Been workin hard!
air filter housing
After the air filter case blunder, i managed to source another one - the correct fitment via the extremely helpful guys on www.fordtransit.org which i have discovered is a great resource for the lovers of Ford's finest van!
Thousands of owners on their forum & all eager to help with advice, parts & transit talk.
alternator & p.s. belts problem
Still need to sort out the alternator/p.s bracket which i'm informed is bent or not the original fitment and causing lag on one of the dual belts. Hopefully this should be sorted soon enough.
replacement gaskets
Sourced some gaskets from Fleabay as i noticed a bit of oil around the rocker covers which although isn't imminently dangerous, i wanted to put right. These cost about £7 i think. If you're looking for the seller, it's this guy and was super-fast at delivering.
HOT HOT HOT
Although there's a new rad, plenty of coolant & super-cold fans, the radiator seems a little cool in comparison to the engine.. back on fordtransit.org for ideas why..
Autogas LPG idea
For £500 i can buy a conversion kit to use LPG on the beast. Money well spent i think, considering the rising price of fuel (and the minimal increases in LPG).
Currently researching installers or certifiers of home-installations if i get my mechanic to do it. Apparently some insurers require this certification.
Saturday 10 May 2008
Thursday 24 April 2008
New engine parts - another blunder!
I've put this down to experience but..
I ordered some new parts from Specialised Engines but forgot to mention that the v6 was in a transit and therefore a less common variety of the popular Essex Engine. Apparently because it has a single choke carborettor? <-- have i got that right?
I received an engine temperature sender, which i fited with no problems, a thermostat to which i've no idea where it goes. lol and a beautifully restored air filter housing, which i now know is the wrong fitment!
Back it goes! Thanks to the guys at S.E. i'm gettin the right one sent in it's place.
I'll get there in the end! i'm learning as i go along how engines work. I think it's the best way.
Also managed to pick up a few heat exchange pipes (foil) from halfords for a few quid. At least i did that right! (although i had to buy one of each size to make sure!)
Also stumbled upon a great resource for transit lovers who have a wealth of members who can offer you help, advice and more importantly - PARTS! woop woop!
I ordered some new parts from Specialised Engines but forgot to mention that the v6 was in a transit and therefore a less common variety of the popular Essex Engine. Apparently because it has a single choke carborettor? <-- have i got that right?
I received an engine temperature sender, which i fited with no problems, a thermostat to which i've no idea where it goes. lol and a beautifully restored air filter housing, which i now know is the wrong fitment!
Back it goes! Thanks to the guys at S.E. i'm gettin the right one sent in it's place.
I'll get there in the end! i'm learning as i go along how engines work. I think it's the best way.
Also managed to pick up a few heat exchange pipes (foil) from halfords for a few quid. At least i did that right! (although i had to buy one of each size to make sure!)
Also stumbled upon a great resource for transit lovers who have a wealth of members who can offer you help, advice and more importantly - PARTS! woop woop!
Electrics part #2
Battery & electrics cupboard :)
I decided to contain all the electrics and wiring in one cupboard, that i can lock away and distribute to the rest of the back end where needed via plastic truncking or plastic flexi-pipe.
The cupboard containts a CF8 Zig unit bought from FleaBay, a 12v widescreen dvd player & a JBL amp, also from motorworld. Got a great deal on the sound and dvd stuff from a nice bloke at motorworld who gave me staff discount for being local :)
I think i spent about £320 on a Jbl amp, head unit, 2x100w mids, 2x550w 12" 'woofers', a wiring kit, digi aerial & photo splitters.
Above is a shot from the front of the cupboard, with the right hand side facing inwards to the rest of the 'back end'
Above is a shot of the zig, head & amp. I'm just waiting to wire it all up now.
Above is a view from the back doors. Note i've almost finished the install of the bench seats now, fully fixed to the floor & flush with the side walls. More on them later!
I've also made progress on my stockpile of kitchen appliances, and have been scouring FleaBay for the best in 12v home cooking :) lol
To avoid confusion in the ambi over which sockets and 12v and which ONE is 240v, i'm gonna be sticking to the round-pin sockets for 12v and standard once. I've already prepped the appliances too (toastie maker, kettle, mini-oven - all less than £20 ea).
