belly pans

Have just bought one of these and wondered if all vans had the fixings in the chassis or if I have to install rivnuts?

 

Should just bolt on.

 

Middle ones bolt on side ones are welded not sure on the holes for them

 

Theres captivated nuts on cross members and on chassis i think .....most of mine sheared off when i tried to undo them .....but you can drill them out and self tap them .

 

who was it that used to the fibreglass side pans and pedal pan?

 

The middle one was welded on upto '72, and bolted from '73 so if your van is the one in your avatar, you should be okay, unless you've got one of @poptop2 weird cross over anomaly vans
I don't know if a van without belly pans from new would have the captive nuts anyway.

 

Good question, have to check that out when looking underneath some others ......the same may apply to the front belly pans . If a bus had belly pans from new did that always mean both middle and front ....or did some just have the front from new ....or vice versa ?

 

I think the belly pans were optional extra. I have both side ones which have always been on the bus and are welded on and the middle one like yours which is bolted on, there are holes already in the frame.

 

Got rid of mine

 

I'd imagine they would - too much hassle in production to make different chassis versions.

 

Thanks for the answers guys. I replaced the drivers side when I did the sills a few years ago but didn't weld it back on. The passenger side was patched when I did the front jacking point. I have just had the pans completely removed, all cleaned up and waxoiled - the chassis was all good .

Had both outer pans put back and thought I would put a centre on to give the lagged centre pipe a bit more protection from the cold air. I've had the front pan off, cleaned and waxoiled as well.

 

Good to put the centre pan back on, as it does protect stuff. I left my side ones off - they're just rust traps, IMO. Personal choice - I like to be able to see the chassis rails!

 

I'd have put my side ones back on, but I forgot to weld captive nuts into the inner sills and it's too late now

 

Why ?

 

Bit worried it wont fit now you've said that. My chassis # is quite early 2332002755

 

only way to check is to get under and have a look

 

^this. Get under that van !

 

When having it restored we noticed they are a water trap and the guy gave me some advice to not replace them, I asked about and it seemed more people were in favour of not having them.
Even called a few restorers who agreed. Just made sure it was primer, painted and under-sealed thoroughly.