Just getting started, 1972 Crossover Devon

Looks like a top job!

 

Spent some time today readying the engine before i trade it in against the new one I get on saturday . I needed to take the crankshaft pulley off so made my own puller as I didn't have one.

I used bolts attached behind the pulley and the middle bolt had a nut the other side of the pine bit.





And it worked , I took the last bit of tinware off that i couoldn't get to before.



I also detached the engine mounting bar.

I then spent some time cleaning the heat exchangers which is the last bits needed to be cleaned, im thinking of using stove paint on them as protection. One I think is original and the other a replacement at some point.


and the newer one had a sticker on it under the crud, not sure of the company it came from.



I also sanded back all my painted tinware with some help ready for a second coat

 

The replacement heat exchanger is from JP group a/s. Big danish company supplying lots of replacement parts for various car makes, as far as I know.

I bought a replacement stock 1600 exhaust last year and it turned out to be from them too, had the same sticker. It was a b* to fit though - not convinced how well made their parts are.

The important thing is, how many fins are inside it - I guess probably not many compared to the OE one, but peek in the big hole where the hose from the engine fan attaches and take a couple of pics!

 

Been busy the last few days as much as I can be as working conditions are not the best



I finished welding in the patches in the petrol tank area, this was a PITA to do, as a novice welder I feel I did as good a job as I could.




I zinc primed the patches and then repaired the tank straps I had to cut off.

I have also used High temperature paint to paint up the heat exchangers and manifold.




I have also made a reapair to the rear valance that was very rusty and cut off but will get photos of that soon. Next job is to sort area of engine bay above offside chassis rail and battery tray.

Also can I change the size of my photo's as they are mahoosive? cheers

 

Inspirational stuff. How long have you been welding? I'm looking to start learning this year for some bits on the van.

 

@JamesLey thank you, I've been teaching myself to mig weld from anout this time last year but not done any since june last year due to a combination of knee operations and motorbike accident. The tips given on TLB have helped loads. At first I didn't like the fact the welds didn't look professional but as I want a van to use and not a show winner. As long as the welds were strong I soon learnt not to worry about how they looked and ground them down, but baring in mind the heat this creates.

 

I must update more often, time sails by and being back at work has got in the way. Looking at where I left off quite a bit has been done.

epoxy put over welded patches and then sealed, the tank straps were welded back in place also.


The tank was treated some epoxy on the outside and then re-installed.



I dont have a garage so work outside, its amazing how quickly its brightened up when I get home. This work was being completed towards the end of Feb where I was working like this


I then trial fitted my newly painted firewall to give me a little moral boost.

 

I have also welded up the D post, this was then given a coat of primer that went wrong, I went a bit overkill. I've sorted it now though.


My rear valence started out like this


I had to cut a lot out but it now looks like this


But this meant the engine bay seal on lip on the back of the valace had to be fabricated. I made a part and tested the fit.


and it was welded in place

 

I have also made some headway on the offside rear corner.


I cut off the rear wheel arch closing plate as it was in a bit of a state, with limited funds I chose to repair the bottom edge and side edge


Now looks better, not perfect but will do. Should have took more photo's really.


Battery tray was put in but the picture seems to have vanished, but a pic with the corner attached

I have also welded on rear of wheel arch to corner but will have to update photo later.

 

I have also done some repairs to the nearside. On the inside of the engine bat area, this completes in here, at last!!





I also repaired the inner wheel arch lip which was looking a bit sorry for itself




I will have to update with other recent developments soon, got to upload photos

 

Great thread, look's good so far. Keep up the good work - it's an inspiration to those of us who haven't started the bodywork yet!

 

Just goes to show, you can work on your bus anywhere! Good work too

 

Great work