Retrovans 75 Fleetline panelvan - Project

[retrovan]

Hi All,

A lot of you have worked out that I had a Fleetline stashed away for a Long term project.

I think the A-Frame thread kind of gave it away....

Well I had moved workshops, and was in the process of settling in, which was not easy, as I moved my shop from an large space to a tiny one.

Well it has taken time, and was in no hurry to start on the p/van, till I fitted the wheels I had obtained from Dr Watson, some time ago, onto the bus in order to move it into the back of the shop.

Now, when I heard of these wheels, I had already a pic in my mind, of how the bus would look with them on, that is why I bought them.

But BOY! what a sight, when it stood there in its new rubber, wanting to be proud again, and displaying what it wanted to be all its passed lives.

At that moment I know I had to start with this build, as this Bus would not wait to wear its new robes.....

Just to refresh your memory, here are the pic's again of the bus, going to the workshop.











For all out there shouting "Where 's the pic's with them wheels" well you will have to wait till it is done...... that was for my eyes only.....could say it was a Private showing...

This story will cont.

Herman

[Donovan D]

Nice one Herman !!

You're sure not scared to take on the projects.

Looking forward seeing what you do with this one.

[retrovan]

Thanks Splitz,

Just to give you an idea, you may have to take some measurements and lots of pics, of you roof rack for me.....Please...

Herman

[sean]

Thanks Splitz,

Just to give you an idea, you may have to take some measurements and lots of pics, of you roof rack for me.....Please...

Herman

All this work ahead of you and you’re worried about a roof rack.?

Good luck with the build.

I did see your previous post for the parts, I do have some from a donor Panel Van I used on my fleetline but it’s all pretty rusted stuff. PM with parts you are on the hunt for, I may have some. You may be shocked when you see them though.

[retrovan]

Thanks Sean,

Have this habit, of collecting all the parts up front, and test fitting them as I go along.

This helps with the final assembly, and it only takes a week if you have all the parts ready...

Had the wheels before I had the bus...

Also already have the 2L type 4 engine, as well as new tie rods (complete) as well as a brand new drag line.

Ordered the big mean green panels from you know who.....

De-rusting as we speak.

will see what is needed, and give you a call, thanks.

Herman

[retrovan]

Well the bus is still being de-rusted, and the Big Mean Green Panels are on their way.

Will be cutting and welding when they get here.

Stripping the motor down, need to see if the crank is OK, then we only have to replace the bearings and pistons with rings, pots look good, need to do the valves, maybe only seat them, but did not look them over yet.

Have decided that I will not do a Upright conversion on the motor, as it will work with a few tweeks, there is no reason that I can not make it work if I put my mind to it. This will mean I can leave the motor as is.

Will be reading up on a few guys projects that have done it, and got it to work.
For those that are confused, I am putting in a Type 4 2000lt motor into the Fleetline P/Van (love these type 4 motors)

Well with more info will come more posts, till then

Herman

[retrovan]

So I have started to get the parts together for this project.

Had some green panels ordered for the body work.

Awaiting the Lights and tail lights from Bugger possibly.

The new steering box is also in hand.

Got me a new beam (well its an old one that needs renewal.)






With the master cylinder and disk brake calipers.
The booster is also there.

Sorry they still look tacky, but will be renewing them as I go along.

Got a wide set of wheels, which I have welded up and is going to the powder coaters, with the Rostyles that I got from HR.

Had two of them widened to 6J as well, sorry no pic's, these will follow.

Herman

[Sambabus]

I love panel vans.....very very cool. cant wait to see another panel fleety on the road.

This is the 5th Fleetline panel van I know of.

[retrovan]

Yes, the Panel Van has its own charm.

The mystery within, the possible options...

Well we still have to work that one out....

Herman

[Ron&Gill]

Straight axle conversion?

[retrovan]

Straight axle conversion?

And the winner is....

Was wondering who was going to spot it...

This is my thinking.

Bay Beam front. disks, MC & booster.
Corsa electric power steering.
Brazilia gearbox,side-shafts, back axle complete
+ 50mm body
Type 4 flat motor
Walk-through
Swivel front seats
Deluxe trim
FBBW.

Your advice, comments and abuse may now follow......



Herman

[retrovan]

Had an PM that would be better here as others will benefit from the content.

Good day
I am also busy with a 75 Fleetline panel van, i see you are going to fit a 20l flat for, could you please help me, would the flat 4 fit straight in or would you have to cut away on the body?
Could you also please advise me as to witch bay front suspension you are using as I have a 74 bay panel with a 20l flat 4 that I'm thinking to use as a doner as it has no paper work.
Kind regards

.........

My reply was as follows.;-

Hi .........,
Yes the Fleetline is going to be a Daily Driver, so we want it to be a pleasure to drive, not a pain.

I am fitting late Bay front beam, complete with disk brakes and M/C with booster.
The beam or the body will have to be drilled to fit the one into the other.
Will most probably drill the beam, so the body stays stock.
This will result in it standing a bit higher, but that does not matter, as I will be fitting big wheels.

The engine is a straight flat type 4, you can see how I have done it on my test bus, the Fugly, look at this thread..... http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... 75#p249453

Good luck and please add to the Fleetlines thread, all comments welcome.

Herman

Should you be looking at the back hatch of the Fugly being open, and asking if the Fleetline hatch will also be open(although it is air sealed to the outside), the answer is NO.

This will make a lot of guys hair stand on end, and the purists will be marching on my workshop with burning torches, but.......
I will be adding 50 mm to the body length. this will be welded in between the back corner window and the 1st side window.
This way you will not notice it and the hatch will fully fit.

Herman

[Sambabus]

Fleetlines are super rare in terms of number of busses manufactrured.......panels are even rarer.

I hope something changes and you decide to keep her stock

[dixtoy]

Hi Herman

Thanks for the info

I think I'll just with the 1600 engine as this will not be a daily and I would like to keep it as original as possible, might just do a straight axle conversion and disc up front

Regards
Dixon

[Bugger]

So I have started to get the parts together for this project.


Awaiting the Lights and tail lights from Bugger possibly.

Herman

I got a set of Lights for you as discussed but need to get to another box at the other house that have tail light fittings in
so there youare sorted