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General Category => CF Bedford Chat => Topic started by: vanpyre on May 11, 2014, 10:17:33 PM

Title: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 11, 2014, 10:17:33 PM
Hello everyone ive just purchased and old show van over here in the wild west and its former show name was china blue does anyone out there in vanning land now of or have and info on the van  even pictures of it in its former glory
Thanks Ian(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/casurina.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bas / NZ on May 12, 2014, 02:57:21 PM
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x234/craigc327/chinablu071.jpg)

(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x234/craigc327/chbl072.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 12, 2014, 04:50:40 PM
Thanks mate do you mind if i add the pictures to my custom vans site on facebook  and cheers for sharing them
Ian
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bas / NZ on May 12, 2014, 04:56:33 PM
They are from ( Craig Anderson's (craigc327) on Face Book, being the kind Guy he is ;) sure he wouldn't mind, he's on Buga...
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 12, 2014, 05:11:12 PM
Thanks Bas
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bas / NZ on May 12, 2014, 05:46:10 PM
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x234/craigc327/merlinriley.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Merlin on May 12, 2014, 09:23:08 PM
Hey that looks like my old van lol ;D :D ;)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on May 12, 2014, 10:15:18 PM
Hey Neil...Has mark still got that HR p/van thats in the background of the last pic :-\
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Merlin on May 12, 2014, 10:58:42 PM
yeah he's got it sitting next to his vette in his new 16m x12m shed .its a pretty rare jigga its actually an x2 aparently only a handful were made as a van
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 13, 2014, 12:02:05 AM
hiya Merlin yeah definatly think its your old van  wood coming tomorrow for the door pods and arm rests to be mounted to then the fun begins with putting new vl lights in the ass end of her and rewiring most of it  ill keep you informed as i get along with it
cheers Ian
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Merlin on May 13, 2014, 02:41:04 AM
is it to late to get her back??  ;) i think you'll find the taillights are vh slx  and have a look at the wiring there are relays on absolutely everything in behind the taillights and a big bank of the suckers in the engine bay anyway have fun  cheers Merlin out
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 13, 2014, 11:16:01 PM
yeah i found a huge bank of relays  im putting a new loom from back to front new fuse box  i need to find someone wrecking a hx hj or hz so i can get hold of a dash cluster for it the speedo bounces more then i do 
cheers Ian aka vanpyre
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on May 14, 2014, 05:30:57 AM
I cured my bouncing speedo by refurbishing my speedo cable. Removed it from the van. Pulled the inner cable out of the sheath. Soaked both inner and outer in de greaser, dried them off, re lubricated and refitted. Done 6,000km since and speedo steady as a rock. Worth a try before you go to all the expense and work replacing the speedo itself.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on May 14, 2014, 07:19:49 PM
good point and thanks for the tip gordon ill give it a shot
Cheers
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 03, 2014, 12:49:10 AM
A bit of an update on the old china blue van Ok looks like ive bitten the bullet or caught the bug for the beddy .
so far ive got the walls, bed, stereo, tv and floors done  even managed to cut the rust out of the floor pans and gave myself a tan at the same time t shirts are not for welding in  .
next step is the foam for the walls and thanks to dano for a point in the right direction with this  foam is being delivered tomorrow so the walls can be shed in the fabric  Just need to find at least a hundred buttons for the walls .
the new wiring loom is in place with every wire taken out and now fited with a hot rod kit .
The most exciting part i spose is waiting for the new bonnet engine cover and dash to be delivered from BENS FIBERGLASS.
I even went to the extent of buying brand new BFG Radial ta's for her 235.60.15' i wont be fitting these until rego day.
ive been putting pics up on my vans facebook page if anyone wants to have a look
Cheers Vanpyre
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.792476697429019&type=1 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.792476697429019&type=1)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Truck on June 03, 2014, 08:20:04 AM
Great job Ian, you are flying thru it.

