Club Arnage

Club Arnage => General Discussion => Topic started by: mgmark on November 20, 2003, 10:14:26 am



Title: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 20, 2003, 10:14:26 am
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D

http://www.beaterz.com/one_liners/0201/020111_japvan.htm
http://www.beaterz.com/one_liners/0300/030011_eyazawa.htm
http://www.beaterz.com/one_liners/0200/020004_toaster_van.htm


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 20, 2003, 11:04:31 am
The people who made those must need their heads examining ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 20, 2003, 11:22:40 am
I know - what a dreadful waste of money and effort to drive around in a thing worthy of Pokemon.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 20, 2003, 11:27:35 am
Makes you wonder if there is something rather strange about the Japanese ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on November 20, 2003, 02:26:06 pm
Beaterz.com is one of the funniest automotive sites on the internet.
Some of the appraisals of the hilarious rice-burners and other souped-up clunkers that the authors have discovered in and around Chicago IL are works of literary art.
"Yellow stripes = Power, Stickers = Power" fantastic stuff and a great way to piss away a dull workday morning.
Be sure to check-out the hate mail, it's classic.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 20, 2003, 03:01:56 pm
That is f***ing hilarious ;D ;D ;D
People with that much lack of taste should have been shot at birth


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on November 20, 2003, 04:04:43 pm
Some French and Belgian people can be insane too...

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/vans/trafic-3/view.html

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/vans/trafic-1/view.html

and not only with vans...

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/cars/granada-1/view.html

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/cars/kadett-1/view.html

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/cars/manta-1/view.html

what is this one ?? Is it supposed to be a Commer ??  :P

http://www.chez.com/jacky/images/cars/minibus-1/view.html



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on November 20, 2003, 05:23:55 pm
Sure I have seen that last one Gilles or was I halucinating?!  :D ;D ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on November 20, 2003, 05:25:42 pm
Sure I have seen that last one Gilles or was I halucinating?!  :D ;D ;)

In the 70's on the road from London to Katmandu  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on November 20, 2003, 05:28:50 pm
LOL!  

My wife just said "Oh, I like that Astra" (Kadett), I nearly fell off my chair... Divorce?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on November 20, 2003, 05:30:47 pm
LOL!  

My wife just said "Oh, I like that Astra" (Kadett), I nearly fell off my chair... Divorce?

Ok for divorce if you keep the car !!!  :P


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on November 20, 2003, 05:43:49 pm
Oh dear, that's too much for me. I think I have to run for the toilet...  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 20, 2003, 05:46:12 pm
A shame it's not a four door. Customised four doors always look so much tackier than the two door equivalent.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 20, 2003, 05:48:53 pm
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D

In best Iain Paisley voice,  Never, Never, Never!!

The Commer is immortal, didn't you know?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on November 20, 2003, 08:49:50 pm
The Commer might be immortal ...........but you must go on one of Dreamracers track days to qualfy the Commer for immortality,as I have done with the"Shed".

Wishy


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on November 20, 2003, 10:15:42 pm
That sounds like a challenge to me  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on November 20, 2003, 10:48:45 pm
Next track day , me and goldfish will bring on the Mini....

May just about beat the commer....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 21, 2003, 09:56:29 am
Andy,

Reference your statement - The Commer is immortal, didn't you know? - of course it is - as an example of British automotive engineering at its finest peak, it will live forever more - I was simply suggesting that maybe it now deserved the same sort of veneration and treatment that is accorded to the historic race cars - pampered and polished - or will you continue with the great tradition of only fixing it only when it breaks and using its performance to the maximum at every opportunity?  ;)

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 21, 2003, 11:34:58 am
The Commer is venerated wherever it goes. Except by me. It is currently languishing for the winter in the corner of a field under a tree. I might top up it's anti freeze mix if it is lucky.

It has no performance as such (40bhp) and weighs well over two tons laden for Le Mans. It is made of really think steel, you should try drilling through it! Last year going up a mild hill, it was so slow, I was able to put it in first gear, light a fag, smoke it, fiddle around changing the cassette tape in the wireless, before changing into second gear.

It never breaks down so there is absolutely no need for any maintenance. Ever.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 11:57:06 am

It has no performance as such (40bhp) and weighs well over two tons laden for Le Mans.



Turbo charger? ::) ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 12:41:21 pm

It has no performance as such (40bhp) and weighs well over two tons laden for Le Mans.



Turbo charger? ::) ;)

 :D  We've already discussed an arse kicking V8 conversion - winter project?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 12:49:12 pm
I remeber it well Steve.  Hilarious stuff.  I just thought a turbo might be a little more simple. ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 12:54:33 pm

I think turbocharging the poor little asthmatic Commer engine may be a bit terminal  ;)

I remember seeing a Fiat 127 with a similar modification that chucked it's con rods through the sump not long after  :'(

However, a jet engine - there's an EXCELLANT idea.
(I wouldn't want to be following behind though)!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 01:13:39 pm


However, a jet engine - there's an EXCELLANT idea.
(I wouldn't want to be following behind though)!


Hmm..........suspension problems?????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 21, 2003, 03:34:53 pm
Some things are best just left as they are. >:(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 03:48:50 pm
Some things are best just left as they are. >:(

Party pooper  ;D ;D ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 03:51:46 pm
Some things are best just left as they are. >:(

Aw come on Andy, contemplating modifying the legendary Commer has given us many hours of innocent fun.  ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 03:57:33 pm
Here is a good example  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 03:58:29 pm
and another  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 04:04:03 pm
I'm really struggling to see the Commer ever looking like one of those.  Certainly give the Gendarmerie something to think about ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 21, 2003, 04:08:26 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on November 21, 2003, 04:34:56 pm
 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on November 21, 2003, 04:45:55 pm
Wow, it even looks like the sky is burning. What a machine !!! Still no jet engined Commer, Andy ? :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chef on November 22, 2003, 01:12:35 am
i bet its a real sod trying to keep your martini in its glass in that thing.
steady james ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 24, 2003, 02:20:11 pm
You have to be jokin' it!
No way, Jose!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 25, 2003, 12:59:12 pm
Come on guys - forget a dry power jet - if you really want to fit a jet then at least make it a decent one with reheat.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 25, 2003, 01:25:07 pm
Come on guys - forget a dry power jet - if you really want to fit a jet then at least make it a decent one with reheat.......
Too expensive to drive to LM Mark. Think of the fuel bill.

However, there was recently a milk float for sale on ebay that had a fully running Jet Provost engine bolted where the pintas should be. Went for a mere two grand. Now that WAS good value!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 25, 2003, 01:46:04 pm
Yup, but it is only paraffin, it is much more impressive, and you do get there much quicker......if i was able to upload a piccy (which I can't at the moment, because the system keeps telling me the upload folder is full) you could see those lovely shock diamonds........  The Jet Provost was the milk float of the aviation world - constant thrust, variable noise.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 02, 2003, 09:48:32 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on December 02, 2003, 10:39:00 am
Now wouldn't THAT look cool on Maison Blanche...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 02, 2003, 11:09:34 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 02, 2003, 11:15:53 am
Wow, brilliant tool for frying the sausages.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 02, 2003, 11:22:06 am
you could cook for the whole of Le mans with that thing :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: saveloy on December 02, 2003, 04:20:19 pm
 Mark.nice shot of the 71 and it's famed'diamonds' have you got a night shot of it.never gonna see it's type again, what a pity


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 02, 2003, 05:58:52 pm
Now wouldn't THAT look cool on Maison Blanche...

It would win the drag racing every time.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 02, 2003, 06:17:51 pm
Heres a link to a good short video of a SR71 flyover, with good engine diamonds

http://www.wvi.com/~lelandh/srflyor.mpg

It's 1.9 MB and took 3 minutes on ADSL to download.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 02, 2003, 07:50:25 pm
SUPERB!!! Cheers Steve!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 02, 2003, 08:14:31 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 02, 2003, 08:15:22 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on December 02, 2003, 09:51:39 pm
Well,as there is so much speculation about the famed Commer.I think Mr.Zarse should look at this link:

www.americanmotorhomes.co.uk

Wishy


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 12:20:03 am
Andy,

        Come on - this subject has aroused so much speculation, ranging from the vaguely practicable (if unwise) to the extraordinary (and definitely unwise).   So just when will we see Team Commer entered in a new LMP2500 category, trailing a reheat plume down the Mulsanne, leaving the privateer Audis in its wake........one can but dream sometimes

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 09:38:55 am
Andy,

        Come on - this subject has aroused so much speculation, ranging from the vaguely practicable (if unwise) to the extraordinary (and definitely unwise).   So just when will we see Team Commer entered in a new LMP2500 category, trailing a reheat plume down the Mulsanne, leaving the privateer Audis in its wake........one can but dream sometimes

Mark

I think we may need to give some more thought to the Commer's corning abilities though.
The blast down the Mulsanne may not stop at the corner  :-\


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 03, 2003, 09:53:19 am
I think we may need to give some more thought to the Commer's corning abilities though.
The blast down the Mulsanne may not stop at the corner  :-\

On the up side, with the proposed improvements the Commer will reach Tours easily within less than 5 minutes.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 10:48:22 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 11:09:09 am
We may have problems with traction.  Still the humps and bumps on the Mulsanne would be smoothed out.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 11:33:31 am
Quote
I think we may need to give some more thought to the Commer's corning abilities though.
The blast down the Mulsanne may not stop at the corner  

We could ask Mercedes to help - they've probably developed a way of controlling direction whilst airborne by now.............   Alternatively, a stout bit of Armco on the outside track edge of all corners should help it to stay on the track......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 11:40:22 am
Stop! Halt!

I don't want to be a party pooper, but things do seem to have side tracked to the surreal a shade too far. If God had wanted Commers to go quicker, he'd have shown the GPO how to tune them.

Anyway, there is no known way to make a Commer go any faster than it actually feels it wants to. It's the only vehicle I have ever driven that genuinely gets "tired" on a long journey. If you stop and give it twenty minutes to get it's breath back, it roars off again, best foot forward. But half an hour later, it's once again knackered, wheezing and red in the face, even tho the temperature is constant. How can this be?

It's other human characteristic is that it, and it alone, decides whether to start or not. Sometimes you can scrape the ice off the window and start it up first touch. Other days, it will not even fire once even with liberal doses of Bradex Easy Start, which I would have thought was an impossiblility. A good yelling at and threats of violence, a la Basil Fawlty, normally shows it who's boss.

Any thoughts? My own theory is that it is haunted. I have reason to believe a previous owner committed suicide in it, which is why it was so cheap. There is also a nasty stain on the drivers seat cushion. You sometimes hear footsteps and terrible moaning noises in the night. And I was once woken by a cold hand stroking my face, even tho I was the only person in there! There are also the voices in the cooker that tell me to Kill! Kill! Kill!

Spooky!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 03, 2003, 11:40:24 am
I wonder if this particular 'tractor Trailer' unit might be any faster ;)

No doubts about a lack of ground force, that's what I call a proper race car.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 03, 2003, 11:45:06 am
Andy, did the stain on the seat appear after a night at the strip show at the funfair (those were the days!!)  ;)

As far as the moaning noises you hear, that was probably just your snoring (we heard it from Houx Annexe last year)  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 11:47:33 am
Anyway, there is no known way to make a Commer go any faster than it actually feels it wants to.
A vertical drop from the top of Beachy Head may help.
;D ;D ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 11:49:31 am
How about this for a replacement engine......The Commer T3 2 stroke diesel engine..........follow the link, and click on 'links', strange indeed :-\            http://www.commer.org/


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 11:59:18 am
Gibber,

The T3 was superb bit of engineering theory, it was just let down by poor fuel control and monitoring systems. A flat 2 stroke supercharged diesel engine, each opposed pair of pistons shared a common combustion chamber. I think it was called reciprocating or something. With modern electronic control systems, it would be a winner today. And what a lovely smooth mellow noise they make.

Did you see the moving gif of one on the Dutch Commer site above?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 12:04:13 pm
I love the rockers from the piston rods to the crankshaft below.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 12:05:36 pm

Did you see the moving gif of one on the Dutch Commer site above?

Sure did Andy, it's a work of art :D  Shame it isn't available :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 12:07:29 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 12:09:28 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 12:10:31 pm

Gib, you must have seen these in the RN?

Never really played with the engines in the RN.  Communications specialist


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 12:13:26 pm
Andy

How did you manage to copy that.  When I tried, it came out as a static picture :-[


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 12:13:44 pm
Never really played with the engines in the RN.  Communications specialist
Then you must have heard the banshee wailing noise they make  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 12:17:08 pm

Then you must have heard the banshee wailing noise they make  ;)

If I had a quid for every strange noise I'd heard on a warship I'd be a very rich man....................'What do you mean, It's supposed to sound like that!'


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 12:20:14 pm
If I had a quid for every strange noise I'd heard on a warship I'd be a very rich man....................'What do you mean, It's supposed to sound like that!'
When I worked on supertankers and someone was concerned about something we used to say "that's f**k all on a big ship" - a good philosophy.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 12:22:27 pm
Spent most of my service in tiddly things so you noticed when something went wrong................'Oh God, what's fallen over now?'


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 12:30:56 pm
Quote
How about this for a replacement engine......The Commer T3 2 stroke diesel engine..........follow the link, and click on 'links', strange indeed

Andy,
 
        Oh my lord, I am so sorry.......I didn't realise there was actually an owners club....... and you think a reheated jet-engined Commer is surreal ???

I too have an equally human mechanical device, which defies engineering logic - instead of my usual trusty steed of an MGA, I will embark on the quest to Le Mans one year in my 1957 Berkeley which is powered by the mighty 328cc Excelsior 2-stroke engine, endowed with a magnificent 20bhp.   That way, the Commer may be in good company and stand a chance of beating something on the drag strip............ ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 12:53:19 pm
A Berkeley you say? Is it like one of those Reliant things where the Villiers 250cc drove a chain to the front wheel? Sounds so crap it's got to be good!

There is no Commer Owners Club in the UK, only in Holland for some reason. They must be strange folk. Commers are catered for by the Classic Camper Club. It's all-action, madcap craziness in the CCC! Click here to read what they get up to:

http://classiccamperclub.tripod.com/memberstales.htm

I especially like the bit about camping next to the tramp's soup kitchen.

 


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 01:10:48 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 01:13:58 pm
There is no Commer Owners Club in the UK, only in Holland for some reason. They must be strange folk. Commers are catered for by the Classic Camper Club.
Andy, take a look at this
http://www.sa.hillman.org.au/BobPrattCamper.htm
The guy bought one in South Australia !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 01:16:27 pm
The Berkeley is one of those quirks of manufacturing and marketing

I recall a guy I knew in the later 80's with one of these.  The original engine expired so he transplated a Honda 750 four engine in.  It went somewhat better after that.  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 01:21:24 pm
Did you not see it when you were out there? Funnily enough, I saw one in superb nick in New Zealand last year.

Bob is a man after my own heart. I quote from his webpage, he says he prefers:  "....a full-height body and a rear entry, making for a very comfortable lay out..."

Who could want more?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 01:26:34 pm
Bob is a man after my own heart. I quote from his webpage, he says he prefers:  "....a full-height body and a rear entry, making for a very comfortable lay out..."
Star player  ;D
I've just done some more surfing and .... yes... there's a Yahoo group for the Commer camper - have you joined yet ??

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/campervan/

All known life is here  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 01:31:23 pm
Wayhey, they have Commers in Japan (or some other Oriental place??)

http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity-Circuit/1867/ourcars/commer/commer02.html

What would I do without Google ?



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 03, 2003, 01:38:12 pm
Yes, I joined but it's as dull as ditch water.

Commers in Japan? There is a rumour that Toyota took one over years ago and took it to pieces, worked out how they could make it cheaper and better. There were not many forward control vans prior to that. It became the HiAce, the rest is history. It is not as wide as a Commer due to domestic road tax reasons in Japan.

Britain leads, gets copied, then overtaken. It is the old story.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 02:28:03 pm
Quote
The Berkeley is one of those quirks of manufacturing and marketing

I recall a guy I knew in the later 80's with one of these.  The original engine expired so he transplated a Honda 750 four engine in.  It went somewhat better after that.  

Steve,

         Indeed, engine transplants were/are popular and I have been looking at the same sort of thing to up the power output - the main problem with the bike engines is the lack of a reverse gear and the relatively tall height of a four-stroke not fitting under the bonnet.   The original gearbox is an Albion made 3 or 4 speed with reverse.   A fellow Berkeley owner is just about to take his hillclimbing and/or sprinting after transplanting a Rotax 2-stroke - with slightly over 100bhp on tap it should be entertaining!  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 02:46:09 pm

From what I remember he fabricated a chain drive from the output shaft of the bike engine to the transmission of the Berkeley ??

In the kit car world, people are now fitting Hayabusa and Fireblade engines to 'Seven' type kit cars.  These engines are canted slightly so as to reduce the height.  There are a number of specialist manufacturers making simple reverse gear mechanisms to fit after the bike transmission.
These are either epicylic assemblies enabling reverse, or else a simple electric motor that engages to provide rewards movement.
You pays your money etc......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 03:04:03 pm
Indeed you do - and at £600-odd for a Quaife reverse assembly, I think I would be heading into jury-rigged electric motor territory!   The Hayabusa/Fireblade bike engines are popular, but the dear old Berkeley really doesn't need anything quite that powerful - working out the maths, something more modest with around 70bhp would give a top speed of around 120mph and 50-60lb/ft torque a 0-60 time of about 6 seconds - that said, the bloody thing is frightening enough at an indicated 60 !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 03, 2003, 03:05:26 pm
Commers are catered for by the Classic Camper Club. It's all-action, madcap craziness in the CCC! Click here to read what they get up to:

http://classiccamperclub.tripod.com/memberstales.htm

I especially like the bit about camping next to the tramp's soup kitchen.

 

Oh lord!  Malcolm and the wheel..................counds like a determined chap ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2003, 03:18:52 pm
The dear old Berkeley really doesn't need anything quite that powerful

Come to think of it, the one I know of that was converted, as far as I remember, was a 3 wheeler (2 at the front) - am I going senile ??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 03, 2003, 03:37:32 pm
Quote
Come to think of it, the one I know of that was converted, as far as I remember, was a 3 wheeler (2 at the front) - am I going senile ??

Steve,

            You may well be going senile. but not in this respect.   Berkeley produced more 3 than 4 wheelers, because they could be driven with road tax and a licence for a motorbike.   The 4 wheelers are exactly the same except the shape of the back end and the obvious addition of the fourth wheel...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:13:41 pm
Rick M,
You missed out last time but it's here again - and in Peterborough

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2446723767&category=14256



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:14:51 pm
Alternatively, if you want a slightly larger Commer

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2445704068&category=18307



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:16:18 pm
Or something a bit smaller

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3569715547&category=16481



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 04:29:35 pm
CA ought to buy the second one and present it to Andy for all ther entertainment that the Commer gives us...............respect AZ ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:36:46 pm
I especially like the fact that it was an ex Mr Whippy Van.  That could be easily changed to Miss Whippy  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2003, 04:40:12 pm
Very kind Gibber, but what do I want a bloody ice cream van for? Anyway the original Commer (the evil one) would get very angry.
BTW I looked at it yesterday through the kitchen window and was sure I could see somebody sitting in the back, looked like an old man.  :o Dashed outside but there was no one in there! I am now convinced it's haunted.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:44:24 pm
It sounds as though it needs an exorcism.  Maybe you should name the Commer Christine.  :o



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2003, 04:45:27 pm
It sounds as though it needs an exorcism.  Maybe you should name the Commer Christine.  :o

After Hamilton?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 04:48:16 pm
It sounds as though it needs an exorcism.  Maybe you should name the Commer Christine.  :o

After Hamilton?

Hmm, yes.  You're definately onto something there.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 04:52:18 pm
Very kind Gibber, but what do I want a bloody ice cream van for?

I was refering to the toy Andy ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 04, 2003, 04:53:35 pm
I especially like the fact that it was an ex Mr Whippy Van.  That could be easily changed to Miss Whippy  ;D

Then he could park it in the funfair and make a fortune as the rest of the "entertainment" has gone!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2003, 04:54:15 pm
But it's a real ice cream van. Do you mean the 3rd item? Who would possibly want a battered old Commer van?

Errr...

Oh! :-[


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 04:54:49 pm
It sounds as though it needs an exorcism.  Maybe you should name the Commer Christine.  :o

After Hamilton?

I know I'm getting old but don't you think she has a certain flirtatiousness about her :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2003, 04:56:34 pm
Nop i dont. She's a hideous old money grabbing witch. ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 04:57:11 pm
But it's a real ice cream van. Do you mean the 3rd item? Who would possibly want a battered old Commer van?

Errr...

Oh! :-[

Ah yes Andy, quite right, the third one.  Lunchtime research getting to me ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 04:59:33 pm
Nop i dont. She's a hideous old money grabbing witch. ;D

Fair enough..........I am getting old :-[


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 04, 2003, 05:12:07 pm
It sounds as though it needs an exorcism.  Maybe you should name the Commer Christine.  :o


Nah. Christine is a silly name for a van.  How about Chameleon....as in

'Commer commer commer commer commer-chameleon'

Oh lord now I've totelly lost it ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 04, 2003, 05:17:00 pm
Nop i dont. She's a hideous old money grabbing witch. ;D

Careful Andy, or she'll have you in court ala Mohammed Al Fayed Stylie  :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 04, 2003, 05:24:53 pm
Miss Christine Whippy as a name for a Commer van ? Now you're getting silly...  or is it me ? ;D

BTW, we are on page 8 now.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 04, 2003, 05:30:02 pm
we are on page 8 now.
... and counting    ;D

Christine Whippy sounds like the name of an american trash metal band ?

(or it should be)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 04, 2003, 10:44:51 pm
Rick M,
You missed out last time but it's here again - and in Peterborough

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2446723767&category=14256

Well blow me! Thanks Steve. It's like it's meant to be, wonder what transpired for the original deal to fall through? Surely people don't bid on ebay then back out do they? That's just not cricket!

Run it past Mrs. Meister and I rather think I would be living in it permanently if this gorgeous piece of Commerness were to make the short trip up the A15 to Bourne. Mind you, now the Bond Bug is sold and due for collection tomorrow, there is space in my mate's yard!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on December 04, 2003, 11:26:10 pm
Jeeezus!
You can tell the season's over and the nights are drawing in.
EIGHT pages on the subject of Zarse's f**k*ng van!
You're all mad as badgers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 12:09:53 am
Jeeezus!
You can tell the season's over and the nights are drawing in.
EIGHT pages on the subject of Zarse's f**cking van!
You're all mad as badgers.

 ;D So that's what the striping in my hair is!! And I thought it was just the onset of greyness!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on December 05, 2003, 12:56:21 am
I could always make it Read Only...



but I'm quite enjoying it so I won't


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 10:25:54 am
Jeeezus!
You can tell the season's over and the nights are drawing in.
EIGHT pages on the subject of Zarse's f**cking van!
You're all mad as badgers.

It's one of those strange English things Matt.  The Commer is to be admired because it IS..............nothing more.  And Mr Z is to be admired for publicly owning up to having it ;D  Of such things were the British Empire built.  Yup, mad badgers as well :o  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 11:18:47 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 11:32:27 am
no mention so far has been made of those wonders of aesthetic style and engineering quality such a the Bedford CF

Ah, now that is one sweet little baby that I would like to own. Earlier styling a must and even gone as far as to get the Haynes manual from ebay!! Oh dear, feel I've given away too much again. What little shred of credibility I had left has now gone forever!

But what a Lemons-mobile that would be!! Would have to be a van, fitted out with furry interior and funky seats and kick-ass stereo and...........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 11:36:44 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 11:41:16 am


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 11:53:32 am
I could always make it Read Only...



but I'm quite enjoying it so I won't

Smokie, I'm sure there's far more entertainment to come  :D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 11:56:01 am
Oh dear, just found this for sale on my favourite CF website:

FOR SALE  Thursday 4th Dec 2003 at 19:58

1971 cf custom van 5.2ltr chevy auto box, one of a kind reshaped and custom paint work. sofa bed gull wing side door, cd plus amp sound system. this van is a well known van on the custom car shows. current mot and tax. sounds and looks very tasty ! must go space needed £1350.00.


 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 11:57:37 am
Go on Rick, give yourself an early Christmas present.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 12:05:49 pm
Just waiting for the chap to send me photos!! Top of a very steep and slippery slope down I think!  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 12:07:10 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 12:07:40 pm
Ooops we're on page 9 now !!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 12:13:32 pm
Oh dear, just found this for sale on my favourite CF website:

FOR SALE  Thursday 4th Dec 2003 at 19:58

1971 cf custom van 5.2ltr chevy auto box, one of a kind reshaped and custom paint work. sofa bed gull wing side door, cd plus amp sound system. this van is a well known van on the custom car shows. current mot and tax. sounds and looks very tasty ! must go space needed £1350.00.


 ;D

Ah now, if it was an early Transit van with similar interior I might be tempted :-X


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 12:19:32 pm
Ooops we're on page 9 now !!

OK well let's work hard to make it 10+ so Matt will be even more impressed!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on December 05, 2003, 12:20:47 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 12:26:20 pm
If the the boyz from da hood went, then this may be there van

 ;D Marvellous! Nice one Nordic!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 05, 2003, 12:33:47 pm
That's a great one, it's so low you can easily enter it with a wheelchair, just roll in.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 12:48:15 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 01:08:14 pm
How about something with a couple more wheels?

Now that IS a Lemons-mobile, even room for an indoor barbie!!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 01:36:24 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 01:43:04 pm
Has to be said that the CA was indeed a gorgeous creation and would be high on my list if it wasn't for my strange childhood fixation with wanting to be a van driver and a yearning for the CF that was borne out of an endless stream of Trannies that were my steed in my delivery days!!

And that is a particularly fine example. To quote our beloved Loaded mag - "Good Work Fella" to both the owner and you for supplying the photo!!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 01:49:11 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 02:07:52 pm
Crikey - where have all these beauties been all my life?

Unfortunately all the van trannies I drove were of the MkII/facelift variety but I drove a few of these with dormobile bodies and chairlifts! Oh those were the days, just bumming around from one pay packet to the next.

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 02:09:08 pm
Rick, several CFs for sale on the Classic Camper Club website, not too expensive. Hit the link then click where it says CLICK HERE under the Tin Snail.

http://classiccamperclub.tripod.com/Forsalesandwants.htm

My own best memory of the CF is of a local builder who owned one near where I grew up. The man was as thick as pig sh*t and twice as smelly.  ;D Anyway, one day he tried to run over a pheasant in the road to feed his to 'orrible vandal kids. The pheasant moved to the other side of the road, so the fool swerved to hit it, lost control and smashed into a stone built bridge. What a mess, van written off and his teeth smashed in.  :D It improved his looks no end. The pheasant got away, shortly after his wife ran off with the man from the Pru. :'(

Commer drivers are the gentlemen of the roads and would not plumb such depths of behaviour. I suggest you join the international Commer set and not the Bedford louts.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 05, 2003, 02:23:22 pm
The first one is even a prototype, a real LMP so to say. I wasn't aware that Ford built any LMPs in 1972 but hey, you never stop learning. This one even has hot & cold running water, shower, toilet, fridge and a cooker. Seems to be the ideal vehicle for a 24 hour non stop run.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 02:31:39 pm
Cripes, there is plenty of divorce-fodder there that's for sure!!

Hmmm........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 02:32:12 pm
Wahaaayyyy - made it to page 10!!! You still reading Matt??  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 02:48:11 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 03:08:10 pm
Great!!! (Where are all these beauties kept and how come we never see any on the road?).

But have you noticed what lurks in the background behind Tweety?????  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 03:14:00 pm

But have you noticed what lurks in the background behind Tweety?????  ;D

Oh crikey Rick, how could I have missed it............Superb ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 03:48:43 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on December 05, 2003, 03:55:18 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 03:58:08 pm
With all the focus we have had on Commer alternatives, with Andy stoutly and proudly defending the Commer heritage, if not their human characteristics, one should not forget the ultimate conection between Commer and Le Mans :o..........the Ecurie Ecosse transporter..........

Hellfire Mark that is fabulous.  I'm sure I had a Dinky toy of one of those when I was a kid.  Be worth a fortune now if I still had it, which i don't :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 03:59:50 pm
words fail me

And the rest of the world I should imagine :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 04:12:13 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 04:21:02 pm
I DO NOT BELIEVE IT :o :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 04:24:53 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 05, 2003, 04:30:58 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 05:10:10 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 05:14:27 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on December 05, 2003, 05:14:39 pm
Wahaaayyyy - made it to page 10!!! You still reading Matt??  ;)

It's been an education - and all we get over here are $250,000 Prevost RV's - all marble worktops, double a/c's and auxillary power units.
The Ecosse transporter was hilarious.

I'm impressed by your collective lunacy and bizarre vehicle finding ability, you frickin' nutters.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 05:21:03 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 05:23:38 pm
Great!!! (Where are all these beauties kept and how come we never see any on the road?).

But have you noticed what lurks in the background behind Tweety?????  ;D

Yes, this is a very interesting early Model. Mine is a PB1500, this one is a PA1500, you can tell because it does not have the trademark lozenge shaped grille, it is rather more sqare in aspect. And the handbrake worked on the back wheels not the front. Also the wiper switch and fan switch are an inch to the right on the dash. Thank God I'm not an anorak. ;)

It is also looks as if it's about to f**k Tweety up the arse.  :o :o  I would expect no less from any all male, red bloodied Commer.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2003, 05:32:26 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on December 05, 2003, 06:58:48 pm
I'm reminded of the Putley Creach Land Yacht, as featured in The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 07:15:14 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2003, 07:15:50 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 07:32:45 pm
Quote
This unit comes with a 3 burner hob, oven, fridge, h.w. heater,
blown-air furnace, air conditioning, awning, flush toilet, shower, hot water, fresh water tank, waste tank, water pump, drivers door, passenger door, rear entry door, a ride as nice as a motor car and great visibility through large windows, and the rear door.

Other standard features included a folding entry step, front wheel drive for better road handling during high winds, and better traction in snow.
Powersteering, power brakes, made driving ease even better.

So, pretty thin on all those luxury accessories in that wild,wild west then...........  ;) ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 07:52:01 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 07:52:59 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 07:56:45 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on December 05, 2003, 08:52:55 pm
Steve Brown - Good work fella!
MGMark - Why are you looking at a website called 'old woodies'? I'm very worried about that. It's not right.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 05, 2003, 10:15:17 pm
Matt - I wasn't looking for it deliberately - honest - I just typed "car camper conversion" into google to see what else I could find and there they were under the images tab - they really were just too good to miss, particularly the Model T with the mobile home on the back - all you need with that is a trailer to put the pool in and you too can be the envy of all on MB, as you sup your gin sling on the patio as the sun goes down !!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 05, 2003, 10:24:37 pm
I particularly like the windscreen arrangement on the Model T - most impressive!!

Yes I'm still here and not down the pub! It's gone 9pm and I'm still graftin' away with the occasional dip into this lark when a mail comes in telling me there's another comment on the "badger post"!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 06, 2003, 09:33:19 am
Good to find another Freak Bros fan Steve!!  I'll have to dig out my collection (and bong) for a trip down memory lane...!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on December 06, 2003, 12:14:18 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 06, 2003, 05:57:06 pm
PM - If thats what you call a beauty , hate to think what you favourite flosy lady is like.

The 1915 Gypsy van looks like it was a pre runner to the Pope Mobile


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 07, 2003, 07:45:38 pm
Quote
Ive come onto this topic late in the day,but may I offer this beauty seen while on hols in OZ last year

PM,

      Late in the day or not, that one is sheer class in this day and age - what is it? A fish and chip van? A caravan? A coach? A mobile Library?

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 09, 2003, 07:01:16 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 09, 2003, 10:31:44 pm
I can see the marketing lines now.......Comma, helps you jack faster!!   ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 10, 2003, 09:56:17 am
Comma, helps you jack faster!!   ;D

A tad rude if I might say so Mark ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 11, 2003, 12:49:47 pm


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 12, 2003, 09:23:13 am
Quote
From the web - Pictured here on a chilly Autumnal campsite in beautiful mid Wales, it's a 1988 Bedford Rascal parcel van transformed into a three berth (there's a hammock in the elevating roof) motor caravan by Danbury Conversions. It would be hopeless for pan-continental touring, obviously, but it's absolutely perfect for exploring the British Isles at a leisurely pace by the back roads. Strap a couple of bikes to the back, fill the water tank and make sure the gas canister is on board.

Couldn't resist this one.   Here is a real contender for a modern Commer replacement - and its British.   And it has three berths (for what??!!).   If it was laden with 3 people, a couple of bikes etc, I imagine that the good old Commer would just blow it into the weeds..........

Ok for the modern aspect but it doesn't have the glamorous aspect of the Commer use...
... it might be not so easy to be be proud of driving it better than a Commer...
... and really more difficult to include on the ACO poster  :P !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 13, 2003, 11:30:37 am

... and really more difficult to include on the ACO poster  :P !!!

I don't know Gilles. It could easily resemble a UK Audi that has parked up because it ran out of fuel.

No surprise really that they haven't invited Biela back to drive again next year!!??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 13, 2003, 02:22:55 pm
Bedford Rascal v's COMMER

top fuel dragg strip action

both running on

Shell Ultra Max

On N138 in June    =



Road Block    :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 15, 2003, 06:27:32 pm
Bedford Rascal v's COMMER




Bedford Rascal a UK van ?????

In continental europe it's called GME Rascal but in fact...

... it's a japanese van !!!!  :P


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 15, 2003, 06:30:36 pm
DO NOT under any circumstances take this thread to Page 13.

The Curse of the Commer will strike anyone foolish enough to incur its' wrath.

You have all been warned.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 15, 2003, 09:22:36 pm
Bedford Rascal v's COMMER




Bedford Rascal a UK van ?????

In continental europe it's called GME Rascal but in fact...

... it's a japanese van !!!!  :P

Yeah! When I used to run a courier company down in Notting Hill, we used to have a Suzuki Supercarry which was I believe the same thing. What a corking little van it was ... NOT!! It was a reserve van and everyone dreaded the day their car or van needed a service!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 09:46:59 am
Quote
DO NOT under any circumstances take this thread to Page 13.
The Curse of the Commer will strike anyone foolish enough to incur its' wrath.  You have all been warned.

Andy, with due apologies, but this is just too good to stifle - the thread moved long ago to having the largest number of posts, and most of them are on topic!   The Commer should not be unduly upset, as the emphasis has moved subtly to taking the p*ss out of other makes with the sole purpose of making it look better.  

Following from my last post, for those who are feeling as though their life is not complete, the opportunity for that Christmas present to yoursefl is here!  
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2447452382&category=9858 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2447452382&category=9858)

As I type, 10 bidders have taken it to £1020 and it hasn't even met its reserve yet.   It even has an HPI check, although who would want to nick it is beyond me.   Looking at the pictures, there must be a Tardis-like parallel dimension inside, or it's just made for very small people.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 10:10:11 am
DO NOT under any circumstances take this thread to Page 13.

The Curse of the Commer will strike anyone foolish enough to incur its' wrath.

You have all been warned.

Sorry Andy, feeling like b**ls of steel this morning.  Don't know if this will go to the next page or not, but my bones are telling me that the Commer is making strange noises right now ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 10:13:19 am
Quote

Sorry Andy, feeling like b**ls of steel this morning.  Don't know if this will go to the next page or not, but my bones are telling me that the Commer is making strange noises right now ;)
Quote

I cannot, in all conscience let someone else run this risk..............here goes nothing (oh Lord I hear the Commer revving up)  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 10:15:09 am
DO NOT under any circumstances take this thread to Page 13.

The Curse of the Commer will strike anyone foolish enough to incur its' wrath.

You have all been warned.

Well now, that wasn't too painful.  I'm sure the Commer is resting peacefully..............Argh no its         its       iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 10:17:34 am
Well done that man - I hope you are still alive and well.........what's that I hear coming down the corridor now....... oh no..........it's after me now.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 10:26:35 am
Mark

Let's keep distracting it, and maybe it will become too asthmatic to continue the chase.........................Oh sh*t


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 10:30:39 am
Impossible........the thing just rests to catch its wind and then keeps on coming......aaaahhhhh.......I'll just nip sideways into this meeting room and see if it loses the scent.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 10:32:17 am
Bl**dy he** Mark, that thing moves fast.  All quiet here at the moment...................


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 10:36:17 am
Phew....that was close.....I think I managed to lose it in the twisty turning corridors of pure power here.  Off to do a bit of work now, I'll report back later.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 16, 2003, 11:30:04 am
So would page 13 be a bad time for me to join in this discussion?

