Amazing work thank you for keeping the updates coming.
Clicking back to the beginning of the thread, I wondered if there is anything you would do differently having no doubt learned a lot along the way?
Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
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jigarai
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- Location: Plymouth, Devon
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
1985 Caravelle. GTi conversion: 16v ABF. 4 speed, manual. LHD (US import)
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badgerfax
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- Location: kent near Dungerness
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
So now we can not see a single picture
The Internet is truly dead
The Internet is truly dead
Twist my nipple nuts and send me to Alaska.
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Its back, great resto photos.
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon
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badgerfax
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- Location: kent near Dungerness
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Pics visible with TOR browser
Which i'm pleased about
It would be a shame to see build threads disappear after all the effort of making them
Which i'm pleased about
It would be a shame to see build threads disappear after all the effort of making them
Twist my nipple nuts and send me to Alaska.
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BigBlueVan
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Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
A VPN works for me to make the pictures visible...
The project is still alive, but haven't updated here for ages.
The engine is in and complete, wiring nearing completion and and all running gear is done.
Currently in process of modification for the dashboard to accept the Subaru dash cluster assembly.
Will add some pictures in some chronological order in the future.
Cheers.
The project is still alive, but haven't updated here for ages.
The engine is in and complete, wiring nearing completion and and all running gear is done.
Currently in process of modification for the dashboard to accept the Subaru dash cluster assembly.
Will add some pictures in some chronological order in the future.
Cheers.
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irishkeet
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- 80-90 Mem No: 2322
- Location: Cotton | Suffolk
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
look forward to seeing the Subaru dash cluster installBigBlueVan wrote: ↑15 Nov 2025, 04:48 A VPN works for me to make the pictures visible...
The project is still alive, but haven't updated here for ages.
The engine is in and complete, wiring nearing completion and and all running gear is done.
Currently in process of modification for the dashboard to accept the Subaru dash cluster assembly.
Will add some pictures in some chronological order in the future.
Cheers.
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1985 Doka 1.9 DG 4 Speed Box
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1986 Fakefalia Syncro Subaru EJ25
1985 Doka 1.9 DG 4 Speed Box
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1986 Fakefalia Syncro Subaru EJ25
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BigBlueVan
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Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Progress updates....gearbox rebuild.
Time to overhaul the gearbox and install the Subaru bell housing from RJES.
No major issues here, had to make some tools for removing the stub axles and the main locking ring for the pinion gear/shaft.
Time to overhaul the gearbox and install the Subaru bell housing from RJES.
No major issues here, had to make some tools for removing the stub axles and the main locking ring for the pinion gear/shaft.
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BigBlueVan
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Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Engine out and cleaned up then in
The engine was removed from the Subaru legacy donor vehicle along with the full wiring loom.
The bolt on bits including the inlet manifold where them removed and give the usually treatment of clean, inspect, replace seals and repaint before re-assembly.
The engine was removed from the Subaru legacy donor vehicle along with the full wiring loom.
The bolt on bits including the inlet manifold where them removed and give the usually treatment of clean, inspect, replace seals and repaint before re-assembly.
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BigBlueVan
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Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Custom Sump
Made my own sump which has the same oil capacity as the original but is reduced by 60mm in height.
Made from 2mm Steel to give it some longevity and allow some good hot welds to be applied.
Dipstick in original position and retained the original internal baffles too, pickup pipe was shortened to interface correctly.
Worked out ok, fully welded inside and out, did a leak test with petrol. No leaks!
Made my own sump which has the same oil capacity as the original but is reduced by 60mm in height.
Made from 2mm Steel to give it some longevity and allow some good hot welds to be applied.
Dipstick in original position and retained the original internal baffles too, pickup pipe was shortened to interface correctly.
Worked out ok, fully welded inside and out, did a leak test with petrol. No leaks!
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BigBlueVan
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- Posts: 164
- Joined: 21 Dec 2020, 20:45
- 80-90 Mem No: 0
Re: Big Blue Van - Full Restoration
Exhausting work
For the exhaust I started with the original Subaru manifold and front pipe with cats.
Much choppy choppy and hot metal gluing later and we have something which resembles an exhaust, maybe I'll get remade in stainless one day, but not today. Silencer to complete once all installed.
Unequal header lengths for that classic Subaru Bob Bob Bob
For the exhaust I started with the original Subaru manifold and front pipe with cats.
Much choppy choppy and hot metal gluing later and we have something which resembles an exhaust, maybe I'll get remade in stainless one day, but not today. Silencer to complete once all installed.
Unequal header lengths for that classic Subaru Bob Bob Bob