Monty the Red Campervan

[mike202]

Got the steering box back on after a refurb at Midland Earlybay Feels much firmer now when driving and the first time I can feel the drag at the centrepoint position.
I filled it with Penrite steering box lube.
New spring washers used for the four mounting bolts and new cotterpin for the drop arm nut.

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[Coda]

That was quick.

I've just come back from a jaunt through the Cotswolds (only vehicle I have that can take a 3.3m load), and those fast down-hill hairpins can be a bit, er. hairy, when you've got a slack box. I do have a recon Late box in my spares ready to go on, but it does mean cutting into the beam. I might have a word with Graham and see if he'll part-ex for a recon early box.

 

[mike202]

That was quick.

I've just come back from a jaunt through the Cotswolds (only vehicle I have that can take a 3.3m load), and those fast down-hill hairpins can be a bit, er. hairy, when you've got a slack box. I do have a recon Late box in my spares ready to go on, but it does mean cutting into the beam. I might have a word with Graham and see if he'll part-ex for a recon early box.

Graham aims to get the box done in a week so quite a quick turnaround. Yours will probably be fixable with new parts depending on what’s worn out. Usually it’s the peg.


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[sparkywig]

That should make a massive difference to way the bus feels, Mike.

That was quick.

I've just come back from a jaunt through the Cotswolds (only vehicle I have that can take a 3.3m load), and those fast down-hill hairpins can be a bit, er. hairy, when you've got a slack box. I do have a recon Late box in my spares ready to go on, but it does mean cutting into the beam. I might have a word with Graham and see if he'll part-ex for a recon early box.

You don't touch the beam with a late bay steering box conversion, but you do have to modify the chassis leg mounting position and possibly the inner front valance will need clearancing.
It is worth the work though, I won't ever run an early steering box on a bus again.

 

[Coda]

You don't touch the beam with a late bay steering box conversion, but you do have to modify the chassis leg mounting position and possibly the inner front valance will need clearancing.
It is worth the work though, I won't ever run an early steering box on a bus again.

Yes, the valance, not the beam. Good to hear your opinion, I was wondering whether I should use this box or try to 'keep it original'. I guess its one of those toss-ups between original or more safety and comfort. Late box it is then.

 

[mike202]

North Pennines drive. The steering seems fine, I have adjusted it slightly to loosen it a bit.
No crowds just a few sheep and red grouse.

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[sparkywig]

You'll probably have to adjust it a few times over the next couple of hundred miles as it wears in.
Looks nice, but I expect the wind was a bit fresh, Mike.

 

[fallingoffalot]

Nice pics Mike, beautiful day! Took mine for a spin too, now paranoid about steering, but it turns (HaHa) out it's OK - just a bit of play. In fact I was surprised that it was running so straight - must be because one of my front brakes isn't binding anymore.

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[mike202]

I’ll keep an eye on the adjustment [emoji106]

There was no wind, it was quite warm in the sun !


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[mike202]

Nice pics Mike, beautiful day! Took mine for a spin too, now paranoid about steering, but it turns (HaHa) out it's OK - just a bit of play. In fact I was surprised that it was running so straight - must be because one of my front brakes isn't binding anymore.

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Glad your brakes are ok now. Nice day for a drive [emoji274]


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[matty74]

Great pics as usually Mike [emoji106], we’re itching to get out now too.

Great result on your steering box, I put Penrite in when I swapped mine over the other year, gloopy stuff isn’t it. I bet you was glad you were doing it on the bench[emoji1787]


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[mike202]

Great pics as usually Mike [emoji106], we’re itching to get out now too.

Great result on your steering box, I put Penrite in when I swapped mine over the other year, gloopy stuff isn’t it. I bet you was glad you were doing it on the bench[emoji1787]


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Thanks. Yes I hadn’t realised how gloopy it was! I put the bottle in a bucket of hot water to make it easier to go in, and I’m glad it’s done after all that faff. I could see the components inside had something similar coating them, but the box wasn’t full so I didn’t know how much I had to put in and just filled it to the top, left it overnight and checked in the morning. Got about 180ml I would say not counting spills.

I’ll check the level again after a few more miles just to be sure it’s full. [emoji106]


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[Dirty Harry]

That was pretty quick the rebuild!
Glad your back on the road again, overhere last wednesday it was 26 degrees celcius and now it’s freaking cold with snow, storm winds and hail and they salted the bloody roads again

 

[Coda]

That was pretty quick the rebuild!
Glad your back on the road again, overhere last wednesday it was 26 degrees celcius and now it’s freaking cold with snow, storm winds and hail and they salted the bloody roads again

Same in here, almost. 23c in Gloucestershire, and 2c now and snowing/hail/sleet/rain. They haven't salted the roads yet, even though we've had a couple weeks warning of the bad weather, they're probably still counting the beans to see if they can afford the unplanned salt expenditure :lol:

 

[mike202]

Yea, we went to the moors again on Monday the wind was so cold it froze our faces[emoji23]
We were toasty warm inside the ‘van though cause of the heater [emoji1690]


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[matty74]

Yea, we went to the moors again on Monday the wind was so cold it froze our faces[emoji23]
We were toasty warm inside the ‘van though cause of the heater [emoji1690]


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Now you’re just showing off Mike [emoji1787][emoji106]


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[mike202]

Yea, we went to the moors again on Monday the wind was so cold it froze our faces[emoji23]
We were toasty warm inside the ‘van though cause of the heater [emoji1690]


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Now you’re just showing off Mike [emoji1787][emoji106]


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Good job I have the heater, the air coming up from the HXs was hardly worth it [emoji23]


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[mike202]

Great to get out camping again.[emoji41]

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[Coda]

Fantastic. I think a few of us are desperate to get out in the bus, I know I am.

 

[gvee]

Perfect weekend for it and what a cracking looking location!