Hello new Van owner

[Guest]

Hello all

I just joined the club and registered in here. Here is my new toy !

A 1994 Austin Maestro 700 Van (i thought BT but possibly ex AA?)





I am really enjoying this beast , its rough around the edges but fairly solid. could do with some de-rusting around the bodywork. other than that it needs a new lense for the drivers side, i think i need to investigate the clubs parts dept. unless someone on here has a spare?

wish list:
New paint exterior
tidy interior paint
new seats (maybe some older one colour vinyl ones i have seen?)
sort out the saggy headliner and grotty door cards

Cheers Dave

[E_T_V]

Is it the front or rear light that you need?

Useless fact for the day is that the fronts headlights are the same as some metros, and the rear lights are the same as the early landrover discovery.

I presume it is a diesel?

[Guest]

oops missed that bit out lol.....its the front indicator and yes its the 2.0 litre diesel engine.

I quite like random facts ! cheers !

[Guest]

Looks to have real good potential they are by far the best small van you can buy. I have owned escorts astras beligo's etc and I will always stick with my maestro's. Good to see another person with enthusiasim for the M van good luck with it and

[Guest]

Cheers maestro van yours looks ace did you use lowering blocks on the back ? and if so where did ya get them ? And i have plans for the front but what did you do? I feel a moderate (but still useable) drop is require for the van before its trip up to retro rides on the 15th August.

[E_T_V]

Mine are ford escort lowering blocks. Available in various sizes but mine are 50mm I think.

[Guest]

Cheers maestro van yours looks ace did you use lowering blocks on the back ? and if so where did ya get them ? And i have plans for the front but what did you do? I feel a moderate (but still useable) drop is require for the van before its trip up to retro rides on the 15th August.

I purchased the van like this off a freind of mine he boght it last year for £800 of another freind of mine who went down to wales for it . It has home made lowering blocks on it made from two blocks of solid steel aprox 60mm with home made extended U bolts made from threaded bar. I think the fronts were 2" drop springs and thn they have been choped a bit more so it is too low on the front it had a habit of putting holes in oil filters. you could always just chop a coil or two out of the standard springs not the best way but lowering springs are dear for the maestro unles sourced second hand or clearence stock on ebay from time to time. You may need to replace the front shocks as the van has the higher ride height type. Also rover 800 or 620 ti aloys will fit straight on to the van. Keep us posted with your progres thes vans look sweet when modified but you dont see many of them done unlike the mk3 & 4 escort vans.

[Guest]

Right things are coming on... as i have to get this ready for the weekend (RETRO RIDES 09) so a splash of paint has gone on (and splashed on might be a good term for its style of application!) New wheels as i found my Datsun Alloys fitted rather nicely. as good as new vinyl seats to replace the dirty and torn old cloth ones THANKS to Helen! Loads more to do ...pics will be up soon!

Cheers for all the advice guys and warm welcomes ...very appreciated !

[Guest]

Prior to retro rides i got busy with the paint and wheels



and seats



pic from Retro Rides camp site!



not everyones cup of tea i realise but i bloomin love it! (and thats what counts)

[E_T_V]

Looks like it needs the front straightening out and the radio putting in properly, but so long as you are enjoying it. My van is still immobile!

[Guest]

Yeh the ding on the front is something i may or may not bother with>? and the sterio is rubbish so its only temp till i get something that makes the noise leaving the speakers slightly less distorted !

Also i have decided to make rocking chairs out of the old seats ...they were a very comfy way to sit around in the field