 4 seats.

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

Ive had them in the past, very handy.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

Clubman van is on top of my Mini wish list,only problem is I live in Ireland so bar heading to Aus and getting one there I doubt I will ever have one.I'd even trade my Irish CKD 61 Morris van for one.This one looks like a cracker as well,enjoy.

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I love the smell of a maniflow in the morning.

emigrate we is nice people

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65 panel van Sprog
73 panel van Iggy

Lived in Sydney for a couple of months in 96 but I was too interested in drinking VB and chasing girls

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I love the smell of a maniflow in the morning.