(http://www.dreamracers.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/ghostface.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 11:42:12 am
Depends if you hear the growling, moaning noises of a Commer on the hunt  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 16, 2003, 12:11:39 pm
Wait... is that a misfire I hear in the distance?  Was that a door creaking in my house or the suspension of one of the worlds finest campervans?  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 12:16:59 pm
run man RUN LIKE HELL :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 16, 2003, 12:17:14 pm
So would page 13 be a bad time for me to join in this discussion?

(http://www.dreamracers.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/ghostface.gif)

I'm waiting for page 14.......and it should be here pretty soon!!   ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 12:21:38 pm
I'm waiting for page 14.......and it should be here pretty soon!!   ;D

Be it on youw own head mark, you insisted on joining page 13.  Watch your back


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 16, 2003, 12:29:36 pm
That would be the back that now has tyre marks along it..??!!

I think it found me!!!!......  Or could it just be where I fell over in the middle of the road on the way back from the pub last night??  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 16, 2003, 12:30:53 pm
I have to say it's pretty scary too about the speed it seems to be able to travel between us when AZ says it can't get above 55mph normally!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 12:57:56 pm
Must be page 13 warp speed.  Let's get on to 14 QUICK


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 01:10:22 pm
Well, I made it through the meeting and - at great risk to personal safety - made a sortie outside to track down the angry wagon.   Proof here that its top speed is well in escess of 55mph, but that the beast's weak point is that its handling department cannot cope with a swift, well-timed sidestep................

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 16, 2003, 01:37:53 pm
I survived, and my tale is one of quick thinking and guile.  I hid the WD40 and walked away, as with old electrics, I was more likely to make the getaway than an old van  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 02:00:36 pm
Sound thinking - but beware, it's probably off raiding Halfords and limbering up on a diet of jack oil ready for the next phase.................. this news article has chilling overtones of this morning's testing of our defences..........

A group of the Commers ransacked the cemetery in the remote village of Makrino Zagoriou, damaging the gravestones of deceased locals and drinking oil from the lamps adorning their tombs. "This is the second time in two months that the Commers have come to our village," said local councillor Stiris Spyradakis. "This time nothing was left undisturbed."
Now the villagers fear that the Commers, emboldened by their recent adventures, could turn their attention to the living.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 02:49:13 pm
This of course raises the festive question of..........................
Was it the Ghost of Commer Past, Commer Present, or Commer Future!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 02:51:36 pm
and whether it is transitive or intransitive...........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 16, 2003, 02:57:11 pm
Ooh that's getting a tad tangential for me  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 16, 2003, 06:15:54 pm
At exactly 10.13.19 am this morning, at precisely the time of Gibber opening the thirteenth page, a terrible rumbling was heard to be coming from the general direction of the Commer. Now it could have been the big ends, but it sounded more paranormal than that.

Then at about 11.30 today, my wife phoned to say she's smashed in the front of her car in Tunbridge Wells. Nothing serious, she's okay, but I am not making this up!

You are playing with forces of which mortal man has no comprehension. You do so at your own peril, you young fools!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 16, 2003, 06:45:23 pm
Hey Gibberish.....he called you young!!   ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 16, 2003, 06:47:08 pm
Seriously though, sorry to hear about the wife's crash Andy. Glad she's OK!!

Her well being does of course eliminate The Commer as tangling with that would have been serious!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on December 16, 2003, 07:02:10 pm
At exactly 10.13.19 am this morning, at precisely the time of Gibber opening the thirteenth page, a terrible rumbling was heard to be coming from the general direction of the Commer. Now it could have been the big ends, but it sounded more paranormal than that.

Then at about 11.30 today, my wife phoned to say she's smashed in the front of her car in Tunbridge Wells. Nothing serious, she's okay, but I am not making this up!

You are playing with forces of which mortal man has no comprehension. You do so at your own peril, you young fools!

Maybe it's time I locked the thread, we wouldn't be wanting the Curse of Club Arnage to cause Andy any more trouble would we...

...guidance please...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 16, 2003, 07:40:55 pm
Hey, looks like you all have been busy today, sorry I couldn't participate (went to work)  ;D

Looks like the ghostly Commer even got as far as New Zealand today !



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 16, 2003, 11:59:19 pm
Quote
Maybe it's time I locked the thread, we wouldn't be wanting the Curse of Club Arnage to cause Andy any more trouble would we...

...guidance please...

Smokie - I think we should be OK now, as the mystic page number has been passed and Andy has not reported any further rumblings.   It's really rather a nice topic, with a main central theme familiar to us all - namely that classic British vehicle engineering is a thing of wonder with innate human character- the subject sort of wanders off periodically into related territories on a random basis that makes sense.   However, as he is the keeper of the beast, I think that any arbitration on locking it should lie with Andy.  

Andy - glad to hear that the missus is OK

Mark



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 10:15:18 am
Hey Gibberish.....he called you young!!   ;D

Just goes to show how disoriented the poor boy must be.  Something to do with living in close proximity to a Commer  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 10:19:19 am
Andy.  Please accept abject apologies for forcing the issue onto page 13.  If I thought for one minute that this had contributed to your wife's accident I would be most upset.  Glad she's OK though.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 17, 2003, 11:24:01 am
Best we get to page 15 asap then to put some distance between us and p*ge *3  (I'm not going to say it again in case it is cursed. As with "The Scottish Play", I suggest it should now be referred to as "That Page"  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 11:38:37 am
As with "The Scottish Play", I suggest it should now be referred to as "That Page"  ;)

'Afore Burnham Wood do come to Dunsinane', if I remember my Shakespear correctly.

How about 'That OTHER Page'  :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 17, 2003, 12:09:06 pm
Quote
'Afore Burnham Wood do come to Dunsinane', if I remember my Shakespear correctly.

Gibberish - close - "Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,
I cannot taint with fear."   Macbeth, 5. 3

So presumably we're OK until the woods start marching -    How many beers does it take for that to happen?

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 17, 2003, 12:14:36 pm
Oh No!!!  Not the trees.............!!!!!

Although I must say that on the day we won the world cup, a tree came to my aid, as did a set of traffic lights. They were the only stable things I could grab hold of to hold myself up when trying to walk home!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 12:31:19 pm

Gibberish - close - "Till Birnam wood remove to Dunsinane,
I cannot taint with fear."   Macbeth, 5. 3

Mark

Oh no, my English teacher would be mortified   ::)

Did you look that up Mark, or did you know it straight off?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 17, 2003, 12:54:05 pm
Quote
Did you look that up Mark, or did you know it straight off?

My english teacher wouldn't have been mortified, just astounded if I had remembered a Shakespeare quote accurately, so honest injun on this one - from the dim and hazy memory of it from school days it didn't look quite right, so I admit to looking it up!  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 01:00:49 pm
How very honest, the Commer would be proud of you as long as we don't mention The Other Page  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 17, 2003, 01:15:25 pm
Quote
a tree came to my aid, as did a set of traffic lights.

Now you could of course go for both in one.................

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on December 17, 2003, 01:21:25 pm
Maybe you could turn the tree into something as well ::)

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 17, 2003, 02:26:08 pm
I was just wondering whether we should start something like the Commer Awards.  AZ gets the frist prize for being the owner, but I can't help wondering what other categories we might be able to think up.  Most original use of a Commer?  Most silly suggestion for what to do with a Commer?  Scariest Commer Moment (see 'The Other Page') :o

 ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 17, 2003, 06:05:21 pm
I was just wondering whether we should start something like the Commer Awards.  AZ gets the frist prize for being the owner, but I can't help wondering what other categories we might be able to think up.  Most original use of a Commer?  Most silly suggestion for what to do with a Commer?  Scariest Commer Moment (see 'The Other Page') :o

Highest speed achieved by a Commer ....... vertically from the top of Beachy Head  ;D ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 10:23:55 am
Quote
Highest speed achieved by a Commer ....... vertically from the top of Beachy Head  

Now that was uncalled for and just so unkind - that's the sort of thing you do to an Austin Allegro.........
Go for a few tasteful modifications like this to assess the speed at which lift is obtained when launched down a runway......

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 10:30:01 am
Austin Allegro indeed sir :o  How dare you use such foul language on this site, and especially in the illustrious company of the Commer.  Wash your mouth out with soap.   ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 10:37:34 am
Quote
Highest speed achieved by a Commer ....... vertically from the top of Beachy Head  
Go for a few tasteful modifications like this to assess the speed at which lift is obtained when launched down a runway......

It sounds like we're heading back full circle to a jet engined Commer   ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 10:41:55 am
Quote
Austin Allegro indeed sir   How dare you use such foul language on this site, and especially in the illustrious company of the Commer.  Wash your mouth out with soap.  

My dear chap, it was merely to illustrate the sheer quality and noble breed of the Commer set against such trash as the Allegro, when someone suggests chucking one off Beachy Head to check the accuracy of the 32 feet per second per second rule.   If the Taylor Aerocar could do it in 1954 (see picture below) then I am sure that strapping a couple of wings and a tail on the Commer would work to add a new dimension to the trip to Le Mans.......

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 18, 2003, 10:44:49 am
Quote
a tree came to my aid, as did a set of traffic lights.

Now you could of course go for both in one.................

Help!!  If I'd come across that I would have had no chance of fnding my way back to my mates house. In fact, I'd probably still be wandering around Surrey now!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 18, 2003, 10:47:07 am
Quote
Austin Allegro indeed sir   How dare you use such foul language on this site, and especially in the illustrious company of the Commer.  Wash your mouth out with soap.  

My dear chap, it was merely to illustrate the sheer quality and noble breed of the Commer set against such trash as the Allegro, when someone suggests chucking one off Beachy Head to check the accuracy of the 32 feet per second per second rule.   If the Taylor Aerocar could do it in 1954 (see picture below) then I am sure that strapping a couple of wings and a tail on the Commer would work to add a new dimension to the trip to Le Mans.......

And a great way to avoid the rip off ferry companies!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 10:48:58 am
Quote
It sounds like we're heading back full circle to a jet engined Commer  

Steve, now there's an idea.......mind you, the original inventor of the aerocar is now actually developing a modern version using the Lotus Elise fitted with a twin turbo V8..........further details at www.aerocar.com (http://www.aerocar.com)

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 10:49:58 am
And a great way to avoid the rip off ferry companies!!  ;)

Arhh, you need a Amphicar



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 10:52:26 am
I'm not sure if this is a car, a motorhome, a boat or .... a rocket ??

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 10:54:22 am
Oh no, here we go again................jet engine and wings...........Well it would save Andy the cost of the cross channel ferry.  Wizard idea.  Well done chaps :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 10:55:49 am
Quote
I'm not sure if this is a car, a motorhome, a boat or .... a rocket ??

Surely it's for tunnelling (providing yet another means of transport to Le Mans) modelled on the Mole from Thunderbirds? ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 10:59:02 am
That's the james Bond one isnt it?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:02:56 am
This is more up my street (or canal!)



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:05:07 am
?????????????????  the last two posts appear to have reversed themselves, or are we in a time warp again?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:05:24 am

Important Announcement

I've found the Ultimate Le Mans vehicle.

Sod the ferries, here it is ......



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:06:15 am
?????????????????  the last two posts appear to have reversed themselves, or are we in a time warp again?

Must have been the curse of the Commer!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:06:24 am
I'll take two  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 11:08:00 am
Quote
I've found the Ultimate Le Mans vehicle.

Sod the ferries, here it is ......

Oh yyyyeeeesssss! - that is fantastic - now just need to add those wings and jet engine...................


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:12:16 am

Oh yyyyeeeesssss! - that is fantastic - now just need to add those wings and jet engine...................

 ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:12:41 am
Where is Zarse.  We need a renewed sense of direction here  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 11:13:09 am
Quote
Arhh, you need a Amphicar

Make it more than one and then Club Arnage truly can beat the rip-off ferry companies...............  

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:19:01 am

This is definately more my cup of tea !!


http://www.watercar.com/




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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 11:25:12 am
Quote
This is definately more my cup of tea !!

Certainly would have sorted out everyone's aquaplaning problems shortly after the start at Le Mans a couple of years ago !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 18, 2003, 11:29:53 am
Where is Zarse.  We need a renewed sense of direction here  ;)

Zarse is here. Sorry gents but I've been working, I do do some work on occasions.

But don't look to me for a sense of direction. I lost the point of this thread ago!! ;D ;D And I suspect all the other contributors did too. ???

Mark, can you not call in some sort of air stike to destroy it? I would suggest a flight of Tornado GRs fitted with the new TIALD guided C-RAM munitions (C-RAM = Commer Removing Airborn Missile).

I know how you flyboys like your acronyms!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:40:57 am
[I lost the point of this thread ago!! ;D ;D

Hmm..........sounds like the end of thread to me.   :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 11:42:35 am
Quote
Mark, can you not call in some sort of air stike to destroy it?

Andy, whatever the original point of the thread, it has become a rather delightful free-flowing illustration of loosely-connected insane ideas, seemingly backed up by real things that some idiot has actually built...... In terms of AI strikes using the new C-RAM, unfortunately, the Tornado is not a suitable launch platfrom and Eurofighter 2000 is well, not yet here in 2003, so we have renamed it Typhoon in the hope that people won't notice the delay.   Moreover, the latest Defence White Paper has decided that we need lots of smart munitions, so that need less people to operate them (shades of Blue Streak and Sandys in the '50s).   Recent tests of C-RAM have indicated that the CEP is insufficently accurate, Vmax will not touch the Commer in a tail-chase and the IR signature is totally unreadable.   All in all then a GMFU, so we'll fall back on the BBMF to launch the Lanc with a Grand Slam instead - chocks away.......  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:49:04 am
F***ing ace Mark...still laughing


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 11:49:43 am
Could it be air launched from an Aero Car ?



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 11:55:29 am
No no no, the ideal launch vehicle has to be the..........Commer itself  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 12:00:51 pm
Quote
Could it be air launched from an Aero Car ?

HHmmmm tricky one that - with a kerb weight of an Aero Car at, say, 1500lbs and the weight of a single Grand Slam at 22,000lbs filled with RDX, it might struggle to move an inch even revving the nuts off a  twin-turbo V8.   Size could also be an bit of a show-stopper (piccy below).................  

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on December 18, 2003, 12:04:35 pm
Please stop it, pleeease.
I'll do anything, just stop it...
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 12:07:25 pm
Anything H ?  Ok  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 12:09:44 pm
Quote
Please stop it, pleeease.
I'll do anything, just stop it...

Big H - I'm sorry - it's just too much fun when compared with the mind-numbing prospect of work today......

Quote
No no no, the ideal launch vehicle has to be the..........Commer itself  

Aaahhh - but then you get into the problems of equipment compatibility with British aerospace engineering..................


[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 18, 2003, 12:11:28 pm
Sorry, I wasn't trying to destroy the thread in reality. Indeed, such things are indestructable. A bit like the Commer itself.

Last year we were driving down the N138, through what is known as the  Falaise Pocket. Looking in the rear mirror, I am sure I could see ghostly Typhoons (original WW2 ones) chasing us, firing misslies and cannons at the Commer. This spiritual "L'Encirque" had no effect of course and we were able to escape the killing fields.

Blue Streak, wasn't that Steve on his 40th birthday? I didn't know he was pals with the Duncan-Sandys.

Actually, I was just attempting to send the thread off on a new tangent! It seems to have worked.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 18, 2003, 12:17:22 pm
Very clever Mr. Z.  Now I'm off to get p***ed at our company Christmas lunch.  see you chaps the other side of a hangover.

NB  only a few to go before deity status is achieved  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 12:21:51 pm
Andy - I'm sure that the ghostly Typhoons must have just been trying to clear the Panzers out of the way of the Commer - after all, us chaps simply wouldn't fire blue on blue - we just don't do that sort of thing - it just isn't cricket.   Ops will try and make sure that they give you a wider berth next time, minimise the AAA, eliminate clutter with ECM, provide ASW support over the Channel, use CAS with mobile FAC support and you'll be home and dry in MB before you know it in time for tea and medals. ;D ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 12:34:43 pm
Andy - I'm sure that the ghostly Typhoons must have just been trying to clear the Panzers out of the way of the Commer - after all, us chaps simply wouldn't fire blue on blue - we just don't do that sort of thing - it just isn't cricket.

Friendly fire eh!!  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 12:36:39 pm
Anyone able to translate this ??



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 18, 2003, 12:38:19 pm
Do you know, I think you might be right. Wondered why we never took a DH.

Medals and Grimburgen more like!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 18, 2003, 12:44:15 pm
Quote
Do you know, I think you might be right. Wondered why we never took a DH.

Protection from the skies, my dear chap, is a wonderful thing.......mind you even a DH on the Commer probably wouldn't even scratch it.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 18, 2003, 01:33:08 pm
Just a quick thought...  This thread made it past 13 pages - will it make it to triple figures?!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on December 18, 2003, 01:56:39 pm
Just a quick thought...  This thread made it past 13 pages - will it make it to triple figures?!

At this rate probably by the end of the weekend!!   ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 18, 2003, 04:42:05 pm
Was it a Commer or a Bedford in the Italian Job ?  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 04:52:12 pm
Was it a Commer or a Bedford in the Italian Job ?  ???

A mini  ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 18, 2003, 05:15:38 pm
 :( I'm not completely stupid  >:(

The supporters' van... was it a Commer or not?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 18, 2003, 05:19:18 pm
I think that was a Bedford, wasn't it ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 18, 2003, 05:53:31 pm
Who cares.

MINI's were the centre peice , the rest just there for making up the numbers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 06:42:52 pm
I think that was a Bedford, wasn't it ?

Gilles, I believe it was a Bedford CA Dormobile like this :


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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 06:44:34 pm
Andy, look at this beauty


[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 18, 2003, 10:17:27 pm
It was a Thames. Thames was the commercial vehicle arm of Ford. They stopped making them when the Transit first appeared in '67.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 18, 2003, 10:28:32 pm
Smokie: I am now formally asking for you to lock this thread. I can't take any more of this.

This afternoon I was filling up with Petrol at the Murco garage in Hayes, Middlesex. As you know, the roads are covered in salt and sh*t and having an important business meeting tomorrow, I thought the Subaru could do with a spruce up. So I invested in the car wash.

Cut a long story short, the brushes wrapped themselves around the small  rear roof spolier (it's the estate version) and started lifting the car up and down. Something had to give and eventually, the spolier came away with an almighty crack. It had pulled the bolts through the bodywork. Fortunately it is booked in to have the rear end fixed after the telegraph pole incident, so I'll somehow have to work in the cost of a new spoiler too.

BTW if anyone doesn't beleive me, if you pay the postage, I'll gladly send the pieces anywhere in the world.

I firmly believe the Commer is in someway behind all this grief. So let's lock the thread and see how it goes. Can't be any worse.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 18, 2003, 10:44:05 pm
Bloody hell Andy, seems like you need to hibernate for the winter.
Here's hoping your run of shitty luck is about to change.

I know this may not be much help, but your last post was your 666th !!!




Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 19, 2003, 12:59:51 am
I know this may not be much help, but your last post was your 666th !!!

Sorry Andy, had to laugh out loud at Steve's observation!!!

And having been away for a couple of days, I simply cannot believe that this thread has made it to page 19!!!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 19, 2003, 09:22:38 am
BTW if anyone doesn't beleive me, if you pay the postage, I'll gladly send the pieces anywhere in the world.

Can I come and collect? I'll take all the pieces (i.e. the car  ;D )

Thanks

DR


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 19, 2003, 09:51:30 am
Quote
I can't take any more of this.

Before any precipitious action, in deference to the good Mr Zarse's current run of ill fortune, is taken on this epic subject (which could make to page 20 yet....)...........

Quote
Was it a Commer or a Bedford in the Italian Job ?  

The supporters van may not have been a Commer, and the other support vehicle was a good old Landie, but what was the make of the coach?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 19, 2003, 10:32:51 am
The supporters van may not have been a Commer, and the other support vehicle was a good old Landie, but what was the make of the coach?

Bedford Val


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 19, 2003, 10:34:28 am
I really don't have time for all this today, but I couldn't concentrate knowing I was stuck on post 666.

BTW the engine number of the Commer contains three sixes; I'll have a look in the Book of Revelations tonight and see if I can find any oblique references to Commers. I'm sure I've got a nicked Gideon's bible somewhere.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 19, 2003, 10:45:47 am
Andy, I understand your desire to see this thread terminated, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.  How the bl**dy hell do you just happen to know the Commers engine number 'like that'.  I am pretty sure that the so called 'curse' will continue to cause havoc no matter what happens to this thread.  that is, unless you've been out in the field whispering to the beast about these innane ramblings.  Oh God, theres a thought............Commer Whispering  :o :o :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 19, 2003, 11:13:12 am
Easy mate. It's on the MOT document, which I keep in a file in my office! Looking again it's actually the chassis no. 0366069. I'll scan and post when I get a mo.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 19, 2003, 11:19:57 am
I'll scan and post when I get a mo.

I'm breathless (like the Commer) with anticipation  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 19, 2003, 01:38:18 pm


This post is getting wierd and freaky. Return of the Commer , The whistling woods of Commerville, The Commers of eastwick. The Commer witch project.


All new films to be brought to you soon, thanks to thosse bust men from Club Arnage...... ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 19, 2003, 01:49:43 pm
'The Commernator'.  A Club Arnarge production starring Arnie Zarse.

Oh look 501  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 19, 2003, 05:34:54 pm
thanks to thosse bust men from Club Arnage...... ???

Thats me all right  ;D.  I assume you meant busy  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 19, 2003, 07:04:30 pm
Quote
Oh look 501  


Well done that man !   Here's a selection of forthcoming film releases on the 007 theme: :) :)

From Commer with Love
Commers are Forever
The Man with the Golden Commer
The Commer who Loved Me
Never Say Commer Again
A View to a Commer
Commer Never Dies
The Commer is Not Enough








Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 19, 2003, 07:11:46 pm
Gold Commer
Dr. Zarse
You only Live in a Commer
ThunderCommer
On Her Majesty's Commer Service
CommerRaker
For Your Commer Only
CommerPussy


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 19, 2003, 07:12:55 pm
Bugger, Page 20.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 19, 2003, 07:24:35 pm
Christmas 2003 films for Commer lovers in the listings:

All Commers Go To Heaven          Great Commers
Forces of Commer                        The Commer and the Fury
Star wars Episode I: The Phantom Commer
Fierce Commers                            Iron Commer
Night of the Commers                   Commer and the Bandit
Commer the Magnificent              

and that perennial favourite....The Sound of Commer





Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 19, 2003, 07:36:20 pm

and that perennial favourite....The Sound of Commer


Oh brilliant, The Sound of Commer's on.
I haven't seen that for ages (well at least 12 months anyway)!



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 19, 2003, 07:50:14 pm
Yup - as is:

White Commer
My Fair Commer
Anna and the Commer

But sadly not Those Magnificent Men in their Commers :( :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 20, 2003, 01:44:34 am
Is The SnowCommer on ??



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 20, 2003, 09:11:11 am
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Commer
Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Commer
Lord of the Rings - The Two Commers
Lord of the Rings - Return of the Commer
Mission Incommerble (I & II)
Commer over the River Kwai

and lastly that grat comedy:
Comm & Commer


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 20, 2003, 10:33:16 am
And now moving onto my record collection, don't forget that classic album by Pink Floyd, "Dark Side of the Commer"!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 20, 2003, 10:36:11 am
and those great Who albums

Who's Commer
Commerophenia
My Commeration
Commy
Odds and Commers



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 20, 2003, 10:53:53 am
And I almost forgot that other classic Floyd album:

Ummacommer (sometimes also known as Commergumma), which contains the classic track "Set the (Commer) controls for the heart of the Sun"


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 20, 2003, 05:23:37 pm
Quote
And I almost forgot that other classic Floyd album

And then of course there is that great track "Interstellar Commer" and the other albums:

Commer at the Gates of Dawn
A Saucerful of Commers
(which also combined on the double LP issue make "A Nice Commer")
The Commer

Digging elsewhere amongst the vinyl, one can also find those classics such as:

In Search of Commer
Masters of the Commer
Space Commer
Commer on the Edge of Time



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 20, 2003, 05:31:43 pm
And I almost forgot that other classic Floyd album:

Ummacommer (sometimes also known as Commergumma), which contains the classic track "Set the (Commer) controls for the heart of the Sun"

Also on that album there's "Several species of small furry animals, gathered together in a cave, grooving with a Commer"


Don't forget the classic track on The Wall, Commerfortably Numb.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 20, 2003, 05:36:50 pm
Quote
Don't forget the classic track on The Wall, Commerfortably Numb.

Or, perhaps the piece de resistance, "The Commer Must Go On"  ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 20, 2003, 07:37:23 pm
It may go on , put hopefully not to page 21


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on December 20, 2003, 07:49:44 pm
It may go on , put hopefully not to page 21

 ;) I'm sure it will!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on December 20, 2003, 09:04:51 pm
Just to add my contribution to the song title collection:

Commer Chameleon by Culture Club.

Is that page 21 yet?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 20, 2003, 10:21:17 pm
Yes..... page 21 ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on December 21, 2003, 01:57:19 am
How about commedriphinia by the Who .
Near me some one has a commer ambulane/campervan for sale.
Never bothered with it myself, but because of the curse of the zarse i drive past thinking, is it a commer?
 The very thought....
I blame it on Zarse and the commer.
I must say in my defence i have just recently finished a 2 month nightshift in norfolk(not weekends) in which i saw 2 commers!!!!!
I would never haver have noticed them apart from this forum.
Would anyone else have noticed a Commer?????
I say we burn them..


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 22, 2003, 05:25:24 pm
and what about "Commer Jones' Diary" or "The Commerian Job" ?  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 22, 2003, 06:13:26 pm
I must say in my defence i have just recently finished a 2 month nightshift in norfolk(not weekends) in which i saw 2 commers!!!!!
I would never haver have noticed them apart from this forum.
Would anyone else have noticed a Commer?????
I say we burn them..

I thought there was an EU Working Time Directive against such long hours. A two month shift seems unreasonable to my mind.

I expect Norfolk has the highest Commer ownership per head of population of any county of the UK. But don't burn them, that's heresy. You'll be burned at the stake in Norfolk. Or "Fetch the comfy Commer!"

BTW Someone gave me an old Corgi model Commer Camper yesterday as a late birthday pressy. I was well made up!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 23, 2003, 01:34:15 am
and what about "The Commerian Job" ?  ;D

Gilles for you have sinned in a time or religious importance.

The Italian job can never be blasfiemed with the stange powers of COMMER's dark magic.

Mini's have enough problems with rust , let alone the 3rd dimension


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 23, 2003, 10:58:37 am
and what about "The Commerian Job" ?  ;D

Gilles for you have sinned in a time or religious importance.

The Italian job can never be blasfiemed with the stange powers of COMMER's dark magic.

Mini's have enough problems with rust , let alone the 3rd dimension

What on earth were on last night Robbo?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 23, 2003, 07:03:55 pm
Quote
What on earth were on last night Robbo?

Not sure, but it sounds very parallel Matrix-ish to
me - ,,,,,,,,,Revolution,,,,,,Reloaded......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on December 24, 2003, 02:02:29 am
I have no idea  ,lack of sleep , too much caffine , the thought of working all over christmas !!

But i have managed to get 500 posts up , and to celebrate i am going to post something really nice.

Oh and i made it on the commer Thread.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 24, 2003, 09:58:36 am
Oh and i made it on the commer Thread.

Me too.  Does that make us the founding members of the 'YaBB god on Commer thread' club?   ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 24, 2003, 04:20:54 pm
Quote
Me too.  Does that make us the founding members of the 'YaBB god on Commer thread' club?

It probably does, so well done chaps - but s**te, I've got a long way to go to reach that celestial status and I don;t think it will happen on this thread, but who knows........... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 24, 2003, 05:34:18 pm
Just keep plugging away Mark.  All good things come to those who post regularly   ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 24, 2003, 08:38:54 pm
Quote
Me too.  Does that make us the founding members of the 'YaBB god on Commer thread' club?

It probably does, so well done chaps - but s**te, I've got a long way to go to reach that celestial status and I don;t think it will happen on this thread, but who knows........... ;D

Keep at it Mark, you know you want to  ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on December 26, 2003, 10:32:00 pm


I expect Norfolk has the highest Commer ownership per head of population of any county of the UK. But don't burn them, that's heresy. You'll be burned at the stake in Norfolk. Or "Fetch the comfy Commer!"



I must say one of the commers was by the side of the road with hazard lights on, the other was in a nearby campsite.
Its not i dont like them its the fact because of you i now know what a coomer is. Your driving along see the gently steaming vehicle by the side of the road and you think "oh look its a commer"
Is there a cure?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on December 26, 2003, 10:59:52 pm
This sketch is getting very silly!!
PM


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 27, 2003, 11:32:08 am
Your driving along see the gently steaming vehicle by the side of the road and you think "oh look its a commer"
Is there a cure?

Afraid not Rhino.  You're just stuck with it now.  Look upon this disease as some sort of benign symbiotic relationship.  It helps.  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 27, 2003, 05:39:29 pm
Quote
Mini's have enough problems with rust , let alone the 3rd dimension

Yup, but to bring us back slightly towards the topic, seemingly you can do alll sorts with a Mini, although I imagine that this one would not quite be up to the mark of the Monte Carlo and Italian Job cars in the handling department.........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on December 27, 2003, 11:48:06 pm
OK, that is wrong on so many levels.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 28, 2003, 11:17:23 am
That's the first picture posted on this thread that has left me utterly speachless.  Who could possibly be such an idiot?  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 30, 2003, 09:14:03 pm
Quote
That's the first picture posted on this thread that has left me utterly speachless.  Who could possibly be such an idiot?

I know - probably the same person that thought a roof tent for an AMC Gremlin would be a good idea.....

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 31, 2003, 10:09:17 am
?????????????????  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

This just goes to prove what a wonderful vehicle the Commer really is  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 31, 2003, 02:54:40 pm
Having to pay all the repair bills of his gremlin (called AMC Pacer in France), the driver can't pay his rent so he needed an accomodation solution !  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 31, 2003, 03:10:53 pm
?????????????????  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

This just goes to prove what a wonderful vehicle the Commer really is  ;D

Pissed already Gibberish? :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 31, 2003, 03:30:45 pm
Not at all AZ.  Just giving praise where praise (relatively) is due.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 31, 2003, 06:43:10 pm
My final thoughts of 2003 on the topic, before heading off into the murk of New Year's Eve partying, is that a modern replacement needs to be something that is practically indestructible, even when faced with hordes of Panzers and Tiger tanks (real or imagined) near Falaise, and stands our from the crowd - like the Commer.   Ideally, it should have some military ancestors/connection to enable the future fitting of armaments with relative ease - like the Commer.   Well, here it seems to be - so, watch the f**k out - here comes the fully loaded Humvee.... ;D ;D ;D ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on December 31, 2003, 06:45:02 pm
.......and at the touch of a switch that camper turns into........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on January 02, 2004, 12:49:55 am
I think friday night fireworks will be interesting this year....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on January 03, 2004, 04:22:44 pm
Is there a Commer'n'denominator to this thread?

Happy New Year one and all........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on January 03, 2004, 06:45:31 pm
Is there a Commer'n'denominator to this thread?


Groan!!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 04, 2004, 04:12:01 pm
Quote
Is there a Commer'n'denominator to this thread?

You meant to say that the thread content may have become slightly obscure in places?????   Anything related to a potential replacement for AZ's British, classic, indestructible Commer, which quadruples up as a load carrier, a luxury motorhome, a race vehicle and potent war-fighting machine.   Flexibility is the key to Air Power..........  ;D  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 08, 2004, 07:05:47 pm
So the uploader is full is it?

No wonder, look at all the crap in here. I reckon some of this wouldn't be missed. I feel partly responsible.  :-[


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on January 08, 2004, 07:23:27 pm
Partly?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 08, 2004, 09:53:44 pm
Come on Andy, there is some classic motoring (and other) related stuff here.
It should be published.  It would be better than those crap 'trivia' books everyone gets from their auntie at Christmas.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 09, 2004, 10:10:35 am
I feel partly responsible.


And there I was thinking that this thread might have quietly died when what happens?  The immortal Commer kicks its pet owner into making another post.  I really don't know anymore, it's all too confusing.

Nah....bo***cks........roll on, long live the Commer  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 09, 2004, 10:49:07 pm
I have been enjoying this marvellous thread for weeks,  I just realised all the old pictures had timed out. The ultimate Commer/ Le Mans link that was discussed on page 10, the Ecurie Ecosse transporter  (were there more than one of those) was at Le Mans last year too I think. I am trying to attach a picture I took in the ferry queue at Le Havre on the monday night, with two nice cars on board. I think they were both Jags, but couldn't get close enough to look while trying not to be too nosy.

Doesn't look as if the attachment is possible but I am very new at this sort of stuff.

Maybe if I just post the url...

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclub/birmingham/images/lemans2003/lemans2003153big.jpg


      Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on January 10, 2004, 12:05:16 am
here you are Perdu...
H

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on January 10, 2004, 12:33:35 am
Wow....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 10, 2004, 01:20:51 am
here you are Perdu...
H

Thanks bigH, I always wanted that Dinky Toy when I was a kid. Now I have seen it... I still want it, but now the real one please. :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 13, 2004, 01:31:35 pm
Quote
The ultimate Commer/ Le Mans link that was discussed on page 10, the Ecurie Ecosse transporter  

Indeed that is probably the ultimate link, but the other notable type of transport in that area was the Mercedes Silver Arrows transporter - a 195hp 6-cylinder truck, capable of over 170kph (106mph in real money) - what price a duel down the Mulsanne between that and the Commer........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 19, 2004, 01:32:16 pm
Instead of a replacement, how about an upgrade:

"1950s-early 1960s Commer TS3A Type OE 502,
Supercharged 2 stroke engine (3,520cc) 3 cylinder
opposed piston Diesel for sale. Also 3 gear boxes,
additional 4 superchargers and electric starter motors
(incl CAV,C45). Any reasonable offer considered.
Buyer to collect  Colin Missen, , Leicester, LE18
1FP, England, 01162 884619,
Email: gillian.chapman@royalsurrey.nhs.uk "

Advert on Restored-Classic .com

A Supercharged Commer  :o :o



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 19, 2004, 01:36:06 pm
Quote
Restored-Classic .com

Damn - the work internet gateway won't let me through.....have to wait until I can get back on the home PC.   sounds interesting though!  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 19, 2004, 09:09:08 pm
Quote
Restored-Classic .com

Damn - the work internet gateway won't let me through.....have to wait until I can get back on the home PC.   sounds interesting though!  

I'm glad to see you are perpetuating the "Modern Commer Replacement" thread  ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 20, 2004, 12:14:19 am
23 pages in 2 months and just under 5 months until the pilgrimage.

How far will it go before we go to Le Mans??  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 20, 2004, 09:46:36 am
How far will it go before we go to Le Mans??  


All the way, Mark, all the way :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 10:09:21 am
With unusual racing transporters having featured with the Ecurie Ecosse Commer and the Mercedes, here's another conversion in the good old British way, that tranpsorted a 1930s Alfa Romeo Tipo 8C in the 40s and 50s

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/classic_car_article11.htm



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 10:37:05 am
Now then - someone has actually made a 1/32 scale working slot car (scaletrix to most of us) of the Mercedes transporter.   When will we have a Commer version?  Who can produce such an article?   Then the Brethren's Scaletrix challenge on Karting Nord could take on a new dimension.......

http://home.clara.net/goodwood/MercedesTransporter/Transporter.htm



When will the

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 20, 2004, 02:09:29 pm
Oh look at that.  24 pages.........what an auspicious number :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 20, 2004, 02:19:31 pm
I expect to see 24 new messages in the next 24 hours!!  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 02:56:01 pm
Quote
Oh look at that.  24 pages.........what an auspicious number

Indeed, so it is....what's the next auspicious number - the number of cars on the grid?

Quote
I expect to see 24 new messages in the next 24 hours!!  

HHmmmm - work is beckoning at the moment, but we shall whether the last posts on the Dodge or the slot car model spark replies.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 20, 2004, 03:44:50 pm
slot car model


With a bit of work, you could probably modify this.



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 20, 2004, 04:02:09 pm
I bet that's worth a few bob in its original box


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 04:05:22 pm
Quote
I bet that's worth a few bob in its original box

Even more with its milk crates/bottles(?)  too!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:09:26 pm
Airfix 1/32 scale kits are quite good for slot modifying - there must have been a Commer one made at some point - I'll go check ebay.

As for the venue, I have to say that I have the ultimate Scalextric track designed (but not built yet - got all the track but needs to be outdoors and no good weather yet). Just under 13 metres (tad over 40 feet) x 5.5 metres (18 feet). Will dig out the design.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:10:55 pm
Okeydoke - here goes .. on yer marks!!!!!


