There's a reason no ones 'liked' this reply. That's one hell of an offer, and a lot of people are willing you to take it up. The worse that can happen is that you pop a spare engine....so you then need some parts that you may already have to sort it. You've got a shed load of goodwill (and parts!) from a lot of people...bite the bullet.
Yeah, come on para ffs just take the offer and get it running... I ain't being funny, you're a nice bloke but every few months we get a "woe is me" thread about the bus, I'm sure the guy offering the engine knows the risks or else he wouldn't offer.... I've been on here 5 years and you've hardly used the thing, diddymen comes up with some pearlers as an excuse to say his ain't finished but we don't listen to him now.... It must be a thing with green vans? There's a rumour zed is lagging behind as well.
Camera batteries flat. I'm going to finish the interior before I post an update. I was listening when you pointed out a few weeks ago that to get it done, I need to spend less time on here.
Try thinking along these lines If you can help. Help If you can't help. Make the tea If someone else offers to help. Take it Some people call it karma some call it the good or bad fairy. Stick his motor in you bus and drive it. Having seen your efforts with tractor enamel and detailing it will probably come back cleaner than when you pick it up.
i think he is in a catch 22 ,the expence of the things that are missing and the dread of extra bills like insurance etc and if he does get it on the road and then sell it ,his name will be mudd especially from all the people who has helped... I had a bus that would have cost another grand to get on the road ,all I did was paint things and lose more heart ,I sold it and it was very refreshing... There is only one road "sell" and buy a t25/t4 etc..
I agree. Selling isnt the only option. If it were me, if, after getting it on the road with the loan engine, I did still choose to sell then at least a rolling van would be an easier proposition to sell and would maximise return. Perhaps the chap loaning the engine could do it on a sale or return basis? In other words agree a price for it and if it sold with the van then pay him back/replace the engine. If he kept the van and rebuilt his own engine then return it? The top and bottom seems to be that lots of other members are willing to roll up their sleeves and help you get it over the line should you choose to accept the mission.
This isn't a dig by the way; just a fact. Come on @paradox, get that engine picked up and get on with it! You can be out in it by October!
Unfortunately for para it has become THE TLB resto. A lot of us have chipped in with parts, advice, help and even kicks up the Harris when needed. The engine offer is tlb at its best. I think we need to cajole him into and through the final straight. The hard part of a resto, as we all know!
Sorry para I now feel you are being bullied into using it, Just had a look at it, I no longer have the exhaust it has heater exchangers but they are carp, best bet is he J tubes, I have the starter and oil bath filter and coil, also the carb, It has a snapped exhaust stud but I can drill and tap that for you, you would also need the engine bar. Here is a pic of said engine
That`s very good point . Mines FAR from pristine but i managed a night away last night and i`ll be at Techenders next weekend - it gets well used . I know it needs work but i`m just happy keeping it on the road , enjoying the freedom of knowing i can jump in and set off at the drop of a hat . You didn`t buy a van and start the restoration for it to be sat on the drive . We would all like our vans to be pristine but it`s a matter of priorities , obviously in your case family comes first but you`ve had a very generous offer of an engine to borrow which at the very least will get you to an MOT station so work towards that goal . Even if you get it MOT`d and give the motor back it`ll sell FAR easier with a ticket . Don`t sell it mate , there`s dozens on here who`d be so pleased to see it all come together - no matter how `unfinished` it looks in your eyes !!
Thanks for everyones input and comments i am taking them on board I have pmd Baz to thank him for his kind offer Im not at the stage to fit an engine yet and i cant spend time or money on the van Untill ive got this sodding house finished and carpeted Ive bitten of more than i should have moving into this place but after years of moving from piller to post and not being able to make a home It seemed like the best option and im sure it will be once ive got on top of it all. I think ill stick the cover over it so i dont have to look at it everyday and see how i feel about it once ive got the house sorted and i have spare money and time again as i just feel swamped at the moment.
I understand exaclty where you are coming from as some on tlb can testify. I also have to 'finalise' stuff on my house which is putting me back. Shout if you need owt
