DAF 33 Van project

[bobdisk]

Aug 14, 2020 15:26:57 GMT gromsound said:

Jul 3, 2020 18:49:27 GMT starider said:

super design, you cut the cable in a suitable location, feed each end into the ends of the fuse holder, fold down the top and squeeze together

hmmm, just remember that one when you (inevitably over time) run into troubles with that electric fuel pump. Look at that crummy connector first, saves you a lot of searching!

believe me, many many restorers before us have had endless troubles with those snap-to-quick-fit-without-tools-and-skills-half-cutting-the-cable connectors that former owners liked to use for audio installation or bodge repairs... first things you throw out when sanitising a newly aquired project car. personally i think these contraptions should be banned :-(

Reliable electric connections are (i.m.o based on 40 yrs exp) made using (in decreasing order of quality)

1) soldering

2) screwed connectors

3) standard car terminals (spade and counterpart) with the original crimp pliers.

Whrever i can i will solder cables directly together, then insulate with crimp tubing.

100% agree, except that I will use heat-shrink insulation over soldered joints.  Most crimp/squeeze connections in the engine bay will eventually go bad because of heat/ oil mist or other contaminants.

[starider]

For once do not agree with comments re Scotch Lock type connectors, in certain applications they work perfectly well if fitted correctly. I've used them ever since they came onto the market in the 1960's[ I've been in the motor trade for just over 60 years].
I have occasionally used soldered joints, but have often had to re solder badly soldered joints.I have the full selection of crimp terminals/connectors[with various "original" crimping tools].Screw terminals are fine if the screw and terminal are made from brass,if not they are very quick to rust with the inevitable lack of conductivity.Bullet connectors with rubber sleeved connectors are also extemely reliable,indeed most motorcycles use a modern version, i.e.one part of the join has a male connector which pushes into the female connector on the other.
All methods of joining cables have their place in the motor industry.
Just for information I have owned a great many cars with electric fuel pumps,at least when you switch on you get a carb. full of fuel vertually instantly,perfect when your battery is low on that cold morning, also please don't imply that electric pumps inevitably give trouble.Millions of Morris 1000s,classic Minis, Jaguars et al used electric petrol pumps,plus 1000s of other makes.In all the cars I've owned that had electric pumps I have never been let down with pump failure!!
Agree with heat shrink.

[starider]

Hi, Little done on the van recently. Waiting for a couple of doors to be delivered before finishing the bodywork.Still a list of jobs to do on the small holding as well.
Good news today my son has agreed that he hasn't time to re-furbish the 33 Pick-up, so it's coming home to dry out, ready for me to sort out once the van is finished. At least it will be under cover in the dry, so I'll have the "set"!! of commercials. Will pick it up next week.

[starider]

Hi, feeling better now the Covid is wearing off, so beginning to do some work on the van. Waiting for the distributor to come back from the ignition company for testing and hope to move the van under it's own power. Then after a clear out I can put the pick-up behind the van and begin to spray the drivers door and re-fit, then the bonnet and grill. When it's possible to get the other doors and parts from Graham,I should be able to spray and fit the passenger door. Then it's the big fill and rub down. As I still have breathing problems from Covid I may have to find someone to do the final respray.
The electronic conversions seem to be moving along well and I hope to have one fitted this week or early next week. We're are discussing 3 options:-
1. A self fit kit. 2.An exchange converted reconditioned unit 3. Brand new non exchange distributor.
The options will be confirmed with a price once the conversions have been tested.
Can I point out that I am doing this work for no monitary reward what so ever, it's just to help DAF owners make their cars start and run as efficiently as possible.
Once we have sorted electronic ignition for our twin cylinders, it will be possible to supply for electronic ignition for the Renault engines.

[starider]

I have been testing the electronic ignition conversion made to my distributor and can report that so far all is fine and the van starts and runs extremely well. As I said previously I can only test the van stationary and round the yard.The next test is the new distributor.

[starider]

Have tested the electronic conversion on the DAF distributor. The engine fired up immediately even with a rough timing.Once warmed up I used a strobe tester to accurately set the timing.Every day I have started the van and it fired up instantly even in freezing/damp conditions.I have run the van up and down our longish driveway, no misfires/stuttering. I have reported to the manufacturer and am awaiting a reply. I have been unable to talk on the phone as they are having phone problems, so it's via email at present. I will get prices as soon as I can speak with them.
I will test the new distributor next week.
I will also attempt with my limited computer skills, to put up some photographs of the van at the point I am at with the body work. Mechanically it's now fine.

[starider]

At last I have resumed the work on the van,the drivers door has been stripped out to allow the common problem with the top outer rubber seal retainer strip to be replaced and welded in place,before rubbing down and spraying in primer with a quickish coat of colour inside and out.
Sorry no pictures yet[when I have time,so many jobs,I have several acres of grass to cut, we suffer a lot down here from reeds especially considering how much rain we had between October and the current dry spell. The only way to get rid of the reed is to plough it in, treat the soil and re-seed, quite expensive, so will have one more go this year with an enriched fertiliser and hope for the best!].

[starider]

Hoping to collect my doors and wings next week from Graham. Then[if nothing else needs doing], I can get on with preparation ready for respray. I have some pics. of the van so far, so if the Boss isn't too busy we'll post some.