As part of my partymedics plan, i'll be ordering some giant 'red cross' inflatables & have already bought a 6foot tall version of the popular 'operation' game! I love it when a plan comes together.
Just to finish off the newly repaired overhead cupboards, i added some cheap imitation 'dot' lights that were relatively cheap led, battery powered downlighters. Not a bad effect for a cosy night in without draining the main power batteries!
You eagle-eyed bloggers will notice this pic was taken before the a/v install... ;)
I decided to contain all the electrics and wiring in one cupboard, that i can lock away and distribute to the rest of the back end where needed via plastic truncking or plastic flexi-pipe.
The cupboard containts a CF8 Zig unit bought from FleaBay, a 12v widescreen dvd player & a JBL amp, also from motorworld. Got a great deal on the sound and dvd stuff from a nice bloke at motorworld who gave me staff discount for being local :)
I think i spent about £320 on a Jbl amp, head unit, 2x100w mids, 2x550w 12" 'woofers', a wiring kit, digi aerial & photo splitters.
Above is a shot from the front of the cupboard, with the right hand side facing inwards to the rest of the 'back end'
Above is a shot of the zig, head & amp. I'm just waiting to wire it all up now.
Above is a view from the back doors. Note i've almost finished the install of the bench seats now, fully fixed to the floor & flush with the side walls. More on them later!
I've also made progress on my stockpile of kitchen appliances, and have been scouring FleaBay for the best in 12v home cooking :) lol
To avoid confusion in the ambi over which sockets and 12v and which ONE is 240v, i'm gonna be sticking to the round-pin sockets for 12v and standard once. I've already prepped the appliances too (toastie maker, kettle, mini-oven - all less than £20 ea).
As part of my partymedics plan, i'll be ordering some giant 'red cross' inflatables & have already bought a 6foot tall version of the popular 'operation' game! I love it when a plan comes together.
Just to finish off the newly repaired overhead cupboards, i added some cheap imitation 'dot' lights that were relatively cheap led, battery powered downlighters. Not a bad effect for a cosy night in without draining the main power batteries!
You eagle-eyed bloggers will notice this pic was taken before the a/v install... ;)
Wednesday 2 April 2008
Electrics part #1
Tv screens 1 & 2
They're gonna go here, above the cab door, mounted nicely into the cupboard door.
and they'll look like this :-
woo!
secured using 1/2" angle & no nails, although i might have to re-consider this option as it's left quite a messy finish.. (not seen on the pic)
The zig unit & batteries have yet to be connected, and i've gotta get a hookup socket for the outside too. Also yet to wire in the stereo head unit & speakers... and JBL amp.. that's for the next bit :)
hehe
Finished installing the kitchen units
Ta-da!
After painstakingly measuring and re-measuring, i've cut the sloping backs, screwed them to the walls & bolted them to the cab.
They've now got handles, shelves & a zig unit in one of 'em, ready to wire up.
After painstakingly measuring and re-measuring, i've cut the sloping backs, screwed them to the walls & bolted them to the cab.
They've now got handles, shelves & a zig unit in one of 'em, ready to wire up.
Finished the bench seats
A tin of spray glue & some upholstery tacks..
And it's amazing what you can create!
The front panel & lid was 1/4" ply, the end panels are simply hardboard panel pinned & wood glued on.
The lid was made to open using 3 x 2ft piano hinges from wickes for a couple of quid, secured using no-nails and 1/2" screws, angle ground' off the top.
You'll see how i then cut circles out to fit my speakers. Did this the old fashioned way.. er.. by drilling a hole & jigsawing them out!
Have a look, see!
And it's amazing what you can create!
The front panel & lid was 1/4" ply, the end panels are simply hardboard panel pinned & wood glued on.
The lid was made to open using 3 x 2ft piano hinges from wickes for a couple of quid, secured using no-nails and 1/2" screws, angle ground' off the top.
You'll see how i then cut circles out to fit my speakers. Did this the old fashioned way.. er.. by drilling a hole & jigsawing them out!
Have a look, see!
