the MEGA project begines... episode one...

[vuuup]

very sad story! not a good day when a bedford dies. would of looked awesome. your lucky you got your money back but never get the time and love you put in. i have a spear lwb which is mostly good except the roof and back yard paint job, if you want to start again...haha

just got quoted over $4000 from andrew at the blast factory, and thats even without primer, bonnet, cargo door, and barn doors!

[Zeeman]

Zeeman is the cheap guy in brunswick any good, and if so do you have any contacts for him? and does all the list of panel beaters you posted part of the "high end panel beaters with an excellent reputation" category. who would you most recommend around my area. and do they and the blasters and painter have much of a waiting list?

any good links or tips for creative ways to remove the engine and gearbox, as i dont have a engine cross member trolly made up, engine hoist, block and tackle, or even a welder at the moment to make parts. just looking for a way with the least equipment. i do have a metal beam in the sky for my gate which is solid and could use to lift from.

I wouldn't recommend any 'cheap' guy.. based on my experience above. The only panelbeater I would recommend without hesitation is Stylerod panels in Croydon, but they mostly do high dollar musclecars etc. The rest on the list I have minimal experience with.. Waddingtons have a good reputation, but are also expensive.. Doug Smith Auto Repairs have done a few small jobs for me & seem OK. The sandblasters should be able to fit you in within a couple of weeks. Make sure you have a panelbeater lined up afterwards, though, so you can take it straight there. Some panelbeaters will come to you to give a quote if it's a big job. Get multiple quotes! Look at examples of their previous work, look at their workshop.. and the gut feeling is important too, that they are the right people for the job. Perhaps other members can post their recommendations for panelbeaters in Melbourne?

The engine can come out without a lift. Unbolt transmission & remove from under the van. Be sure it is on jackstands securely when working underneath the car. Remove the heads & strip motor. Should be able to remove motor through cabin if seats are removed ( an engine hoist definitely helps at this stage)

I can't emphasise strongly enough how important it is at this stage to have a plan, a budget & somewhere to store the van securely. This is what makes the difference between an unfinished rusty hulk sitting in your backyard, and a nice completed project that you are happy with. The road is long & there will be setbacks!

[Zeeman]

very sad story! not a good day when a bedford dies. would of looked awesome. i have a spear lwb which is mostly good except the roof and back yard paint job, if you want to start again...haha

just got quoted over $4000 from andrew at the blast factory, and thats even without primer, bonnet, cargo door, and barn doors!

Don't tempt me! I still would like to do it, one day..

OK, $4000 seems high. I usually get a good price because they do a fair bit of stuff for me. Try ST Blasting & Coatings, Dandenong. 9706 5144. Should be a bit cheaper.

[vuuup]

well would be nice to see some one fix her up, otherwise will use for parts. may post for sale here on buga soon.

yer over $4000 is impossible for me, will not afford the paint.

ST Blasting & Coatings must of gone out off business as the phone number is disconnected, and even tried their fax number which is now some one else. going to give a few other places a call, anybody got some recommendations?

[vuuup]

one last drive around the block with my custom milk crate seat ... now to rip every thing else out

[Marky]

Nice to see another CFL..!