[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:13:38 pm
And what a versatile little chap this Commer is as captured in thsi cracking Corgi set on ebay right now....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3580761856&category=16481 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3580761856&category=16481)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 20, 2004, 04:15:22 pm
Okeydoke - here goes .. on yer marks!!!!!


Excellent, I take it 40ft x 18ft is pretty much to scale.  You'll need a school hall or similar.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:22:01 pm
You'll need a school hall or similar.

Or a Felix-sized pitch on MB!!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:24:05 pm
Excellent, I take it 40ft x 18ft is pretty much to scale.

'Fraid not, scale would be about 500+ feet!!!! It's is fairly representative in terms of shape though. Once again, those long winter evenings have been just flying by! My wife wonders what I do in my "cupboard" all those evenings!

 ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 04:29:37 pm
Airfix 1/32 scale kits are quite good for slot modifying - there must have been a Commer one made at some point - I'll go check ebay.

Nope, not a sausage. Not even Google can come up with anything. Time for you scratchbuilders to own up!! Your forum needs YOU!

 ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 04:58:39 pm
Quote
Time for you scratchbuilders to own up!! Your forum needs YOU!

Other than in 1:1 scale, my scratchbuilding/rebuilding/ converting in scale tends towards racing topics.....

http://www.scaleautosport.com/models/mw962/   8) 8)

.....but I suppose I might be able to motivate myself towards something different :) :) :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on January 20, 2004, 06:17:34 pm
Posted by: The Rickmeister  Posted on: Today at 04:10:55pm  
Okeydoke - here goes .. on yer marks!!!!!
 
Wot - no Porsche Curves ??? ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on January 20, 2004, 06:34:15 pm
WOW Rick, I got a case of "I wanna build"  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 07:04:19 pm
Wot - no Porsche Curves ??? ???

There was a Porsche Curves version in the early stages, but seeing as most of my "stock" is pre-1972 (917 frenzy!!!), opted for the Maison Blanche section instead.

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 07:05:18 pm
And another page further on!!

What is the record thread size? Surely this must be it!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 20, 2004, 07:21:38 pm
Yes, see the stats here :

http://www.clubarnage.com/yabbse/index.php?board=;action=stats (http://www.clubarnage.com/yabbse/index.php?board=;action=stats)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 20, 2004, 07:28:48 pm
Yes, see the stats here :
http://www.clubarnage.com/yabbse/index.php?board=;action=stats (http://www.clubarnage.com/yabbse/index.php?board=;action=stats)

Wow!! By a country mile reply wise and not far off on total views too!!! And passing the 700 milestone in this legendary thread - I feel honoured to have been a part of it!!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on January 20, 2004, 07:51:50 pm
It almost has all records, and sure it will surpass the others in time (around a week at current rate)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 20, 2004, 08:49:21 pm
Mr. McWhirter and Guiness have been in contact and would like to include this thread in next year's book.   :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 20, 2004, 09:19:16 pm
Airfix 1/32 scale kits are quite good for slot modifying - there must have been a Commer one made at some point - I'll go check ebay.

As for the venue, I have to say that I have the ultimate Scalextric track designed (but not built yet - got all the track but needs to be outdoors and no good weather yet). Just under 13 metres (tad over 40 feet) x 5.5 metres (18 feet). Will dig out the design.....

Well I used to know the AIRFIX catalogue by heart but they never did do a Commer, Though Dinky did. I wonder if Triang/minic did one that may be raceable, if so.

I used to scratchbuild aircraft , ships and carts and wagons from plasticard, might have to look into it, could be fun.

Take a while I'm still getting ready to put a BMW 5 speeder into Lara, the Midge, in time for the French blast.

 8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 20, 2004, 10:33:33 pm
Quote
I expect to see 24 new messages in the next 24 hours!!  

With this post, that makes 22 in the space of about 8 hours.   I suspect the target may be achieved..... ;D

This thread has been top of the replies for a while now, and it will not be long before it hits the top of the views as well. ;D  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 21, 2004, 10:33:56 am
23 in just over 19 hours.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on January 21, 2004, 10:47:58 am
Okeydoke - here goes .. on yer marks!!!!!


That's a new year's resolution !!! I'm gonna build this into my garden.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 21, 2004, 10:54:33 am
Wa hey........is there no end to what this thread can achieve ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 21, 2004, 11:03:56 am
Wa hey........is there no end to what this thread can achieve ;D

Long Live The Commer!!!!!   :D :D :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 21, 2004, 04:57:27 pm
It may not be a Commer, but it was an interesting(???) project.



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on January 21, 2004, 05:32:57 pm
Love the stabilisers!!!!!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 21, 2004, 05:37:42 pm
Try getting that onto your Scalextric!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 21, 2004, 06:12:02 pm
Love the stabilisers!!!!!

 ;D

Apparently, it has a V12 Jag engine driving a hydraulic pump.
The axles feature hydraulic motors driving the wheels.

If I had that kind of money lying around.....................



.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 21, 2004, 06:13:10 pm
.



.......................I'd build one of these  :-*




.

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 21, 2004, 08:48:15 pm
Quote
I'd build one of these  

Inspired of course by the classic version............

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 21, 2004, 08:54:57 pm
Thanks Mark, the header flames aren't quite the same on the classic version though  ::)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: andynick on January 22, 2004, 01:49:17 am
 ;D hi ya Bill have found you at last could not remember how to get on to this link page, are the wonder of stella
its the only way to function yes plse i want teeshirt also!!
 :) :) :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 22, 2004, 11:04:54 am
Quote
Thanks Mark, the header flames aren't quite the same on the classic version though  

Wot? you mean more like this?




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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 22, 2004, 11:20:16 am
If anyone got the Commer to do that, they would deserve a medal ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 22, 2004, 11:34:35 am
Quote
Thanks Mark, the header flames aren't quite the same on the classic version though  

Wot? you mean more like this?

Yes Mark, like my avatar  :o



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 22, 2004, 11:38:02 am
Hhmmmm - would need some pretty major surgery to the MGA to do that - do you think I could get away with a "max'd" solution of a stereo with V8 engine noises and injecting fuel into the exhaust ::) ::) ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on January 23, 2004, 01:53:33 am
If anyone got the Commer to do that, they would deserve a medal ;)

The local Leigh Park kids are very good with flames coming out of cars  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 23, 2004, 10:32:24 am
The local Leigh Park kids are very good with flames coming out of cars  :o

Wasn't quite what I had in mind Robbo  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on January 25, 2004, 09:50:17 am
Just keeping this topic on the first page, as it was in danger of slipping down ! :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 25, 2004, 09:49:36 pm
Quote
Just keeping this topic on the first page, as it was in danger of slipping down

Well done that man!  good to see someone that recognises  quality posts about a quality subject!   Now just to add a slightly different flavour to the topic - going boldly whence we have not yet been - here is an alternative replacement using the a blend of technology and the human frame - good for those high angle camera shots and for excursions to the mulsanne in the dead of night..............

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 25, 2004, 10:45:16 pm
Just make sure you avaoid the Helicopters and more importantly the Fireworks!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 26, 2004, 12:25:37 am
Just make sure you avaoid the Helicopters and more importantly the Fireworks!!  ;)

Also pretty usefull for anyone wanting an impromptu haircut .


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 26, 2004, 09:21:21 am

Also pretty usefull for anyone wanting an impromptu haircut .

Bit like a basin cut around the crash helmet huh??  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on January 26, 2004, 02:00:05 pm
No where to pack the tent or beers, but could be fun.

BTW crosswinds could be hard to handle.

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 26, 2004, 02:24:58 pm
BTW crosswinds could be hard to handle.


Probably so, but what about drag.......that heel looks like a very eficient parachute ::)

The original Commer must be more aerodynamic than that ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 26, 2004, 04:43:29 pm
Quote
The original Commer must be more aerodynamic than that

Do like the heel - one of the better outrageous customs!   Taking the themes of aerodynamics (not very) and a supposedly environmentally-friendly modern replacement (albeit one that does not appeal to petrolheads).............

BTW this thread is now not only top of the number of posts (very adjacent to 400 posts.....) but is the most viewed....



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 26, 2004, 05:09:26 pm
and a supposedly environmentally-friendly modern replacement (albeit one that does not appeal to petrolheads).............


The new environmentally friendly age is here.........At lunchtime I saw a Fuel Cell powered london bus.  Damned thing had steam coming out of it. (I know that's what it's supposed to do).  Reminded me of the days of steam driven vehicles......................Now then, a steam driven Commer.  How about that ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 26, 2004, 05:37:21 pm
Quote
Reminded me of the days of steam driven vehicles

Now there's the classic sort.............



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 26, 2004, 05:39:22 pm
Now there's the classic sort.............


Beautiful  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 26, 2004, 05:39:31 pm
Quote
Reminded me of the days of steam driven vehicles

and the "green" modern alternative - I do hope this is not the shape of things to come in Arnage village on the Thursday/Fri, outside MB on the Friday, or along by Houx post-race..............



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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 26, 2004, 05:45:38 pm
And of course, merging the themes of drag races down the Mulsanne, new tramways, steam, motor racing and the history of Le Mans (and this is about the 400th post now....) there is of course the Bentley and the train.................

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on January 26, 2004, 07:37:42 pm
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on January 26, 2004, 07:49:20 pm
Anyone ever tried train racing?
The road between Hastings and Folkestone (can't remember what the road # is) had a railway line that crossed the road twice, beyond Rye, out on Romney Marsh. I used to amuse myself, if stopped at the first crossing, in booting my car through the twisties and trying to beat the train, which was traveling pretty much as the crow flies, to the next crossing. It was highly weather and traffic dependent, but I did it a couple of times.
Slightly less hair raising is the A1 Autoroute, which runs parallel to the Eurostar railway line, where it crosses the Somme. I tried to keep up with a TGV on the way home from the 2000 race. I was reading (not necessarily doing) 160mph and the train just pissed- away, ahead of us. Those things rock.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 27, 2004, 02:51:44 am
I did the A1/Eurostar race too Matt. On the way down to Disneyland Paris February 2003. Didn't look as though it was going that much faster than me when it passed me as I was doing 90mph so thought I'd boot it and see. Couldn't get anywhere near though.   :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 29, 2004, 11:27:08 am
Changing tack slightly, and going with the theme of another thread on modifying minis, the Commer could of course be turned into a magnificent beast that a) doesn't know whether it is coming or going, or b) just scare the cr*p out of  following vehicles.................

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on January 29, 2004, 03:42:43 pm
The Perfect LM campsite moblie home/toliet/boat.

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on February 02, 2004, 11:38:14 am
The Perfect LM campsite moblie home/toliet/boat.

Nice strurdy door - could hold in the smell when the beer baby is delivered in the morning

(couldnt see this topic slip to page 2)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 02, 2004, 03:07:52 pm
Quote
The Perfect LM campsite moblie home/toliet/boat

In Ford terms, that's the Ghia model - here's the basic, no frills model....................

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on February 02, 2004, 05:45:26 pm
Commer replacment........

;



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on February 02, 2004, 05:50:29 pm
;

Is that a "I'm speechless" in bold letters ?  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on February 02, 2004, 05:54:56 pm
Ugger didn't work! Supposed to of been

Commer replacement........

;

and Iv been working on that joke for weeks :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on February 02, 2004, 11:43:36 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Great gag!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on February 03, 2004, 12:46:31 am
...but don't rush to give up the day job...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 03, 2004, 10:20:03 am
Ugger didn't work! Supposed to of been

Commer replacement........

;

and Iv been working on that joke for weeks :'(

Very good BH :D   Reminds me of something colonic  :-X


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 03, 2004, 11:44:37 am
Quote
In Ford terms, that's the Ghia model - here's the basic, no frills model....................

Sorry, thought I had found the basic model - actually, it is the XL - here's the basic model.....................or is it a Kia, Daewoo or Hyundai...........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 03, 2004, 11:53:17 am
How about this little beauty on ebay:

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 03, 2004, 12:01:43 pm
I was given a similarly battered model Commer PB1500 crew bus for my birthday. All I need now is to get hold of a model snotty tramp to lie in the back... :-\

I was talking to a mate who is a very skilled welder last night and he broached the subject of doing a Stretch Commer. Genuinely his idea not mine. And he suggested installing a revolving round double bed in the back. Christ knows why. I think he had been smoking something though.

Does anyone know of the existence of such a vehicle or would it be entirely unique?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 03, 2004, 12:09:20 pm
Utterly, completely, and undeniably unique. :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 03, 2004, 12:14:15 pm
Indeed - let it be so................

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 03, 2004, 12:23:16 pm
Well.

How about something a little differnet

fast, Sexy and practical when required.

MG X Power at its best

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Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on February 03, 2004, 12:24:26 pm
I was given a similarly battered model Commer PB1500 crew bus for my birthday. All I need now is to get hold of a model snotty tramp to lie in the back... :-\

I was talking to a mate who is a very skilled welder last night and he broached the subject of doing a Stretch Commer. Genuinely his idea not mine. And he suggested installing a revolving round double bed in the back. Christ knows why. I think he had been smoking something though.

Does anyone know of the existence of such a vehicle or would it be entirely unique?

I actually own a round double bed but in my house not my car  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 03, 2004, 12:33:55 pm
Quote
How about something a little differnet

Robbo, Nice - very nice indeed  ;D ;D.  If the MG SV makes it there in 2005 as reported, this could be the answer for the team - tow a trailer to carry all those useful bits for trackside repairs, without outside assistance, thereby remaining in the race.   Not sure how it would handle down the Mulsanne without a wing tho.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 03, 2004, 03:30:46 pm
Now this delightful oddity is available on e-bay.   One way of "stretching" the Commer, whilst maintaining the ability to blast the original vehicle, unencumbered, down the Mulsanne.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2457064003&category=43123



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 03, 2004, 04:38:31 pm
A few pages back, I was speechless with what some other idiot had done, but how would anyone have the nerve to drive THAT down the road? Most people would die of embarassment.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 03, 2004, 09:13:45 pm
Quote
How about something a little differnet

Robbo, Nice - very nice indeed  ;D ;D.  If the MG SV makes it there in 2005 as reported, this could be the answer for the team - tow a trailer to carry all those useful bits for trackside repairs, without outside assistance, thereby remaining in the race.   Not sure how it would handle down the Mulsanne without a wing tho.....

Audi UK could always adopt it. Imagine the fuel canisters Biela could carry!!!   ;D :-X ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on February 03, 2004, 10:19:14 pm
kind of looks like the caravan is eating/humping the mini, very strange


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 03, 2004, 11:08:12 pm
kind of looks like the caravan is eating/humping the mini, very strange

I know of some web sites where that sort of thing goes on!

Andy Z, you don't need a model tramp in the back of a model Commer - just a model pig.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on February 04, 2004, 12:49:31 am
I mean, I just had to have a look on ebay - couldn't resist.

Turns out it for sale through Barn Hill Minis and in the left hand corner of the photo is the very Disco and trailer that took away my project 1380 Mini when I sold it on ebay recently - brought a tear to my eye!

 :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 04, 2004, 09:48:18 am
Quote
the very Disco and trailer that took away my project 1380 Mini when I sold it on ebay recently

Maybe it is a cunning plot to convert the van into a unique sprint/hillclimb special using your old mini - this piece of crap mini/caravan history is unlikely to sell - looking at the minimania website, the van and "caraboot" is up for sale at £2,750............ ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on February 04, 2004, 02:26:22 pm
A few pages back, I was speechless with what some other idiot had done, but how would anyone have the nerve to drive THAT down the road? Most people would die of embarassment.

I'm sure they would! Imagine having a Mini grafted on to the front end of your lovely caravan  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on February 04, 2004, 02:40:24 pm

Quote

I actually own a round double bed but in my house not my car  ;)
Quote

You sexy little bugger, Gilles. Very Austin Powers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 04, 2004, 05:02:07 pm
I'm sure they would! Imagine having a Mini grafted on to the front end of your lovely caravan  ;)


Queue Robbo OBE.............for a mini rant ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 04, 2004, 06:11:27 pm
I am in far too good a mood today.

The trailer gets its stickers tomorrow and then its nearly finished


Bring on Le Mans


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chef on February 04, 2004, 08:15:35 pm
how about this for a honey of a le man set up.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 04, 2004, 08:33:15 pm
And i thought our trailer wasnt that big.

Well built though.

Whats in the back of the trailer.

A brocken down Corvette  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chef on February 05, 2004, 11:43:01 am
club arnarge t-shirts and mugs possibly


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 06, 2004, 12:40:29 pm
Now then, in terms of the thread title, I know this one doesn't quite fit into the "modern" category, but as a potential replacement, it really looks the business for the vintage/classic world.   Sleek, streamlined, with the observation lounge at the back to sit and wave to the Commers Cobras peasants as you roar past them on the N138.   Only trouble is I have no idea whatsoever as to what it actually is - anyone got any ideas?

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on February 09, 2004, 04:56:36 pm
Quote from: mgmark Only trouble is I have no idea whatsoever as to what it actually is - anyone got any ideas?
[quote

No idea, but this will get it back onto the front page !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on February 09, 2004, 10:03:19 pm
Only trouble is I have no idea whatsoever as to what it actually is - anyone got any ideas?

Ooh that is frickin' marvellous! Now that is what I call a Le Mans chariot! Looks a tad like it might be of French persuasion.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2004, 11:42:08 pm
I say its from the US of States. On account of the white walled tyres.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on February 10, 2004, 05:12:28 am
I say its from the US of States. On account of the white walled tyres.

Aye, there pure class, them whitewalls and moon discs. I'm thinking of putting a set on me 'vette.
The vehicle itself resembles a 4 wheeled suppository


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 10, 2004, 06:35:23 pm
Quote
I say its from the US of States. On account of the white walled tyres

Could well be, but not necessarily a US of A product - could be European made for the American market, like things such as the Austin Atlantic, Nash Meteropolitan etc.  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on February 16, 2004, 04:40:13 pm
Just to put it on top again.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2004, 04:44:42 pm
Funnily enough, I was just about to post on this thread! :o

With spring on the way, every red blooded gentleman's mind turns to...

Commers! >:(

I'll be digging the old girl of her winter slumbers out over next couple weeks and I'll find out whether she does indeed need replacing. ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 16, 2004, 04:55:21 pm
I'll be digging the old girl of her winter slumbers out over next couple weeks and I'll find out whether she does indeed need replacing. ???

Interesting coincidence!  I opened up the garage door yesterday to see if the big black beasty was still there and would actually start.
I've had a trickle charger on the battery all winter, the engine cranked over fine and gave a decent oil pressure.  So, a couple of squirts on the juice and varoooooom  ;D

After clearing the remnants of the winter fire wood from the front of the garage door, the old girl saw the day light for the first time in 4 months and off we roared up the road.

I'm pleased so say the acceleration and handling (?) still scares the sh*t out of me  ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 16, 2004, 04:58:34 pm
Funnily enough, I was just about to post on this thread! :o

With spring on the way, every red blooded gentleman's mind turns to...

Commers! >:(

I'll be digging the old girl of her winter slumbers out over next couple weeks and I'll find out whether she does indeed need replacing. ???


Love to come down and cheer you on old chap :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2004, 05:45:21 pm


Love to come down and cheer you on old chap :)

Jest not.  :)

You be cheering me on one minute, then without knowing it, you'll find yourself lying in the mud on your back under a Commer, scraping rust and crap off the underside. Before you know it, you'll have just finished rebuilding the brakes and it'll be gone midnight. :( :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 17, 2004, 09:52:30 am

Jest not.  :)

You be cheering me on one minute, then without knowing it, you'll find yourself lying in the mud on your back under a Commer, scraping rust and crap off the underside. Before you know it, you'll have just finished rebuilding the brakes and it'll be gone midnight. :( :(
Quote


Hmm..........sounds like a challenge  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 17, 2004, 10:17:13 am
What I know about rebulding cars you can write on the head of a pin, but I'll certainly come along as the official ale passer.  :)

I feel a get together coming on!!!  It could become an annual event.

"The Unveiling Of The Commer"   :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 17, 2004, 10:20:08 am
What I know about rebulding cars you can write on the head of a pin, but I'll certainly come along as the official ale passer.  :)

I feel a get together coming on!!!  It could become an annual event.

"The Unveiling Of The Commer"   :D

I'll bring the fancy pink ribbon and the big pair of scissors!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 17, 2004, 10:29:34 am
Quote
I'll be digging the old girl of her winter slumbers out over next couple weeks and I'll find out whether she does indeed need replacing

Andy, I'm sure she'll be fine - perhaps if you have a look at this wonder on e-bay as a possible replacement it will motivate you to undertake any necssary re-commissioning repairs..............

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2460677544&category=14256


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 17, 2004, 12:50:32 pm

I feel a get together coming on!!!  It could become an annual event.

"The Unveiling Of The Commer"   :D


Wonderful idea Mark  :D :D :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 17, 2004, 01:17:58 pm
Andy, I'm sure she'll be fine - perhaps if you have a look at this wonder on e-bay as a possible replacement it will motivate you to undertake any necssary re-commissioning repairs..............

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2460677544&category=14256

I'd have thought with a fibreglass camper on a fibreglass car body, following "fire damage" we'd be bidding on a pile of dust and twisted metal  :-\


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 17, 2004, 02:34:01 pm
Quote
I'd have thought with a fibreglass camper on a fibreglass car body, following "fire damage" we'd be bidding on a pile of dust and twisted metal  

Too right, although I would have thought that the volume of dust/melted plastic would be rather greater than the pile of twisted metal.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 17, 2004, 03:25:59 pm
Quote
Andy, I'm sure she'll be fine - perhaps if you have a look at this wonder on e-bay as a possible replacement it will motivate you to undertake any necssary re-commissioning repairs..............

And if that one doesn't motivate you, then perhaps the thought of this will............ failing all else, lease set the date, time and venuew, and I am sure there will be plenty of us to assist armed gas axes, engineers screwdrivers and sundry other useful restoration tools  ;D ;D

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 17, 2004, 04:03:06 pm

I feel a get together coming on!!!  It could become an annual event.

"The Unveiling Of The Commer"   :D


Wonderful idea Mark  :D :D :D

Okay then. The Commer will be unveiled in April and I will be installing the new awning too. I think we should have a little LM "warm up" at a mutually convenient campsite.  Any suggestions?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on February 17, 2004, 04:15:58 pm
It is before April but this friday is the start of the ALC batchelor meet. We are staying in the back garden of a pub in oxfordshire and the pub accepts us as residents. There are normally 30 of us that drink, eat and sleep at the pub ;D

Sunday driving is always a bit on the dangerous side though.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 17, 2004, 09:08:34 pm

I feel a get together coming on!!!  It could become an annual event.

"The Unveiling Of The Commer"   :D


Wonderful idea Mark  :D :D :D

Okay then. The Commer will be unveiled in April and I will be installing the new awning too. I think we should have a little LM "warm up" at a mutually convenient campsite.  Any suggestions?

The SPS trailer could have its first bath in British Spring time.....

what about near to Bognor Regis on the SUNNY south coast


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 18, 2004, 10:44:18 am
what about near to Bognor Regis on the SUNNY south coast

Sounds convenient


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 18, 2004, 12:52:03 pm
As long as you don't mean Butlins!!!!   ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: PC McGarry No.452 on February 18, 2004, 01:08:44 pm
How about Camberwick Green???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 18, 2004, 03:33:03 pm
Bognor sounds good to me. Better find a campsite. Anyone need a lift?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 18, 2004, 03:48:32 pm
Do you need us to call by Chez Zarse in case you need a hand getting the Commer going??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 18, 2004, 04:00:25 pm
How dare you doubt the Commer. >:( >:(

Actually, you better had!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 18, 2004, 04:59:04 pm
Errrm......Don't think I was the one who started the doubting!!   :(


I'll be digging the old girl of her winter slumbers out over next couple weeks and I'll find out whether she does indeed need replacing. ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on February 18, 2004, 07:12:17 pm
If you want a run out..How about 18/19 April at Gurston Down,near Salisbury to watch "The Burgundy Beast's" first outing this season at this hillclimbbe.

It is also my birthday,so we will begoing down on the Saturday evening so as to have a small party in the camping fieldand spectate on the Sunday


Wishy


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 18, 2004, 07:49:19 pm
Sorry not here, away watching test match cricket in West Indes (to make up for not going to the Rugby in Oz).

But don't let the fact there will be no Commer put anyone else off. 8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 22, 2004, 11:40:34 am
But don't let the fact there will be no Commer put anyone else off. 8)


But Andy, that's the whole point.........the Commers comming out ceremony  ;D ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on February 22, 2004, 02:09:38 pm
Quote
Sorry not here, away watching test match cricket in West Indes (to make up for not going to the Rugby in Oz).

Hmmm. Not only is that Andy Zarse a silver tongued b*stard with a quick wit, he seems to have a very lovely and understanding missus.

But I have his address, and now I know when he'll be away.
To be honest, I need a change. Mrs Smokie was just too much woman for me, and Smokie has been away far too often. She sucked me in and spat me out like a used wad of faceworkers' chewing tobacco. I've lost thirty pounds and have the complexion of a ream of Conqueror, that Smokie must have the constitution of Warren Beatty.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on February 23, 2004, 08:56:27 am
Quote
Smokie must have the constitution of Warren Beatty.
H

Not sure whether that's a compliment, I'll take it as one anyway  :)

As for Mrs smokie spitting anything....well...nuff said!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 26, 2004, 05:28:36 pm
Come on Zarse, get youre arse in gear.  When is the ceremony going to take place??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 26, 2004, 05:33:18 pm
Come on Zarse, get youre arse in gear.  When is the ceremony going to take place??

Anyone Fancy BTCC

April 11th 2004 - THRUXTON ??

Or is that too far ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on February 26, 2004, 05:38:06 pm
Oh yes, I will be there for sure - easy place to meet - the bar under the grandstand at Club Chicane?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 26, 2004, 05:42:08 pm
Hmmm.........Easter weekend.  Could be an excuse for a couple of days camping!  Now who can I get to go?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on February 26, 2004, 05:44:31 pm
Oh yes, I will be there for sure - easy place to meet - the bar under the grandstand at Club Chicane?

I will be going in with the MG lot ( about 60 of us i think ) . But will come find you all. we are in car park A , why i dont know, but already ticketed up.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 26, 2004, 06:01:01 pm
Gibber not sure when ALL WILL BE REVEALED. After I get back from watch England thrash the Windies I guess. Which means I won't be able to go to Thruxton as I will be in Antigua with some pals (sorry to rub it in).

But hey, you can't have everything.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 27, 2004, 02:10:59 am
Come on Zarse, get youre arse in gear.  When is the ceremony going to take place??

Anyone Fancy BTCC

April 11th 2004 - THRUXTON ??

Or is that too far ?

Easter weekend may cause  aproblem with the family but as Thruxton is only 15/20 minutes from me it's certainly not too far!!!!!    :) :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 05, 2004, 04:47:42 pm
Getting back on thread, certain of you guys, particularly JPC and Steve, expressed a long held desire to own a practical classic to take down to LM. However, it was winter, LM was too far into the new year and generally a bad time to be thinking of such things.

Well lads, spring is on it's way, the daffs are out and it's time to start thinking

COMMER
COMMER

Here's one for starters
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2463048329&category=14256

Get bidding, it's a bargain. The rust is easily fixed as long as it's sound underneath.

Come on guys. Don't make me be the only one....  :-[



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 05, 2004, 05:05:18 pm

I wouldn't be able to take the shame and humiliation  ;D ;D ;D

 ;)

Andy, are you sure it's not yours thats for sale  :o



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 05, 2004, 08:16:45 pm
Could you imagine two Commers on the same camp site. We'd get back fromt he Shampoo bar on Saturday night to find loads of little Commers running around the site!!   ;D

Seriously though Andy, what I know about doing up cars you could write on the head of a pin. I would be interested in something like this if I knew someone who knew something about Commers who would be willing to do the work required for a modest fee!!!!!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on March 05, 2004, 11:40:41 pm
Very tempting I must admit, but the Zarse Commer is a one off and I wouldn't want to spoil the uniqueness of it. Will make do with the Sube for now....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 06, 2004, 10:18:44 am
I would be interested in something like this if I knew someone who knew something about Commers who would be willing to do the work required for a modest fee!!!!!!  ;)

I know just the man, I'll watch for your bids  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 06, 2004, 11:44:35 am
JP they're easy. Not much to go wrong, though I'm very surprised that no one noticed that this particular example quite clearly has totally the wrong dashboard installed. It's the dash from the later Dodge Spacevan, so it's not very original and for that reason alone, I would'nt touch this van with a bargepole.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 06, 2004, 02:39:27 pm
JP they're easy. Not much to go wrong, though I'm very surprised that no one noticed that this particular example quite clearly has totally the wrong dashboard installed. It's the dash from the later Dodge Spacevan, so it's not very original and for that reason alone, I would'nt touch this van with a bargepole.

OK, thanks for the advice Andy

When you see one in more original condition that you are ready to do up for me let me know so I can start bidding!!   ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 09, 2004, 06:23:16 pm
 ;D
Ok here is the latest replacement idea - I think you may need a bit of a whip round.

(http://images.traderonline.com/img/3/dealer/781546/65350170_1.jpg)

(http://images.traderonline.com/img/3/dealer/781546/65350170_3.jpg)

Price - $1.5m, all we need is the exchange rate to keep getting better


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on March 09, 2004, 06:30:11 pm
I'd never get my arse in that little gold plated oyster bidet. Or anyone elses arse for that matter.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on March 09, 2004, 06:38:21 pm
Can't believe this fecking thread is STILL going!!!!

(Not that the beloved Zarse-mobeel doesn't deserve such notoriety!)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 10, 2004, 11:03:35 am
(Not that the beloved Zarse-mobeel doesn't deserve such notoriety!)


Precisely dear boy.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: opposite locker on March 10, 2004, 03:05:29 pm
Where do you live, jpchenet? To get to Thruxton, I'd need a lift from Southampton, but I don't know if I could get there anyway.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 10, 2004, 04:03:36 pm
Where do you live, jpchenet? To get to Thruxton, I'd need a lift from Southampton, but I don't know if I could get there anyway.

Wrong direction I'm afraid OL, I'd be travelling down from Basingstoke (if indeed at all)

That does bring us nicely back on thread again though!!

Mr Zarse, have you got any ideas of dates for the unveiling of the Commer??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 10, 2004, 04:56:30 pm
;D
Ok here is the latest replacement idea - I think you may need a bit of a whip round.
Price - $1.5m, all we need is the exchange rate to keep getting better

This vehicle is a simple parody of the Commer. It's the same, only a bit bigger. It doesn't appear to have the white leather straining straps above the golden bidet, which is a mistake if you ask me.

The Commer will be defrocked, so to speak, when I return from the Windies. But there is a lot of work to do first. The fumigation people are booked and they're also going to attack the chemical toilet, the emptying of which appears to have been overlooked for many years. Then as soon as the dead roaches, rats and mice are cleaned out of the oven, it'll be all ready to provide a bit of catering to you lot.

Why don't we arrange a go karting day? I think there's a pretty good track at Sandown Surrey, which could be convenient for quite a few of us. How about some time in early May?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 10, 2004, 05:13:17 pm
Go Karting sounds like a good idea Andy, although I think we should have a handycap system so that the lighter ones amongst us don't have too much of an advantage!

Does anyone know of any camp sites nearby so that the cumpulsory drinking session afterwards can take place without anyone having to worry about driving?

Sandown also do evening race meetings. Not sure if they'll start as early as May. Could make a whole day/night of it.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 11, 2004, 02:08:06 pm
I used to live only a couple of miles from Sandown, and I can tell you that there are NO campsites for miles.

Gonna have look at map and see what might be possible!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 12, 2004, 11:13:07 am
Quote
Can't believe this fecking thread is STILL going!!!!

(Not that the beloved Zarse-mobeel doesn't deserve such notoriety!)

As the originator of it, neither can I, but if you think about it, the thread is rather like the Commer itself - good, solid engineering built to last a lifetime and beyond, even if it does get a bit ropey around the edges at times........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 12, 2004, 12:05:26 pm
Gonna have look at map and see what might be possible!


Ok, have checked maps, and spoken to my brother who still lives in the area.  No campsites for miles, except a couple of scout camps.  Brother will make further enquiries, and I'll keep you posted!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 12, 2004, 12:22:46 pm
I suppose we could always investigate a local pub with large beer garden that might let us take it over??  Or I am sure there must be some B&B's nearby??

Of course, there must be some Go Kart tracks elsewhere that do have camping nearby!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 12, 2004, 12:28:50 pm
I suppose we could always investigate a local pub with large beer garden that might let us take it over??  Or I am sure there must be some B&B's nearby??

Of course, there must be some Go Kart tracks elsewhere that do have camping nearby!


Hang on a minute.  I'm gonna investigate some of the local pubs about rooms.  Can't think of any beer gardens to take over.  One must remember that this is 'Esher'  which is dead posh, OK mate ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 12, 2004, 12:43:11 pm
I suppose we could always investigate a local pub with large beer garden that might let us take it over??  Or I am sure there must be some B&B's nearby??

Of course, there must be some Go Kart tracks elsewhere that do have camping nearby!

Can't be that posh if it has a Go Kart track!!  ;)

Hang on a minute.  I'm gonna investigate some of the local pubs about rooms.  Can't think of any beer gardens to take over.  One must remember that this is 'Esher'  which is dead posh, OK mate ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 12, 2004, 12:48:13 pm
Right, heres a couple of results that I'm not too keen on ::)

Rosemead guesthouse Twin room (en suite) £65
                                     Small single room £45

Swan Inn (2 mins from above) Youngs pub frequented by Jimmy White (snooker) Double Room £89, Single room £69

Both of these are 10 mins drive from Sandown.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 12, 2004, 04:15:15 pm
I presume you get to spend the night with Jimmy White for that sort of money.

You think this is far fetched, I saw Jordan and Peter Andre out and about on the town in Haywards Heath last night. They didn't ask us to spend the night with them though. Can't imagine why.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 12, 2004, 04:39:41 pm
I presume you get to spend the night with Jimmy White for that sort of money.

You think this is far fetched, I saw Jordan and Peter Andre out and about on the town in Haywards Heath last night. They didn't ask us to spend the night with them though. Can't imagine why.

Probably because you didn't have a camera and weren't from the press so you couldn't offer them any publicity!!!!!   ::)

Now if you did have a camera.................... ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on March 12, 2004, 04:47:26 pm
You think this is far fetched, I saw Jordan and Peter Andre out and about on the town in Haywards Heath last night. They didn't ask us to spend the night with them though. Can't imagine why.

I have a cousin that owns a bar in Haywards Heath, not sure of the name of it ???.

What is it like for a beer in the evening, haven't been there for about 10 years..


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on March 12, 2004, 05:02:43 pm
How about this as a replacement for the commer ;D



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 12, 2004, 05:12:32 pm
How about this as a place to park the Enterprise

(http://www.base58.com/pics/skip.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 12, 2004, 05:14:27 pm
This is David Coulthards "Commer Replacement" - flash bar steward

(http://www.davidcoulthard.com/dc2000-motorhome.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 12, 2004, 05:18:56 pm
Here's a simple conversion if you're handy with a saw and hammer and nails


(http://www.conchbbs.com/3922/images/motorhome.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 12, 2004, 05:20:16 pm
This one would be usefull on the Rouen bypass and traffic jams.

(http://www.pacificpowerbatteries.com/GRAPHICS/gallery/exp%20motorhome.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 12, 2004, 05:22:56 pm

Not adviseable to take the corners too quickly though!

(http://www.town.bonnyville.ab.ca/municipal/images/02-motorhome.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 12, 2004, 06:20:03 pm
methinks that sandown might be a bit tricky, but my bro' might still come up with something.  We've still got loads of time  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 12, 2004, 08:04:14 pm
I presume you get to spend the night with Jimmy White for that sort of money.

You think this is far fetched, I saw Jordan and Peter Andre out and about on the town in Haywards Heath last night. They didn't ask us to spend the night with them though. Can't imagine why.

Probably because you didn't have a camera and weren't from the press so you couldn't offer them any publicity!!!!!   ::)

Now if you did have a camera.................... ;)
No but a friend did! Waiting for the piccies to be developed. Jordan was not wearing any make up and therefore appeared to have a face like a pan of smashed crabs. And she was squinting like a sack of whelks.

I can't believe it, HHeath used to be the most miserably dull town in England. When I worked there, the hight of sophistication was a pint and a prawn sandwich at the Sussex Arms. Now it has a strip to rival Vegas, wall to wall totty all aged 30-something and the Sussex Arms has closed down.

Plus ca change indeed!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 12, 2004, 10:54:34 pm
I presume you get to spend the night with Jimmy White for that sort of money.

You think this is far fetched, I saw Jordan and Peter Andre out and about on the town in Haywards Heath last night. They didn't ask us to spend the night with them though. Can't imagine why.