[starider]

At last some doors for the van! Met Graham last Wednesday in Sainsbury's car park Swindon. Nice reunion, we worked out that we last saw one another Graham was 6 years old[he's changed a bit!!].The two doors[in Mostana] are in unbelievable condition, so the first job is to paint the inside areas in blue and refit ASAP. Then a tempory refit of lights etc and drive to the sprayer.The main thing as soon as these jobs are done before the journey to the sprayer, is a good road test. PS Congratulations to Graham becoming a Grandad!!

[starider]

Apologies for the delay in posting pictures, too many other jobs at the moment!!

[starider]

I have one new door fitted[drivers side]. Have painted the door opening and the inside of the door,checked winder works perfectly. Passenger door tomorrow and fit. Then paint the engine side or the front grill and fit. Hopefully the bonnet hinges will arrive from Graham and I can fit the bonnet. The paint sprayer can then collect the van. As soon as it comes back I can fit lights and trim etc.etc. and then use it!!! Sorry, not quite that quickly, it will be sign written first, to advertise my wife's business[it's only fair as she has funded much of the work !].

[starider]

All parts fitted, just the bonnet to spray in primer,then it's off to the spray shop[at last]!!

[starider]

PS Has anyone got any spare clips for the stainless wing and door strips? I need the plastic inserts and the actual clips.Many thanks in anticipation. Tony.

[andrew]

Tony,

I think I've quite a few left over from my respray. I'll have a look in the boot over the next day or so. Is there any hurry?

[starider]

Hi Andrew,thanks for that, no real rush,I'm not sure when it will be collected for the respray.

[starider]

Bonnet fitted and primed and now awaiting it's collection. Can't wait to see it all in one colour and re-fit all the trim,lights etc. then several road tests before puttig it into regular use. It will then be swapping places with the Pick-up for the next major restoration. Has anyone got a reasonable N/S front wing? Graham has supplied a very good O/S and looks as though both doors need major surgery.The engine has to come out as there is a terrible noise from the clutch, and the floors can't be checked until I remove all the "junk" and find out whether the foot wells have just surface rust or serious "tin worm,"[hopefully NOT the latter].Once started I'll begin a new thread on the Pick-up restoration.If anyone knows of a 33 salooon which for any reason is not restorable, but has reasonably good body panels, I would be interested. I would use parts I need and then be able to offer parts to owners[not trying to take business from our suppliers].

[starider]

Good news the van is going to be collected for spraying on Saturday.

[starider]

Waved a fond farewell to the van as it was trailered off to be sprayed. As soon as it's back and everything re-fitted, I will start on the Pick-up.

[starider]

Just got the invoice for the 2pack paint and various thinners!!!!? never mind, can't wait to see it all one colour.

[starider]

I understand the van is in primer[after the screen had to be taken and some welding done],so eagerly waiting for the top coating.

[starider]

Great news! the van is back from the spray shop and looks good,there are a few small areas that need a final polish and it's time to re-fit the bright stuff,lights etc.
Will post pictures when finished.

[starider]

Many apologies, I seem to always have the problem of promising to post pictures and fail miserably, there has been little work on the van to be able photograph it in a reasonably finished state, the trim strips are fitted and the rear lights are replaced and working. Then the David Brown tractor needed a new ram to operate the forks I have made,now the frame the forks clip onto need modifying, the chickens need a new hut,there are several tons of soil need re-locating,the woodland pond needs clearing out,several acres of grass need toppinng et al. The jobs are never ending but I still hope to have the van looking good soon?!?! if I can find where the rear number plate lights are?
It's unfortunate that I am getting too old for hours of work and Covid has left me unable to work lots of hours.
Mind you it's having so much to do keeps me going.

[Richard DAF Webmeister]

Don't worry, Tony.

Perhaps keep it all for the magazine...

[starider]

Thanks Richard, will do.

[starider]

Almost ready to photograph, just the front trim strips,badges,headlamp rims,number plates and the real pig of a job,fitting the rear number plate lights[earthing problems] then it's out with the camera!!

[starider]

Still trying to fit the final "bits".Ran it round one of our fields last week, very sluggish,then remembered I had re-timed the engine with the electronic conversion. Luckily I still have the strobe gun I used many years ago[which still works well] and within 10 mins had it running fine.I'm still not happy with the carb.so will fit the one I reconditioned with NOS parts supplied by DAF CLASSICS [Thanks Graham].
As the van will,I'm sure,attract some attention, we are going to apply some sign writing to advertise my wife's cutlery matching business.
before we do this will take some pics to show everyone[hopefully sooner rather than later!].

[starider]

PS There will only be a couple of pics. with the full story in a future Club Magazine.

[starider]

Have taken the pics and hope to post in the next few days, but have some hospital appointments for laser treatment in one of my eyes, so we are backwards and forwards to the hospital, followed by no stress for several days.

[starider]

Trying to post some pics, but having problems. Got the pics as far as preview and then save, but they disappear on the forum. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong? Is there a max size for pics?

[Richard DAF Webmeister]

Hmmm, not sure. It's not easy. Use the "Add attachment button" then upload pics. There is a size limit I think - restricted to 3x photos, although some people seem to be able to put more on, and each pic must be under 1mb in size...

This forum is really old technology now, I'm afraid.

It might be time to draw a line under it all - and we can see that very few people use it now.
But we'll see.