Truck
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Marishka on June 03, 2014, 08:19:16 PM
Lookin good Vanpyre
May the beddy gods be with you for a safe n quick resto,  :)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Rotti on June 03, 2014, 10:20:29 PM
thats a beasty looking van! 8)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bedfordcrazy on June 05, 2014, 08:08:33 AM
I love china blue, nice bit of custom work, even got my VH commodore seats like i had in mine. Bas had the right idea though, suggestion on a change, get rid of the side window recess, would really seal the deal.

george
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 09, 2014, 09:42:37 PM
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/IMG_8994.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/IMG_9003.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/IMG_8995.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 19, 2014, 10:01:58 PM
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/seats1.jpg)
(http://)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on June 20, 2014, 08:48:40 AM
Wow nice seats Ian  :o  What brand are those?
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Marishka on June 20, 2014, 09:27:18 AM
They look like cobra seats.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 20, 2014, 09:52:00 AM
chinese manufactured come with rails and all didnt cost an arm or leg either
i think there a kncok of of the cobra seats
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on June 20, 2014, 10:24:14 AM
Brilliant colour buddy...Good effort  Throw up all the pics you can Ian , coz im following this resto with great interest :) :) ::) ::)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 22, 2014, 07:42:02 PM
dash and bonnet are coming together the paint i specially mixed with a very strong pearl and metalic in it
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/dash25.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/dash24.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/dash23.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gunning on June 22, 2014, 08:43:39 PM
gee that looks great, nice colour
good work
Is the dash in the final position or does the cut out bit drop over where the old dash used to sit?
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on June 22, 2014, 09:35:40 PM
That colour looks great Ian.  ;) Was the base colour a particular make ? ie ford, nissan, toyota by any chance? :-\
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Rotti on June 22, 2014, 10:02:23 PM
SWEET COLOUR, LOOKING GOOD! 8)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 23, 2014, 12:16:14 AM
the dash itself is sitting pritty much in position the only thing ill have to do is a minor cut above the colum mount to settle it a little bit lower .
The colour is base dark dreen with a liiter of pearl lime green in it and almost a liiter of black with a heavy metalic in it ive made 12 liters for this project i wanted to tie the body colour to the interior thats why the dash and the upper doors are going green
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on June 23, 2014, 03:49:24 PM
the grill and bonnet are being woked on with new lights  and after spending a day chasing down surrounds for the headlights to bring it back a coat of paint has seen it come back to life .
the bonnet needed some work to and still does the fiberglass isnt what you would call flat in some spots so keep this in mind if you go glass the outcome will look great when its all ssaid and done.
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/grillbonnet8.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/grillbonnet6.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on July 13, 2014, 06:48:43 PM
A few updates guys
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on July 14, 2014, 06:28:22 AM
Coming together nicely. Well done !
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on July 14, 2014, 04:09:09 PM
new tyres i fitted today and new centre caps to   yeah its definatly coming together gordon
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on July 14, 2014, 04:14:33 PM
Nice looking centre caps Ian, do they clip in from the back of the rim ?
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on July 14, 2014, 06:52:54 PM
Yeah they do gordon i managed to get 6 brand new ones as they are discontinued now for 5 bucks each and ill bit the bullet and bought new  lug nuts for it to
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on July 15, 2014, 06:16:15 AM
Jeez that was a score Ian. I bought two brand new Cheviot centre caps for $35 a while back, but they clip in from the front so are easy to nick. I've left them off until I can figure a way to attach them so they won't go "missing"
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: BusyKiwi on July 15, 2014, 08:25:31 AM
Gordon, try arrow wheels (in Kelston), they used to make alloy ones for their wheels, they still might
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on July 15, 2014, 10:57:34 AM
Cheers Busy. I never thought of trying them. I'll give Mark a shout.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bas / NZ on July 15, 2014, 04:09:03 PM
Gordon if not, there is a company in OZ listed in a post on here that has many different types, and if I remember right the price was good
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: mezzmo on July 15, 2014, 06:12:21 PM
Mr Lugnut should have them

http://www.mrlugnut.com.au (http://www.mrlugnut.com.au)

Good luck

Mezz
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on July 16, 2014, 03:19:06 AM
Thanks Bas and Mezz. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 03, 2014, 07:47:04 PM
black spray putty  two new windows  and the goblyn number plates ok the plates are on the fairlane until the van is licensed
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Truck on August 03, 2014, 10:48:41 PM
It's comin' together Ian. How long till licence and still looking on track for drive ins?
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 04, 2014, 12:57:51 AM
hiya truck im pushing for the drive in night might not be regoed but ill get a permit to move it   just happens all the people i know wil be at the drive in so    the police cant say im not getting stuff done heheheh   hapeing to have the base coat on tomorrow so i can get into the colour  ive got to find a heater core and  horn yet  but its coming together
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on August 04, 2014, 09:51:15 AM
Lorrry's looking good there Ian, - When is this drive in night?
I have got the green machine back, Quite a lot of carbon work happening right now, new windscreen to go in. got rid of all the cancer under the rubbers  , now its over to the engineers to have it signed off in WA as they don't recognise the Certs from Victoria .It shouldn't be an issue as everything is done properly, I'm aiming for the summer to have her ready on the outside.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: wendyh on August 04, 2014, 11:13:25 AM
Im assuming it may be 27th Septemer all over Australia
half way to the van nats in Bathurst at Easter
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Truck on August 04, 2014, 11:51:27 AM
Your onto it Wendy!!  :)