Probably because you didn't have a camera and weren't from the press so you couldn't offer them any publicity!!!!!   ::)

Now if you did have a camera.................... ;)
No but a friend did! Waiting for the piccies to be developed. Jordan was not wearing any make up and therefore appeared to have a face like a pan of smashed crabs. And she was squinting like a sack of whelks.

I can't believe it, HHeath used to be the most miserably dull town in England. When I worked there, the hight of sophistication was a pint and a prawn sandwich at the Sussex Arms. Now it has a strip to rival Vegas, wall to wall totty all aged 30-something and the Sussex Arms has closed down.

Plus ca change indeed!
So why the hell did you suggest Sandown Park as a place for the get together???

If there's space for Jordan, I am sure there's space for the Commer  (maybe two)  ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 15, 2004, 09:12:05 pm
Quote
How about this as a replacement for the commer

Steve - some really good efforts there, particularly the Star Wars shuttle bus.   Whether DC's palace is a bit out of our league is perhaps debatable    Now how about this wonder - the McQuay Norris from 1934 - did they ever build more than one ???

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on March 22, 2004, 11:48:35 am
noticed this in the T3 Magazine the other day. T3 is the initials of Tomorrows Technology Today!!

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 22, 2004, 08:27:13 pm
This is why the Zarse mobile has been kept under wraps all winter - he's been redecorating it!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 23, 2004, 12:56:50 pm
Quote
he's been redecorating it!

Not to mention those handy aerospace gadgets sprouting from it.............


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on March 23, 2004, 02:28:03 pm
Quote
he's been redecorating it!

Not to mention those handy aerospace gadgets sprouting from it.............

That is so we can watch the football on Sunday night!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 23, 2004, 02:31:46 pm
It's wonderful! I wonder where they got the idea though of putting Blackpool Tower on the side?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 23, 2004, 05:35:08 pm
Here's one for mgmark, proud owner of a Berkeley.

Perhaps Mark could enlighten us to what a Berkeley Foursome is? I've had a Lloyds Threesome (with a couple of girls from Lloyds Bank in Luton), but this sounds much more interesting.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2468740443&category=2192


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on March 23, 2004, 05:54:01 pm
That's definately better than a FIAT Uno.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on March 24, 2004, 02:27:34 pm
Not strictly a commer replacement, but it would be better for posing around the paddock thab those poncey little bradshaw electric carts.
Or you could say sod it, and drive the whole way on it.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Felix on March 24, 2004, 05:24:56 pm
I've just found this thread.

Here's my modern Commer replacement.



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 25, 2004, 02:56:42 pm
Quote
Perhaps Mark could enlighten us to what a Berkeley Foursome is?

Andy,

         Prepare to be enlightened.   Produced from 1956 to 1960, The Berkeley was unique at the time of its launch in that it employed not only a transverse engine and front wheel drive, but a complete fibreglass monocoque hull reinforced locally by lightweight aluminium sections.   Good (for the time) performance came from low weight, all-round independent suspension, a low centre of gravity, and hydraulic drum brakes on all 4 wheels, combined with a mighty 18hp from an Anzani 322cc, 2-stroke twin.   The Anzani was dropped at an early stage (reliability problems) and was replaced by a 20hp Excelsior 328cc twin engine.   Public demand, particularly from America, resulted in a search for a more powerful engine. leading to a 492cc triple version of the 328 twin.  With over 30 Bhp available to propel only about 600 pounds weight, performance was somewhat improved and the car could top 75mph.   The original Excelsior-engined 4 wheelers were joined by a 3-wheeler variant to attract those with motorcycle licences.   Later 4-wheel models were fitted with a 40bhp Royal Enfield 650cc 4-stroke twin to increase performance to top  90mph - a frightening prospect!   this led to the god awful styling of the front as displayed by the Foursome on e-bay, to accommodate the taller engine (valvegear).

All of these variants were designed as two seaters, although there was a small space behind the seats where it was possible to squeeze a very small person.   So, in an attempt to expand the appeal of the Berkeley further, a four-seat version, was introduced by lengthening and widening the basic shell and called the Foursome.  Although powered by the 492cc engine that was proving very popular, the Foursome failed to attract the buyers and less than 20 were built.   This one on e-bay (also currently in the club newsletter) looks like it is a Foursome, which had been fitted with the later bonnet/nose section to accommodate the engine fitted which is a Reliant 850 and, presumably the running gear, including a driven back axle.   It has also been fitted with a dreadful concotion of a hardtop, which looks like a combination of the front of a Berkeley Hardtop and the rear of a Ford Anglia.   A picture of a standard light blue Foursome, with my red one behind it is below

More info for those interested at

http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/berkeley.html (http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/berkeley.html)
http://www.pearsies.btinternet.co.uk/BerkModels.htm (http://www.pearsies.btinternet.co.uk/BerkModels.htm)

Mark


[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 30, 2004, 11:52:15 am

I love the paint job

(http://www.elcardonal.net/camping/camper%20atras%20izquierdo.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 30, 2004, 11:58:58 am
This is more my style though   ::)




[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chef on March 30, 2004, 01:51:22 pm
im concerned about its possible M.O.T failiure. does the throne have a seat belt?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on March 31, 2004, 09:17:28 am
This is more my style though   ::)


Looks like one of the bogs ffrom Beasejour  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 31, 2004, 02:57:05 pm
This is more my style though   ::)


Looks like one of the bogs ffrom Beasejour  ::)

It's not that bad!!!!   ;D  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 01, 2004, 10:47:22 am
An interesting alternative power source maybe ?

(http://www.powerchutes.com/graphics/pickup2.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 01, 2004, 11:55:09 am
Quote
An interesting alternative power source maybe ?

Or just strap a big paraglider wing on for an unparalleled view of the circuit during the race, an unbeatable way of avoiding the post-race jams getting out of the camp sites, and, finally, an outstanding way of avoiding paying rip-off prices to cross the channel  ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Felix on April 05, 2004, 11:00:29 pm
An interesting alternative power source maybe ?


That would come in handy to chop the spuds up.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Felix on April 12, 2004, 10:25:23 am

That would come in handy to chop the spuds up.


This is what I use.

(not really a modern commer replacment though........but a brilliant potato harvester - maybe needs a bit of paint??)

(http://www.pommernmuseum.de/Collections/AlteGeraete/KARTOFFELSORTIERMASCHINEI.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 20, 2004, 12:50:20 pm
Here's one not-so-modern Commer, been put out to pasture in the Antiguan sunshine. Worse ways of ending your days I guess. I remember when this old sod was still on the road, not that many years ago.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on April 20, 2004, 01:06:09 pm
I guess that you are back then!

How long until the above commer arrives in the UK for you next project?

Are you going to Pre-Quals? (There is quite a group of us now)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on April 20, 2004, 02:35:52 pm
Welcome back Andy.  Hope you enjoyed seeing the only defeat that we had ;D

Do you normally spend your holidays searching out old Commers, or is it that they find you?  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 20, 2004, 03:15:46 pm
Do you normally spend your holidays searching out old Commers, or is it that they find you?  ::)

True, I must say it's very sad spending your holiday looking for old Commers  ;D

Welcome home


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 20, 2004, 03:16:57 pm
Here's one not-so-modern Commer, been put out to pasture in the Antiguan sunshine. Worse ways of ending your days I guess. I remember when this old sod was still on the road, not that many years ago.

Who's that 40 year old bloke in the photo ?   ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 20, 2004, 04:14:46 pm
I guess that you are back then!

How long until the above commer arrives in the UK for you next project?

Are you going to Pre-Quals? (There is quite a group of us now)

No mate sorry, can't do it. One of LM crew is getting married on the Saturday and whilst I was hoping to be able to do the dover-calais route early on Sunday morning, in all honesty, it's just not practical. Have a good time though y'awl.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 20, 2004, 04:17:03 pm
Welcome back Andy.  Hope you enjoyed seeing the only defeat that we had ;D

Do you normally spend your holidays searching out old Commers, or is it that they find you?  ::)

It wasn't a defeat, the match ended as a draw!  :-[

There is a bit of an old lorry grave yard, containing a few Commers. It's on the way to the cricket ground and it seemed churlish not to stop and take a photo.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 20, 2004, 04:19:56 pm
Do you normally spend your holidays searching out old Commers, or is it that they find you?  ::)

True, I must say it's very sad spending your holiday looking for old Commers  ;D

Welcome home

Cheers Steve, but have you gone mad??

Sad?? No, there is no healthier pursuit for a clean living young man like me than to root out old Commers. You never know what you might find. These things are sheer gold.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 20, 2004, 04:26:42 pm

Sad?? No, there is no healthier pursuit for a clean living young man like me than to root out old Commers. You never know what you might find. These things are sheer gold.

Hmmm, I suppose the same can be said about me drooling over all the old 50's Chevys and Caddys in Mexico (next stop Cuba).

Oh, and the 70's muscle cars in Australia.


(http://www.danheller.com/images/LatinAmerica/Cuba/Cars/cars-u-big.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on April 20, 2004, 07:08:58 pm
Here's one not-so-modern Commer, been put out to pasture in the Antiguan sunshine. Worse ways of ending your days I guess. I remember when this old sod was still on the road, not that many years ago.

Which old sod??????  The Commer or the bloke in front of it???   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on April 21, 2004, 06:29:54 pm
Which old sod??????  The Commer or the bloke in front of it???   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Of course it's the old bloke in front, Mark.  cant you see the wrinkle lines   ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on April 21, 2004, 07:46:38 pm
Which old sod??????  The Commer or the bloke in front of it???   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Of course it's the old bloke in front, Mark.  cant you see the wrinkle lines   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Is that what they are........and he claims they are "smile lines"  ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on April 22, 2004, 10:31:23 am
Smile lines my arse...........oh no, sorry zarse.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on April 22, 2004, 07:26:22 pm
Just out of interest - and in all seriousness, who is the funny looking old slap-head with the bizarre sunglasses in the picture?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on April 23, 2004, 02:12:55 am
when will this thread DIE.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 23, 2004, 05:15:00 am
This thread is destined to go on for EVER :-*
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on April 23, 2004, 08:51:34 am
when will this thread DIE.



Old Commers Never Die.............They just go to pasture in Antigua!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on April 23, 2004, 09:54:23 am
Just out of interest - and in all seriousness, who is the funny looking old slap-head with the bizarre sunglasses in the picture?


Fair shout Matt, the picture is a bit bad, but I'm pretty sure that that is actually the Zarse man.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 23, 2004, 06:52:39 pm
Just out of interest - and in all seriousness, who is the funny looking old slap-head with the bizarre sunglasses in the picture?

Fair shout Matt, the picture is a bit bad, but I'm pretty sure that that is actually the Zarse man.

True, tis I although in the pic someone seems to have drawn a set of comedy eyebrows on my face. I'm fairly sure I don't normally look like that. The sunglasses are special ones I bought mail order. They're the new Xray specs that allow you to see through women's (and men's!) clothes, old Commer engine cowlings etc. Looking forward to seeing Amanda Stretton and Milka in June. And you Matt!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on April 23, 2004, 07:41:00 pm
Just out of interest - and in all seriousness, who is the funny looking old slap-head with the bizarre sunglasses in the picture?

Fair shout Matt, the picture is a bit bad, but I'm pretty sure that that is actually the Zarse man.

True, tis I although in the pic someone seems to have drawn a set of comedy eyebrows on my face. I'm fairly sure I don't normally look like that. The sunglasses are special ones I bought mail order. They're the new Xray specs that allow you to see through women's (and men's!) clothes, old Commer engine cowlings etc. Looking forward to seeing Amanda Stretton and Milka in June. And you Matt!!!


That's not you! You're having a laugh, surely. It's your Dad, isn't it?
Look at those spindley legs - like knotted string. Come on, Andy - who is the old fart?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 25, 2004, 09:11:37 pm
My legs were modelled on Spike Milligans I'll have you know, thin and wirey with knobbley knees. They have baffled the world's finest medical brains.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 25, 2004, 09:16:44 pm
The Commer lives.

Rather than waste my day hob nobbing with Herbert and Smith at PQ, I spent the day digging (and I mean digging!) the Commer out of it's winter grief pit. The good news is she runs ok, but there's a terrible fuel leak and I found a Robin nesting in the sink. I don't want to move the Commer til the her brood have fledged and flown the nest. So the unveiling ceremony will have to go on hold for the time being.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on April 30, 2004, 01:21:52 am
Get a grip, fellas, this had nearly slipped to page three !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 30, 2004, 06:13:06 am
Thanks dryhen good job someone is paying attention.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2004, 10:35:28 am
Quote
Thanks dryhen good job someone is paying attention

Absolutely - and its about time for a picture (one that has not appeared before) on the original theme - how about a camper version of the Austin Maestro?   British Leyland's finest  :o .....and I actually saw one these unworthy contenders being driven on the road day the before yesterday.......... :o and someone has taken the time, trouble and money to respray this one.... :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2004, 10:36:18 am
Quote
its about time for a picture

might help if I attached the bloody picture........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2004, 11:05:48 am
Now here's something - this sort of thing could well provide a serious rival to the "official" concert(s) - with all this talk of leaky fuel tanks, could it be that the Commer is really being secretly prepared.........

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 30, 2004, 01:30:54 pm
Secret preparation? Only in so far as I'm going to have a go at welding up the leaking fuel tank tomorrow. And the leaking water pipes. And the leaking brake cylinders. Oh and the tyre man is coming with a shiny new 185 R 15C. The make of tyre is called a FATE, they're made in Slovenia. At only £24.99 delivered, balanced and fitted I'm fairly sure it'll turn out to be a Fate worse than a fate worse than death. :P

PS When I used to live in Soton years ago, used to go to the Dorch for gigs. Prefer the Brook in Portswood these days.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 30, 2004, 05:48:30 pm

I'm going to have a go at welding up the leaking fuel tank tomorrow.


Oh sh*t!!!

(http://jodorowski.free.fr/paysage/explosion.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 30, 2004, 06:39:16 pm
Don't worry Steve. I should have said I'm going to braze the hole up, not weld it, so there shouldn't be a huge explosion.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 30, 2004, 09:20:50 pm
Hey Andy, I have the instructions for brazing fuel tanks.
Light the torch...........RUN ::)
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on April 30, 2004, 10:50:45 pm
The owner of that Maestro is an MG racing fan and from Glossop , Derbyshire

he calls is Maisie !! He also is the Maestro / Montego owners club secreary, but i have a feeling you know this !

Mark , have you been searching X Power forums ??? Or MG- Rover . Org ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on April 30, 2004, 11:08:08 pm
Don't worry Steve. I should have said I'm going to braze the hole up, not weld it, so there shouldn't be a huge explosion.
Petrol tank explosions are like lightning - if you hear the thunder, you've not been hit. We will all keep our ears open for a muffled rumble tomorrow - hope to see a post from you on Sunday !!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Maisie on May 01, 2004, 01:14:50 am
Hi,

Yes, that is indeed my camper van (named Muddle after the numberplate). It's actually not as impractical as you think - the diesel engine is very economical and reliable, there's space in there for 2, and yet you can go at normal road speeds and park anywhere and the converters (Tandy on the Isle of Wight) did a very good job of cramming a surprising amount of storage space into a small area.

I couldn't say how it compares to a Commer, never having had the chance to examine a Commer closely, but I would hardly say it was "unworthy"!

I've customised mine much more than the standard version, to my tastes and to please me. I'd like others to like it, but I'm not too bothered if they don't. At least I know that wherever I go in the world, nobody will park anything similar next to me  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 01, 2004, 01:44:23 pm
Respect to Maisie!

The best AA van I ever had was my old Maestro, loads of back end storage space and would pull like a train. It pulled an artic' off a roundabout once, though the clutch smelt "odd" for a day or two!!!

 ;D :-[ ;D

Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 01, 2004, 02:40:22 pm
Quote
He also is the Maestro / Montego owners club secreary, but i have a feeling you know this !  Mark , have you been searching X Power forums  Or MG- Rover . Org

Robbo, indeed I did and no offence intended Maisie - respect is due to anybody who actually rebuilds and keeps cars in good order, whatever they are - after all, with me, I have the delights of an MGA, but there is also a 45-year-old bundle of rivetted fibreglass and aluminium powered by a 20hp 328cc bike engine called a Berkeley..........all the best,

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on May 01, 2004, 04:49:00 pm
Don't worry Steve. I should have said I'm going to braze the hole up, not weld it, so there shouldn't be a huge explosion.
Petrol tank explosions are like lightning - if you hear the thunder, you've not been hit. We will all keep our ears open for a muffled rumble tomorrow - hope to see a post from you on Sunday !!!!

I live just down the road from Zarse, not heard anything yet. I have kept all the windows closed and the kids indoors just in case.
Did hear some sirens about 1/2 hour ago but a check from the upstairs window revealed no smoke on the southen skyline.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 03, 2004, 06:52:16 pm
I shalln't be trying that one again. I was blown across the lawn and I'm currently in the McEndoe ward of East Grinstaed Hospital, which has a world famous burns unit. Personally, I think the surgeon has done a bloody good job, least ways considering with what little bit of my face there was left to work with.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 04, 2004, 09:40:32 am
Andrew, you are a silly man.  Now get out of that bed, and get on with the Commer...............  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 04, 2004, 10:11:29 am
I shalln't be trying that one again. I was blown across the lawn and I'm currently in the McEndoe ward of East Grinstaed Hospital, which has a world famous burns unit. Personally, I think the surgeon has done a bloody good job, least ways considering with what little bit of my face there was left to work with.

Did the explosion burn your hair off  ;D

(http://www.morbid.demon.co.uk/deluxe-bald-wig.jpg)





Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on May 09, 2004, 10:02:09 pm
Hi Andy, Have your wounds healed yet? How is the Commer coming along? Inquiring minds need to know.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Felixs Cat on May 09, 2004, 11:54:47 pm
It may not be a Commer but it'll do me.


meeeoowww

(http://www.burningbeach.com/images/2002Desktops/CatCar.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 10, 2004, 11:26:22 am
Felix, I have something similar planned...

Hi Phil, good to hear. The C is coming along ok, just about to fit new shox all round as all the oil has come out of the old ones and it makes the back brakes lock up when you stand on em. Target date is Monday 31th May, she's entered in a local Classic Car Show and it would be nice to have her all done by then.

See you soon  

AZ


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 10, 2004, 12:27:33 pm
Where's the show Andy??  Could be a good time to get a few together for the unveiling??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 10, 2004, 01:01:12 pm
Good idea JP. It's Bank Holiday weekend and Staplefield Funday is a really nice traditional village fete. It is dominated by the Classic Car show, but there's loads of other things for wives, kiddies to do too, stalls, garden crap, fun fair, donkey rides etc. So if anyone is required to bring along the family, then it's not likely to be a total disaster. You'll just need to arrange for the wife to drive you home later, they have an excellent Beer Tent.

The organisers are still looking for "interesting" vehicles to go into the show, so if anyone wants to enter let me know and I can make the arrangements. Its not a serious show, more of a chance to show off your vehicle.

Staplefield is dead easy to get to, being just off the A23, the main London to Brighton road, go past Gatwick and stay on the M/A23 until you see the turn off half way down Handcross hill.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 10, 2004, 01:30:59 pm
Couldn't bring the missus.....not if there donkeys to ride!  ;D

Would they hire them out to us for a week in June?  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on May 10, 2004, 01:32:29 pm
Couldn't bring the missus.....not if there donkeys to ride!  ;D

Would they hire them out to us for a week in June?  ;D

Is that the missus or the donkeys you are on about Mark ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 10, 2004, 03:14:49 pm

Is that the missus or the donkeys you are on about Mark ;D ;D

That's brave of you Rick........she knows you only live down the road!!  ;)

If you see a dark blue Galaxy parked at the end of your road one evening be afraid, be very afraid!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 11, 2004, 07:00:04 pm
OK chaps........serious for a moment.  Anyone who wants to attent this magnificent festival and partake of the ale, but does not have a chauffer............we could arrange a taxi share from Three Bridges station (yes the fabled place of the kebab eating Zarse).

Anyone interested let me know, and I will get organising.

Andy........Which day of the weekend is the show?



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 11, 2004, 07:14:11 pm
OK chaps........serious for a moment.  Anyone who wants to attent this magnificent festival and partake of the ale, but does not have a chauffer............we could arrange a taxi share from Three Bridges station (yes the fabled place of the kebab eating Zarse).

Anyone interested let me know, and I will get organising.

Andy........Which day of the weekend is the show?


I think it's on the sunday but I'll get back to you on that one.

Three Bridges kebabs are pretty good but I dined al fresco at the Matter of Taste in the High St last night. Regret to say, a distinct lack of vomit on the pavement, but then again it was only a monday.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 11, 2004, 07:29:45 pm
My God Andy...........No vomit on Crawley High Street.  What is the world coming to.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on May 12, 2004, 04:18:18 pm
Andy,

Please forgive me for doubting the magical Commer! but I have just picked up Junes 'Practical Classics' and there is a 65 Commer Caravette being broken, bloke is in Rotherham. Didn't know if it may be of interest to you ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 13, 2004, 01:48:33 pm
Andy,

Please forgive me for doubting the magical Commer! but I have just picked up Junes 'Practical Classics' and there is a 65 Commer Caravette being broken, bloke is in Rotherham. Didn't know if it may be of interest to you ???

Thanks ABS. Don't suppose they mention if they've still got the rear leaf spring, which I could do with replacing. The ones on it now are bent the wrong way. Looks like we over did it on the sherry Sheila! :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on May 13, 2004, 02:26:13 pm
Thanks ABS. Don't suppose they mention if they've still got the rear leaf spring, which I could do with replacing. The ones on it now are bent the wrong way. Looks like we over did it on the sherry Sheila! :D


Andy,

There is a whole list of things there, I have got an image of the advert but can't get it under 250kb so can't post it up, send me a pm and I'll mail you a copy, or alternatively I can pm you the guys phone numbers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on May 13, 2004, 09:21:37 pm
This may not be a replacement, but I'm sure it would make a good accessory ::)



[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 21, 2004, 03:21:51 pm
OK chaps........serious for a moment.  Anyone who wants to attent this magnificent festival and partake of the ale, but does not have a chauffer............we could arrange a taxi share from Three Bridges station (yes the fabled place of the kebab eating Zarse).

Anyone interested let me know, and I will get organising.

Andy........Which day of the weekend is the show?



Right. Checked it out and it's on Monday 31st May, which is the bank holiday.

BTW does anyone know about the longevity properties of a Weetabix box when used on an engine as a gasket for a thermostat housing ? As it will be in contact with hot water, I rather think it will turn to something that looks like, well, wet Weetabix. Would I have been better off cutting up the Corn Flakes box? Or Golden Grahams?

Tough luck, I used the Weetabix box anyway, I'm just curious to know how long it will last.

PS Gibb, good news. Last week I stood in sick on the train back to Three Bridges late on friday night coming back from town! Even better, when I was being given a lift back next day to pick up my car, a seagull flying above us crapped, and about a pint and a half of green and white excrement splashed onto the windscreen right in front of me. Cue massive amounts of heaving and wretching. Hwwwuuurrrrppppp! As you know, I'm a bit squeamish. It really had my eyes running a treat and I had to spit that really thick slother you get out of the passenger window.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 21, 2004, 11:34:32 pm
Quote
BTW does anyone know about the longevity properties of a Weetabix box when used on an engine as a gasket for a thermostat housing ?

Andy - I suspect not long is the answer, but if you want to continue on the Blue Peter theme, try cutting up a cork floor tile... :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 21, 2004, 11:40:38 pm
I know nothng about engines so have no idea what sort of size you are talking about, but how about cutting up a neoprene stubby holder??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 22, 2004, 04:53:39 pm
PS Gibb, good news. Last week I stood in sick on the train back to Three Bridges late on friday night coming back from town! Even better, when I was being given a lift back next day to pick up my car, a seagull flying above us crapped, and about a pint and a half of green and white excrement splashed onto the windscreen right in front of me. Cue massive amounts of heaving and wretching. Hwwwuuurrrrppppp! As you know, I'm a bit squeamish. It really had my eyes running a treat and I had to spit that really thick slother you get out of the passenger window.


Oh  :-X Zarse.  Why does it always happen to you?

Looks like photies of the comming out event on Monday 31st.  Any other attendees out there?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 22, 2004, 06:29:37 pm
Hoping to make it, probably with the family in tow!!

Well.........someone has to drive home!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2004, 10:41:33 am
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD

f**k THE f**k*ng f**k*r THE f**k*ng f**k*r'S f**k*ng f**ked

 >:( :( >:(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Stu on May 24, 2004, 10:54:00 am
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD

f**ck THE f**ckING f**ckER THE f**ckING f**ckER'S f**ckING f**ckED

 >:( :( >:(

Don't hold back Andy. Speak you mind.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on May 24, 2004, 10:57:56 am
Sounds like someone had a productive weekend with the Commer !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on May 24, 2004, 11:41:41 am
Hmmmm....was that a "family friendly" post?  ::)

Can we presume that this year's Zarseposter is the only time we'll see the Commer???  :( :( :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2004, 12:52:07 pm
Sincere apologies Smokie, you're quite right. It will never happen again.

In mitigation, I can only say I'm a somewhat frustrated amateur mechanic at the moment. Particularly when a small but vital spring jumps out of it's housing and flies into the long grass of the field next door. Grrrr! Serves me right for "working from home" this morning!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on May 24, 2004, 05:23:14 pm
I think somebody needs a hug
PM


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2004, 05:59:09 pm
Thanks mate, as long as you keep your WS well away from me.  ;)

And I spy with my little eye something begininng with C needs which needs a bloody good kick in the trunnions.  >:(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 24, 2004, 06:54:56 pm
Hows your gasket?  I hope you put some Hylomar on it   ???

(http://www.smeertechniek.nl/Image1.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on May 24, 2004, 07:44:07 pm
For a non-techy that might rather look like a picture out of the Hayes Manual of Sex or how it is called.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 24, 2004, 08:04:14 pm
Have you managed to find said spring Andy??  A powerful magnet on a piece of string might help??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 24, 2004, 08:16:35 pm
Have you managed to find said spring Andy??  A powerful magnet on a piece of string might help??

Alternatively, you could use the spring out of a ball point pen  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 25, 2004, 09:40:33 am
Quote
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD

f**ck THE f**ckING f**ckER THE f**ckING f**ckER'S f**ckING f**ckED

Andy - deepest sympathies - that really is a very impressive string of swear words, albeit lacking a little variety - must have been a major toys out of pram scene at the time, so you might need to talk nicely to it for a bit.   Remember the old mechanics sayings

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
You only need two tools - if it should move and doesn't use WD-40; if it does move and shouldn't use gaffer tape.

And remember some of the earlier themes in this thread (which incidentally has now passed 600 posts.....) including the curse of the Commer - may your Commer last forever..... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on May 25, 2004, 10:23:19 am

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
You only need two tools - if it should move and doesn't use WD-40; if it does move and shouldn't use gaffer tape.

So the best toolkit in the world would comprise WD-40 and gaffer tape.  Love it! - I'll get packed then!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 25, 2004, 10:30:45 am
Quote
So the best toolkit in the world would comprise WD-40 and gaffer tape.  Love it! - I'll get packed then!  

The alternative for the less subtly minded is, of course, a hammer and gaffer tape.... ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 25, 2004, 10:51:46 am
The hammer always used to work for me.  Very useful for taking out the aggression when you lose the odd spring or two.

Woops, sorry Andy


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on May 25, 2004, 11:03:07 am
Maybe Haynes should change the spanner rating on the jobs in their books to hammer rating  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on May 25, 2004, 11:50:28 am
Quote
So the best toolkit in the world would comprise WD-40 and gaffer tape.  Love it! - I'll get packed then!  

The alternative for the less subtly minded is, of course, a hammer and gaffer tape.... ;D ;D

Don't forget an aggresive pair of pliers :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 25, 2004, 11:53:24 am


Don't forget an aggresive pair of pliers :)

I can hear mine growling in the toolbox now!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 25, 2004, 11:57:31 am
Quote
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD

f**ck THE f**ckING f**ckER THE f**ckING f**ckER'S f**ckING f**ckED

Andy - deepest sympathies - that really is a very impressive string of swear words, albeit lacking a little variety - must have been a major toys out of pram scene at the time, so you might need to talk nicely to it for a bit.   Remember the old mechanics sayings

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
You only need two tools - if it should move and doesn't use WD-40; if it does move and shouldn't use gaffer tape.

And remember some of the earlier themes in this thread (which incidentally has now passed 600 posts.....) including the curse of the Commer - may your Commer last forever..... ;D


Thanks for the support and ideas guys.

Mark, being in the military, I'm surprised you've never heard that expression before. I first heard it as a very young man when I was on fire picket at Sennybridge camp in Wales. The sergeant got us to test all the hoses, including the one coiled up on the gatehouse wall. It must have been there since national service days and had spent twenty odd years being blancoed and sitting in the sunlight, such as you ever get in Wales. We unrolled it and connected it to the hydrant. Once the water was turned on it virtually disintegrated and sprung about a thousand high pressure leaks, soaking said sergeant from head to toe with hilarious consequences. Purple with fury and looking like a big wet wounded peacock, he yelled at us to turn that effin' thing off.  He ended his order with the phrase above. The bastard got his own back by making us sleep on the guard house beds and we got eaten alive by bed bugs. What a dump that place was.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 25, 2004, 12:53:24 pm
Nice to see you back to normal Andy.  Need any help down there?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 25, 2004, 02:31:23 pm
Quote
Mark, being in the military, I'm surprised you've never heard that expression before

Andy - probably something to do with the sheltered existence of a crab rather than a pongo, much more refined and educated you see my dear chap, and swearing is so frowned upon in these PC days.   Marvellous tale from Sennybridge though - certainly made the rest of the office wonder what I was cackling at.   You're right that the place was a rather a god-forsaken dump and I don't think it has changed much since then.    The Light Blue "mots juste" in tricky situations tend to be more brief and pithy, like the time a Jet Provost was getting airborne from Cranwell, one of our primary flying training stations.   Now, the Jet Provost was not endowed with a surfeit of power and thus had rightly earned its title as an aerial vacuum cleaner - variable noise, constant suck.   Off the end of the main runway was a nice line of poplar trees that had grown taller over the years, and one of the old and bold pilots had not factored this into his take-off calculations on a hot, windless day, which led - unsurprisingly - to a lack of adequate height to clear the trees.   In the midst of working like a one-armed paper hanger in the cockpit and just before the aircraft ploughed through the trees, the last call from him to Air Traffic on the radio was a cheery "Timmmbbbeeerrr!"    ;D ;D  In case anyone was wondering, he did survive as an older, bolder and wiser pilot.

Glad your SOH has returned - keep up the fine work and remember the other fine mechanics saying

If you can't fix it then bodge it..... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 25, 2004, 03:17:52 pm

If you can't fix it then bodge it..... ;D


Wise words Mark, it works for me every time  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 25, 2004, 03:41:14 pm
Quote
Mark, being in the military, I'm surprised you've never heard that expression before

The Light Blue "mots juste" in tricky situations tend to be more brief and pithy,

Glad your SOH has returned - keep up the fine work and remember the other fine mechanics saying

If you can't fix it then bodge it..... ;D

As a seventeen year old cadet, I was once shouted out on parade by a big loud sod, no doubt for some petty transgression, such as accidentally saluting with my left arm. His cap peak was nearly perpendicula to his nose, so as to obscure his eyes. Actually, he had only one good eye, the other being glass. You could tell which the glass one was as it was the only one with a flicker of humanity in it.

"Zarse! Still! Stand still!" He bore down on me and continued, "Hif hintelligence was haltitude, then hewd be a bleedin' 'ole in the ground!"....

I think he may have had a point.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 25, 2004, 05:18:12 pm
Quote
His cap peak was nearly perpendicula to his nose, so as to obscure his eyes

Ah - falling foul of the marvellous form of the RSM or the RAF equivalentof the Station Warrant Officer!   How on earth they manage to operate with a view restricted to a 3" deep crescent centred on their toe caps I will never know.   I suppose what they lack in vision they make up for with volume.   Thing is they don't just restrict their comments to the great young unwashed of cadets and junior ranks and what wonderful characters they are, unbowed even by higher authority.   I will never forget a particularly fearsome SWO who was heard bawling across the parade square at some errant officer strolling nonchalantly across the surrounding grass - the words went "YOU - THERE - are making this Station look UNTIDY - Get OFF the grass NOW unless YOU want to COMB it back up NOW".  The said errant officer was none other than the Station Commander himself, a Group Captain, who unsurprisingly strode over to the SWO with the words - "I am the Station Commander and THIS IS MY STATION", to which the SWO simply replied "Indeed Sir, but Queen's Regulations require me to assist with the instructional development of inexperienced officers - it is Her Majesty's station - not yours.   I trust this will be the first and only lesson that I will need to give you ".........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 25, 2004, 06:12:09 pm
I'm not sure if this could replace the Commer as it needs wheels first !

.

[attachment deleted by admin]


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on May 25, 2004, 10:29:35 pm
Dunno about that - but it sure looks like it has one of those spring thingy's incorporated into the offside ornate balustrade. Quick work with a hacksaw and job done - even if it's not quite the same as the original I'm sure it could be made to fit.

Did you find the spring Andy?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on May 27, 2004, 08:41:25 pm
Quote
f**ck THE f**ckING f**ckER THE f**ckING f**ckER'S f**ckING f**ckED

That just about about describes me right now Andy.
There is a medical term: Shot to Pieces. It used to be "THE f**ckING f**ckER'S f**ckING f**ckED", but in these bright new days of PC the GMC encourage "Shot to Pieces". This is so as not to offend a newly discovered rainforest tribe known as The Little F*ckers and their very peculiar fertility rituals.
It's not known if The Little F*ckers log on to CA or not.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on May 28, 2004, 12:56:36 am
Duhhhh....I give up..... :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 28, 2004, 12:18:07 pm
Just to keep it clean Smokie, yes JP I got the little spring back. It flew out of the valve housing in the old fashioned lever arm dampers on the back axle which I have now renovated and which leak oil worse than ever. Morris Marina and MG owners will recall theses bits of mechanical genius with horror.

Tuesday is MOT day but things aren't looking too good on that score. So it will require a minor miracle for the Commer to be there this year. Or ever again.  :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 28, 2004, 12:22:58 pm
Just to keep it clean Smokie, yes JP I got the little spring back. It flew out of the valve housing in the old fashioned lever arm dampers on the back axle which I have now renovated and which leak oil worse than ever. Morris Marina and MG owners will recall theses bits of mechanical genius with horror.

Tuesday is MOT day but things aren't looking too good on that score. So it will require a minor miracle for the Commer to be there this year. Or ever again.  :(

I'll cancel my trip down the show on Monday then shall I  :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 28, 2004, 12:29:05 pm
The Commer should still be at the show and I understand they will have an F1 car there too. Surely you weren't going to drive all that way just to see my heap of rust were you???  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 28, 2004, 12:50:06 pm
Quote
Tuesday is MOT day but things aren't looking too good on that score. So it will require a minor miracle for the Commer to be there this year. Or ever again.  

Oh no  :o - mind you salvation could be at hand with either of these two (particularly the second one) :)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2479766062&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2479766062&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2480404350&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2480404350&rd=1)

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 28, 2004, 01:10:47 pm
The Commer should still be at the show and I understand they will have an F1 car there too. Surely you weren't going to drive all that way just to see my heap of rust were you???  ???

There's a method in my madness. Friends are off to Gatwick for a 4pm flight and the missus has volounteered to take them. So I thought I might come down by train in the morning, share a few in the beer tent etc, worship the Commer and then get the missus to swing by and pick me up after she's done the Gatwick drop.

Watch this space!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 28, 2004, 01:49:06 pm
Gatwick is only ten minutes further down the M23/A23, so your plan is sound. Let me know and I can arrange for my chauffeuse to have you picked up from Gatwick station (South terminal). Is Gibb still intending to come along? Any other takers? Nordic? Chrisgr31?

It's not an entirely terrible day out. We can get a good old lash going. They sell Harveys Sussex in the beer tent straight from the barrel and Timothy Taylors Landlord Bitter at the Jolly Tanners. The weather will no doubt be crap, but there you are, it's a bank holiday. Have you still got my mobile number?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on May 28, 2004, 02:00:40 pm
As long as the wife does not find out that there is any connection to Le Mans, cars or beer tents & I push to donkey rides and 'family attractions' then I should be able to pop along for a will to see the legand that is the commer.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 28, 2004, 02:05:10 pm
I'll PM you my mobile then we can hook up on monday. Be good to meet you.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 28, 2004, 04:05:08 pm
Yes I have Andy. I'll give you a call Sunday evening or Monday morning. What time do the festivities start??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on May 28, 2004, 06:05:51 pm
Just ran a vehicle check on the Commer:

Manufacturer    Commer
Model    
Body type    motor home/caravan
Colour    White
Fuel type    Petrol
Date manufactured    01 January 0001
Number of previous owners    8
Last owner change    19 August 2001

No wonder it's starting to give up the ghost, at that age...

