Total Noob, Hi

[Adam]

Hi BUGA

When I was about 14 living in the bush in 1979 I bought a book at the newsagent about customised Bedfords in the USA. I was enchanted about the whole scene and the romance of kitting out your van and the open road etc. The pictures of bikini babes also helped - like the Holden panel van adverts of the 70's here in Australia.

Now I am 50 (!) and I have started looking again at Bedfords. I have it in my head to get one in 12 months and make a project of it. Finding this forum comes literally just after a few days of looking at car sale sites and google image searching "Custom Bedofrd Interior" and such.

I have to congratulate this forum. it is incredibly helpful to a noob like me who knows nothing about these vehicles except their fantastic potential. Congrats to to all the many enthusiasts who have done terrific jobs on theirs. I am looking forward to doing most of my research here. At this stage I am just trying to become a more informed buyer. I understand rust and fill are going to be unavoidable issues and over the next few days will try and get my head around mechanics. I intend to get a cheap one, rebuild the engine and mechanics, then do the fun part - interior and exterior design. One day I hope to take it around Australia. We will see. Anyway, hi.

[Hobbit]

G'day Adam, welcome.

The custom vanning trend was basically born in the '70s, and Aussies loved their panel vans.
The English CF Bedford (Vauxhall) wasn't really sold in the USA, so the vans in those US magazines were mostly Chevrolet and GMC, (GM shape similar to a Beddie) Dodge and Ford.

Holden sold Bedford vans in Australia through most of the '70s and those American custom vans certainly helped influence the sale of a few more Beddies.

Yes, rust can be a real issue. My only advice would be to consider paying a little more for a van in better condition, unless you're prepared do major repairs and replace panels etc.       Cheers.

[wendyh]

Hi Adam
Welcome to buga and boy ...bedforditius stayed dormant in your systme for a long time hahahah!
Once infected you never recover
Hey hobbit there is the very rare beddy , Like mine, That has NO rust! Found her in Tamworth  so look for inland beddies if you can.
Have fun and enjuy your resto
Theres a lot of  bedouians in vic and melbourne...a lot are active on bedford vans australia face book page  and there is also bedford vans and parts for sale australia face book page too,  gumtree and ebay ofeten have a few for sale so keep your eye out.
Also buga has a few for sale if you go thru the forum
All the bugas are happy to answer any  questions you may have or help younwith your search for parts....
Cheers wendy & ray