Showing posts with label The rescue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The rescue. Show all posts

cleanup


Managing to survive the tow to its new home, the van was treated to a well earned wash to get rid of mould and other creatures living in it. And to get a good look at the real damage, from being shut up in a damp garage for so long.
Unfortunately, because of bad communication for some reason, the garage owners friend living in the flat thought the van had been dumped and decided to leave a message with marker pen. "No 11 Very annoyed get this moved or 999" the problem was soon solved with a message explaining everything left on there front door, in marker pen!

With all that room in the engine bay I'm sure you could fit a turbo in there somewhere, although it may take a bit of time and work before it gets to that. The body and chassis is suffering from surface rust pretty much all over. Its going to take a bit more digging to find out how deep it all goes.

The rescue

In 1997 my  van's MOT failed on a bit of body work underneath. so I hired the garage where I was renting a flat where I could have a go at repairing it. This is where it sat till 2007.

I had to get two other abandoned cars moved plus the unfortunate death of my 72 square back (may it RIP) to finally get access to the vans tomb. Not to worry, anything usable on the type 3 was saved including the IRS gear box and axles.

After 10 years of slumber and with help from some friends the van was awoken from its dreams of mountain roads and sun scorched beaches.
With air still in the tyres and a seized back brake (cured with a large hammer) the van was gingerly towed a short distance to its new future, and without any interruptions from the police or frustrated drivers.