Good stuff Ian and the way you are going you will be bloody close anyway. Get permit and we'll just call it a Pit Pre-Inspection hey. I have a spare old heater core that could be re-con if of any use to you.

Beans sounds like you are getting close also. Would be good to see a few more on the road for summer runs.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 04, 2014, 12:00:20 PM
bean ill have to organise a time to come round and see you mate and see what we can sort out for you  cheers Ian
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: wendyh on August 04, 2014, 12:19:08 PM
HAHA yeah ive been made the unofficaal BUGA rep for the van nats and other events
Pete Fres the organiser has asked for some help propmoting the events
so im only to happy to post things on here
ans sooo keen to have as many beford vans at the nats as possible...even ones on trailers
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on August 05, 2014, 09:59:45 PM
The green machine is home ,engineers certification to happen next week, off to the pits and then hopefully she will be on the road and the pretty stuff can begin.
I hope I've done the right thing with the wheel size and  diff ratio ,time will tell.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 05, 2014, 10:53:47 PM
what  sizes did you go on tyres bean remember to have them all the same size and specifications to get over the pits
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on August 05, 2014, 11:18:35 PM

295 x 50 x 15s on the back and 235 x 60 x 15s on the front  so the rolling diameter is the same all round, they seem more concerned about the LHS exhaust which requires exemption application and noise testing .
We'll find out next week when it gets Mr Engineer to sign off on it.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on August 08, 2014, 08:29:54 AM
Got my green thing back with its new underside, the 9"dff is in but man its noisy, sounds line a 747 when they land and reverse thrust to stop when ever you take your foot off the gas, They tell me this is normal - does anyone have any experience in this department?.
The back is totally empty so one would expect some noise that could be addressed once the cladding, bed and sounds go in.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Sundownernz on August 08, 2014, 10:18:50 AM
Doesn't sound normal to me mate. My 9" is both up and down the revs so would be worth checking that noise out.