It's a bit off-white too now!!!



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 29, 2004, 07:50:57 am
Just ran a vehicle check on the Commer:

Manufacturer    Commer
Model    
Body type    motor home/caravan
Colour    White
Fuel type    Petrol
Date manufactured    01 January 0001Number of previous owners    8
Last owner change    19 August 2001

No wonder it's starting to give up the ghost, at that age...

It's a bit off-white too now!!!


Hey Smokie, you working for the pigs or something??

8 owners? I looked into this a bit further and it was supplied new by Martins of Topsham, Exeter to a bloke called Jesus of Nazareth, this would explain the terrible old rusty nails I found in the back. It was also once owned by a Japanese bloke who lived in Croydon and he had to sell it to pay for his air fare as he was being deported. He sold it to a hippy in Lincoln, from whom I bought it.

Must send in the log book and get them to change the colour to bogie green.

And WTF am I doing up at 06.30 on a saturday morning? A good question and one to which I have no proper answer.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 29, 2004, 08:27:01 am
I've only just got home!!! Excellent night in the casino!!!!

As the saying goes.....I'm always in the sh*t, it's just the depth that varies!!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on May 29, 2004, 09:11:11 am
Nah you can get this info from the RAC website  :) Just register, then go to Vehicle Data Check


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 29, 2004, 04:59:20 pm
Gatwick is only ten minutes further down the M23/A23, so your plan is sound. Let me know and I can arrange for my chauffeuse to have you picked up from Gatwick station (South terminal). Is Gibb still intending to come along? Any other takers? Nordic? Chrisgr31?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on May 29, 2004, 05:02:44 pm

OK I'll remember to type some thing next time !!!!!!!  Yes Andy, still intending to attend, and photograph this extravaganza.  Any way of enabling embibement and travell would be most welcome.  Give me a ring with further details.

gibb


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:23:39 pm
OK, after the small interruption to service, I can now report on the Commer Coming Out Party

It was a lovely English summer day on Monday.  In the heart of rural Sussex the beloved Commer made its first official appearance of the year.  It was accompanied by many other vehicles of note, which had all turned out to wish it well for LM this year.

First pictire just after arrival at the show ground:



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:24:50 pm
After some delay (a few beers) the roof erection squad got to work



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:25:42 pm
Giving rise to a fully erect Commer   :o



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:27:01 pm
At first I suspected that Robbo had sent along a supporter, but it was someone else:



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:28:02 pm
Something for Mr. Harper to get interested in



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:28:37 pm
And again perhaps



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:31:18 pm
And now for Steve Brown's homage to the Commer.  An original 1965 Cobra.  This one was race tuned engine delivering 500 horses, and the blasted ground shook when it fired up.  Awesome  



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:31:53 pm
And the engine from the same



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:34:48 pm
A selection of other exotica made the pilgramage as well



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on June 02, 2004, 03:35:09 pm
Nice pics Gibb. Shame I couldn't make it.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:36:42 pm
Even some old Lm veteran types made it.  Actually the one in the middle has been driven round the Bugatti circuit.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:37:36 pm
Nice pics Gibb. Shame I couldn't make it.


It was a very fine day Rick


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:39:05 pm
And penultimately..........Zarse actually claims to have fitted modern carburation to the hallowed vehicle



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:41:45 pm
And finally, the proud father displaying the state of the art air conditioning devices (wood blocks)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Stu on June 02, 2004, 03:42:50 pm
Even some old Lm veteran types made it.  Actually the one in the middle has been driven round the Bugatti circuit.



Is that Smokies caravan in the background?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:45:43 pm
STOP PRESS.................STOP PRESS

 :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(   :'(

Zarse has informed me that the Commer has failed its MOT on a large number of items.  As I write, legions of highly trained chimpanzees are swarming all over it in an effort to put things right.

We can only hope and pray for a just outcome.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 02, 2004, 03:52:09 pm
Is that a Rosette I see adorning her windscreen?????  It doesn't seem to be there in the first shot!!

Can we assume she won a prize???  :D :D :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 03:58:39 pm
Is that Smokies caravan in the background?


LOL, very good Stu.  actually there was some old bird doing Gypsy fortune telling.  I ask you   ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 04:00:23 pm
Is that a Rosette I see adorning her windscreen?????  It doesn't seem to be there in the first shot!!

Can we assume she won a prize???  :D :D :D


Very observant of you Mark.  The rosettes were distributed later in the day, and this one was for the exhibitor with the biggest nerve displaying what they had  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 02, 2004, 04:34:01 pm
And now for Steve Brown's homage to the Commer.  An original 1965 Cobra.  This one was race tuned engine delivering 500 horses, and the blasted ground shook when it fired up.  Awesome  



I've a strong feeling this is a fake.  It looks far too 'new'.  There's a company call Hawk Cars in Frant near Tunbridge Wells that have been producing '289' style cobras in fibreglass for a number of years now.

For the last couple of years, they've been involved in a joint venture with a US company called Kirkham to produce a '489' style cobra.
The aluminium body shells are made in a former Mig factory in East Germany.

The engine looks like a true '60's 427 cubic inch Ford side oiler, but they are still available if you've deep pockets.

The car in the photo's is styled as a 427SC (ie. a competition model) of which only a handfull of original were made and most are in the US.
Plus, the soft top looks very much like a Hawk item.

Sorry for my scepticism, I'm not easily impressed now  ;)

Thanks for the excellent photos anyway.

For more details, see here http://www.hawkcars.co.uk/hawk427/index.html (http://www.hawkcars.co.uk/hawk427/index.html)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 02, 2004, 04:36:36 pm
And penultimately..........Zarse actually claims to have fitted modern carburation to the hallowed vehicle



Well it's got a sticker anyhow  ;D ;D



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 02, 2004, 04:37:07 pm
I bow to your superior nowlege in these Matters Steve, but the guy had left a notice on the screed proclaiming its authenticity.  i didn't actually get to speak to him but Zarse did.  maybe he has a better take on it than I do.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 02, 2004, 04:38:02 pm
STOP PRESS.................STOP PRESS

 :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(  :'(   :'(

Zarse has informed me that the Commer has failed its MOT on a large number of items.  As I write, legions of highly trained chimpanzees are swarming all over it in an effort to put things right.

We can only hope and pray for a just outcome.

CATASTROSCOPE - all hands to the spanners, I'm on my prayer mat now.

 :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on June 02, 2004, 05:15:23 pm
 


Quote

I've a strong feeling this is a fake.  It looks far too 'new'.  There's a company call Hawk Cars in Frant near Tunbridge Wells that have been producing '289' style cobras in fibreglass for a number of years now.

For the last couple of years, they've been involved in a joint venture with a US company called Kirkham to produce a '489' style cobra.
The aluminium body shells are made in a former Mig factory in East Germany.

The engine looks like a true '60's 427 cubic inch Ford side oiler, but they are still available if you've deep pockets.

The car in the photo's is styled as a 427SC (ie. a competition model) of which only a handfull of original were made and most are in the US.
Plus, the soft top looks very much like a Hawk item.



Quote


The Cobra had a full history rundown on the windscreen telling how it was salvaged from a burnt out wreck & giving a chassic number, I to was doubtful at first but left feeling it may have been real and why buy a LHD fake?.

Sorry to hear the commer failed the MOT, good luck on the rebuild and hope it makes it, if not enjoy LM anyway.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Felix on June 02, 2004, 05:20:38 pm
This is bad news, you could have had my old chip van for a knock down price.  Other than the engine (that expired last year - remember) the other parts were useable.

(well, the carpet smelled of chip fat!)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 02, 2004, 06:44:52 pm
It was good to see you Gibb and great piccies too. As a day out, it had plenty to recommend it and was a right proper lash up too; we eventually left the pub a little after closing time. Fortunately a girlfriend was pursuaded to drive the commer home after the fete.

Your pics makes the old bird look better than she is in real life.  As Nordic said, she's not as pristine as he thought she'd be! Cheeky swine! But good to meet Nordicand brother  and his wife and two lovely kids who were properly attired, I was pleased to note, in Le Mans teeshirts.

Yes MOT failed and not looking too hopeful, but perserverance is my middle name. Actually, it's not, it's John, but you know what I mean.

Steve, I'm no expert, but I'm sure it was not a cobra replica, though I understand your cynicism. It was certainly an alloy body version. Every item seemed original and had the proper pattina of age. As Nordic says, there was a pretty comprehensive list of spec and previous owners and dates of sale and purchase. The current owner inported from the States last year. It was originally sold by a dealer in Niagra Falls in 1965.  No wonder the carpet was still wet. It had only done 4500 miles from new. I am at variance with Nordic's reading of the accompanying notes. I thought it was the factory that burnt down, not the car. Still I was a bit pissed, so will defer judgement. Anyway, it was a real beauty.

PS Gibb, it has got a Webber carb, purchased last year from Speedy Spares in Shoreham to replace the totally knackered Solex unit.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 02, 2004, 06:53:39 pm
Andy, what the hell are you doing here ??  :o

Get back out under that Commer  >:(



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 10:13:12 am
Andy, I always believed you about the carb, but I wasn't sure about the rest of the sceptics on this forum  ;)

I'm sure we are all praying for the Commers speedy recovery.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 10:15:08 am
Morning Steve.  I've offered to go down and help him but he seems to think he'll be OK.  Here's hoping


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 03, 2004, 10:28:38 am
Morning Gib, does Andy know of a testing station with a more 'liberal' interpretation of the regs?

(for 'liberal' read 'sensible, practical and experienced')


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 10:33:29 am
I'm not sure that would help Steve.  On Monday we were examining some very dodgy looking rust, and the following day AZ reported that the failures were many.  Sounds like anywhere would fail it.  I've already taken him to task over having an MOT due so close to LM, and he promised to get another one done after the race this year (thereby ensuring next years attendance) but the whole thing looks dodgy now.

Still a chap of his perseverence will win through.  Actually, I suspect he's got some slave or other fixing it as we speak.  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on June 03, 2004, 10:34:39 am
I'm not sure that would help Steve.  On Monday we were examining some very dodgy looking rust, and the following day AZ reported that the failures were many.  Sounds like anywhere would fail it.  I've already taken him to task over having an MOT due so close to LM, and he promised to get another one done after the race this year (thereby ensuring next years attendance) but the whole thing looks dodgy now.

Still a chap of his perseverence will win through.  Actually, I suspect he's got some slave or other fixing it as we speak.  ::)

Does he really need an MOT to drive down to le Mans ??  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 10:38:07 am
The vehicle is illegal on British roads without one, and his insurance would be invalid


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 03, 2004, 11:45:58 am
OOOOOOOOH - thats a bit scary - but its OK,  I've just ruined it ;D(http://C:\Documents and Settings\Brad\My Documents\Message.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 03, 2004, 11:46:33 am
It didnt work :-(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 03, 2004, 11:49:45 am
Thanks very interesting that you mentioned that.
When Andy Zarse passed 666 posts, he had all kinds of unpleasant mishaps, the least of which was a bad car accident.

We call it "The Curse of the Commer".

Be afraid  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 12:57:06 pm
Oh s**t, it had to be me that did it  :o  What sort of c**p is going to happen to me now?  Think I'd best be off to the pub, and sit in a quiet corner contemplating rusty Commers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2004, 03:32:01 pm
Morning Gib, does Andy know of a testing station with a more 'liberal' interpretation of the regs?

(for 'liberal' read 'sensible, practical and experienced')

Yes. This had crossed my mind and it's being attended to.

I have sorted out the rusty front panel/sill by covering it in a new coating of underseal. Just need to attend to the leaky rear shox, worn front suspension eye bolts, excessive steering play, badly adjusted brakes, leaky diff oil seal and broken rear numberplate light and we'll be on our way!

Piece of piss!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 03, 2004, 03:55:33 pm
Bl**dy hell Andy, thats quite a list for such a short time.  Sure you're OK?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 03, 2004, 03:56:21 pm
Andy, have you considered an alternative therapy for the Commers ailments?

I was browsing a workshop manual the other day by Jack 'Swarfega' Chopra that recommended a more non invasive approach.

Park the Commer facing East at dawn and start with a little light chanting. You will need to be dressed in saffron robes, and a large piece of quartz inserted as far up your a*se as you can bear without weeping, will help no end. It'll be handy to have close by a paraffin lamp, some rubber gloves and about half a litre of Karma.

Dust (I'm paraphrasing from the manual here) the transmission and steering rack with fairy crystals blessed by the great Mystic Wizard Merlin (you should find him at most Kwik-Fit outlets). A holistic approach should help with the holes in the sills. Mix about 5 grams of Exchange and Mart granules with about 2000L of distilled water, extract about 5g of this solution, and repeat. Stir this into a huge amount of Isopon with a Chakra stick and inject directly into the sill. Hum a little song, preferably by George Harrison. Install a few druids in the Commers Inner Space and leave them to summon up the God of Glastonbury.

Re-submit to your local MOT station, but don't speak. Hold your hands together in a praying pose and just nod and smile serenely to all his questions. Finally, remove the crystal from your backside before it does some real damage.

It worked with me.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 03, 2004, 04:00:37 pm
I have sorted out the rusty front panel/sill by covering it in a new coating of underseal. Just need to attend to the leaky rear shox, worn front suspension eye bolts, excessive steering play, badly adjusted brakes, leaky diff oil seal and broken rear numberplate light and we'll be on our way!

Piece of piss!!

A couple of hours work then  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2004, 05:09:02 pm
Andy, have you considered an alternative therapy for the Commers ailments?

I was browsing a workshop manual the other day by Jack 'Swarfega' Chopra that recommended a more non invasive approach.

Park the Commer facing East at dawn and start with a little light chanting. You will need to be dressed in saffron robes, and a large piece of quartz inserted as far up your a*se as you can bear without weeping, will help no end. It'll be handy to have close by a paraffin lamp, some rubber gloves and about half a litre of Karma.

Dust (I'm paraphrasing from the manual here) the transmission and steering rack with fairy crystals blessed by the great Mystic Wizard Merlin (you should find him at most Kwik-Fit outlets). A holistic approach should help with the holes in the sills. Mix about 5 grams of Exchange and Mart granules with about 2000L of distilled water, extract about 5g of this solution, and repeat. Stir this into a huge amount of Isopon with a Chakra stick and inject directly into the sill. Hum a little song, preferably by George Harrison. Install a few druids in the Commers Inner Space and leave them to summon up the God of Glastonbury.

Re-submit to your local MOT station, but don't speak. Hold your hands together in a praying pose and just nod and smile serenely to all his questions. Finally, remove the crystal from your backside before it does some real damage.

It worked with me.
H

I'm prepared to try anything once, although I'm mighty sceptical. I haven't got any quartz crystals and Halfords have run out, so will a piece of jagged glass do the trick? They did have Gunson's Mechanic's Wode and a natty little pine scented air freshener cum Dream Catcher thingy which I'm giving a try out to. I'd also hoped the Commer's ability to self project itself into a shimmering chimera of a new Iveco Turbo Daily would have helped fool the MOT tester but he just muttered a mystic phrase and blew some sandalwood incense into the cab and the image was lost.

Unfortunately the Inner Space is full, inhabited by tools, tow rope, spare inner tube, evil spirits, incubus, succubus etc. I especially enjoy the succubus which comes out when parked near a strong layline.

In summary then, holistic is good as you pass the WHOLE MOT test. Glad the Jagwah made it through but, if your suggestion works, I'll eat my dhoti!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 03, 2004, 05:29:07 pm
It's sounds like an uphill struggle alright Andy. Short of bribery and Zen Buddhism it's looking grim. Have you explained to the tester that you don't intend doing more than 25mph, at least not without a drink? What's Plan B?

The jag got through in the end, the certificate is still not 24 hours old, all I have to do now is find that insurance certificate so I can tax it.

I'm well behind schedule this year, I haven't even cooked the Chilli yet, let alone find my most revolting y-fronts for packing. I'm sure the race has come around in 51 and not 52 weeks this time, it's shot my program to pieces.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 03, 2004, 05:48:05 pm
I'm sure the race has come around in 51 and not 52 weeks this time, it's shot my program to pieces.
H

H, you may be right.  It's been over the Fathers Day weekend for the last few years so it is early.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 04, 2004, 12:40:48 am
Or maybe Fathers day is late?  :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on June 04, 2004, 01:09:45 pm
Quote
H, you may be right.  It's been over the Fathers Day weekend for the last few years so it is early.

Quote

At last ! Breakfast in bed, papers, warm slippers, the latest Who CD - all provided willingly by my adoring son ..... who for the past xxx years has used the excuse of me being in France for a total lack of Fathers day presents ..... :'( :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on June 04, 2004, 01:15:11 pm
And you don't let him come.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on June 04, 2004, 01:17:31 pm
Quote

At last ! Breakfast in bed, papers, warm slippers, the latest Who CD - all provided willingly by my adoring son ..... who for the past xxx years has used the excuse of me being in France for a total lack of Fathers day presents ..... :'( :'(

Yep, will make a change my eldest is four years old and I haven't been around for any fathers day yet even when we lived in Saudi I still got to LM!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on June 04, 2004, 01:18:29 pm
He's got exams in the next two years - or that's my excuse. Besides, we took him when he was 9 weeks old - to take him now would be a serious drain on the beer supply - what are 15 yr olds coming to !?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on June 04, 2004, 04:07:52 pm
- what are 15 yr olds coming to !?

16 :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on June 04, 2004, 06:17:08 pm
- what are 15 yr olds coming to !?

16 :D

I asked for that, I s'pose .......  Smart ass :) :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 04, 2004, 08:42:22 pm
Just been working flat out to get ahead of the game at work before leaving next week, so have missed the recent exchanges until now.   My MGA passed its MOT earlier in the week, so that's all done and dusted  :).    I know what you mean about a week missing from the preparation programme - it all seems to have arrived a bit quickly this year!   Andy - best of luck with the Commer - good tip for leaking shock absorbers is not to have any oil in them, then they don't leak - doesn;t work so well with a leaking diff seal though..... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 06, 2004, 03:46:10 pm
It's sounds like an uphill struggle alright Andy. Short of bribery and Zen Buddhism it's looking grim. Have you explained to the tester that you don't intend doing more than 25mph, at least not without a drink? What's Plan B?

The jag got through in the end, the certificate is still not 24 hours old, all I have to do now is find that insurance certificate so I can tax it.

H You are a clever fakir!

And thanks to the encouragement receieved from you all guys here I'm pleased to say that due to finding an especiallyn lenient (lax?) MOT station, I am now in possession of a new and valid MOT certificate.

So The Commer will be on it's way down on Thursday morning; I expect to arrive some time on Saturday.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 06, 2004, 04:29:27 pm
Quote
So The Commer will be on it's way down on Thursday morning

wahaaay!

There is a Gott in Himmell! Lark on the thorn, snail on the wing, and all that.

See you for a warm beer!
H

PS Put four commandos in full camoflage gear in the back, and you should have no problems at passport control...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on June 06, 2004, 04:42:56 pm
Congratulations Andy, I look forward to seeing the legend that is the commer in MB :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Stu on June 06, 2004, 07:19:50 pm
Look forward to seeing it. Great News. Audi will be shitting themselves now.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 06, 2004, 10:15:35 pm
Quote
So The Commer will be on it's way down on Thursday morning; I expect to arrive some time on Saturday.

Hurrah - what wonderful news at the end of a weekend of domestice penance, paying in advance for buggering off and enjoying myself !   That's the bulldog spirit - outstandingly well done old chap!  Marvellous testament to individual perseverance etc.  ;D ;D ;D

Quote
Audi will be sh**tting themselves now

I imagine that the Audi camp is already quaking with fear and readying itself for a tactical withdrawal....



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 06, 2004, 10:48:16 pm
Excellent news Andy, I'm standing by to walk in front with the red flag  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 07, 2004, 12:08:07 am
Quote
Excellent news Andy, I'm standing by to walk in front with the red flag  

Steve - surely not - even a Cobra with american iron under the bonnet is no match for the sheer power of the Commer at full chat..........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 07, 2004, 08:55:49 am
Splendid news Andy.  See you tonight.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ruptured Duck Motorsport on June 07, 2004, 09:09:58 am
Well done Andy!!!

I have my Commer "promotional" material for this years race printed and laminated and will be proudly stuck to the window of the Sud!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2004, 12:39:12 am
Disaster!! Has anyone got a rotor arm for a Commer?  :( Old one burnt out today.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 09, 2004, 01:09:51 am
I bet there's still one in the one down by the Three Bridges!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 09, 2004, 09:12:19 am
Disaster!! Has anyone got a rotor arm for a Commer?  :( Old one burnt out today.


Bl**dy h**l Andy, is there no end to this years troubles?  Can't say I've got one, but is there anything else one might assist with?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on June 09, 2004, 09:28:22 am
Disaster!! Has anyone got a rotor arm for a Commer?  :( Old one burnt out today.


Bl**dy h**l Andy, is there no end to this years troubles?  Can't say I've got one, but is there anything else one might assist with?

Like pushing ? No, that wasn't fair but I couldn't resist.

Sh*t !!! Andy, I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck and I hope you will get it together again in time. My fingers are crossed.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2004, 11:24:52 am
Dizzy cap also full of hairline cracks and it's sparking out all over the place. New gear is on order from Lucas and they've promised it'll be here by 3.00 this afternoon. If it isn't I'll have to risk it with the old knackered ones.

One way or the other, I will get there!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on June 09, 2004, 11:31:11 am
Dizzy cap also full of hairline cracks and it's sparking out all over the place. New gear is on order from Lucas and they've promised it'll be here by 3.00 this afternoon. If it isn't I'll have to risk it with the old knackered ones.

One way or the other, I will get there!

Must add to the list

TAKE A TOW ROPE

to help Andy get home again!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on June 09, 2004, 11:31:13 am
One way or the other, I will get there!

That's the spirit !!! All the best of luck.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 09, 2004, 06:04:10 pm
One way or the other, I will get there!


Of course you will dear by.  But I always carry a tow rope just in case.

Best of British.  Stiff upper thingy and all that.  Eh what?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on June 09, 2004, 06:07:49 pm
Hope you get the Commer sorted. Just to help things along a copy of the Commer poster now proudly displayed in the side window of the Sube for the journey over. Legal insurance policy doesn't say if it covers court action taken by the ACO but what the hell.......

Hope the old beast makes it OK.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2004, 11:58:22 pm
If the new cap and rotor arm doon't arrive, Andy's I'll bring a bottle of Tippex or we can cadge some nail varnish (nonmetallic type) off Mrs RS2babe and rebuild it to "good enough status" and get you home again. No worries!

Bill

(note new Temporary address, Houx Annexe, near some Cobras, midwest France) ;) ;) ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 14, 2004, 10:19:05 pm
Now then - as we all return from Le Mans via various routes to our various abodes, the world awaits silent and hungry for news - did the Commer make it there and back??????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on June 15, 2004, 12:16:48 am
Now then - as we all return from Le Mans via various routes to our various abodes, the world awaits silent and hungry for news - did the Commer make it there and back??????

I saw the said Commer leabving Maison Blanche at about 0900 hours this morning, spluttering, and then it got trailered on the Autoroute to Alencon later, but it was going fine.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 15, 2004, 02:28:28 pm
On Saturday finally got to see group C cars, AND the Commer in the metal. Both a glorious site, thought nothing could better that and then we had a great race to. ;D 8) ;D 8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 15, 2004, 03:38:10 pm
Quote
I saw the said Commer leabving Maison Blanche at about 0900 hours this morning, spluttering, and then it got trailered on the Autoroute to Alencon later, but it was going fine.

The suspense and excitement is killing.   I expect a full write up of this tale of gritty determination from the man on his return.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 16, 2004, 12:13:36 am
Yes, it was there.  I personally inspected it for roadworthyness on Thursday evening in MB .......

......and hammered past it at 90 on Monday morning  ;D

(hope all is well Andy)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 16, 2004, 12:33:34 pm
Quote
(hope all is well Andy)

Steve - I note from the "I'm back" thread that the man himself has returned...........

Quote
Got back yesterday and checked straight into The Priory! They've just taken the straps off my wrists and I've stopped shaking just enough to type this. Full report later.

Seems to be in deep shock - either that or been drinking too much Red Bull as sustenance on the way back.......... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 16, 2004, 01:23:06 pm
Thanks for the encouragement guys and to those who dropped by our site and showed an interest in the old girl. There were days in the run up that I though she just about wasn't going to make it.

On a strictly Commer theme, here are a few statistics for you to digest:

Average speed on run from LM to Ouistreham was 29mph including traffic jams, refuels, piss stops etc. >:( :-[

Average fuel consumption for whole trip was 15.42mpg :(

Milage travelled door to door and back again was 401 miles. Speedo turned to 53,666 just as we went past the turning to a village called Commeau! I absolutely kid you all not and I have witnesses to this! Now just how spooky was that?? :o

Top speed reached was 72.5 mph on the Commer speedo but Porsche 996 behind say it was only 66mph on his clock. Judge for yourselves which is more accurate! :D

Interior accomm pretty good, it's nice to have a proper cooker, sink, shower and a foam bed. :D

Reliability: Rather poor.  >:(

Radio and interior light packed up on way home.  >:(

Failed to start for return journey due to flat battery and had to be jump started. (Could be because radio and interior light had been on virtually for four days continuously.  >:( >:( >:(

Failure to make it up the ramp to get on the ferry without much stalling and clutch slipping (Could be cos she's only 40bhp and was freighted up to the bollocks with the whole camsite gear of nine people and carrying four fat people, sixteen crates of wine, five crates of cidre and twenty crates of beer).  :(

Rear wheel nearly fell off just outside Fontwell racecourse on way home. (Could be due to some twat not tightening the nuts up properly when the tyres were being switched just before the off.  >:( >:(

No water or oil consumed but this hardly makes up for the above catalogue of abject unreliablilty and failure. :-[

In summary, what a heap of sh it!  >:(

But she's a beauty, she's mine and I wouldn't have it any other way.  :-* :-* :-*


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on June 16, 2004, 01:30:57 pm
Well nice to hear the old girl made the trip Andy. Came looking several times but to no avail. Might have something to do with not being able to see thru the beer/whisky/brandy goggles that I was permanently wearing making up for not being a press room monkey for the first time in 7 years - and boy did I make up for it!!

Had LOADS of comments (all +ve) about the posters proudly displayed in the Pug - the Commer truly is a thing of legend!!

Oh and apologies to anyone who I offended at the Shampoo Bar - can't remember an awful lot about it to be honest!!!

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on June 16, 2004, 01:55:06 pm
Whbat an adventure.....I came for a look too but could not find, saw a Bedford CF and a Transit MkI campers in Karting.....

any pics of this magnificent 'lady'?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 16, 2004, 02:22:40 pm

Average fuel consumption for whole trip was 15.42mpg :(


Bloody hell.  I feel a whole lot better now (having put 240 euros of petrol in the fire breathing monster)  :'(



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 16, 2004, 02:42:53 pm
Andy,

         Thank you, the world can now breath easy at the safe return of you and the old girl.  :)  Marvellous tale of non-stop adventure from a living legend  :o   Makes Shackleton's Antarctic exploits look positively non-descript  ;D  

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 16, 2004, 03:34:58 pm
But she's a beauty, she's mine and I wouldn't have it any other way.  :-* :-* :-*


Well said Andy.  Glad she made it.  Did you get the new dizzy cap etc before leaving?

Oh,  and don't forget to get another MOT next month, to ensure next years arrival  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chef on June 16, 2004, 04:28:30 pm

Average fuel consumption for whole trip was 15.42mpg :(


Bloody hell.  I feel a whole lot better now (having put 240 euros of petrol in the fire breathing monster)  :'(



i see the oil price went up again this morning. Can see why. Ouch!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 16, 2004, 06:22:24 pm
On Saturday this year, I purchased a wholy inadequate substitute for my own Commer.  The only thing I can say is that it's the same colour.  It has none of the charm grace and sophistication of the Commer.  It does not provide foam matresses to sleep on, or a proper sink and kitchen facilities, but I am going to love it anyway..........In my own sad inadequate way...................


Oh well here's a picture ----


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 16, 2004, 07:21:14 pm
Gib, are you going to go "Vroom vrooooom" on the carpet?  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 17, 2004, 07:47:48 am
Some people clearly do not have the same patience as Andy with their cars...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2481794738


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lawnmower Man on June 17, 2004, 09:43:25 am
Was that the commer I saw bording the 09:00 Caen Portsmouth Ferry?
Looks to me like it will want to go back next year. ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 17, 2004, 10:02:20 am
Quote
Some people clearly do not have the same patience as Andy with their cars...

Smokie,

            Clearly not, although one can perhaps understand why, when the link leads you to a sh**ged out Skoda Favorit.   However, I notice that the item title contains the key words of "Disintegrating", "Rustheap" and "Catfood".   This does, of course, lead naturally to the obvious supplementary question of what on earth you were looking for when you found this item?  

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 17, 2004, 10:37:34 am
I cheated, I found the link somewhere else... :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 17, 2004, 03:11:13 pm
Quote
I cheated, I found the link somewhere else

Aaaww....there was me thinking you might have been looking for some really off the wall stuff.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 17, 2004, 04:30:08 pm
Gib, are you going to go "Vroom vrooooom" on the carpet?  ;)


already done it Steve  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 21, 2004, 01:37:18 pm
Now that the Commer has made it to and from Le Mans in 2004, and Mr Zarse committed to plans to re-MOT is in plenty of thime for 2005, will there be a need for a replacement or will it soldier on for another year?   To ensure its continued well-being, then setting its sheer quality against the following contemporary candidates should be enough motivation to ensure that the legend of the Commer lives on and leads next year's Audis down the Mulsanne......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2482644295&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2482644295&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2482528144&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2482528144&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=2482444926&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=2482444926&rd=1)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 21, 2004, 02:52:35 pm
Leyland ambulance looks interesting - stood for 15 years though  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 21, 2004, 04:54:25 pm
Now that the Commer has made it to and from Le Mans in 2004, and Mr Zarse committed to plans to re-MOT is in plenty of thime for 2005, will there be a need for a replacement or will it soldier on for another year?   To ensure its continued well-being, then setting its sheer quality against the following contemporary candidates should be enough motivation to ensure that the legend of the Commer lives on and leads next year's Audis down the Mulsanne......


Mark,

Trust your A did the biz for you at LM.

The Commer will be there next year, so no need for a replacement just yet. My best estimate based on the half life degradation of it's nuclear powerplant is that it should be in need of replacement in about the year 2305, so she should see us all out. This, I would imagine, is about the same as a well pampered MGA, unless it has the twin cam engine, in which case will last till about next week.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 21, 2004, 05:34:16 pm
Our convoy 'trundled' past Mark and his MGA on the M20 on the way down to LM.
Hope we weren't too noisy Mark  ;)

I also had the pleasure of passing the Commer on the LM / Alencon toll road (some speed differential though  :o )


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 23, 2004, 01:11:23 am
Quote
Mark,

Trust your A did the biz for you at LM.

The Commer will be there next year, so no need for a replacement just yet. My best estimate based on the half life degradation of it's nuclear powerplant is that it should be in need of replacement in about the year 2305, so she should see us all out. This, I would imagine, is about the same as a well pampered MGA, unless it has the twin cam engine, in which case will last till about next week.

Andy - thanks - well-pampered but well used - still got all the dirt and dust on it.   Indeed the A did the biz very nicely, tooling along at 70 plus, 2 up with luggage  ;D , no overheating, but suffering a couple of times with fuel vaporisation because the underbonnet temperatures rocket on hot days, with no forward motion, particularly when stopped at the umpteenth set of traffic lights in Rouen >:(  The scuttle vents work beautifully above about 30 mph, but do nothing when stopped or in slow traffic.   No solution to that really, as I don't want to cut louvres in the bonnet - just have to live with dancing on the pedals to keep the revs up at about 1500-2000 while braking and changing down.  Mines a pushrod 1622, so like the Commer, I expect Lord Nuffield's best will continue to serve faithfully for a long time to come yet!  Twin cams make a lovely noise but are soooo finicky on timing and fuel - mines just nicely blueprinted and flowed with a tubular manifold, so a few more horses are there above the standard - now a really nice step up would be the Derrington crossflow head and webers, but that's a grands worth of kit for which I can't stretch the finances - yet!   Let me know when you need new fuel rods - I 'm sure the Navy will have some to spare somewhere!

Quote
Our convoy 'trundled' past Mark and his MGA on the M20 on the way down to LM.   Hope we weren't too noisy Mark  

Steve - and a grand sight and sound it was too, with those delightful V8s drowning out not only the sound of Mr Nuffield's best four pot, but also - thankfully, if momentarily - the sounds of garage/trance/house whatever the heck it was booming out of the ICE system installed in son's Ford escort following us to Le Mans.......

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 27, 2004, 11:40:52 am
Came across this little beauty the other day...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on June 27, 2004, 11:41:33 am
And from the rear...................


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on June 28, 2004, 07:57:33 pm
Just thought I'd bring this topic back up ...

one for next year

(http://uploader.co.uk/images/commerreplacement.jpg)

BTW spotted a Commer Camper at the breakers "Bridges" on the M/A23


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on June 28, 2004, 08:28:17 pm
I also spotted a Commer camper just off the M25 heading south on the M3 (not heading south too quickly as it was on the hard shoulder!!!)

Hadn't seen one in years until the Zarse mobile at LM and have now seen a couple in the last few weeks.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 28, 2004, 11:23:17 pm
Quote
Hadn't seen one in years until the Zarse mobile at LM and have now seen a couple in the last few weeks.

Probably something to do with resurrection from hibernation with the onset of warmer weather.   Now this one may not exactly qualify as a modern replacement, but it would be a slightly less old replacement - a source of spares for Team Commer Veloqx UK, or a potential competitor in the form of Team Commer Champion USA........
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18308&item=2483143788&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18308&item=2483143788&rd=1)
............I hadn't realised they were still rolling them off the production line as late as 1974.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 28, 2004, 11:34:30 pm
...or how about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2482265545


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 28, 2004, 11:41:30 pm
Smokie - excellent  :o described as an "ex-Tokyo pimp wagon" it makes you wonder what on earth is going on in Derby these days... although the prospect of performance down the Mulsanne palls a bit when you read "2.0 litre engine".   Like the side exit exhaust - rather reminiscent of a 962 (if you stretch the imagination to breaking point).   Not sure about the rear deck, as it looks like the sort of thing you should be jumping off into water, like the back of the yachts moored uop in Monaco harbour....now I know the red wine is affecting the brain this evening.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 28, 2004, 11:45:55 pm
The front looks like a snow plow, or a cow catcher  :-X


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 28, 2004, 11:50:52 pm
Far be it from me to distract from Smokie's outstanding find in Derby (the cow catcher at the front is probably for diving into the harbour when you've parke diot the wrong one round...) but I have happened across this - now either there is one German in Soltau who is being a tad unrealistic about the value, or Zarse is onto something - we should be told..........
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9897&item=2483198768&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9897&item=2483198768&rd=1)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 29, 2004, 12:03:46 am
Quote
The front looks like a snow plow, or a cow catcher  

Sussed it now - the front and back extensions are really tables for the convenient enjoyment of picnics in roadside laybys and the sound systen is to drown out the sound of the artics roaring by...... Alternatively, you could play a tape of a rumbling Chevy 5.7 V8 to drown out the sound of a nissan 2.0 litre engine..........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 29, 2004, 12:32:28 am
Bloody hell Mark, nothing on the TV tonight?  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 29, 2004, 01:53:31 pm
............I hadn't realised they were still rolling them off the production line as late as 1974.......

Mark

You underestimate the longevity of the Commer. It finally ceased production as late as 1982. By then it was known as the Dodge Spacevan, with a horrid facelift that did away with the happy smiley face and replaced it with a nasty black plastic shroud. They also added a steering lock to stop it being nicked! As if! It was still crap too.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 29, 2004, 02:04:28 pm
Far be it from me to distract from Smokie's outstanding find in Derby (the cow catcher at the front is probably for diving into the harbour when you've parke diot the wrong one round...) but I have happened across this - now either there is one German in Soltau who is being a tad unrealistic about the value, or Zarse is onto something - we should be told..........
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9897&item=2483198768&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9897&item=2483198768&rd=1)


In Germany huh? Probably once owned by either a disgruntled squaddie or an equally disgruntled holiday maker who gave up the struggled and dumped it in the barn. Thus for the current "owner" to be asking £6,500 for it, to my mind, does seem a touch on the high side.