New flooring :)
Layed a nice new vinyl flooring
£60 for a 12x13 roll from united carpets & beds
looks lovely, i think you'll agree! good old spray glue to secure it :)
£60 for a 12x13 roll from united carpets & beds
looks lovely, i think you'll agree! good old spray glue to secure it :)
Tuesday 26 February 2008
Bench seat frames finished :)
Managed to brave the cold & finish them!
Also managed to cut the construction time of the 2nd bench seat by 50% after finding these little beauties at B&Q:
They're screws that don't require pilot holes as they've a serated edge on the thread. It might only be a small tip, but it saved me changing the bit in the drill a million times! Handy eh? :)
More work on it Thursday. Gotta get lino for the floor & cut my kitchen cupboards to fit the slant of the side walls. Also got a guy looking at why the FEAD belts keep snapping..
Also managed to cut the construction time of the 2nd bench seat by 50% after finding these little beauties at B&Q:
They're screws that don't require pilot holes as they've a serated edge on the thread. It might only be a small tip, but it saved me changing the bit in the drill a million times! Handy eh? :)
More work on it Thursday. Gotta get lino for the floor & cut my kitchen cupboards to fit the slant of the side walls. Also got a guy looking at why the FEAD belts keep snapping..
Thursday 7 February 2008
Alternator & p.s. belts keep snapping
Managed a 122 mile trip though!
Ok, took it out on it's first trip this week.
On the positives.. it got me from Derby to Northampton (and almost back!)
On the negatives.. one of the "twin alternator & steering pump" belts ( i think they're called FEAD belts decided to snap halfway home.
Subsequently, the alternator didn't receive enough power to charge the 2nd battery i got within 2 miles of home before having to jump start with a spare.
I've drawn a number of conclusions as to why this is now the 2nd time NEW belts have snapped:
a) power steering pump sticks/needs lubrication/needs fluid
b) alt/engine/p.s wheels are not aligned properly
c) alt/engine/p.s spindles are bent
Here's a pic of it parked up outside my club
It might be worth pointing out for those of you who are reading this because you have a similar vehicle, that the V6 3.0l Essex engine in a Transit Mountain Ambulance is NOT listed in any spare parts catalogues in stores such as motorworld or halfords. I obtained replacement belts from Derby Bearings Ltd for £8 a pair which were suitable length & shape (poly V).
Ok, took it out on it's first trip this week.
On the positives.. it got me from Derby to Northampton (and almost back!)
On the negatives.. one of the "twin alternator & steering pump" belts ( i think they're called FEAD belts decided to snap halfway home.
Subsequently, the alternator didn't receive enough power to charge the 2nd battery i got within 2 miles of home before having to jump start with a spare.
I've drawn a number of conclusions as to why this is now the 2nd time NEW belts have snapped:
a) power steering pump sticks/needs lubrication/needs fluid
b) alt/engine/p.s wheels are not aligned properly
c) alt/engine/p.s spindles are bent
Here's a pic of it parked up outside my club
It might be worth pointing out for those of you who are reading this because you have a similar vehicle, that the V6 3.0l Essex engine in a Transit Mountain Ambulance is NOT listed in any spare parts catalogues in stores such as motorworld or halfords. I obtained replacement belts from Derby Bearings Ltd for £8 a pair which were suitable length & shape (poly V).
Sunday 3 February 2008
Test Driving Disaster
Bugger!
After a somewhat exciting outing locally in the Ambi, i decided i'd make a longer trip up to Nottingham along the A52 to pick up a mate.
A short way up Brian Clough Way & i noticed a drop in power. This could only mean one thing. . . belts had snapped & the secondary battery wasn't getting any juice.
I quickly turned round & managed to keep the beast going without a stop or stall until i got on the driveway. The remaining belt that was lodged in the engine bay was mangled to say the least. Perhaps i made a mistake on the belt types? Perhaps the power steering packed up momentarily and threw the belts off?
I await a call from www.motorworld.co.uk who are investigating the 'official' types of belt required rather than the mechanic-ordered replacements it previously had. Do they run parallel over the same wheels? so many questions. Lets hope it gets me to northampton and back tomorrow...
TBC
After a somewhat exciting outing locally in the Ambi, i decided i'd make a longer trip up to Nottingham along the A52 to pick up a mate.
A short way up Brian Clough Way & i noticed a drop in power. This could only mean one thing. . . belts had snapped & the secondary battery wasn't getting any juice.