Cheers,
Garry
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: BusyKiwi on August 08, 2014, 11:24:39 AM
If the crown wheel or pinion is pitted it will sound like a wheel bearing noise which travels through the van but wont be 747 load.
Check your front pinion bearing (jack it up, drive shaft off and spin the pinion around), should be tighish because your turning the axle as well but should be free, not jumpy or binding.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on August 08, 2014, 11:34:31 AM
Yep, Bean like Garry says it shouldn't be like that. I've got a 9 inch in my van and even when I had a bare interior it wasn't noisy. I think Busy is on the right track. My guess would be a worn carrier bearing from what you describe.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 11, 2014, 03:16:10 PM
latest updates
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on August 11, 2014, 07:28:14 PM
Looking good Ian. I'm amazed at how much work you have done on your van in such a short period of time. Truly inspiring. Great job !
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gunning on August 11, 2014, 07:30:45 PM
i have to agree, top job , the colour really suits it too
whats next on the agenda
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on August 11, 2014, 08:14:37 PM
looking really good there Ian. I'm a way off being ready to pick up the spray gun, Roadworthy and engineering certs have gotten  in the way .
we'll catch up some time and discuss all whats needed in the paint department
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on August 11, 2014, 08:47:41 PM
God  Damn :o Ian slow down buddy  :D Your making me feel guilty that i havnt done a thing on mine  ;D ;D ;D That colour is spot on!
Bloody awesome...keep the pics comming ;D
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 11, 2014, 10:01:13 PM
final spot putty  then a sand down and top coat ive done the other window tonight as well so the caravan windows are now all gone  the dash has had its final paint and the ghost flames done ready for top coat  from there its do the wiring start the bugger and take it for a little drive and see what bugs its got
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on August 18, 2014, 04:50:49 PM
Finaly got the shorty bumpers back from the chromers i hate how they use soft chrome these days but the still turned out ok  the inner door ive also added a pic  ill be having a total of 12 speakers and 2 amps in this beasty
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on September 09, 2014, 09:56:57 PM
new toys  for the chev
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on September 09, 2014, 09:58:42 PM
more bits
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on September 10, 2014, 06:30:15 AM
Looks like an early Christmas  ;D
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Sammy on September 10, 2014, 10:06:03 AM
and a Merry one at that!
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: VanWolf on September 10, 2014, 03:55:41 PM
And some HO HO HO as well  :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on September 10, 2014, 07:37:50 PM
he he he lots of early crissy pressies for the van gotta make the motor look good even if no ones alout to see it
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Marishka on September 10, 2014, 07:45:14 PM
Wow, she,s gunna be a flash van ,
Vampyre, :)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on September 15, 2014, 01:33:10 PM
the centre piece has finally arived for the goblyn the helmets to be mounted on a chrome pole behind the drivers seat with a mini bar under it 
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Sammy on September 15, 2014, 02:59:50 PM
I like!
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Jimi on September 15, 2014, 04:03:31 PM
Lol took me ages to see what I was looking at!!!
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on September 22, 2014, 06:20:48 PM
latest up dates and shes almost ready for the drive in night
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on September 22, 2014, 06:36:06 PM
Your are sure making it hard for us lesser mortals to picture ourselves parking in the same lot as you.
She's looking really good!!.
I need to touch base with you sometime to look at arranging some paint so that I too can get going on the outside.
Tomorrow's the big day when she heads over the pits and I can start in earnest ,one bridge at a time though
 :o
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Marishka on September 22, 2014, 07:58:31 PM
Wow, looks awsome ,
And in such a short time.
You dont muck around. :)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Rotti on September 23, 2014, 08:21:23 AM
shes a hot looking beddy now! :P
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: wendyh on September 23, 2014, 11:16:47 AM
yep one sweet ride  8)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on October 20, 2014, 08:55:32 PM
Two steps forward one giant leap backwardstwo pieces of metal in number 1 cylinder been there for a long time and decided to dislodge after doing all the new bits to the motor
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Marishka on October 20, 2014, 09:00:38 PM
Sorry to hear that vamp,
I know the feelin buddy, happens to me all the time,  :-[
Don't let it discourage you, your so close to the finnish line.
Cheers marty
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: mezzmo on October 21, 2014, 06:06:10 AM
Don't be discouraged Vamp, in Beddy language 1 step forward and 2 steps back equates to progress! It's all part of the fun.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Gordon on October 21, 2014, 07:17:17 AM
At least you get to check some other things like bore and valve condition whilst you have the head off. There is always an upside.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on October 21, 2014, 08:30:30 AM
Vamp.
This will all be forgotten when you do that first hassle free trip down the coast -
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on January 25, 2015, 08:25:27 PM
latest works
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on January 25, 2015, 09:47:36 PM
Vamp.
All looking good,
I must apologise but as much as I've tried,and trust me I've really tried but  I simply can't like these sloping rolller fronts, they are just "un Bedfordy".
Just my opinion though
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on February 16, 2015, 08:13:33 PM
almost ready to fire up
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/backin2.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/flames13.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/backin9.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/backin10.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: John Abbott on February 16, 2015, 10:17:10 PM
Hey Ian ...Great progress. LOVE that grill  :P :P How the hell did you do that? :-\
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on February 16, 2015, 11:43:53 PM
hey hey john its cut from perspex  then i layed 2mm ally behind the logo then moulded the bubble logo
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Sammy on February 17, 2015, 12:34:45 PM
looking good, fire up times are always good fun :)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on February 23, 2015, 06:00:52 PM
getting ready to take it out to its first show n shine on the 15th of march here in perth
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/leftflame3.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/leftflame2.jpg)
(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb256/ianscr250/leftflame1.jpg)
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: Bean on February 23, 2015, 07:17:17 PM
Where is the show & shine, I need to meet the newly refurbished machine.
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: vanpyre on February 23, 2015, 08:01:28 PM
its at the vintage collective markets
http://thevintagecollectivemarkets.net/
Title: Re: China Blue
Post by: wendyh on February 23, 2015, 09:14:40 PM
As i said on facebook .....amazing transformation !!!!!!!

 :) ;) :) ;) :) ;)
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