These things are very valuable of course and the Germans notoriously have an appreciation of fine engineering, so anything is possible I suppose. Hope it makes it's reserve price. If so, I feel a little motoring trip to Germany coming on, with a one way air ticket home. You might say I'd sold my soul to Santa. Sorry, Satan.

I dare say HGB will be round to view it at the weekend.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 29, 2004, 02:18:55 pm
Quote
Bloody hell Mark, nothing on the TV tonight?  

No - just distraction therapy from trying to find a campsite for the family holiday this year.... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 29, 2004, 02:21:31 pm
A family camping holiday Mark? Have you considered visiting Germany? It's lovely around Hanover at this time of year and I know where there's a nice campervan out there and it's going cheap...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 29, 2004, 02:32:16 pm
Andy,

           
Quote
You underestimate the longevity of the Commer

Ceertainly did - looks they got their money's worth and more out of the design and tooling costs then!

Quote
Probably once owned by either a disgruntled squaddie or an equally disgruntled holiday maker who gave up the struggled and dumped it in the barn

with it being in Soltau, a squaddie of some years ago is quite possible - it looks like the sort of thing that might even have been a good old NAAFI wagon at some point... ;D

Quote
If so, I feel a little motoring trip to Germany coming on, with a one way air ticket home.
I applaud your usual spirit of adventure based on a description of "the wagon works" and pictures which show the right hand side held up a jack, presumably to disguise some sort of actual or imminent suspension collapse.....

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 29, 2004, 02:35:02 pm
Quote
A family camping holiday Mark? Have you considered visiting Germany? It's lovely around Hanover at this time of year and I know where there's a nice campervan out there and it's going cheap...

Now there's a thought - ideal - drive out there and surprise the family with an all-inclusive self-catering package in the midst of a Hansel & Gretel type of dark German pine forest - they can go bear hunting.....whilst I fix it up and drive it back home - I can hear the cheers now on landing at Dover.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on June 30, 2004, 09:36:21 am
Andy, following on from our conversation at Goodwood FOS, this is what i learnt  to drive in when i we're a lad!(http://)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on June 30, 2004, 10:09:47 am
I bought my first Commer this week-end !


Ok it's just a Corgi milk delivery model, But I don't loose the hope of having one real one another day  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on June 30, 2004, 10:59:47 am
I dare say HGB will be round to view it at the weekend.

Just seen this... the owner claims that this Commer is working. It was build in 1960, first registered in 1969 and ran until 1998 clocking 55.000 kilometers.

Seeing the pictures I believe 10.000,- Euros is a bit far from normal. The sentimental value must be 9.999,-. The rest is worth probably 1,- Euro.

Unfortunately, Soltau is not around the corner. Otherwise I would visit this chap for a good laugh.  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: TonyT on June 30, 2004, 02:19:52 pm
Nothing to do with topic of the thread but just feel I need to a comment in this monumental thread.

I need to get out more..............How long till next year.........



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 30, 2004, 03:03:24 pm
I bought my first Commer this week-end !


Ok it's just a Corgi milk delivery model, But I don't loose the hope of having one real one another day  ;)

Gilles,

Let me be the first to welcome you to a very exclusive club. Very exclusive indeed. You will suffer envy and verbal abuse from those less priviledged folk who are not fellow Commer owners. But the pride in owning one of the worst designed, badly compromised but long lived and quirky vehicles ever made will be well worth while.

Congratulations! You are clearly a man of good taste and a bon viveur.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 30, 2004, 03:04:54 pm
Andy, following on from our conversation at Goodwood FOS, this is what i learnt  to drive in when i we're a lad!(http://)

It's an early fifties split screen model. Peter, that ages you so badly it's not true!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on June 30, 2004, 03:40:35 pm
Andy, following on from our conversation at Goodwood FOS, this is what i learnt  to drive in when i we're a lad!(http://)

It's an early fifties split screen model. Peter, that ages you so badly it's not true!

Mr Zarse, not that old, al least the headlamps have moved to the wings!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 30, 2004, 07:00:29 pm
If you can successfully put a Rover V8 in a Minor, I'm sure a Commers a viable proposition...........




.............to rake up an earlier couple of pages of this thread (about page 10?)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 01, 2004, 12:13:14 pm
Nothing to do with topic of the thread but just feel I need to a comment in this monumental thread.
I need to get out more..............How long till next year.........

Ah - like the Commer, this thread carries on..... I imagine that it will have topped 100 pages by next year........ ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 01, 2004, 12:21:19 pm
If you can successfully put a Rover V8 in a Minor, I'm sure a Commers a viable proposition...........
.............to rake up an earlier couple of pages of this thread (about page 10?)

Steve,

           To go back to that point in the thread, you should also remember the talk of installing jet power in the Commer......instal that, chain it down at Tetre Rouge, wind it up, release it and then watch it fly..... can't resist the photo which is one of those now missing from the earlier posts  ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 01, 2004, 07:09:29 pm
True, if they can do it to this.................

(http://www.ihra.com/photos/2002/shreveport/shockley.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on July 01, 2004, 07:18:07 pm
I bet Stu and Bri are sitting on the tailgate, sharing a bottle of BBQ fluid... :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 01, 2004, 09:58:42 pm
If you can successfully put a Rover V8 in a Minor, I'm sure a Commers a viable proposition...........
.............to rake up an earlier couple of pages of this thread (about page 10?)

Steve,

           To go back to that point in the thread, you should also remember the talk of installing jet power in the Commer......instal that, chain it down at Tetre Rouge, wind it up, release it and then watch it fly..... can't resist the photo which is one of those now missing from the earlier posts  ;D ;D

What sort of fuel is the blackbird using?  Big tank still not empty after 6 years!(http://)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 02, 2004, 10:04:33 am
Good starting point for a turboprop engine here
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26437&item=2483250796&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=26437&item=2483250796&rd=1)

(http://i22.ebayimg.com/01/i/02/0d/74/cd_1.JPG)
 
or for pure jet thrust
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483467517&category=26437 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483467517&category=26437)

(http://www.i10surplus.com/images/jet5.jpg)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 02, 2004, 10:12:29 am
This is more like it.  I feel a project coming on  ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483231098&category=26437 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483231098&category=26437)

(http://i17.ebayimg.com/02/i/02/0b/23/e2_1_b.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 02, 2004, 10:17:40 am
This is more like it.  I feel a project coming on  ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483231098&category=26437 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483231098&category=26437)

(http://i17.ebayimg.com/02/i/02/0b/23/e2_1_b.JPG)

PROJECT?

It looks complete to me!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 02, 2004, 12:57:13 pm
Quote
This is more like it.  I feel a project coming on  

Steve,

            If the project ever gets off the ground  ;), then leave those ones behind - you really need reheat for those lovely shock diamonds and crackling roar.   One of the pair out of one of these would do very nicely...........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 02, 2004, 01:18:02 pm
Cheers Mark, unfortunately there are no Avons or Speys available on e-bay at the moment  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 02, 2004, 01:28:09 pm
Quote
Cheers Mark, unfortunately there are no Avons or Speys available on e-bay at the moment  

I know - shame really that they are in such short supply for worthy projects........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 02, 2004, 03:06:58 pm
Quote
Cheers Mark, unfortunately there are no Avons or Speys available on e-bay at the moment  

I know - shame really that they are in such short supply for worthy projects........

Thunder City in South Africa is always a good source for anything that runs.

http://www.thundercity.com/



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 05, 2004, 10:20:07 am
Quote
Thunder City in South Africa is always a good source for anything that runs

Marvellous to see - they've got the only airworthy Lightnings flying there, because it's about the only place in the world that allows reheated jets to fly legally owned by privateers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 05, 2004, 05:37:47 pm
There was a documentary on Discovery Wings channel recently about the South African Lightnings - shame there's none left in the UK.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 05, 2004, 07:12:42 pm
There was a documentary on Discovery Wings channel recently about the South African Lightnings - shame there's none left in the UK.

Depends on what you are looking for, plenty of lightnings left in the UK and still running.  Bruntingthorpe still do their thunder days where the birds still run along the runway at max takeoff power, though restricted from rotating.  And classic jets like sabre, canberra, hunter, provost, etc can be seen at kemble, bournemouth, duxford.  If you are getting withdrawal symptoms fancy a car meet at an air show?

http://www.lightnings.org.uk/

http://www.kemble.com/images/Kemble_events_2004.doc



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 05, 2004, 10:15:33 pm
I was at the Vulcan taxi run and classic car show the other day at Wellesbourne. Their Vulcan XM655 had a power run in which she rotated to lift the front u/c of the deck as the reheat was cut off...

Suppose they could always say they had to do that to induce drag so she couldn't fly off, it was awesome for those of us that loved the old "tin triangle" Sad that she will never be allowed to fly again, though.

There were some great old cars there too and the highlight was being allowed to park under the Vulcan at the end of the show for the Photo-opportunity of the year. (Kept the rain off too, wet weekend in June, yeuch!)

Bill :)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 02:12:08 pm
Quote
Depends on what you are looking for

Nothing comes close to the sight and sound of a full reheat take-off by a Lightning F6 - engines spool up, brakes off, full reheat, rushes down the runway, up off the deck, wheels up, pilot holds it horizontal whilst building speed, crosses the airfield boundary, rotates to the vertical.   About 90 seconds from releasing the brakes, the airfield lies about 60,000 feet below (that's 11.36 in miles) .......awesome indeed. ;D ;D ;D  

Oh - and that was nearly 40 years ago in 1965, long before the recent crop of F-14s, 15s, 16s and 18s which the dear old Lightning would outperform in a vertical climb.   Mind you - sod all fuel left after that to tool around before needing to return to terra firma.   For those who have ever seen or experienced it when the Lightning was in service, the memories remain ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 07, 2004, 05:54:24 pm
MGMark, hmmmmh, did you ever see 56 sqdn performing aerobatics with a nine ship F3 formation.  Awesome sound as they used reheat quite a bit to keep the formation within the crowd view.  If memeory is correct they didn't last long probably to much fuel used, but impressive non the less.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 07, 2004, 06:02:06 pm
Quote
Depends on what you are looking for

Nothing comes close to the sight and sound of a full reheat take-off by a Lightning F6 -

No, your right Mark. But you never forget seeing a Vulcan on rotation and then marvelling at the low speed handling and weird pitch attitude during a display. The most eery noise I've ever heard. Once saw her display at HMS Daedelus and the pebbles on the beach literally shook!

So I was pleased to hear that the Vulcan people at Bruntingthorp have been awarded a big slug of lottery money to get the old bird XM back to the sky. I for one can't wait to see her display and anyone with even the faintest interest in noisy, fast, smelly machines should do to.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 07, 2004, 06:05:22 pm
MGMark, hmmmmh, did you ever see 56 sqdn performing aerobatics with a nine ship F3 formation.  Awesome sound as they used reheat quite a bit to keep the formation within the crowd view.  If memeory is correct they didn't last long probably to much fuel used, but impressive non the less.

Googled this pic

(http://www.tim-beach.com/light2.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 06:18:11 pm
MGMark, hmmmmh, did you ever see 56 sqdn performing aerobatics with a nine ship F3 formation.  Awesome sound as they used reheat quite a bit to keep the formation within the crowd view.  If memeory is correct they didn't last long probably to much fuel used, but impressive non the less.

As well as encounters with the Lightning during various work-related existences over the years, I do remember that one in particular, as a lad being taken to an air show at Gaydon in the late '60s.   Awesome just doesn't adequately describe that 9-ship formation, and the Red Arrows (with Folland Gnats) at the time made hardly an impression by comparison  ;D   In the final twilight of its service, I also saw the farewell 9-ship flypast tour of the Lightning around the Lincolnshire airfields.   It was sometime in 1988 or 1989 when I was at Cranwell - can't remember which, but that was an equally evocative and impressive moment as the Binbrook boys gave us a good, if brief, display with a slow flypast (well, about 350 knots or so), followed by an excellent return at just subsonic speed, throttled right back as they crossed the station boundary, whistled across the airfield and then stood on the tails and opened up........the ground shook and grown men cried...... :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 06:27:24 pm
Quote
But you never forget seeing a Vulcan on rotation and then marvelling at the low speed handling and weird pitch attitude during a display.

Andy - indeed not - another awesome beastie.  Low wing loading and bags of unreheated power and amazing things were possible.  it will be lovely to see XM back in the air one day soon and I do hope the guys at Bruntingthorpe manage it.   As well as displays, the sight of multiple Vulcans scrambling from Waddington was again something to behold!

Steve - nice Lightning piccy! ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 07, 2004, 06:29:02 pm
can remember once on exercise with the Phantom mud pluggers, we were providing FAC support in Germany,  a phantom overcooked his approach speed into the target, needed to be sub sonic for the munition,  huge condense cloud formed from the intakes back about a mile out, throttles chopped, Spey turbine blades bouncing out of the engine.  It was a good prang.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 06:54:23 pm
can remember once on exercise with the Phantom mud pluggers, we were providing FAC support in Germany,  a phantom overcooked his approach speed into the target, needed to be sub sonic for the munition,  huge condense cloud formed from the intakes back about a mile out, throttles chopped, Spey turbine blades bouncing out of the engine.  It was a good prang.

Marvellous - a not entirely surprising event given the laws of physics.   Now you're onto real hairy-chested territory with the F-4.   A similar FAC exercise for new controllers with aircraft dropping live 1000lbers on the range saw the number 2 in the formation being instructed to bomb on his leader's smoke.   Only problem was that the novice controller hadn't noticed a farmer burning stuff in his field about 10 miles short of the target and the equally novice number 2 didn't realise exactly where he was.... nobody hurt, but an extremely angry farmer took some placating


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 07, 2004, 07:20:53 pm
Interesting event, was the nav out to lunch or just admiring the scenery?  Can't beat the ole fashioned A1 eyeball, compass and stopwatch.  It’s too easy nowadays, ever since the Jaguar navwass was introduced.

Had any experience with the pavetac bucc's?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 08:09:26 pm
Interesting event, was the nav out to lunch or just admiring the scenery?  Can't beat the ole fashioned A1 eyeball, compass and stopwatch.  It’s too easy nowadays, ever since the Jaguar navwass was introduced.

Had any experience with the pavetac bucc's?

Slight confusion with extolling the real man nature of the F-4 running into describing the event.   No nav involved - forgot to mention that the event was with a formation of single seaters - Jaguars, with the early Navwass.....  ::)Pavetac ? designated for the first 48 live ones dropped on Garvie Island in 1982.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 08:13:34 pm
Can't beat the ole fashioned A1 eyeball, compass and stopwatch.  It’s too easy nowadays, ever since the Jaguar navwass was introduced.

Indeed - one of the jag JPs found himself rushing over the Frankfurt international overhead at about 500 feet doing 450 knots by relying on the navwass - begged the question of what the f**k he was doing with his head in the cockpit for so long not to have noticed such a minor thing as a major city passing under him......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 07, 2004, 08:34:29 pm
thats half the trouble when chasing the dials, much prefer tail draggers, wind, hair, castrol oil, dope, proper stick and a AA map for nav!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 08:48:32 pm
thats half the trouble when chasing the dials, much prefer tail draggers, wind, hair, castrol oil, dope, proper stick and a AA map for nav!

I know - you get a nice smell, the world goes by at a sensible speed but it can still bite.  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 07, 2004, 08:51:13 pm
amen to that. Particularly if it is an aircraft you have worked on.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 07, 2004, 09:13:21 pm
amen to that. Particularly if it is an aircraft you have worked on.

Oh yes - particualrly if you're flying it - brings whole new meanings to the words self-accountability and responsibility when it doesn't work, but a great deal of satisfaction when it does ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 11, 2004, 08:36:11 pm
Steve,

           Not strictly a modern Commer replacement for Andy, but one for you perhaps??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18301&item=2484150873&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18301&item=2484150873&rd=1)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on July 11, 2004, 09:21:20 pm
with a tub of filler and some elbow grease..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2483956951&category=14256&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:UK:1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 12, 2004, 02:39:19 pm
The four Olympus's on XM655 were awesome again on that engine run day. I'd like a "meet" at an airshow maybe this year I'll have to see how my shifts run though.

I'm trying again to attach a picture of the Vulc' with her nosewheels off the ground, fingers crossed! I have never yet managed to attach a picture, let's see, shall us?(http://)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 12, 2004, 02:46:07 pm
Nope, failed again, I'll get me coat!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 12, 2004, 02:49:29 pm
Hoorah. Worked! Just one for Steve now, not a Commer replacement though sorry! :)

Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 12, 2004, 04:13:48 pm
with a tub of filler and some elbow grease..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2483956951&category=14256&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:UK:1

Hmmm...

You'd better take an idiot pill before bidding on that.  :P


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 12, 2004, 04:52:09 pm
Just to get slightly back on track guys, does anyone know where I can obtain some modern Commer replacement wheelnuts and studs? i.e. ones that don't keep coming undone as you whizz down the road at speeds approaching 50 mph? Call me Mr Fussy, but I have no great desire to die in a Jarno Trulli-esque three wheeled, out of control, low-speed-but-no-seat-belt interface with an oak tree. It happened again yesterday, as one of the studs had completely wound it's way out and the others were on their way. It was only the death rattle from the hubcap that made me pull over...

I told you the machine was evil. Yes, I know it's got a happy smiling face, but underneath lurks the hand of doom.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 12, 2004, 06:11:46 pm
Isn't there an owners club for the Hillman or Singers? I'd think they could source some new studs for the mighty Commer, studs were basically universal round the Rootes Group back then weren't they. It sounds a bit daft but can't the nearest Peugeot Dealer get them from Rootes/Chrysler back catalogue items?

I know I can still get studs from my Midget if I need them, but the Midget uses a real rubbish type of fine threaded junk as  studs. If they should be of interest let me know.

Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 12, 2004, 07:46:16 pm
http://www.rootes.com/Catalogpages/p910_suspension.html

I just found this USA link, might be helpful. Sshows studs and lug nuts (as our cousins so cheerfully calls 'em)

HTH

Bill
 :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on July 12, 2004, 08:19:32 pm
Just to get slightly back on track guys, does anyone know where I can obtain some modern Commer replacement wheelnuts and studs?

Mr Zarse if the american connection proves fruitless, there are a couple of workshops near me that produce car parts to spec.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 13, 2004, 09:29:44 am
Just to get slightly back on track guys, does anyone know where I can obtain some modern Commer replacement wheelnuts and studs?


Andy - tried here?

Macs Factors (Andrew McAdam)

"For ALL your Post War Commer, Hillman, Humber, Singer & Sunbeam Spares. Large quantities of New and Used Parts including Body Panels, Brake & Clutch Parts, Suspension Joints, Engine Parts, Gearbox Parts, Lubrication Charts, Workshop Manuals, Handbooks and Original Parts Lists."

Tarn Hows
Wormegay
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE33 0SG

Phone: 01553 841252
Fax: 01553 842105
email: macsfactors@cwcom.net

or here?

http://www.swanley.freeserve.co.uk/vehicles.htm (http://www.swanley.freeserve.co.uk/vehicles.htm)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 13, 2004, 11:52:59 am
Thanks for the help guys. Just found some at Speedy Spares in Hove.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 13, 2004, 02:57:42 pm
Phew, Andy! The Commer lives to scare another day! Great news, at least we tried huh?

Bill

 :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on July 13, 2004, 05:29:08 pm
Aaahhh, Lightnings.
My old man used to take me when I was a young boy to the airshow at RAF Acklington every year. As an eight year old in shorts I'll never forget being surrounded by pipe smoking men in flannels and tweeds who smelt slightly musty and maybe of mildew in the drizzle. When my old man told me a Lightning was on its way and something shot up my inside leg, I thought my time had come. I was still searching for my eyebrows somewhere round the nape of my neck when the noise arrived. And from then on I was hooked.
A few years later at school a Vulcan just missed our Maths lesson on a Wednesday afternoon and went on to create a sizable crater just beyond the hockey pitches, one of the aircrew almost leaving his tackle on a keep left bollard by the tradesmens entrance. Rumour had it that it was fully tooled up, in a nuclear manner, and it wasn't long before the whole place was cordoned off by men with guns and their trousers tucked into their boots. I reckon they'd have got there a hell of a lot sooner if they hadn't had so many eyelets to thread with laces.
Such was the impression it left that I was down the careers office the next day to find out more about this daredevil flying business.
If you're ever in the area take a turn off the main road and head down to Wainfleet Sands (TF 504535) and watch the Tornados and F-15s doing their training. It's absolutely soul stirring. You may even see a Tornado go down, they seemed to do it pretty regularly when I was there. I still have in the garage a couple of empty Smoke and Flash 'missiles' that they use to knock the sh*t out of the wrecks beached there.
Glad to hear you got your nuts sorted Andy, I wish I'd been equally blessed.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on July 13, 2004, 05:36:10 pm
Ah, H, got a sad story for ya re. Lightnings....

If you ever have cause to trundle up the A1 anywhere near Newark, please keep your eyes fixed firmly on the road ahead and under no circumstances should you look to the east when slightly north of Newark (who could live in a place which is an anagram of "w**k*r"???).

It is a sad sight and sadly getting worse. I prefer to trip across to Bruntingthorpe and get all moist under the wings of Buccaneers  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on July 13, 2004, 05:51:52 pm
Hi Rick,
It's a while since I've 'been up that way', as it were, and you've got me puzzled now.
I seem to remember an old Lightning on static display in someones garden round those parts. Or are you referring to some old girlfriend of yours who is now reduced to standing in wintry verges on rural roads hoping for the odd generous trucker?
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on July 13, 2004, 07:48:32 pm
Sadly H, no such ex-girlfriend type tales to tell and after I'd posted, did a bit of a saddo trawl of t'internet knowing there would be a piccie of it somewhere and sadly here it is below together with some relevant text:

On the subject of crying shames, the Lightning above is a sorry sight. XN728, one of the few remaining F.2As, and just look at it - abandoned and vandalised. Placed in A1 Commercial Sales Yard to attract customers back in 1983, since the yard's collapse the Lightning has been left to rot. Presumably the receiver thinks it is an asset which is why it hasn't simply been bulldozed away. XN728 was used for BDR for a while and carries a few patches to prove it, and for transport to the yard the wings and tail were simply cut off. Reassembly was carried out using large sheets of metal to hold everything together once more, and they have rusted badly and warped under the stress. The landing gear was considered too weak to support the airframe (which is complete with engines) and accordingly the belly was supported with a framework of girders. Unfortunately at some point someone nicked the radome, and the change in the center of gravity tipped XN728 on her tail; the belly tank wasn't up to this and the girders have cut right through and are now firmly embedded in the belly. The rear fuselage is badly holed and as you can see the entire aircraft is liberally spattered with graffiti. It's a sad end for a proud fighter.

And.....

XN728; C/N 95105 ff T.M.S. Ferguson 26-10-61 Samlesbury. To 92 Squadron as ‘B’, 1-4-63. Under-carriage collapsed, 3-4-68; during repair converted to F 2A, returned to 92 Squadron as ‘F’, 24-6-69. Became 8546M. Owned by A1 Commercial Vehicles, Balderton,Newark.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on July 13, 2004, 08:42:15 pm
Yikes Rick!!!

I've just remembered that I didn't trouble you with any readies at LM! Anyway, I've just put it right via the link, keep up the good work mate.

The Lightning is indeed a sad sight, although I have to say I have mixed emotions on this one. The schoolboy in me (shut it!!) still holds it in awe, and it has to be said it's a fantastic piece of Dan Dare kit. I lost count of the different Airfix versions I put together, and my bedroom was witness to many Spitfire/Lightning/Canberra/Hawker Hunter dogfights. Of course, the ME109E always bought it, horribly. But the lightning was in action during a peculiar time, with the skies full of prowling bombers packed full of ordnance just waiting for the red phone to ring with Strangelove on the other end.  It was a time of paranoia alright, and I thank Steves satsuma sized abcess that it was never used in action (the Lightning that is, not his abcess), if it had then I'm sure Armageddon wouldn't have been far behind.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on July 13, 2004, 09:00:53 pm
Ooh you top chap you for aforementioned donation - splendid! (and don't worry the rest of you, I'll be on yer backs soon enuff as there are only 5 TTs left!).

Ah, Airfix dogfights! It is a sad statement of our sad little lives that these days old Airfix kits mean little more than a tidy little profit on ebay. Just think of the hundreds of pounds we all painted badly and/or smashed to smithers upstairs a la H.

Me109s always bought it in my room too funnily enuff, that and the old Red Baron!!! (Bless 'im!!)

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 13, 2004, 09:48:27 pm
Oh Bl**dy hell. I made a pretty good, class winning model of 728 in 92 sqn markings, many years ago so that picture is heartbreaking.  :( :( :(

Less heartbreaking is the possibility of selling my old stock of kits on eBay, must hustle off over to see how rich I could be. Might finance a visit to the Classic Le Mans next year.

 ;)

Bill



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 14, 2004, 12:58:29 am
Changing the subject slightly and setting aside for one minute the infinitely more interesting subjects of BAC Lightnings and citrus fruit sized anal fissures, someone sent me an "out of office" email today. I quote it below verbatim:

INFO ONLY JULIE FROM LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERS CALLED, WILL CALL AGAIN    

I'll certainly be speaking to Julie tomorrow morning and I'll  let you know what she wanted. It's probably to do with the wheel nuts. Or pile ointment.




Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 14, 2004, 04:29:33 pm
A number of posts to respond to:

Particularly glad to hear that the requisite parts for the Commer have been found and that Andy will not have to resort to welding wheels and hubs together

Glad to hear that the Lightning and Vulcan evoke good memories and emotions.   I pass the pictured Lightning on the A1 regularly and it is in an even sadder state now than pictured - even fewer bits left on it and more hanging off and not a lot of paint left on it.   Although commonly thought that the Lightning did not have to fire a shot in anger during its 28-year operational life (thus preserving us from the Strangelove scenario) the Lightning is, however, credited with one operational mission resulting the downing of an aircraft - one of our Harriers.   This was after the Harrier pilot had ejected due to a major system malfunction, but the airframe decided kept right on flying straight and level instead of obligingly heading for terra firma....the decision was taken to shoot it down whilst it remained over known territory and a Lightning was duly vectored onto it and shot it down.

Airfix kit destruction - my preferred method was having made the kits was to hang them from the trees at the bottom of our garden in dogfight mode and then retire to a distance and shoot the c**p out of thenm with my dad's air rifle.....if only we had known that keeping the kits in unopened pristine condition would have brought us a few bob 30 years on instead of enjoying them at the time.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 14, 2004, 04:49:47 pm
Quote
But the lightning was in action during a peculiar time, with the skies full of prowling bombers packed full of ordnance just waiting for the red phone to ring with Strangelove on the other end

Just to show that the boys in light blue in the Lightning were active in keeping the UK skies clear of the bogeymen.............


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveB on July 14, 2004, 06:30:40 pm
XS936; an F.6 seen here with the Castle Motors logo on the fin. She's to be found at the Castle Motors garage near Liskeard in Cornwall and is very much out in the rain but looks none the worse for it. I dare say she's been sealed against water and as she has no engines in her the stress on the airframe is much less anyway, which always helps. Positioned in a flying pose, the adjacent A38 road even has a 'Low flying aircraft' sign just before you reach the turnoff for the garage :-)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 11:29:42 am
Gib, here's the Commer diesel we discussed !

(http://www.steamengine.com.au/events/reports/heyfield-vic-2003/engines/pics/commer-diesel-driven-by-ronnie.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 11:38:23 am
Bloody hell Steve.  That's a work of pure genius.  Whoever invented that should have gone further.

Thanks for the picture, a real revelation.  :D

Oh, and nice to see this thread back on page 1  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 30, 2004, 11:40:29 am
And here's how it works...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 11:42:50 am
Absolutely fabulous invention.  We really must try to find one for your beast Andy.

Hang on, didn't I see an advert for one in Holland (or somwhere) last year?  Do you remember that Andy???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 30, 2004, 11:47:27 am
No, I think it was for a four cyl inline diesel, which I think is actually a Perkins engine.

The TS engine above is a bit big for my old heapacrap.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 11:49:23 am
Here's the TS engine with the covers on

(http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Technical/TS31.jpg)


see here http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Technical/TS3.htm (http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Technical/TS3.htm)
and here http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Technical/TS32.htm (http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/Technical/TS32.htm)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on July 30, 2004, 11:52:27 am
Jesus, and I thought this thread got lost, phew !!!  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 11:54:56 am
Jesus, and I thought this thread got lost, phew !!!  ;D

Saved  :o
There's life in the old girl yet.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 12:36:47 pm
There's life in the old girl yet.


Just like the Commer it'self    ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 12:38:28 pm
The TS engine above is a bit big for my old heapacrap.


Andy!  How could you refer to your venerable old machine as a 'heapacrap'.  I'm dismayed to hear such tones from her owner.  Shame on you.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 12:55:47 pm
Commer re-engine project - engines available on *-bay

As Andy 2 Cobras said, 'anything is do-able'

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=2485447067&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=2485447067&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31348&item=2485865045&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31348&item=2485865045&rd=1)

Get bidding  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 30, 2004, 01:38:08 pm
Had a look the other day and the engine bay isn't wide enough to fit in a V engine without some major bodywork surgery.  >:(  So it looks like a petrol/derv 4 cyl lump would be best.

Anyone have a personal faves? IMO a 2 litre Transit engine would seem ideal, pref with a 5 speed box.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 01:59:19 pm
Get hold of a very late Sierra or Granada with the Zetec 1.8 or 2.0 engine and Type 9 5-speed gearbox.

They rust spectaculary but the engines / gearboxs are relatively bomb proof, are rear wheel drive and loved by the kit car world.

This would be an easy swap, needing some simple engine mount fabrication and maybe modification to the propshaft.

The rear axle could be replaced for an MGB, Capri or similar live axle if necessary.

We have the technology (and facilities) - a simple winter project.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 02:04:51 pm
Look at this for fucksake.  
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9844&item=2485546086&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9844&item=2485546086&rd=1)

5 door Sierra with 2 litre DOHC fuel injected engine, still with an MOT.

Currently at £36  :o - it's in Portsmouth


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 02:19:25 pm
Commer re-engine project


Hang on a minute.  I seem to remember a thread on this topic last year.  New engine for the Commer........it went on for ages, and got nowhere.

Not serious this time are you Andy????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 02:28:22 pm
The V8 Rover was, maybe, idealogical.  But an inline rear drive 4 cylinder like the Ford DOHC is a definate possibility.
They're cheap, plentifull, easy to work on and source parts and pretty robust.

Ford are still building the 2.3 DOHC in limited numbers for the Galaxy in the engine plant at Dagenham.

(http://www.ford-sierra-club.hit.bg/dohc.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 02:31:14 pm
Andy was talking about a V8 last year, but I think there was a serious impediment regarding the weight taken by the front end.

Maybe a trany engine might be more practical.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 02:36:10 pm
Andy was talking about a V8 last year, but I think there was a serious impediment regarding the weight taken by the front end.

Maybe a trany engine might be more practical.

Rover V8 - aluminium - light weight
Transit engine (Ford Pinto) - cast iron - bloody heavy
new Ford DOHC / Zetec - aluminium - as Rover

That argument is cojones.





.... as a footnote to this, I recall a kit car web site somewhere (either Westfield or Dax Rush I think) with a list of engine weights comparing the Rover to the Pinto as being similar (if not lighter in the case of a 3.5 Rover).


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on July 30, 2004, 02:42:23 pm
Hmmmm

Down to Zarse now.  Is he serious or not?????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 30, 2004, 02:58:56 pm
aluminium Rover V8 - 320 lbs
iron Ford Pinto (earlier Transits) - 420 lbs

thats 50 kg difference - a lot of beer

the aluminium Ford or Vauxhall DOHCs are as light as the Rover.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on July 31, 2004, 06:27:41 pm
Sold for £102...not bad!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on July 31, 2004, 06:49:32 pm
This thread should be re-titled

The Belgrano


Coz it aint sinking.

Who wants a Sierra ? My lot arrange the destruction of hundreds of cars a year. If there are specific parts you want let me know.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on August 02, 2004, 10:18:43 am
Here's hoping they need to dispose of a few minis in the near future then eh Robbo!!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on August 02, 2004, 01:41:05 pm
Here's hoping they need to dispose of a few minis in the near future then eh Robbo!!!  ;)

If Only.

Some pickie buys old minis at £100 a go, they are becoming expensive bangers!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 06, 2004, 12:24:02 am
Quote
This thread should be re-titled
The Belgrano
Coz it aint sinking.

But Robbo, we did...........

Mark (back from hols)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on August 06, 2004, 09:38:23 am
Here's the (ex) warship

(http://rain.prohosting.com/stoue/belgrano.jpg)

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/portuguese/images/020326_belgrano300.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on August 06, 2004, 12:31:06 pm
Here's hoping they need to dispose of a few minis in the near future then eh Robbo!!!  ;)

If Only.

Some pickie buys old minis at £100 a go, they are becoming expensive bangers!!

Your colleagues wouldn't have any vans to dispose of would they??  Next year looks like an advance party with all the kit on the Saturday/Sunday before the race and then we'll charge down in sports cars on the Tuesday/Wednesday.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on August 06, 2004, 02:17:43 pm
Quote

Your colleagues wouldn't have any vans to dispose of would they??  Next year looks like an advance party with all the kit on the Saturday/Sunday before the race and then we'll charge down in sports cars on the Tuesday/Wednesday.
Quote

Vans - What type ?, Have you tried the trailer option ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on August 06, 2004, 06:43:58 pm
At least a long wheel based high top trannie.

Took two large trailers this year and struggled!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 07, 2004, 10:45:26 am
Hey JP! You want a nice big high top tranny? It's only an opinion, but I reckon you'd be better of speaking to Big H in connection with such matters. He sourced the gay Brazilian dwarf Raoul without too much bother, so getting a transvestite would be a piece of piss.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on August 07, 2004, 08:15:14 pm

Took two large trailers this year and struggled!!

Took an old Chevy pickup this year and left it on the back of a car transporter  :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 09, 2004, 10:20:02 pm
Dragging us back to the thread (sorry) but couldn't resist this one........ "hand painted to a period livery specification" as well.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2486236844&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2486236844&rd=1)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on August 09, 2004, 10:54:51 pm
Mark.

Have you tried looking for an old Army Lorry.

Purchase as either a classic or a 7.5 tonner, and you are sorted.

It will look the part, cost very little and be a serious race contender for the Commer  :D

Look in Land Rover World for the surplus suppliers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 10, 2004, 10:12:03 am
Quote
Have you tried looking for an old Army Lorry.

Robbo,

           Rather than a lorry, an old Scimitar would do nicely - top speed on the road of 55mph, ability to negotiate any gravel trap with ease and a 30mm Rarden cannon for self-defence on the track.   Would blow the rest of the opposition into the weeds so to speak, leaving only the immortal Commer to battle with down Mulsanne......mind you stints between pit stops for refuelling would be pretty short.........

Mark



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 10, 2004, 05:30:20 pm
Dragging us back to the thread (sorry) but couldn't resist this one........ "hand painted to a period livery specification" as well.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2486236844&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=2486236844&rd=1)

Lovely, it's got an MGB engine too!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on August 10, 2004, 06:13:12 pm
Quote
Have you tried looking for an old Army Lorry.

Robbo,

           Rather than a lorry, an old Scimitar would do nicely - top speed on the road of 55mph,


Surprisingly quick are the Scorpians and Scimitars, I was pottering along about 40mph on the Windsor/ Ascot road, when I was overtaken by a Scorpian driven by a member of the Blues and Royals.
I think I was lighting a ciggie at the time, scared the sh*t out of me, as I wasn't concentrating on what was following :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on August 18, 2004, 08:02:20 pm
Try this then

(http://www.ufomind.com/area51/org/basecamp/pix/vehicle.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on August 19, 2004, 08:52:04 am
The one in the middle ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on September 05, 2004, 12:34:34 am
At Goodwood today,

(http://phyr.theredsky.com/albums/upload/comma2.jpg)

or

(http://phyr.theredsky.com/albums/upload/comma1.jpg)




Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 06, 2004, 07:07:50 pm
Wow! what a fantastic Austin Paralanian camper! Think they might need a Commer there next year. Actually, saw three Commer "at work" at Goodwood this year, including a burger van run by a bloke called Felix and also the wonderful Ecurie Ecosse Commer transporter that took the 57 winning Jag D Type to and from La Sarthe.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on September 06, 2004, 08:04:00 pm
Blimey Andy, I hadn't realised that this was  a Commer based piece of kit! I'm not sure about the bag-o-shite that some 'erberts parked next to it though.
Sadly, I didn't make Goodwood this year, so the stockings and mascara (I hadn't realised you could put it there!!) will have to wait for another day. I heard that no tickets were available on the gate on Sunday, so it must have been a sell out, top stuff.
(Been a bit blue-*rsed recently, and it hasn't just been the cold snap. Hurricanes out west have kept me occupied, but I daren't complain, those poor sods out there have had to sit through it, it's been a tough month and there's more to come. My thoughts are with them. - San Salvador had 140mph winds and a 15ft surge for 30 hours, and I was meant to be there at the time...)
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on September 09, 2004, 03:56:02 pm
bit of topic slippage here  :-\

(http://www.afunworld.com/content/20040909/pictures/18/rn005.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on September 10, 2004, 09:02:34 am
bit of topic slippage here  :-\

(http://www.afunworld.com/content/20040909/pictures/18/rn005.jpg)


This thread is famous for it Steve.  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 13, 2004, 12:03:25 pm
As alternative LM transport goes, I think this Finish bus company probably takes some beating.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on September 13, 2004, 12:22:29 pm
As alternative LM transport goes, I think this Finish bus company probably takes some beating.


