Van 1 (offside).JPG

850T Intruducing my Fiat 850t camper projects

Introduction

Hi, thought I'd add my van resto(s) to the growing number now being documented on the forum. I've been addicted to 850T's for 20 years (through which time most of my vans have been off the road it would seem!) and after so long in the dark it's great to see 850T'svans finally getting the classic recognition and treatment that they deserve.


My current resto project (thanks to my father's handy bodyworking skills) is a '74 model which was bought by the original owners as a van and partially converted into a camper though never officially completed. Thankfully with only around 25k miles on the clock the bodywork seems to have survived surprisingly well for these vans which usually can be 'heard' rusting on a calm wind free evening. There have however, been a few cosmetic dents to contend with (parking sensors clearly weren't an option in 1974) and the odd localised patch of tin worm. Attached are photo's of the van shortly after purchase and recently being test fitted with areplacement (larger) roof .



As the interior was never completed I am trying to recreate a 'Huntsman' conversion as far as possible. These were made by Rixson motor caravans in the early to mid 70's, though I do have very little information about them so any pointers would be greatly appreciated! They were identifiable by having a cooker unit which was on runners and so could be slid backwards over the engine compartment when not in use. I'm not sure when this one will be back on the road as there's lots still to do but I'm hoping that it won't be too long. I restored and ran a '72 850Twith Fiesta conversion (0YE 612L, still going strong as far as I can tell fromt'internet) for nearly 10 years so really miss the thrill of driving and camping in them.


I also have a 1974 850T with a Dormobile conversion (photo of white van attached also) which I've owned for 20 years. This model can be identified by its 1 piece side window and rear corner windows. These conversions never sold in high numbers and as such are quite an enigma, so if any knows anything about them or the whereabouts of any others I'd be intrigued to hear from them. This van is currently in a 'state of stasis' (Buck Rogers style) patiently awaiting TLC, though it seems to keep getting overtaken by other projects frustratingly so it probably will be 2050 before it finally gets finished (and when I'll be too old to drive)!


Although I'm not as regular ablogger as I'd like I'll try to keep the updates coming from time to time. I'm also no expert on these vans but have lived with their quirks long enough to know their weak spots so please do feel free to drop me a message on here if you think I might be able to help. I think it's really important that to support one another as these vans can be quite unusual to work on (definitively part of their charm) and are certainly not the easiest to find parts for.


Keep on truckin!


Andy

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Category
FIAT Motorhomes / Campervans
Added by
chick850t
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