I quickly turned round & managed to keep the beast going without a stop or stall until i got on the driveway. The remaining belt that was lodged in the engine bay was mangled to say the least. Perhaps i made a mistake on the belt types? Perhaps the power steering packed up momentarily and threw the belts off?
I await a call from www.motorworld.co.uk who are investigating the 'official' types of belt required rather than the mechanic-ordered replacements it previously had. Do they run parallel over the same wheels? so many questions. Lets hope it gets me to northampton and back tomorrow...
TBC
Friday 1 February 2008
Interior 3 - carpeting
Spray glue. Great in enclosed spaces :)
As mentioned, i managed to get some cheap carpet, so set about cutting it to size and spray glue-ing it in place. Not only does it cover the many marks & dents in the fibreglass interior panels, but adds an extra layer of insulation.
The carpet is trimmed using Galvanised Steel channelling used in the electrics/plastering trade and was 99p a length from Wickes which is a far cry from the proper carpet edging they supply at £8.99 a length in gypsy gold colour.
Ok, its not dead fancy but when i've pop-riveted these in (as opposed to the temporary screws i used) they'll look great. I found out that there was an alu bar going the length of the ambulance for securing internal fixtures to, so it'll be a nice tight finish.
Tomorrow, working on the first bench seat. Got a 6ft sheet of hardboard for £2.59, also from wickes. Also managed to get some 12v neon style tubing from fleabay which i'll try and incorporate into the finishing touches.
Great news!
Went to tax my ambulance today, and due to the V5 stating it's body type and taxation class as 'Ambulance'. . . . . it's tax exempt!
As mentioned, i managed to get some cheap carpet, so set about cutting it to size and spray glue-ing it in place. Not only does it cover the many marks & dents in the fibreglass interior panels, but adds an extra layer of insulation.
The carpet is trimmed using Galvanised Steel channelling used in the electrics/plastering trade and was 99p a length from Wickes which is a far cry from the proper carpet edging they supply at £8.99 a length in gypsy gold colour.
Ok, its not dead fancy but when i've pop-riveted these in (as opposed to the temporary screws i used) they'll look great. I found out that there was an alu bar going the length of the ambulance for securing internal fixtures to, so it'll be a nice tight finish.
Tomorrow, working on the first bench seat. Got a 6ft sheet of hardboard for £2.59, also from wickes. Also managed to get some 12v neon style tubing from fleabay which i'll try and incorporate into the finishing touches.
Great news!
Went to tax my ambulance today, and due to the V5 stating it's body type and taxation class as 'Ambulance'. . . . . it's tax exempt!
Wednesday 30 January 2008
Back to business! - Security issues pt2
Now that the Christmas season is well and truly out of the way, i'm starting to pick up where i left off in November. Especially as i'll be needing the old Ambi next week for a Doctors 'n' Nurses night we're doing in Northampton. (www.lavaignite.com/northampton)
So, number of issues to content with.
I've bought the carpet. £30 from Ilkeston Trade Carpets. Ok, it's not shagpile but it'll do for me!
Thats getting layed tomorrow, so photos on the way for that.
I've also finished the first of the bench seats (photos tomorrow)
Need to find a suitable replacement for these:
So, i've contacted the guys at Direct Locks and i'm awaiting their response.
Just to keep myself motivated with the whole project, i've started up the beast a few times, driven up and down the drive (it's as far as i'll go until it's taxed!) and i've scrubbed and jetwashed the outside.
Also decided upon a secondary use for it too!
Www.PartyMedics.Co.Uk
So, number of issues to content with.
I've bought the carpet. £30 from Ilkeston Trade Carpets. Ok, it's not shagpile but it'll do for me!
Thats getting layed tomorrow, so photos on the way for that.
I've also finished the first of the bench seats (photos tomorrow)
Need to find a suitable replacement for these:
So, i've contacted the guys at Direct Locks and i'm awaiting their response.
Just to keep myself motivated with the whole project, i've started up the beast a few times, driven up and down the drive (it's as far as i'll go until it's taxed!) and i've scrubbed and jetwashed the outside.
Also decided upon a secondary use for it too!
Www.PartyMedics.Co.Uk
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