 ;D ;D ;D ;D

Do you think someone should tell them?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on September 13, 2004, 01:08:14 pm
 ;D ;D
I think perhaps they already know...

(http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/images/fbus1.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on September 13, 2004, 01:13:39 pm
Oh lord!!! It just gets worse  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on September 13, 2004, 03:48:20 pm
I don't know if you'd get it on my driveway though Andy!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 24, 2004, 09:57:30 am
The price of spares these days is getting ridiculous! Just won these on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2489738564&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:UK:6


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on September 24, 2004, 10:38:38 am
Well done Andy.  14 squids doesn't sound bad at all.  Getting ready for next years pilgramage already?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on September 25, 2004, 10:13:29 pm
Those Finnish camper-buses! I could just visualise them parked in the genteel environs of Camping Houx, I don't think their campers would join us in the Annexe with water sports, do you?

Andy, 26908? Thought you were not just a number.

Glad the Commer is guaranteed a bounce free summer next year.

Bill

 :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on September 27, 2004, 10:11:12 am
Glad the Commer is guaranteed a bounce free summer next year.


Errrr. No comment. Andy? :-\


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on October 05, 2004, 12:14:04 pm
Andy, do you need any spares??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=2492366323&rd=1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: ian murat on October 05, 2004, 12:20:15 pm
Andy, do you need any spares??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=2492366323&rd=1


Colour White - Only if you're Ray Charles


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 05, 2004, 02:11:46 pm
I shall be keeping an eye on this. Thanks JP.

At £60, I'm surprised it didn't tickle your fancy. ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on October 05, 2004, 03:41:25 pm
Eye shall be keeping an Eye on this one too. Mrs Bill keeps staring at my mate's VW campervan with a "dead jealous eye" A V6 Rover unit might just squeeze in there... or not!

 8)


Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on October 05, 2004, 03:51:24 pm
I shall be keeping an eye on this. Thanks JP.

At £60, I'm surprised it didn't tickle your fancy. ???

Currently on the prowl for a large van or possibly a bus/coach!!   :-\


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on October 05, 2004, 04:13:51 pm
Do you think this is the other side of the same coach...
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 06, 2004, 01:32:38 pm
Do you think this is the other side of the same coach...
H
No, but might it be the same side of the other coach as seen in the last post on page 57!?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on October 06, 2004, 02:28:27 pm
'kinnell Andy,
I think I'm losing it. I'm going to have to start checking out the vitamin, mineral and heavy metal supplements at my local chemist.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on October 07, 2004, 09:35:17 am
Come on H, keep it together man!  If YOU can't keep up with this thread what chance is there for the rest of us  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 07, 2004, 07:59:41 pm
H, this may be helpfull  ???

(http://www.seilnacht.com/Lexikon/N2Kreis.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on October 07, 2004, 09:12:06 pm
Steve,
I think I've cracked it. It's karma, man, the wheel.
If you're unfortunate enough to have a body shaped like the grey herr'n in your marvellous diagram, then I think the instructions on how to effect a transformation into a nice little houseplant, an ornamental fig it looks to me, are what is outlined. I have to admit, I'm not too happy about the direction the Nitrationen is taking, it looks pretty damn aggressive, but I suppose that's the problem with Stick-Stoff-Oxide. I have a friend who once tried to polish his scrotum with Stick-Stoff-Oxide, and to be honest, it wasn't a total success, but in the end it didn't really matter, - gone are the days when you could get your Luftstickstoff down a dark alleyway for a fiver, and still have change from your pocket money to catch a bus home and have a fish supper on the way.
I was never lucky enough to catch Umwandlung von Fauulnisbakterien live in the 70's. I've heard they were awesome, and took about 23 encores at the Rose Bowl, Rick Wakeman pulled a hernia heaving a Steinway into the crowd and I believe they named a couple of the 'Royal Boxes' after the bits that were squeezed from his rectum. Last I heard the drum solo was still going on.
Do you think if the page was tilted his head would roll off his shoulders?
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 08, 2004, 12:38:59 pm
I never was much good at chemistry classes and many were the evenings I had to stay behind to clean out teacher's fume cabinet.

But I'm concerned as to where the H4 goes after the nitrifikation durch has occurred and the NO3 has been organically created. I could be wrong, but isn't H4 more commonly known as "Big H". And maybe it's the reason why we have to endure this Pfunishment. It's better than piano wire though.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 08, 2004, 06:24:08 pm
I would imagine if the Ammoniumionen had been passed through a triple catalyst cracking tower, the piano wouldn't have been much of a problem.

Therefore, having referred to my O Level Chemistry notes, the StickStoff Oxide must be a harmless by product of Chicken Tikka Masala, and thus completely biodegradeable.  However, the National Radiological Protection Board may have some concerns when this normally neutral compound is mixed with Kerma Naan and results in a great deal of fallout.

H, when I was younger the local radio station played an all night marathon from Umwandlung von Fauulnisbakterien.  I was particularly impressed by the little chap at the back who played the Sousaphone.  He seemed to have no problems at all getting his lips around the mouthpiece.  I think he was called Raoul or something........... strange, he looked rather familiar.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on October 11, 2004, 02:33:42 pm
This should suit everyone. Not sure how it would fit on the ferry.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on October 11, 2004, 03:23:47 pm
H, this may be helpfull  ???

(http://www.seilnacht.com/Lexikon/N2Kreis.gif)

I understand this... it just states that having a good sh*it can be a great relief because you get rid off real nasty stuff like Nitrogen. Don't they use that to make gun powder.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on October 11, 2004, 03:43:56 pm
Not exactly a Commer or even a modern replacment but  bought this one last Friday and It should be ready for next june !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on October 11, 2004, 03:45:24 pm
other view of a similar model...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 11, 2004, 06:39:41 pm
Very cool Gilles, any chance of starting an "ice round" on the camp sites with it?

BTW what the hell is it??


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on October 12, 2004, 11:37:56 am
It gonna be difficult to keep something frozen inside...

... it's a Simca Aronde, so something typically French, maybe something nearly as popular from this side of the Channel than a Minor or an A35 could be overseas...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 18, 2004, 08:55:10 pm
I wouldn't want you camp chaps to miss this - bring your cheque book for your modern Commer replacement.

(http://www.caravanshows.com/outdoorleisure/images/logo.gif)

http://www.caravanshows.com/outdoorleisure/home.php (http://www.caravanshows.com/outdoorleisure/home.php)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 18, 2004, 08:57:34 pm
.........and especially for BigH

(http://www.caravanshows.com/images/uploaded//tentpitching2004logo.gif)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 21, 2004, 11:04:29 am
Not quite a Commer replacement, but could be useful at the camp site...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on October 21, 2004, 05:24:36 pm
Not quite a Commer replacement, but could be useful at the camp site...

Errrm.......what could??????   ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 21, 2004, 06:13:02 pm
Not quite a Commer replacement, but could be useful at the camp site...

Errrm.......what could??????   ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on October 22, 2004, 09:00:28 am
probably the most useful one !!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on October 22, 2004, 06:58:30 pm
For those looking ata van next x year.

Local market trader selling a G reg  LWB 2.0 petrol Transit, medium roof. Red, with twin rear hub .

Any interested parties PM me with offers and shall put on my official hat and ask him.

He had suggested £500, but  i thought he was pissed.

No piccy as you all know what a transit looks like


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on October 22, 2004, 07:38:18 pm
Ive now joined the naff van club.Dont worry I wont be bringing it to LM2005...well unless its full of toys.
PM


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on October 23, 2004, 12:28:47 pm
Ive now joined the naff van club.Dont worry I wont be bringing it to LM2005...well unless its full of toys.
PM

Looks like the ideal project for Mrs Doubtfire.......


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 25, 2004, 05:07:10 pm
Ive now joined the naff van club.Dont worry I wont be bringing it to LM2005...well unless its full of toys.
PM

Hi all,

          Finally made it back to the forum after a while away whilst changing jobs/location - now at an airfield somewhere near you in Norfolk.   Glad to see the thread still active - after unintentionally being non-PC concerning Maestro camper conversions, I hesitate but couldn't resist this one......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31361&item=2495862598&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31361&item=2495862598&rd=1)

All the best for now

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 25, 2004, 05:11:26 pm
How about this one, looks like it could blat down from Calais to LM!!! ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 25, 2004, 05:12:53 pm
Or for another view


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 25, 2004, 05:15:46 pm
Or for the van owners amongst us..


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on October 25, 2004, 05:16:38 pm
Welcome back Mark.  That would be a real cutie if it wasn't so  :-X :-X

Abs.....Where do you find this mindless stupidity?????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on October 25, 2004, 05:17:30 pm
I meant the Lada,  not you Abs   ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Abs on October 25, 2004, 05:22:33 pm
Gibb it is all on the Top Gear website under carbage

http://www.topgear.com/content/fun_stuff/carbage/0/

For a minute there I thought you had paid me a compliment until the next post....  :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on October 25, 2004, 05:26:07 pm
For a minute there I thought you had paid me a compliment until the next post....  :D


LOL   ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 25, 2004, 06:02:52 pm
Quote
Welcome back Mark.  That would be a real cutie if it wasn't so  

Abs.....Where do you find this mindless stupidity

Many thanks - I have missed the banter.   But how can you call the Lada stupidity?  That would be being too kind - totally and utterly misguided and moronic - now we're talking!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 25, 2004, 06:18:48 pm
Welcome back Mark.

Hmmmm, Norfolk - Marham then? or maybe Coltishall.

Changed that MG engine for a V8 yet?  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 04, 2004, 07:03:08 pm
You couldn't really camp in it, but looks a bit of fun, and it's got a proper engine


VEE EIGHT  ;D

(http://www.cobraclub.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=997)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on November 04, 2004, 07:21:23 pm
Bloody Hell Steve, how fast do reckon that goes?

The rider looks rather pleased with himself, and a little bit San Francisco if you ask me. The bicycle clips are a give-away...
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on November 04, 2004, 08:01:53 pm
The bicycle clips are a give-away...
H

 ;D I hadn't noticed that.

Apparently, if you're a bit handy with the clutch, the 'wheel' stays still and you shoot round like a hamster in his little plastic wheel.



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 05, 2004, 05:12:29 am
Hi Steve, Thanks for the mental picture of the Hamster trick ;D I was just thinking it might be a bit of a hand full in a cross wind.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on November 05, 2004, 09:26:53 am
Worringly, the contraption is called Panda................ ??? Im sure BigH could come up with a better name


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on November 05, 2004, 05:58:35 pm
Worringly, the contraption is called Panda................ ??? Im sure BigH could come up with a better name

Panda ?? Is it a Fiat Engine !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 19, 2004, 07:36:51 pm
Welcome back Mark.

Hmmmm, Norfolk - Marham then? or maybe Coltishall.

Changed that MG engine for a V8 yet?  ;)



Steve,

        Thanks - the former rather than the the latter, so the wonderful sound of RB 199s in reheat and the smooth sound of Avons from the Canberras.   As to re-engining, 'fraid not - looking to find an early MGB 3-synchro gearbox with overdrive though, as that is pretty much a straight swop for the original and gives a much better/higher cruising speed without sounding as though one is in the middle of a kettle drum.... ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 22, 2004, 12:32:12 pm
Good to see you back Mark, you've been missed.

Andy

PS I know that kettle drum noise intimately!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on December 03, 2004, 03:46:35 pm
http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm (http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm)

Just bumping this great thread back up!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 03, 2004, 04:35:49 pm
http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm (http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm)
A bit flash for my liking  ;)


This is more my cup of tea, and a bargain at 100 English Pounds as I recall.

(http://internetfm.com/acid/who01.jpg)


 


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on December 03, 2004, 04:58:56 pm
http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm (http://www.busforsale.com/music_box/index.htm)

Just bumping this great thread back up!

Jesus Christ, that'll be it !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on December 06, 2004, 09:47:45 pm
Commer, what commer!!!!!!!!!!  This thread's gone and lost itself again.  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 06, 2004, 10:25:07 pm
Commer, what commer!!!!!!!!!!  This thread's gone and lost itself again.  ::)

At least we're currently sticking to 4 (ish) wheels and variations on campers and motorhomes.

But if it's a tangent you want  ;D

(http://www.car-videos.com/whatis/tangent.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on December 07, 2004, 08:13:17 pm
Apparently this is Coulthard's Motor home - wonder if it will be in Maison Blanche!!

(http://www.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/31667_2.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chris24 on December 10, 2004, 12:08:19 am
Christ, has any other thread ever made it to 60 plus pages on Club Arnage before ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chris24 on December 10, 2004, 12:10:34 am
I guess David likes his to keep to himself, the bugger has hardly any windows !


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on December 10, 2004, 05:45:28 pm
Here's a challenge for the old girl to match...

http://www.creamytreats.com/


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 10, 2004, 07:49:17 pm
Here's a challenge for the old girl to match...

http://www.creamytreats.com/

Smokes,

I read about this in the Sunday Times back in the autumn.

As I looked out of my kitchen window at the low sun, whilst the breeze blew the last of the leaves off my walnut trees, my mind wandered far away. Away to another land far off, a place where there were mountains and scrublands and sunshine. There it was, a green blur streaking through the desert, clouds of dust tailing up and following it as it raced it's way inexorably towards immortality.

Suddenly a cold shivver jarred through my body, a sharp twitch of the head and reality imposed itself upon my reverie. The dream was gone.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on December 21, 2004, 11:54:06 am
ten days without postings will help to better appreciate this Commer replacement...

http://www.seriouswheels.com/1980-1989/1986-Ford-WOW-Bus-FA-1280x960.htm



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 06, 2005, 06:28:11 pm
I found this poor old thread floundering on page 3.............and this classic bit of backyard bodging.

I bet it's got a V8 in it.  ;)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 06, 2005, 11:47:01 pm
I found this poor old thread floundering on page 3.............and this classic bit of backyard bodging.

I bet it's got a V8 in it.  ;)



Steve, not a subtle way of warning us what we will find on the 1115 speedferries is it?

V8? Maybe with a decent candy paint job.

Gotta risk upsetting some people... I prefer your Cobra mate!


Bill


 :D

(Oh yes, BobU I will be phoning U this weekend)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on January 07, 2005, 12:31:35 pm






(Oh yes, BobU I will be phoning U this weekend)
I think I gave you my land line & mobile numbers you can reach me all weekend on one or the other


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 10, 2005, 11:00:33 am
Here's the Commer's new engine.

http://www.tecstarinc.com/wheel2wheelpower/604CID.html (http://www.tecstarinc.com/wheel2wheelpower/604CID.html)

We're just trying to sort out the gearbox and axle now  :'(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 21, 2005, 11:48:11 am
Mr Brown and myself have designs on acquiring this beaty.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4520389895&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Anyone want to by a Hillman Hunter rolling shell minus engine...?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 21, 2005, 01:59:13 pm
Still watching!  Should be good for about 90-95 bhp!

Do you have a price in mind?




Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on January 22, 2005, 12:45:10 am
If you get the new engine in the commer then you could tow it behind like the big camper vans do.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on January 22, 2005, 03:49:50 pm
Nice to see this thread still rolling on.  How is the old girl Andy?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 22, 2005, 11:44:05 pm
Quote
Thanks Mark.

The Holbay engine and twin 40 Webbers should liven things up a bit!

Tell me more about swept wing principles, do you think they have a proper application in the light commercial vehicle sector?

Andy,

         With the danger of mixing topics, I've moved this from the Track Day thread to its spiritual home.   I recall a certain picture last year of the grand old girl, framed by the Dunlop Bridge, with the driver furiously gesturing towards the No 1 Audi to get out of the way..... Now, if variable sweep wings had been fitted, you would have been past the Audi before John Hindhaugh could have said "wayay - will ye look at that lads...." as you crossed the start line.   The application of swept wing principles would assist you to overcome the onset of chassis buffet approaching Mach 1.0, but the greater benefit would derive from the lift given by a variable sweep wing in the lower speed corners.   Now, a Tornado weighs about 30 tons and lifts off with wings swept forward at around 200mph - so, by installing the wing section upside down to create downforce, at 200 mph you would have 30 tons of downforce - more than 15 times the weight of the old girl.   An awesome prospect that would probably allow you to take the Esses at 200mph well ahead of the No 1 Audi.   Now, assuming an entry to Tetre Rouge at at that speed, then sweeping the wing back doewn the Mulsanne would maintain the downforce but decrease drag and, thus, increase speed.   Now, will the Holbay Hunter engine get you to 200 mph in the first place, or are we in need of some further assistance?

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on January 23, 2005, 12:08:06 am
Cue:- Steve: V8 & appropriate picture ;D
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 23, 2005, 04:24:25 pm
Cue:- Steve: V8 & appropriate picture ;D
Canada Phil

V12 alright for you Phil ?

(http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/images/MERLINE_ENGINE_500.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 23, 2005, 05:50:39 pm
Quote
V12 alright for you Phil ?

Steve - indeed, but instead of the Merlin, go for its V-12 big brother, the V-12 Griffon, at 36.7 litres instead of 27 litres, two-stage supercharger and 2,000+ horsepower......that should do the trick. ;D

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 23, 2005, 06:00:15 pm
Of course, there was "The Beast" in the 70s, which was powered by a Merlin........

http://www.theminifarm.com/john_dodd.htm  (http://www.theminifarm.com/john_dodd.htm)

so it is probably only right and proper that the Merlin be supplanted by the Griiffon in the proposed light commercial application......

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 23, 2005, 08:37:17 pm
GGGRRR!!! Out bid! I chucked my hand in at £300. I've got Sebring to think about....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 23, 2005, 09:09:18 pm
Quote
Thanks Mark.

The Holbay engine and twin 40 Webbers should liven things up a bit!

Tell me more about swept wing principles, do you think they have a proper application in the light commercial vehicle sector?

Andy,

         With the danger of mixing topics, I've moved this from the Track Day thread to its spiritual home.   I recall a certain picture last year of the grand old girl, framed by the Dunlop Bridge, with the driver furiously gesturing towards the No 1 Audi to get out of the way..... Now, if variable sweep wings had been fitted, you would have been past the Audi before John Hindhaugh could have said "wayay - will ye look at that lads...." as you crossed the start line.   The application of swept wing principles would assist you to overcome the onset of chassis buffet approaching Mach 1.0, but the greater benefit would derive from the lift given by a variable sweep wing in the lower speed corners.   Now, a Tornado weighs about 30 tons and lifts off with wings swept forward at around 200mph - so, by installing the wing section upside down to create downforce, at 200 mph you would have 30 tons of downforce - more than 15 times the weight of the old girl.   An awesome prospect that would probably allow you to take the Esses at 200mph well ahead of the No 1 Audi.   Now, assuming an entry to Tetre Rouge at at that speed, then sweeping the wing back doewn the Mulsanne would maintain the downforce but decrease drag and, thus, increase speed.   Now, will the Holbay Hunter engine get you to 200 mph in the first place, or are we in need of some further assistance?

Mark

I think 30 tons is a bit above the SWL of the rear springs, which are going to need a bit of attention if this plan is going to get off the ground, so to speak. Surely if I lower (raise?) the flaps 10 degrees just before the chicane, I'm gonna burst the tyres?

In keeping with the light commercial theme, wouldn't I be better off getting the engine out of this model of Hunter? Funny, I thought the Vanguard had Tyne engines not Speys...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on January 24, 2005, 01:33:20 am
Cue:- Steve: V8 & appropriate picture ;D
Canada Phil

V12 alright for you Phil ?

A friend of mine stuffed one of those into a boat and spent all his time trying to stop it taking off.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on January 24, 2005, 01:42:00 pm
Mr Brown and myself have designs on acquiring this beaty.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4520389895&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Anyone want to by a Hillman Hunter rolling shell minus engine...?

Andy, Have you ever thought about a Rover K Series lump ?

THey are really good engines and popular to modify in many ways, not just Max Power Brigade ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on January 24, 2005, 04:07:33 pm
Plenty of room in this


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 05:16:13 pm
Andy, Have you ever thought about a Rover K Series lump ?

THey are really good engines and popular to modify in many ways, not just Max Power Brigade ?


Robbo, I carried out a dimensional survey and re-engine feasibility study the other weekend when we had a pre-Sebring drink and the engine bay is pretty cosy.

Basically, anything with an overhead cam is out as it would be too tall (well, that's not strickly true - it would fit but would tickle the drivers armpit and you would loose the bed facility).
Also, any type of V engine, from 4 to 16 is out as the bizarre inboard Commer front wheels mean the chassis comes inboard of these and, hence, narrows the 'engine room' (which is between the two front seats by the way).

So the options are a OHV engine of rather agricultural design - the Commer engine isn't even a crossflow head.
Anyone got a decaying Hillman / Chrysler Hunter / Minx / Rapier with a high compression 1725cc engine?
There is also possible scope for an inline 6 such as a Triumph 2.0 / 2.5 as there is room forward.

Another, radical solution we kicked about with was to leave the Commer engine in as ballast and fit a transaxle flat engine / gearbox / finaldrive setup in the back such as a Beetle or a Porsche Boxster / older 911.  ;D

Watch this space. 8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 05:22:03 pm
Anyone got a decaying Hillman / Chrysler Hunter / Minx / Rapier with a high compression 1725cc engine?

Like this -

(http://www.btinternet.com/~robinson01/rootes1725/alpine/engine_l.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on January 24, 2005, 08:53:22 pm
Try a 1988 VxAstra engine 1.8 L = OHV engine and old ish.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 09:33:20 pm
Another caveat - it needs to be a fore and aft rear wheel drive engine.  Any transverse front wheel drive engine is generally a sod to convert to rear drive and find a suitable gearbox to mate to.

Granted it can be done (such as with the Ford Zetec engine and an older Type 9 gearbox) but it is a real ball breaker.
The 1.8 Astra is front wheel drive and, sadly, OHC (I had a '83 SRi Cavalier fitted with one).

Look at any major car manufacturer of small / medium cars in the last 10 -15 years.  What do you find, generally front drive, transverse engine and OHC.

Some of the older Renault engines may work but it would be like taking coals to Newcastle - a Renault engined Commer driving to Le Mans!

A short list is -
1. Rootes / Hillman 1725 engine (same as currently in the Commer) but from a passenger car with higher compression, more cam, more carb.
2. Ford Crossflow 1600 / 1700 / Mexico / Kent engine - low height engine with plenty of tuning opportunities.
3. Triumph 1500/4 or 2000/6, 2500/6.
4. Austin Rover 'B' series 1800 (as in Maxi / Marina and MGB)

As can be seen, all of these engines ceased production at least 15 years ago (except Ford - found as a FWD engine in the last 1300 Escort and Fiesta).

The search continues...............



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on January 24, 2005, 09:59:33 pm
You're all on crack. This thread is totally insane.
Have you considered a Humber Snipe engine......?
Come on Steve, conjour up an image of Rootes '57 Chevy lookalike, for the young 'uns to reference.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on January 24, 2005, 10:10:02 pm
You're all on crack. This thread is totally insane.
Mhh, I only thought this on the first page or so...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 10:54:40 pm
Humber Super Snipe (a fine motor car  ;) )

 (http://www.humberonia.freeserve.co.uk/1960%20Super%20Snipe.JPG)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 10:58:38 pm
Mind you, the Vauxhall Cresta PA has more of the '55 Chevy look

(http://members.ispwest.com/ronsmith/cars/088_20.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 11:01:36 pm

You're all on crack. This thread is totally insane.


LOL
But it has long legs  ;D

Admit it Matt, you're intrigued  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 24, 2005, 11:03:22 pm
Steve, not such a bad idea, the Astra/Cav/Carlton use the same basic unit but the Carlton mostly uses the Getrag box a little like the BMWs do. A very compact gearbox that would have fitted the tunnel even in my old midget (this plan was killed off by problems with the BMC flywheel ) Takes lots of power without complaining too. the GM unit comes in a wide variety of c.c.-nesses too. Even a diesel if for any motor than the Commer, which we know isn't a likely option.... is it???
Unlike the Beemer box the GM Getrag has a mechanical speedo drive too.

Bill

 :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 24, 2005, 11:06:25 pm

Even a diesel if for any motor than the Commer, which we know isn't a likely option.... is it???


Mr Zarse has black listed the 'D' word on the pain of death (I did suggest a Transit diesel  ::) )

I still like the Porsche Boxster transaxle idea though!!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on January 25, 2005, 10:01:19 am
How about this??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29760&item=4521145051&rd=1

or this??

http://search.ebay.co.uk/triumph_Classic-Cars_W0QQcatrefZC12QQsacategoryZ29751QQsoloctogZ3QQsosortpropertyZ1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 25, 2005, 02:55:02 pm
Steve, re your poster: "You Get a Touch of Genius in everything made by Rootes"  ??? Who the feck are they kidding?? Madness and genius are seperated by a fine line.

The Commer has the front subframe off the Snipe, and it's about two foot too narrow, thusly the wheels are too far inboard giving it it's comical handling traits. If that's genius I'll eat my hat.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, but I'll probably be sticking with a 1725 Rootes engine.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 25, 2005, 04:33:52 pm
Mind you, the Vauxhall Cresta PA has more of the '55 Chevy look

(http://members.ispwest.com/ronsmith/cars/088_20.jpg)

The Sunbeam Rapier fastback of 1967 resembled the 1966 Plymouth Barracuda (part of Chrysler USA) - coincidence? The Plymouth however had a one piece wrap around rear glass (the Rapier had a three piece) and was also available as a convertible. Both these Plymouth features would have suited the Rapier very well.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 25, 2005, 04:35:47 pm
Here's the Rapier


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 25, 2005, 04:42:12 pm
Erm, try again!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on January 25, 2005, 05:46:49 pm
When I moved 'down south' as a youngster, the only really viable way to travel back North to see my mates was to hitch hike. You don't see many of these intrepid souls these days, but it left me with a few memorable experiences. Like been picked up by a textbook hairy arsed Glaswegian lorry driver. In his cab, without any load attached (I'm sure there's technical terms for these bits) he reckoned he was driving a sports car. Somewhere near Leeds, in a snowstorm, he slowed down and looked across at me:
HAGLD: "Dee ya like a driiink, geordie lad?"
H: "Please don't hurt me..."
The b*stard then pulled into a pub where, worryingly, although it wasn't called 'Cheers', everyone knew his name. He  emptied my pockets (and his) and went on to down about 8 or 9 pints, each with a chaser, in less than an hour. Straight back in the cab, he drove like a maniac, scaring the sh*te out of every other road user, and booting me out (it's about midnight now) in the middle of absolutely bleedin' nowhere when I tried to calm him down. It was February, if I remember rightly. I sort of miss those days.
Anyway, what reminded me of hitching, was all this talk of Snipes and Hillmans. I was picked up once, heading south, in a barge of a car, I can't remember what it was, but I'm pretty sure it had Rootes roots, as it were. The driver made a point of telling me, repeatedly, between slugs of Vodka, that it had a Rolls Royce engine, and was an exclusive piece of kit. It soon became apparent that he'd nicked it and was on the run, he was driving like a man with Fiery Jack in his pants (and drinking like a man whose passenger had other things in his pants to worry about). I think this was the first time I'd been in a car whose fuel gauge moved visibly downward, seemingly drawn by a magnet to the 'Empty' script, and it may have been the same for him, as it wasn't long before he started making demands with menaces, there was clearly not enough fuel on board to get us back to his manor in Olde London Towne, and he didn't have anything to buy some with. I didn't much mind the demands, but the menaces were a bit grim, I think all I could muster was about 50p. In those days, you could still spend fifty pence at a pump, although it wasn't going to get that motor much further, so I was surprised to see him fill it up. Paying for the fuel was an option he decided he didn't fancy, so it was back into the car, and a very smartish exit onto the A1. I jumped out and legged it through a hedge when we got to a roundabout near the north circular. I could see things weren't going to improve.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 25, 2005, 06:40:04 pm
Ah yes, if it had a RR engine, I think it would have been a Vanden Plas Princess R (below). The RR engine was also fitted to several types of tracked military vehicles, so it was pretty unburstable.

My dad had a mate in Birmingham who owned one in the early seventies. His car used to belong to the Cheif Constable of Staffordshire Police and for about the first twelve months of ownership he continued to be saluted by officers wherever he went. He reckonned it was a liscence to drink and drive. I wonder.......?? ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: The Planman on January 25, 2005, 08:24:07 pm
sh*t man - My Grand Dad, God rest his soul, had one of these!!  One of the first memories I had of being in a car!!  It was black with red leather seats.......... Had a big engine like a V8 or big bore straight 4.  Those of you who know there cars would be in the know.  I was about 3 or may be 4 years of age......... Great picture! :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on January 26, 2005, 04:06:11 am
Hi Andy,
             My mate Tony had one of those Princess R.
 4 Litre inline 6  3 speed tansmission with Overdrive on 2 gears.
Overdrive was activated by a switch on the throttle . Brilliant car to drive. Did my first real road trip in it 1200 miles in 24 hours.
Cape Town to Etosha Pan in what was then South West Africa. Now Namibia.
His Dad had a Commer camper too.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 26, 2005, 05:42:23 pm
Hi Andy,
             My mate Tony had one of those Princess R.
 4 Litre inline 6  3 speed tansmission with Overdrive on 2 gears.
Overdrive was activated by a switch on the throttle . Brilliant car to drive. Did my first real road trip in it 1200 miles in 24 hours.
Cape Town to Etosha Pan in what was then South West Africa. Now Namibia.
His Dad had a Commer camper too.
Canada Phil

Phil

Your mate and his Dad were self-evidently men of fine taste and discernment. What led you to be in that part of the world?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robbo SPS on January 26, 2005, 09:48:40 pm
I get the idea there is about as much hope of the commer getting a new engine as my mini going on the ferry without a tow rope ?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 26, 2005, 10:24:16 pm
I get the idea there is about as much hope of the commer getting a new engine as my mini going on the ferry without a tow rope ?

D'you know Robbo, I'm beginning to think this is a possibility too. Can't put me finger on why though..

I love that picture of the old Triumph Mayflower on the Cresta picture. My old mom God bless her, used to love Mayflowers and it must be the only "Bloodyoldcar" that my dad DIDN'T bring home at one time or another, He was a sucker for any old Arthur Daley type with a tin of filler and four wheels to sell.

Bill

 :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Liszt on January 26, 2005, 10:57:58 pm
65 Chuffing pages!  Iturn my back for 3 months and this gets to 65 pages!

Somepeople have way too much free time


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on January 27, 2005, 01:20:03 am
65 Chuffing pages!  Iturn my back for 3 months and this gets to 65 pages!

Somepeople have way too much free time

Hi Liszt,
             Where the hell have you been for 3 months. you will be up all night trying to catch up ;D
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 27, 2005, 12:31:14 pm
I get the idea there is about as much hope of the commer getting a new engine as my mini going on the ferry without a tow rope ?

D'you know Robbo, I'm beginning to think this is a possibility too. Can't put me finger on why though..

You may well be right guys, there's actually nothing wrong with the existing engine, it's just a bit underpowered.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on January 31, 2005, 07:30:16 pm
The all terrain version



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on February 04, 2005, 10:09:29 pm
Bloddy 'ell Steve
I thought i had found the ultimate

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4522789390&rd=1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on February 04, 2005, 11:17:40 pm
A super looking conversion. Must have taken ages, and some moonshine to do.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 05, 2005, 06:12:59 pm
Quote
Bloddy 'ell Steve I thought i had found the ultimate

Depends on the definition of ultimate:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4523399959&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4523399959&rd=1)

Now there's a piece of BL's finest, as is this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4523881051&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4523881051&rd=1)

Amazed that either of them has survived.........

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 07, 2005, 12:15:58 pm
Another engine for sale

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7952638208&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7952638208&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on February 09, 2005, 09:40:07 am
Alternative Solution for propulsion system...

... atmospheric turbo !!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on February 16, 2005, 09:27:26 am
Should be able to get parked someplace (pretty much anywhere you like) with this little baby...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9883&item=4524372731


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 25, 2005, 05:18:37 pm
Given my less-than-optimistic interpretation of the latest news from the Vatican, I reckon we'll soon be seeing quite a few of these buggies on the market.

A very worthy modern replacement and I would't look out of place, all dressed up in crazy clobber, sitting in the back of a funny car nodding my head to some imagined "way-out" beat.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 26, 2005, 08:14:33 pm
Got to be worth a go surely - two stroke and supercharged?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18307&item=4529874872&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18307&item=4529874872&rd=1)

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 26, 2005, 08:24:05 pm
Given my less-than-optimistic interpretation of the latest news from the Vatican, I reckon we'll soon be seeing quite a few of these buggies on the market.

A very worthy modern replacement and I would't look out of place, all dressed up in crazy clobber, sitting in the back of a funny car nodding my head to some imagined "way-out" beat.

Nah - go for the lightweight racing roadster any day  ;D ;D ;D

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36626&item=4529430675&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36626&item=4529430675&rd=1)

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 27, 2005, 12:33:31 am
Given my less-than-optimistic interpretation of the latest news from the Vatican, I reckon we'll soon be seeing quite a few of these buggies on the market.

A very worthy modern replacement and I would't look out of place, all dressed up in crazy clobber, sitting in the back of a funny car nodding my head to some imagined "way-out" beat.

Nah - go for the lightweight racing roadster any day  ;D ;D ;D

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36626&item=4529430675&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36626&item=4529430675&rd=1)

Mark

What the hell were you searching for Mark???  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 27, 2005, 06:29:39 pm
Quote
What the hell were you searching for Mark???  

Inspired by the Popemobile, I just thought it would be interesting to see what came up closer to home on ebay motors by typing in "buggy" - aside from a couple of beach buggies, that was what came up next.   That said, that sort of thing could prove useful in June..............

Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on March 03, 2005, 03:44:09 pm
continental alternatives...

http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=79055&item=4530817156&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=79058&item=4531416304&rd=1



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on March 24, 2005, 12:16:42 am
Caught this thread just before it slipped to page 5. That wouldn't do, would it?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on March 24, 2005, 12:23:21 am
WHAT page 5 :o
Your right just wont do!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on March 24, 2005, 01:34:04 am
blimey......not only do i now realise that my first ever boyfriend ( and the reason for my explusion for convent school) drove a commer van...........but i actually owned one of those Marina campers with the pop up roof myself too!!! blimmin' tinkers in northern spain stripped it bare tho.............. >:(

Fran


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 29, 2005, 11:40:39 am
blimey......not only do i now realise that my first ever boyfriend ( and the reason for my explusion for convent school) drove a commer van...........but i actually owned one of those Marina campers with the pop up roof myself too!!! blimmin' tinkers in northern spain stripped it bare tho.............. >:(

Fran

Hi Fran, I'm delighted (though not really surprised) to hear that a Commer was involved in a such a outrageous scandal. I should have thought the sight of a man in a Commer lurking around the entrance a convent school would be enough to make any Head Teacher dial 999. The fact that you were expelled by the Big Cheese Nun speaks volumes for your sense of rebellion and it'll be a pleasure to meet you at LM.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Invincible Mou on March 29, 2005, 12:35:17 pm
The fact that you were expelled by the Big Cheese Nun speaks volumes for your sense of rebellion and it'll be a pleasure to meet you at LM.

I used to go to school with a vicious nun like that. It's not this one by any chance is it?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/bullocks/wnun2.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 29, 2005, 02:08:17 pm
We had a catholic priest at school who was all fun and games on the outside, but there was a viscious bastard lurking just under the surface. I think all the beatings and punishment stuff were born out of sexual frustration. I mean, it's not natural is it?  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 29, 2005, 02:15:10 pm
Oh, by the way everyone, I dug the Commer out of her grief pit at the weekend. After a quick tow start to free the seized up drum brakes and clutch, I'm delighted to say I soon had here flying up and down the road. The starter motor has packed up (£22 exchange for a new one) and the speedo cable snapped so i couldn't see how fast (slow?) I was going. But oither than that, everything seemed pretty much ok. Next stop, MOT station....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 29, 2005, 04:38:33 pm
Is this MOT a prelude to her making the pilgrimage this year? I thought you had retired her


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 29, 2005, 05:27:28 pm
Is this MOT a prelude to her making the pilgrimage this year? I thought you had retired her

Retired the Commer? Are you mad Bob? That's f**k*ng fighting talk round these parts.... "Are yew lookin' at my Commer?"


