Newbie to the bedford van

[Daza]

Hello would like to ask some questions about the bedford vans before i find and restore or repair one.
I notice that there seem to be a couple of different styles some have a sliding drivers door and others have no side doors.
curious if any one can give me a break down of the models and years that they were built. also if there are any major probs to look out for.
And anyone else who has some helpfull hints and tips are most welcome to share.
Thanks DAZA

[able]

someone will be along with the info you seek. as for hints and tips... if you cant find it already posted you just ask and you will receive multiple answers from the many experienced posters here.

rest assured that if you buy a beddy you will never be far from advice.


maybe suggest what you are looking for in a van (short wb long wb  ect.) and if you are looking for a cheap do it all your self/start from scratch or someones half finished project or if you have the dollars one that is in good nick but is going for a good price?

welcome to the forum.   

[BusyKiwi]

The sliding door option was an english one, all vans outside of England were imported/exported. The sliding door thing was a run off from the CA bedford

You don't show where you live (country) so advise on things is harder, example here in NZ all our bedfords came out with the slant 4 cly engine, our 6cly vans were either converted or imported from OZ

[Daza]

Hello, thinking about a short wheel base maybe something tha might need a bit of work, but registered and drivable.
would like to do the extras myself you know flare guards deck out the side all that sought of stuff, something to tinker with.
 

[Warren]

Daza there is This one on evilbay at the moment in Vic

or this one if your real quick - NSW

Most beddys for sale registered are expensive, the cheaper ones tend to be sold without rego or road worthy - even if they are registered, I think it saves the sellers any hassels

Warren

[Daza]

yes saw them both do you think the blue one would be a good project car?
Is there still parts available that are easy to get?
it looks ok dont know how i would go getting it registered here in SA.
sent him a email havent got a response yet.

[Warren]

Daza

It all depends on:

Your Finances
Yours Skills
Your Capability
Your Time
Your Courage

Oh and did I say Your Finances

Ok so you want to do it, and have average mechanical skills, and are game enough to try, then anything is possible.

Where to start ?

Find the Best body you can, with as little rust as you can, the paint doesnt have to be great, cause you will more than likely paint it anyway.

You can bolt off and bolt on most things, motor gearbox diff etc. the running gear is primaraly holden, but front ends use harder to find ball joints.

Diffs are another area where cost can come in as most diffs are narrower than the beddys.

Electrics - now this one scares most people, but invest in a multi meter, a four meter coil of insulated wire with aligator clips on each end, a copy of a wiring diagram, time and patience and you can sort out most anything.

So think of your skill set and motivation, and if your up for it - give it a go.

People on here a always up to help out, and if you have freinds with more experience than you, then bend their ear, or get them helping you.

As for the blue beddy if as he says minimal rust then it just may well be a good place to start.

Warren