Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Update post: Transporting for storage

On January 27 2011 we transported Vanman from the shed to my garage for storage while Dad was away. We got to drive it outside for the first time which was pretty amazing. What's left to do? Interior and glass!


We left it wrapped in bubble wrap to protect it in storage.












It even fits sideways in my garage!

Update post: Re-assembly

From December 28 2010 through to the end of January 2011 we worked on putting Vanman back together. More shots and video fottage of getting the motor running are coming...

First part on...

The motor is in...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Update post: Transporting the shell

Just after xmas (December 27) we transported the shell back to the shed to start the rebuild...

Update post: Exterior painted

On December 20, 2010 the boys and I got to see the exterior paint job for the first time - looking amazing...









Monday, May 16, 2011

New acquisition - TravelMan!

Great news - we got another van on eBay last week. It's not in great condition but it's a rare find - a van with sliding back & front windows + a backseat. The compliance plate shows that it was a van, and it's serial number is #725 - given that BMC started the numbering at #501 this means that it was probably built in the first month of production in 1964 (according to this great article from the Mini Experience). We thought that this was a Traveller, but Craig Watson from Mini Experience let us know that they didn't make any factory Travellers in Australia, so it's most likely a dealer fitted modification - more detail when we pick it up and get it home.

The lichen is a good look!