Club 80-90 Forums

That battery key has reminded me of the one on our Cave rescue ambulance, its got split charge electrics and the isolator switch (under the passengers seat in on our Iveco) turns off the second battery along with all the extra electrics like worklamps, sirens, warning lamps...whats powered from it. Basicly with the key in it it was an ambulance and without it its a van with only stardard van electrics live. This one could have been wired simular or it could have been completely different, could have been modified after it left service, who knows! Probubly had all its sirens desabled if they are still fitted though.

Depending on who the ambulance worked for could depend on what electrics it has fitted. Some have engine heaters and battery trickle chargers that run 24/7 when it was parked in its station so when the call comes in, even if once a month, its warmed up ready for a full on thrashing streight out the door! Some modern ones even violently EJECT the mains lead for such features automaticly as soon as the ignition key is turned, how cool is that? No driving off when its plugged in.

Complete long engine... minus injection gear

Simon Baxter wrote:"Ugly roof is one of the better ones, it's a gen VW factory fitted one by the looks of it.

"one of the better ones" is good.

what's this one like in the driving cab area inside? i looked at a factory hitop syncro panelvan before xmas and it had the original metal roof and headlining in there too. never seen that before on 2wd hitops and i've seen enough of them.

wooden roof and headlining was fitted to mine in cab area, looked original uses fittings on body, and is shown in etka as well, the headlining anyway, but not the wooden shelf which even had a hidden compartment in it. I can't show you now as I took it out to have full height full length.

i'm sure it's the original headlining, but i may be wrong.....it didn't look any different to my last bus anyways.......in fact, i've just looked at the 'switches' pic......shows what looks like OG.....but i'll have a proper look........

and the roof.........mmmmm.......don't mind it overall.....it's just the front.....the rake is all wrong, makes the van look.......well.......numb

i'm sure it'll grow on me.........i'll be happier when it's back at my mates house tho......this car moving guy hasn't been in touch......again

whilst i'm on here......i take it the battery is in the usual under seat position.....even with it being what it is?

i'm taxing it tomorrow.........and i'm going to have an 'unfortunate' breakdown.........haven't had one for 3 years so may aswell use it to get it where i'ts going

Standard location for the vehicle battery in a diesel is in the engine compartment ...on the right.

You may well have a second "leisure" battery under one of the front seats that your disconnector is connected to.

Interesting colour for a syncro

thanks folks.....i'll get the jump leads out and give her a whirl.....shame she's 60 miles away tho

ok peeps, a quick update...........the bus finally got to its' destination, and is undergoing a head transplant........which was going to be done to sell her on............however.........




......i was at Tatton yesterday and saw Desert Rat and his beautiful van....had a little chat with him and i think i may have been convinced to throw some money at the old girl.........i'll come clean with you all because i want your opinions on whether it's worth it(obviously or i wouldn't be asking lol), and how easy it is to get things like the VC tested......i have no prop, so i'll need one of those too, i don't mind spending on the running gear to make it A1........the bodywork is reasonable, it needs a n/s step and a n/s rear arch......some work around the battery isolator thingy, and around the fuel filler also, it has a plate roughly added underneath..........otherwise, it's very solid with half decent seams and a good underside.......


i'd be looking at either getting it painted in a fairly standard colour scheme, or back to 'boolance colours for a bit of fun.....not sure yet......and the interior isn't bad at all, just needs a clean and some new cushions and curtains 'n stuff.........all easy sorted.......

so, crunch time......what will it be worth(ballpark) when done and running......properly......like i said i'll come clean.....i gave very little for her, £600, so i'm guessing i have a little equity in her yet.........

sorry to ramble on, but i have 13 other cars which would love some money thrown at them......it's not business, but i don't like to be on the 'wrong side' of profitability if you know what i mean.......

(honest) opinions greatly appreciated please

simple test of vc with front wheels on ground 24mm socket on the nut inside the front diff input flange and 1/2" drive try and turn it clockwise, if real easy then VC failed open, if impossible to turn VC is tight, if possible to turn with some force then it's somewhere in between and you can test it with a prop on later.
I have a prop you can borrow to try.
It's worth more than £600 as it is, but how much more depends on the buyer.