Excited to be here :)

[rumax]

Hey, Dano... Don't frighten him (her) away...... just book em....

[Warren]

Thanks for the welcoming comments again , I love this site for what it offers to all Beddy lovers.

...

3. the biggie, what experiences are there with the 173 engine and 3 speed manual - this project isn't good enough to be on the road for me to find out yet. Is it thought of as a good enough machine? or If i'm after best power and dive line combinations without the need for engineering certification what is some of the better options?

I have read some articles in the technical section and haven't quiet worked out what I'd like to do 

It all depends on your driving style - Sterling Moss or Driving Miss Daisy


I have 2 beddies, one with a 202 on gas and aussie 4 speed, and the camper with 173 on petrol & trimatic, the camper is a bit more sluggish than the manual Van but then its got a bit more weight with all the internal fit out, both are good a legal speeds, the manual is a bit more snappier.

I would suggest that a later model 202 and either a 4 speed or auto would be a good combo, all will bolt in without modification or the need for engineering, diff ratio is also important to get decent cruising speed.

Simplest for you would be a late model 202 and a four speed with a 2.78 or 3.08 diff, as you won't have to stuff around with an auto radiator, plumbing and shifter - but then again that's not to hard if you do want to go the auto route.

You could just leave the current combo in, drive it when its on the road and see if you like it, see if you are happy with it and save some money. If you find you don't like it you can always swap out the engine and trans later, only takes half a day.

Warren 

[Maverick]

BusyKiwi - you beauty, i'll give that a go. after reading your post it sort of dawned on me (being a bit of a tight arse at times) that I can give it a go to save it, not sure how good that front lower stone guard will reshape - it's fairly crumpled but..... try I will,  and if it doesn't work out that well I can look for parts and then do a cut and replace type effort. Have over the years ended up with gear from my dad and am reasonably well kitted for any job, so that part of the journey can begin soon 

rumax - i'll look into what needs replacing and use your tips of where to source, I've not looked but guess you have a listing somewhere? let me know when you read this pls, and as you and Warren have mentioned I will get it running with the 173 and 3 spd box to see what shape it's actually in. It is starting up but awfully crook, not in the engine I don't think, but more fuel or spark. Id did drive up the trailer ramps but with bit of boot and need to slip the clutch.

Warren - good onya for the words as you have two setups yourself, yep I'll get this running first to feel it out. As in my intro I am planning/dreaming to have the back set up for slide in modules - 1 as tool and equip for my building-renovation needs and 2 as a cruising/road trip and basic sleep fit out. That may see me want a bit more eng go from a 202 and 4/5 spd box.
Is the diff just a standard banjo like in hq's etc??? - I think I can put my hands on one, a 3.35 for $150 (I think that's what it is)

Dano - I get your point I reckon - from all the stories of project cars I've heard about, not just BUGA, is the same background of time and money. It seems if you have more money you need less time or as as normal and me included - with less money you need more time 
trivia BTW  just so's ya gets to know me that little more - Rene' with only one "e" at the end and should have a little accent or acute ' above the last "e" is the french for the letter "a" and used for dudes; girls are normally spelt Renee or Renea. But glad you cover your bases and not guessed me as a girl 

thanks to all, this is a great place and support network for beddy lovers with the same interest - well done to everyone on board and look forward to the day I know enough to share as well, that'll be cool