WHAT TO LOOK FOR

WATCH OUT FOR BAD RESTOS

An honest, unpainted van is better than one subjected to a cheap ‘blow over’. Don’t underestimate the labour involved in a proper restoration – the panel shape means preparation is more involved and thousands can be spent sorting a bad H Van. If it’s been restored evidence of how well the work has been done is vital. The good news is that panels and repair sections are available, including glassfibre ones (that could be covering rotten metal) so ensure that you know what’s been used. If originality is important the myriad design changes over the years mean care is needed in getting the right bits.

KEEP IT GREASED

Although robust, suspension work requires specialist knowledge and tools. Check for seized torsion bars. Dampers are pricey and early vans had four front ones with later models getting one each side. Grease points need regular attention to prevent early wear, and watch for tired radius arm bearings and worn front lower ball joints. The steering’s rack, track rod ends and top column bush all wear. Wheel bearings rarely fail and can be re-packed with grease. Watch for ancient, perished tyres; original items (metric 17x400 or 19x400) are hard to find so many use 205/75 items of 16-inch diameter.

LOOK OUT FOR ROT

Shiny paintwork can hide grot on hastily-prepared working or promotional vehicles, so keep a magnet handy to check for fillerladen bodges. Rust can afflict the wheel arches, sill sections, door bottoms, cab steps and the nose cone around the headlights. Also check gutters and metalwork just aft of the cab doors and the double-skinned load bay floor, which traps moisture and rots from within. The integrity of the unitary structure is crucial, so play close attention to the box sections and main chassis rails that support the body and mechanicals. Evidence of proper rust-proofing is good news.