mbdesignart Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 (edited) 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. Edited September 3, 2018 by mbdesignart typo 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy vd M. Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Very interesting and, I think, original subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 You may find some useful information in this earlier build on Britmodeller. http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/65527-ford-transit-van/&do=findComment&comment=713900 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted June 12, 2017 Author Share Posted June 12, 2017 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heloman1 Posted June 13, 2017 Share Posted June 13, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted June 28, 2017 Author Share Posted June 28, 2017 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. New tyres, single piece front wheel, split rim rear wheel with hub and bolts. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richellis Posted June 28, 2017 Share Posted June 28, 2017 Will you be selling the chassis and wheels? Would like to take a couple of sets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 2, 2017 Author Share Posted July 2, 2017 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 8, 2017 Author Share Posted July 8, 2017 More work completed on the tipper. The dropside panels, front bulkhead and corner posts now completed. Back to the sub frame and hinge mechanism. Next parts on the agenda are the hinges and then the ram and mounts. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mancunian airman Posted July 8, 2017 Share Posted July 8, 2017 That 3D printing is coming on in leaps and bounds and should be common place in a few years no doubt. The results of the chassis and wheels is bloomin marvellous . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 18, 2017 Author Share Posted July 18, 2017 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... 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 22, 2017 Author Share Posted July 22, 2017 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. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richellis Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 Cool, look forward to getting a couple off you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted July 22, 2017 Share Posted July 22, 2017 Nice work. looking forward to seeing more. I think the term you wanted was 'greedy boards' as used on scrap lorries etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 23, 2017 Author Share Posted July 23, 2017 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. Unless the term 'sides' is for mesh and 'boards' for solid? Or it could just be regional variation?? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted July 23, 2017 Share Posted July 23, 2017 That maybe. I've just always known the one term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted July 30, 2017 Author Share Posted July 30, 2017 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 3, 2017 Author Share Posted August 3, 2017 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 3, 2017 Author Share Posted August 3, 2017 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!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 6, 2017 Author Share Posted August 6, 2017 Back onto the Tipper Body with a test fit of the hinges and subframe to ensure it tilts without fouling anything. 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. 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 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. 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 If anyone fancies doing a Mk.1 Transit this link may be of use for reference. https://www.flickr.com/photos/61090099@N04/15654517532/in/photostream/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamden Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Chassis coming together nicely. Great to watch this engineering coming together. Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbdesignart Posted August 10, 2017 Author Share Posted August 10, 2017 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. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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