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Italeri Ford Transit Mk.2 LWB Chassis/cab conversion with Tipper Body 1/24


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Here we go again, another conversion to add to the overcrowded workbench. Having resisted the lure of Italeri's re-released Ford Transit Van for a while I finally succumbed, the delay mainly being that I wanted to build something other than a van. After much head-scratching and internet bashing research I cobbled together enough info to enable me to plan the LWB chassis along with all the other bits necessary for the twin wheel version. Below is a photo of the chassis which has been 3D printed, not by me but a company who are renowned for their excellent work and superfine detail. The plan is to utilise the under cab section of the kit floorpan to make mating with the cut-down body easier. Other chassis components are either being worked on or have been produced such as the axle, wheels and tyres and I'm presently drawing up the Tipper body too.  

 

094619.jpg

Edited by mbdesignart
typo
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Thanks for the link Pete, already viewed. I've been in contact with Neil re his build but his PC is caput and unfortunately he couldn't access any info. 

I hope the chassis will provide a basis for many other body conversions, there are plenty to go at.

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I only said to blow the bloody doors off!  Major surgery underway today with both the van body and floorpan cut as required. A section of the under cab chassis rails has also been removed to accommodate the new lwb chassis. Now for some cleaning up.

 

111834.jpg  113257.jpg

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Looking very good indeed Mark, after our chat earlier it's looking great. Se where you mean re the cab ubndr cut on the chassis. Good pics too.

 

Colin

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  • 2 weeks later...

Progressing, albeit slowly. The new lwb chassis is mated to the under cab floor section, just a bit more filling to do. The rear bulkhead of the cab has had the outer sides flattened ready to add a strip of plasticard to replicate the seam. I've also done another 3D model to produce two versions of the wheels, round hole and slot. I've found the chassis/cab version had a 3 piece prop shaft, another mod to add to the list.

 

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New tyres, single piece front wheel, split rim rear wheel with hub and bolts.

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Today saw the beginnings of the tipper bed, using Roboesch section, a lot more cost effective than Plastruct, for the sub frame over 1.0mm plasticard. The side/front/rear panels are next on the list. Just wondering whether to bother with the 'greedy side' mesh upper panels? [If that is the correct terminology??] They'd need to be done in photo etched metal and given the size not that cheap for a small quantity.:think:

 

 143536.jpg

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More work completed on the tipper. The dropside panels, front bulkhead and corner posts now completed. Back to the sub frame and hinge mechanism.

 

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Next parts on the agenda are the hinges and then the ram and mounts.

 

 

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  • 2 weeks later...

The 3D printed rear lights have arrived [ I got a few spares!! ] along with a few other bits for the tipper body such as the Hydraulic pump with tank and ram mounts. Next is to have some wheels and tyres cast to enable me to set up the rear suspension and axle. I will have to apply a coat of Tamiya red and orange clear to see how the lights look - more to follow...

 

200326.jpg  200410.jpg

 

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Here's one of the lights painted, not sure if the original make for the transit was 'Rubbolite' or if they made the aftermarket versions, but these may have other applications for commercial vehicles. Whilst having the paint to hand I gave the Lucas type lights for the Escort Mk.1 a coat of paint too, both have turned out well to my eyes. Once the wheels and hubs return from being cast I'll be back to completing the chassis.

 

200307.jpg

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19 hours ago, Pete in Lincs said:

Nice work. looking forward to seeing more.

I think the term you wanted was 'greedy boards'

as used on scrap lorries etc.

At least I was 50% correct. :clap: Unless the term 'sides' is for mesh and 'boards' for solid? Or it could just be regional variation??

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At last a little more progress. The rear wall of the cab is now complete with added rain channel and vertical seams as well as filling of the roof indents. The rear suspension is almost complete too with just the shock mounting points to add to the axle... more anon. 

 

192226.jpg

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The chassis is now nearing completion with the rear axle and springs sorted, along with the front hubs to take the new wheels, the chassis now sits properly. Fuel tank has had the filler neck relocated with printed brackets on the way and the spare wheel hanger altered for the new resin spare. The cab has also been tweaked to sit over the chassis rails and I've added some upper front rail extensions into the cab floor after recent research. Also the drivers seat should have a height adjustable frame on runners, I'll upload pics later for others to reference, not the chunky tubular legs as in the kit.

 

082913.jpg     083213.jpg

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Rather than post photos of the seat frame here is a link to the item on Transit Centre site, a good source of reference material,  http://www.transitcenter.uk/driver-seat-base-mechanism-ford-transit-1978-1985-p-3424.html

 

And now, as they used to say in the Music Halls, "Where's me propshaft - ooh missus!"

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Back onto the Tipper Body with a test fit of the hinges and subframe to ensure it tilts without fouling anything.

 

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The 2 part hinges have been fitted to the bed and dropsides, I think I'll build it with one side dropped as there's the option for fitting them either raised or lowered.

 

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Whilst waiting for filler or adhesive to set on other components I finally completed the 3-section prop-shaft and universal joints, also here are the revised fuel tank along with a new rear shock.

 

125759.jpg

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Does anyone else have that sinking feeling that vital parts have mysteriously been thrown away with the rubbish? Earlier today I hunted high and low for a set of wheel rims, I know I had bagged them and put them somewhere 'safe' but they had vanished. Time was a wasting and I needed to come up with a temporary solution which involved much tape and odd bits of scrap to enable me to progress. Halfway through the process I needed something else from the box of bits, moved the back end of the Transit Van shell out of the way and low and behold a bag of wheel rims! Grrr and other expletives.

 

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A lot of panicking just for the mudguards but they needed making to the correct dimensions to clear the wheels and fit the tipper body bed. Also made a start on the adjustable subframe for the driver's seat upper and lower frames, side linking pieces, handle and spring to follow.

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Thanks Roger, the feedback is appreciated. I was beginning to think I was wasting Forum space.

All the Tipper bed components are now made following a geometry exercise for the ram mounts!! Hopefully all the bits for both that and the chassis will be receiving a primer coat tomorrow now the monsoon has passed through.

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