Thought I would start a new thread with details of my van.

Its a 1976 Fiat 850t camper - Fiesta conversion, supplied new from Bristol, Fairfax St. One previous owner 32,000 miles. Last on the road in 1995.

The van has been stored inside so is in quite solid condition. Someone has given it a really poor rattle can paint touch up, which is a shame. So it will need some work and a new paint job.

Since collecting last year I have cleaned and generally brought the engine and engine bay back to life with new seal, remove/clean sump, repaint tinware (good condition) rad re-core, new water pump, rocker removal and clean, carb rebuild.
Before and after pic below.

This replaces a 1981 VW T25 Danbury camper I owned for 12 years, before my ex had a crash in it (At least she was ok.)

MOT this week, 1st camping trip planned for 2 weeks time.

Problems to sort - paint and some bodywork, wont select 3rd or 4th (hope its a selector issue) re-attach interior and replace gas struts, rubbers seals, new tyres, suspension bushes

Van just before collecting


Engine before (running, just)


Engine after work (purring like a kitten)


Close up


Interior - finally solved puzzle, just place in not fixed.

That is fantastic Pouch. What a gem.

Pics dont seem to be working?
Any ideas?

Pouch said:

Pics dont seem to be working?
Any ideas?

Click to expand...

I allways use photobucket and copy the IMG. Have you got a photobucket account?

Let's try some photobucket pics...!


Engine - Before


Engine- after


Old brake linings, back into component form, no-wonder the brake was not working!

Van really coming, gearbox selection issue has turned out to be a problem with selection on 3rd gear.
So engine & gearbox out, gearbox now refurbished, by the guys at Middle Barton and ready to re-fit.

Also removed the rear dampers while the engine was out the way, need some replacements, they have not enjoyed sitting around in a garage.

Cannot find new dampers anywhere, tried middle barton garage who say not available.
Any suggestion on where to get the existing ones repaired or new ones made up? They are just simple twin tube with pin end on both ends.

I got some rear dampers from 'Ricambio' just before Christmas. The threads collapsed on the old ones.

These are the ones I ended up with...

Congrats on the van - keep up the great work!

looks REALLY NICE..!!,

I'll look out for it around Oxford,

Charlie - Didcot