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on March 29, 2005, 05:35:01 pm
The fact that you were expelled by the Big Cheese Nun speaks volumes for your sense of rebellion and it'll be a pleasure to meet you at LM.

I used to go to school with a vicious nun like that. It's not this one by any chance is it?

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/bullocks/wnun2.jpg)

Or maybe like this?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 30, 2005, 10:24:16 am
Is this MOT a prelude to her making the pilgrimage this year? I thought you had retired her

Retired the Commer? Are you mad Bob? That's f**cking fighting talk round these parts.... "Are yew lookin' at my Commer?"
987 posts and you decide not to retire her. Do you realise the amount of time and effort that everyone has put into trying to find a replacment for you ? Well thank you very much Andy. I think an appology is in order, oh and a few beers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 30, 2005, 01:11:20 pm
Is this MOT a prelude to her making the pilgrimage this year? I thought you had retired her

Retired the Commer? Are you mad Bob? That's f**cking fighting talk round these parts.... "Are yew lookin' at my Commer?"
987 posts and you decide not to retire her. Do you realise the amount of time and effort that everyone has put into trying to find a replacment for you ? Well thank you very much Andy. I think an appology is in order, oh and a few beers.

I grovel in humiliation.  ;)

But here's another Commer making it's delivery to Maison Blanche.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on March 30, 2005, 01:16:57 pm
And we weren't organising the beer festival until 2006!!  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 30, 2005, 03:39:46 pm
Andy, can you get it to drop a few off on HA on it's way to MB


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 30, 2005, 04:19:12 pm
Andy, I think you need to stump up £1.75 and buy this

http://classiccamperclub.tripod.com/regalia.htm (http://classiccamperclub.tripod.com/regalia.htm)

Quote
The Commer File
Excellent fact file on the Commer Motor Caravan, written by Steve Loveys. It contains some useful Specification details, together with a full list of all the different converters using the Commer PA and PB as the base vehicle          
£1.75


(http://www.btinternet.com/~classic.camperclub/Commer_file.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 30, 2005, 04:22:45 pm
..........or this from a second hand book shop

(http://www.instruction-manuals.co.uk/category/cars/IMcars/commer.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 30, 2005, 06:53:21 pm
Steve, I already have the Olyslager book. It's hilarious! Mr O claims it's applicable for novice home mechanics and how they can save money. But immediately he goes on about dwell angles, static timing of the engine, adjusting crankshaft end-float and lots of other non standard info. However, it doesn't tell you, for example, what grade of oil to put in the rear shocks and misses loads of other more mundane info like tyre pressures etc. Olyslager is a hopeless South African fool!  >:( :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on March 30, 2005, 10:03:49 pm
In support of Mr Zarse, its only fair to point out that at no time in this 67 page posting thread did anyone say the Commer WAS going to be retired.......... it all started with the word "If"....

As to whether any of those pics resembled my wicked old Mother Superior... i never dared peek under the whimple so anything might have been lurking under there.........mind you.......i did try to trap her veil in the door as she billowed by...........just to try n pull it off!!! ha ha ha.... 8)

Fran





Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Invincible Mou on March 30, 2005, 10:51:22 pm
As to whether any of those pics resembled my wicked old Mother Superior... i never dared peek under the whimple so anything might have been lurking under there.........mind you.......i did try to trap her veil in the door as she billowed by...........just to try n pull it off!!! ha ha ha.... 8)

Fran





You, my dear lady, have a sense of humour I appreciate  ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 31, 2005, 10:36:14 am
Only four more. I can picture you all out there, fingers poised over the post button to get the honour of being number 1000.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 31, 2005, 10:39:30 am
Only three


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 31, 2005, 10:39:58 am
Only two


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 31, 2005, 10:40:24 am
Only one


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 31, 2005, 10:40:55 am
It's me ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 31, 2005, 10:45:43 am
It's me ;D ;D ;D

Bob, congratulations, you may have won a major prize.

(http://www.getdigital.de/images/produkte/t2/t2_tux.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 31, 2005, 01:01:28 pm
Bob, that's plain cheating.  >:( They are not proper posts (by proper I mean totally meaningless), so I'm deducting four from the offical count. This means the tally is actually standing at 998.  :)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 31, 2005, 01:04:23 pm
Fran is right. The very first word on this ridiculous thread is "If". Obviously you paid attention during Comprehension at school Fran.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 31, 2005, 01:26:34 pm
Bob, that's plain cheating.  >:( They are not proper posts (by proper I mean totally meaningless), so I'm deducting four from the offical count. This means the tally is actually standing at 998.  :)

.... and, following the 'Keeper of the Commer's' ruling, I'm removing the major prize  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on March 31, 2005, 02:09:11 pm
Steve, when withdrawing said major prize, as the other four posts were of a dubious nature you may need to award that major prize to the man with the Cobra rep...

(What goes around comes around...)

Bill


[Bob, I would have liked to be no1,000, but that is how the cookie bounces- who said mixing mettyfers wasnt a good thing?] ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 31, 2005, 02:20:12 pm
Cheers Bill, does that mean I get to keep the cuddly vitual penguin?  :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on March 31, 2005, 10:26:52 pm
Virtually.

 ;D


Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 03, 2005, 08:53:22 am
Glad to hear that the old girl is on top form heading into the lead-up to the annual pilgrimage.

I missed the landmark of the 1,000 posts  ::).  Never mind, that's how it goes sometimes, when actual work gets in the way of surfing at work!   As the originator of the thread, I can only offer humble thanks to those who have contributed to it, hope that it has brought some amusement and edification, and apologise to anyone who has been offended by it any way (and has thus missed the point of it entirely).

And as if by magic, there are currently 4 of the beauties on e-bay at the moment.......London bus syndrome - you spend ages waiting for one and a load come along all at once.....mind you could give a whole new meaning to "Team Zarse"..........

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4539439965&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4539439965&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4540538765&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4540538765&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9903&item=7965402985&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=9903&item=7965402985&rd=1)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4540124458&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4540124458&rd=1)

All the best,

MG Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 03, 2005, 08:57:08 am
Quote
And as if by magic, there are currently 4 of the beauties on e-bay at the moment

Sorry, make that 5 - they must be breeding rapidly at this time of year.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4539298219&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4539298219&rd=1)

MG Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 14, 2005, 06:55:12 pm
Australian Commer replacement

(http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/storm/may2704/camper.jpg_small.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 14, 2005, 06:56:26 pm
Vintage Commer replacement

(http://www.shadetreemechanic.com/images/Early%20Camper.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 14, 2005, 06:57:23 pm

Oh dear!!

(http://www.crackedcrab.com/images/VW%20Beetle%20Camper.JPG)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 14, 2005, 07:00:24 pm

Comma replacement

(http://www.archives.gov.ua/NB/Images/Comma-2003.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on April 14, 2005, 07:01:14 pm

Oh dear!!

(http://www.crackedcrab.com/images/VW%20Beetle%20Camper.JPG)



Why????????????  :-\


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on April 14, 2005, 08:38:33 pm

Oh dear!!

(http://www.crackedcrab.com/images/VW%20Beetle%20Camper.JPG)



Why????????????  :-\

Bet the arse hangs out a treat in the wet

Martini.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DavidsDad on April 14, 2005, 11:18:08 pm
Which arse do you mean, Martini?, The big wide denim one, or the big wide aluminium one?

 ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DavidsDad on April 14, 2005, 11:20:05 pm
Do my eyes deceive me, or is the registration BUGRY?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on April 14, 2005, 11:42:43 pm
Do my eyes deceive me, or is the registration BUGRY?

Well bugger me ....I mean blinkin eck I think you are right!

M


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on April 15, 2005, 01:07:06 am
Do my eyes deceive me, or is the registration BUGRY?

I think it's BUGRV !!!  Very clever!!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 15, 2005, 11:37:37 am

A Commer has just come up for sale on *bay.
£0.99 starting price

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4543553580&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4543553580&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1)

(http://i12.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/dc/48/ef_1_b.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 15, 2005, 12:27:05 pm
I must profess to being a little perplexed, not to say vexed, that no one else on this forum has taken the plunge and invested in a Commer.

At risk of repeating myself, it truly is the ideal LM support vehicle. Buy one registered before 1974 and there is no road fund tax to pay. Insurance is £100pa including European breakdown assistance. There's room to take fridges, cookers, showers, BBQs and all sorts of other stuff you wish you could have on hand were it not for the fact that you don't have room in your poxy hatchbacks. And I sleep in a proper bed instead of grovelling around on the floor like pigs in filth, like the rest of you f**k*ng tent-dwelling peasants.

There are several for sale on ebay, and I concur fully with the bloke who is selling these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4543531479&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

As he quite rightly states at the bottom of his advert -

"It is my conclusion that a Commer is an ideal friend and companion. Affordable and CLASSIC that is truly practical.
Couldn't put it better myself. When-oh-when will somebody else see the God-dancing light??  >:(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 15, 2005, 12:34:11 pm

A Commer has just come up for sale on *bay.
£0.99 starting price

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4543553580&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4543553580&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:UK:1)

(http://i12.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/dc/48/ef_1_b.JPG)

Steve, thanks, this one is a late model PA (mine is a PB). You can tell the difference because it only has single secondary lights (ie no side lights!) and a sqare shaped grill instead of the famous PB lozenge grille. But best of all, it has the drivers grab handle in the cab, which I covet so much.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 15, 2005, 05:29:22 pm
......... But best of all, it has the drivers grab handle in the cab, which I covet so much.

Andy, does that serve as a straining bar for those high speed, cloth touching moments?



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 15, 2005, 06:16:16 pm
Precisely Steve! Apart from being aestetically pleasing, it would be very functional too.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 16, 2005, 05:23:53 am
Hi Andy,
            I am tempted but surely a Camper Van without the camping interior is JUST a VAN. Nice Handle door sill reveals a little rust?
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on April 21, 2005, 10:03:52 pm
Dunno about Modern, but it could be a Commer replacement I spose....

http://tinyurl.com/3zwlp


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ron Jeremy on April 21, 2005, 10:07:34 pm
you'd get one hell of a squirt in the water pistol fight from the goddess pump


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brian(Liverpool boys) on April 22, 2005, 04:57:21 pm
One here for you Smokie.
http://www.witham-sv.com/infopage.php?ID=296&Overide=1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on April 22, 2005, 06:24:12 pm
Do I need armoured? I hope not!! (Not at that price anyway!!)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on April 25, 2005, 06:22:33 pm
 :-X :-X :-XTwice Round the Daffodils  :-* :-* :-*

has there ever been a list of films where a commer has appeared?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ron Jeremy on April 25, 2005, 06:29:27 pm
italian job  ???


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on April 25, 2005, 07:05:47 pm
http://tinyurl.com/d6qqp

from Dr Who - Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD. Might be a Commer...

Also there is a commer like vehicle in a Pathe News film which shows the destruction of 10 Rillington Place...you may need to register to d/l

http://www.itnarchive.com/cgi-bin/taweb.exe?x=d&o=d&q=(10%20AND%20rillington%20AND%20place)&d=BPATHE&i=84026&p=1&t=doc.tmpl&v=tabbed


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 26, 2005, 12:04:41 pm
http://tinyurl.com/d6qqp

from Dr Who - Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 AD. Might be a Commer...

Smokie, I like your use of the word "might", it's so loaded with expectation. Unfortunately the Daleks are seen here exterminating a Morris Type J2. I don't think even someone as powerful as the evil Davros could destroy a Commer.

Quote
Also there is a commer like vehicle in a Pathe News film which shows the destruction of 10 Rillington Place...you may need to register to d/l

http://www.itnarchive.com/cgi-bin/taweb.exe?x=d&o=d&q=(10%20AND%20rillington%20AND%20place)&d=BPATHE&i=84026&p=1&t=doc.tmpl&v=tabbed
Quote

It would be nice to imagine Mr Christie luring his victims back to Rillington Place by promises of a ride in a Commer. Regretably, it's not a Commer in your film clip, it's a bit hard to tell, but I think it's a good old Bedford CA.

However, a quick search on the ITV site brought up this clip of the 1961 Motor Show. Link ddoesn't work directly, so you'll need to copy and paste it.

http://www.itnarchive.com/cgi-bin/taweb.exe?x=d&o=d&q=(commer)&d=BPATHE&i=71725&p=1&t=doc.tmpl&v=tabbed

Apart from the new E Type, I love the little model Commer wizzing round on the overhead monorail and also the dollybird making tea in the back of the Commer Camper is a treat too.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on May 05, 2005, 03:30:56 am
Hi Andy,
            as one who critisized your earlier avatar let me just say. I like your current piccy of the bread van ::)
I was tempted to bid on the blue one but he said no overseas bids would be considered.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 05, 2005, 07:44:20 am
The Commer/Bread van combo really takes me back!!!  ;)  - I feel like a 15 year old convent girl again!!!

F

(Hmm having checked this message in preview, I hope the naughty boys at the back of the class will not make the obvious jokes......    :-\ )


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 05, 2005, 08:22:25 am
The Commer/Bread van combo really takes me back!!!  ;)  - I feel like a 15 year old convent girl again!!!

F

(Hmm having checked this message in preview, I hope the naughty boys at the back of the class will not make the obvious jokes......    :-\ )

Fran, you are kidding right?  ;)

....I'm saying nothing  8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on May 05, 2005, 09:48:16 am
Oh, sweet Jesus, yes...


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 05, 2005, 10:01:08 am
I've felt like a 15 year old convent girl for a while, but the police keep moving me on from outside the school!!  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 05, 2005, 10:59:36 am
A-ha! Trick-trick-trickery is afoot!

My new avatar is not in fact a Commer, it's actually a forward control Austin. I was just waiting to see who wasn't paying attention during classic van class. So now you're all going to be punished severly for your indolence, starting with the naughty convent schoolgirl at the back.......


Aaarrrggggghhhhh, this is going to hurt you more than it hurts me with any luck....  ;)

 


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 05, 2005, 12:30:53 pm
In my defence - the words "Bread" and "Service" clouded my judgement.

 :-[

F


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on May 05, 2005, 12:51:20 pm
Possible conversion to camper van?

http://www.witham-sv.com/infopage.php?ID=1&Overide=1


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 06, 2005, 12:17:51 am
Innit amazing how modern the J-thingy back end looks, just like the amazingly modern LDV Sherpy-thingy, Piloty thingy?

I was always awake during commercial vehicles two, but classic vans was on the Wednesday afternoons when the Convent school girlies used to walk back all steamy from Monument Road Swimming baths in good old Brum. Naturellement we would all be watching out of the windows then.

Fran were you one of those? Were you the tall one that used to throw her unmentionnables at our upstairs window?

Do you want them back?

 :)

Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 06, 2005, 08:18:11 am
Sorry perdu - my convent was in Sussex/Kent not Brum - as for throwing knickers.... we had to wear those big blue navy ones (plus another pair underneath for extra modesty) - you would have to have had the strength of Jeff Capes to lob them up to an upstairs window!

F


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 06, 2005, 10:33:12 am
Sorry perdu - my convent was in Sussex/Kent not Brum - as for throwing knickers.... we had to wear those big blue navy ones (plus another pair underneath for extra modesty) - you would have to have had the strength of Jeff Capes to lob them up to an upstairs window!

F

I feel a Bridget Jones moment coming on!!!!   ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 06, 2005, 10:20:41 pm
Sorry perdu - my convent was in Sussex/Kent not Brum - as for throwing knickers.... we had to wear those big blue navy ones (plus another pair underneath for extra modesty) - you would have to have had the strength of Jeff Capes to lob them up to an upstairs window!

F

I feel a Bridget Jones moment coming on!!!!   ;D ;D ;D

Really JP?

We should be so lucky!!!

Those St Pauls girls were all good enough to give Capesey lessons... and the rest of us!

 :-X


Bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on May 07, 2005, 01:42:32 am
I bet you have "darts players wrists" eh Perdu?  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 07, 2005, 02:06:31 am
I bet you have "darts players wrists" eh Perdu?  ;)

Smokie, I don't have enough strength to have those. Me, I'm a worn out old git.... :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 10, 2005, 12:32:11 pm
For those of you who don't fancy a full sized Commer camper - a Commer version of the Hillmann Husky!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4547964110&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2192&item=4547964110&rd=1)

(http://i13.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/01/50/a9_12_sb.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 10, 2005, 12:35:10 pm
or a "Commer Motor Caravan"  :o

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4549050922&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4549050922&rd=1)

(http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/09/a3/b0_1_b.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 10, 2005, 12:37:43 pm
...or if you're on a limited budget - a tenner

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16481&item=6959567268&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16481&item=6959567268&rd=1)

(http://i16.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/05/3e/5c_1_b.JPG)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 10, 2005, 12:40:58 pm
Wonderful car the Hilman Husky.  My dad had one new in 1957.  Same foorpan etc as a Sunbeam Tiger, shame about the rest of it


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 17, 2005, 12:33:34 pm
It's wednesday, it's 3 o'clock and it's MOT day. Time to see if we need a modern replacement.  ???

I've put the chloroform in the glove box and I'm dressed up in my best Lesley Crowther diguise just in case.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 17, 2005, 12:45:22 pm
It's wednesday, it's 3 o'clock and it's MOT day. Time to see if we need a modern replacement.  ???

I've put the chloroform in the glove box and I'm dressed up in my best Lesley Crowther diguise just in case.

Errmm........it's Tuesday.

Not premature are you Andy??  Or do you just like dressing up in the Lesley Crowther guise anyway??  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on May 17, 2005, 12:48:30 pm
Would anyone like to see my CrackerJack pencil?
I can put some tortoiseshell spectacles on it, if you prefer.
H


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 17, 2005, 01:25:48 pm
Would anyone like to see my CrackerJack pencil?

Is there still some lead in it???  8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 17, 2005, 01:56:40 pm
The MOT tester bloke looks suspiciously like Peter Glaze if you ask me. Sorry Mark, your right, today is tuesday not wednesday. Sometimes I think I'l forget my own.... erm, err, what was it again...?

PS Apprpos of nothing Mark, you'll be delighted to hear that Chris managed to "cure" a lesbian last night. However, Dr Laker's Patented Surgical Implant seems to have taken something of a battering (cue Felix) and now resembles beef jerky by all accounts. I doubt this will help with the MOT though.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 17, 2005, 02:28:23 pm
Good Lad!!  Shame about his implant tool, but I'm sure he'll caress it better.....probably the next time he is on nights!  ;)

Have you had to leave the Commer there for the test and collect her later, or do you now hold a priceless document in your sweaty hand?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 17, 2005, 03:11:11 pm
I've put the chloroform in the glove box .
Do Commers have glove boxes? There is the big one in the middle, but thats where the engine hides


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 17, 2005, 04:33:02 pm
BINGO! She has passed with flying colours, although apparently I need my kingpin greasing.  :-X I will shortly have the priceless sweaty document within my grasp.

Truck, Commers have two glove boxes but no glove box lids. And no, I don't know why either.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 17, 2005, 05:41:35 pm
BINGO! She has passed with flying colours, although apparently I need my kingpin greasing.  :-X I will shortly have the priceless sweaty document within my grasp.

Truck, Commers have two glove boxes but no glove box lids. And no, I don't know why either.

A certain Cliff Richards song comes to mind (not Devil Woman!)

(http://www.e-motional.com/images/fireworks-30.jpg)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 17, 2005, 06:01:33 pm
Truck, Commers have two glove boxes but no glove box lids. And no, I don't know why either.
Two!  must be the delux version.  Hillman Huskies had a parcel shelf at the front too.

You'll get the new MOT sticker for the windscreen.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 17, 2005, 06:13:05 pm
BINGO! She has passed with flying colours, although apparently I need my kingpin greasing.  :-X I will shortly have the priceless sweaty document within my grasp.


I'm sure Chris Zarse can help you with the Greasing!!  :o

Perhaps this could be an event on Maison Blanche on Thursday afternoon. Posters up all around the circuit advertising "Come to Maison Blanche for the ceremonial Greasing of the Kingpin"


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 17, 2005, 06:34:26 pm
I keep seeing alot of talk about MOT.What is it some sort of tax maybe?
I still think those old Commer RV's look AWSOME!Kind of like a face only a
mother could love. :o :o 8)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 17, 2005, 06:47:08 pm
An MOT is an annual test for roadworthyness Randy.

Required for every car after it is three years old. I'm not certain but I guess the same applies to vans and campers.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 17, 2005, 10:14:11 pm
....and the poor old Commer always causes serious trauma and consternation when her's is due.

The old girl is all clear for a toll booth drag race again then Andy?

I'll be ready  ;)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 17, 2005, 10:31:05 pm
Congrats Andy. Lara, my Midge passed the "dreaded" last week after the obligatory headlight alignment a great feeling of relief second only to... well I know you know what I mean!  :o

I had a weird little blue sticker when she passed, is that what you mean about MOT sticker? Has it become a new way to tell the 'bule! that the motor has passed?

 ???


bill


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 23, 2005, 02:11:55 pm
DISASTER!!!

Changed the oil on saturday and some pretty large lumps of metal, 3 to 5mm square, were to be found in the bottom of the sump. Oh dear, I thought, they're probably not supposed to be there and Im almost certain something has gone awry. On closer inspection these lumps tunrned out to be hard plastic. Looks like either I have dropped someting into the engine or there is an oilseal breaking up. The answer turned out to be the latter as the clutch is now slipping like a bastard and the smell of Felix's burning chip fat is a bit overpowering. So it's all hands on deck, at least it will keep me out of the pub of an evening.

Why does this happen every year, just before the big off. GGRRR! Sometimes I feel like giving up.  >:( :(


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 23, 2005, 03:41:03 pm
DISASTER!!!
On closer inspection these lumps tunrned out to be hard plastic.
A real Commer would have a rope oil seal, none of this modern plastic rubbish.

You'll get there.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 23, 2005, 07:44:48 pm
Never give up Mr Zarse!  :)

F


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on May 23, 2005, 08:40:45 pm
If you need a hand Andy I will be able to help after the rugby this weekend!

Hope you get it going can't wait to see it next to the audi coming down from the Dunlop Bridge!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: matchlesspat on May 24, 2005, 01:11:32 am
 >:(well I thought I had better sort out the BMW powered CF ready for the 5am start on the 15th, am still trying to get moped boy to empty the toilet, I am sure most of the contents are his anyway, the autobox has been playing up since a toll booth drag race last year so I have decided to change it, should only take a skilled mechanic a few hours, might just get it ready in time,

    Pat


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: matchlesspat on May 24, 2005, 01:13:18 am
 ??? don't know what happened to the picture last time, or this time if it goes wrong again,?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2005, 11:47:50 am
Pat, that is the most unlikely looking Beddy CF I have ever seen!! The BMW grille is a stroke of absolute genius. If I didn't have a clutch to change I would try something similar. Now where's that flywheel puller gone?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 26, 2005, 12:41:02 am
DISASTER!!!

Why does this happen every year, just before the big off. GGRRR! Sometimes I feel like giving up.  >:( :(

Andy,

       Well done on the MOT, but as always, the aftermath is just the dear old thing's way of reminding you of the penalty of neglecting her at other times.   I shall see what the MGA has to offer in that regard this Saturday (although having driven 1000miles plus so far this year I hope the answer isnothing)

MG Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2005, 02:24:50 pm
It just gets worse.  :(

No sooner is the new clutch installed, then the cylinder head gasket has decided it's sick of being squashed and has opted out of the deal. Just got a replacement for a tenner. I'm cutting things very fine this year...  :P


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on June 09, 2005, 02:38:24 pm
Maybe invoking the Curse of the Commer on the weather has backfired..... ???

Hope the repairs are successful..........


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on June 09, 2005, 02:40:27 pm
Stop messing about with the internet and get it fixed, it has to be there after 72 pages on this forum.

Don't forget the inlet & exhaust gaskets too, or is it side valve?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chris (Liverpool Boys) on June 09, 2005, 02:41:47 pm
Remember andy if you are struggling with the commer and it gets a bit much there is a simple two step guide to get you out of trouble

STEP ONE: USE THE BIGGEST SODDING GREAT HAMMER YOU CAN FIND!!!!!

(THEN ONCE YOU ARE DE-STRESSED MOVE ONTO)

STEP TWO: ONE GALLON OF FINEST UNLEADED AND A MATCH

SORTED WORKS LIKE A TREAT EVERY TIME


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2005, 03:25:55 pm
Remember andy if you are struggling with the commer and it gets a bit much there is a simple two step guide to get you out of trouble

STEP ONE: USE THE BIGGEST SODDING GREAT HAMMER YOU CAN FIND!!!!!

(THEN ONCE YOU ARE DE-STRESSED MOVE ONTO)

STEP TWO: ONE GALLON OF FINEST UNLEADED AND A MATCH

SORTED WORKS LIKE A TREAT EVERY TIME

I'm tempted oh so tempted Chris. But I have admitted defeat and taken said bastard to the garage.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 09, 2005, 08:36:28 pm

 I'm cutting things very fine this year...  :P

.........just as you did last year  ::)



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2005, 10:10:34 pm
Andy is it the cast iron head version or the Ally head (holbay huntery thingy) thingy?

The cast iron one should be ready tomorrow morning OK afternoon.

I am keeping my fingies crossed for you mate.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 09, 2005, 10:11:57 pm
About that engine conversion you were thinking about. Could you do it now ;D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2005, 10:27:17 pm
Andy is it the cast iron head version or the Ally head (holbay huntery thingy) thingy?

The cast iron one should be ready tomorrow morning OK afternoon.

I am keeping my fingies crossed for you mate.

Thanks guys. Too late for engine conversions probably Rhino.

Bill, it is of course the ironhead, a bit like it's owner. Do you have a spare or summat?? Or have I mis-read your post?

Anyway, the old bastard is now fixed, all I have to do is go collect it tomorrow. I couldn't stand the thought of having it to pieces over the weekend what with my failing health (had a terrible dose of flu which won't bloody go away) so I took the cowards way out and went to the professionals.  Will this bloody expense never end? Don't anyone EVER contemplate buying a Commer. They are crap crap crap.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2005, 10:28:02 pm
For sale. One Commer, good condition, totally reliable. Offers?


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2005, 10:32:23 pm
Andy, no sorry. I wish I did have some spares left over from a job I did years ago for a thieving fireman on his old Hunter type Alpine. They would be yours for the years of enjoyment I have had from this thread and all the others about the old beast.

Keep on, keeping on !  


:)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 09, 2005, 10:32:31 pm
One careful owner, never raced or rallied.....


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2005, 10:35:46 pm
That can't be true I have seen the posters

 :o


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2005, 10:46:40 pm
I will have to keep on keeping on seeing as there is no alternative way of us getting a fridge and genny to LM.  :( If you do ever come across any spares Bill, be sure to tip me the wink. Am seriously thinking abaout an alloy headed engine though.

The rupture was between cylinders two and three apparently. It was so down on power ??? I thought the head gasket had gone cos it was pinking and backfiring but there was no oil or bubbles in the rad. However, there are no oil or water galleries where it blew so was only when we tested the compression could we diagnose the problem. BTW the clutch was nearly right through the rivets and the fly wheel is badly scored. I can't understand why it didn't start slipping years ago.  ???

Oh for a new LDV Maxus.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on June 10, 2005, 03:20:44 am
Yeah the Commer is back on the front page. Well done there Andy. hpe she runs well for your trip.
see you on MB.
Canada Phil


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 14, 2005, 11:25:46 pm
As the Commer wheeses it's way to Le Mans i thought it right to bring this one back to page 1!


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 20, 2005, 04:21:59 pm
As the Commer wheeses it's way to Le Mans i thought it right to bring this one back to page 1!

We wait with bated breath for the pre/post race report....... ;)

MG Mark


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on June 20, 2005, 07:23:24 pm
http://members.chello.nl/h.wesseling2/my_new/camper.html


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 21, 2005, 12:27:39 am
I hope someone has a pic or two of the arrival of the Commer on MB...a classic moment


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 21, 2005, 11:28:30 am
As the Commer wheeses it's way to Le Mans i thought it right to bring this one back to page 1!

We wait with bated breath for the pre/post race report....... ;)

MG Mark

Thanks Mark. For all you Commer fans, a full report and statistics will follow, but as if you needed telling, the old girl did it again.

And yes, I do hope someone got a photo of the grand arrival. I'm fairly sure that one has never been done before.


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 22, 2005, 06:57:50 pm
Thanks to those who dropped round and showed an interest her and only sorry I didn't get to catch up with MG Mark.

Basically, changing the cylinder head gasket has transformed the beast into a rortin' snortin' machine which will sit comfortably at 55 to 60 mph all day.
So here are the offical statistics from Wisden for you to digest:

Average speed on run from LM to Deauville was 38mph including traffic jams, refuels, piss stops and the big breakdown (see below).  

Average fuel consumption for whole trip was 21mpg (compared to 14 mpg last year)

Milage travelled door to door and back again was 423 miles.

Estimated over a 100 fewer gearchanges each direction due to better power compared to last year. Also estimate she had run over 4000 miles with the blown head gasket. ???

Top speed reached was 70 mph on the Commer speedo but I have to say I never tried to max it this year, there was no need.

Reliability: Very, very poor.  Fine on the way down, the motor was singing a sweet tune in the cool night air. Return journey was a different matter. Due to a combination of heat exhaustion, hangovers and the Astons going out, we took the decision to leave the curcuit an hour before the race finished rather than risk overheating in the traffic. Within half an hour of setting off she was coughing and spluttering as the fuel kept vapourising due to the heat having nowhere to go. Just after leaving Sees there was an almighty pop as the rad cap blew out followed by the loudest hissing I had heard since a drunken trip to the Bluebell Steam Railway. The cab was instantly filled with clouds of noxious steam and smoke and we made the decision not to press on any further without having a quick look to check everything was ok.

On opening the bonnet, I can honestly say things resembled Mount Etna on a bad day. Smoke was pouring off the oil covered engine block, the blackened cork gaskets were on the point of spontaneous combustion and petrol was actually boiling in the glass dome on top of the petrol pump. After leaving her to cool off for twenty minutes, I opened the rad and it was totally dry. I refilled the radiator, the quantity required being 1 and a half gallons of water, which fortunately i had kept in a jerry can in case of such problems. Suitably refreshed, I hit the starter button and she fired up first time of asking; we were on our way again without so much as a further hiccup.

We also discovered what had gone wrong. What I had neglected to do before we set off was to remove the large Union Jack which had been draped over front, totally blocking off the radiator air intake. Apparently it's a bit of a necessity to have air circulating freely through the rad in the mildly warm weather we were experiencing. It's of course entirely the fault of the stupid vehicle for not reminding me the flag was there and I accept no responsibility for the problems caused. I mean, if you are going to run a vehicle with mystic powers, what is the bloody point if it doesn't use them to tell you it's in distress? What a heap of sh it!  

Seriously, I cannot imagine any modern engine taking a beating like that in the terrible afternoon heat without having melted the engine block or computer chip or warping the alloy head. But to start first ask on the button was absolutely amazing. We just sat there shaking our heads in utter disbelief. There is, I beleive, an undescribable inner strength and integrity to her, a determination to get you home no matter what the consequences, a sort of British Bulldog never-say-die spirit. She should be awarded a DSO (Distinquished Commer Order) for that one. It's a hell of a citation.

She's is, I think you will agree without fear or favour, a beauty! :D


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Invincible Mou on June 22, 2005, 07:26:04 pm
How about a DSC (Distinguished Service Commer)?

(http://www.valorremembered.org/images/RPB_DSC-Army.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 22, 2005, 09:15:15 pm
Quote
only sorry I didn't get to catch up with MG Mark.

Andy,

        Indeed, me too - never mind, there will always be another year, or something like one of the BORC rounds this year (the Tunbridge Wells one?).    

        What an epic tale of an outstanding vehicle performing in true Bulldog spirit.   And you're right about the mystic qualities - I think that she should have told you rather than waited for you to find out, but then that is, of course, the old girl's prerogative to just let you find out that you had been a bit careless yourself.   Nothing to match that in the MGA - just two unscheduled fuel vaporisation stops in Rouen in traffic jams that needed a 15 minute wait for everything to cool down.   as to a DSO, I reall think it should rather be a CVO - Commer Victorious Order.........

MG Mark



Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Invincible Mou on June 22, 2005, 10:42:37 pm
Well in truth, it should be the VC.

Victorius Commer  ;)

(http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/content/collections/cmdp/images/CanVC-l.gif)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 22, 2005, 10:50:58 pm
Well in truth, it should be the VC.

Victorius Commer  ;)


As presented by De Gaul himself  ::)

(http://www.medalofvalor.com/060601ruddermedal%5B1%5D.jpg)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Matt Harper on June 22, 2005, 11:17:36 pm
Very amusing synopsis of your journey Andy. Thank you.
It is always quite exciting to set off on a journey, not really knowing if you are going to make it or not. Hang on, I've got to fly up to Boston on Tuesday - disregard last sentence.  


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on June 23, 2005, 01:14:17 am
Well in truth, it should be the VC.

Victorius Commer  ;)


As presented by De Gaul himself  ::)

(http://www.medalofvalor.com/060601ruddermedal%5B1%5D.jpg)

Seriously Steve, where do you find these photos?????


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 23, 2005, 01:26:34 am

Seriously Steve, where do you find these photos?????

(http://www.knockaboutgames.com/images/Top_Secret_large.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 20, 2005, 12:19:14 am
does this mean newer - as seen on ebay. 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14256&item=4563227906&rd=1&tc=photo#ebayphotohosting

Dodge Spacevan (Commer PB) 2 Berth Camper 12 Months MOT

(http://i15.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/85/07/2c_2.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on July 20, 2005, 02:48:20 am
I can just see it painted black and gold with Team JPC decals!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 20, 2005, 03:46:09 pm
I can just see it painted black and gold with Team JPC decals!!!

Oh dear  :o  You'll be forming a MB Commer Appreciation Society next.

(http://pekingduck.org/archives/the%20scream.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on July 20, 2005, 04:00:57 pm
Jealousy will get you nowhere Steve!!!  ;)

Besides, I thought you might be joining us on MB next year as all you Cobra buddies were only going to The Classic??


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 20, 2005, 04:14:38 pm
Jealousy will get you nowhere Steve!!!  ;)

Besides, I thought you might be joining us on MB next year as all you Cobra buddies were only going to The Classic??

Hmmm, that's a possibility.  It MAY be in Dick's camper as well  :o



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on July 20, 2005, 04:24:41 pm
Jealousy will get you nowhere Steve!!!  ;)

Besides, I thought you might be joining us on MB next year as all you Cobra buddies were only going to The Classic??

Hmmm, that's a possibility.  It MAY be in Dick's camper as well  :o



Tell him to paint it red and it could replace the lorry that's been missing from the funfair for the last three years!  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lancs Se7en on July 20, 2005, 04:28:52 pm
An alternative would be to purchase this and start from scratch ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 20, 2005, 04:57:04 pm
An alternative would be to purchase this and start from scratch ;D

Are you totally mad. The rot woulda gotten in everywhere and the interior looks like it's riddle with rat's scabies.

The one on eBay is the same conversion as mine and would be a bargain at somwhere between £500 to £1000. Plus it has the more modern dashboard than mine so I'm well tempted. Anyone want to buy the old one?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lancs Se7en on July 20, 2005, 05:02:06 pm
The curtains look ok and there would appear to be a set of ramps included ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 20, 2005, 05:02:16 pm
Incidentally Commer fans, I have worked out another reason why she overheated on the way home. Before leaving MB I had rather foolishly topped up the radiator with French tap water. Clearly I now realise this was a mistake and once it had been replenished with proper English Buxton Spring Water there were no further problems.  ???

BTW has anyone else noticed the water at LM is no use for making tea either? It leaves a scum on the surface.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 20, 2005, 05:04:04 pm
The curtains look ok and there would appear to be a set of ramps included ;D

The curtains look like something out of The Likely Lads, totally foul IYAM.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: hgb on July 20, 2005, 05:26:25 pm
BTW has anyone else noticed the water at LM is no use for making tea either? It leaves a scum on the surface.

It seems to be good for sealing leaks, then.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: R88lot on July 20, 2005, 05:39:46 pm
And I thought I had issues.............


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on July 20, 2005, 06:42:23 pm
BTW has anyone else noticed the water at LM is no use for making tea either? It leaves a scum on the surface.
Tea?    Tea at Le Mans?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Black Granny on July 20, 2005, 08:53:40 pm

Well we are British after all!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 21, 2005, 09:57:36 am
As quoted above

"Are you totally mad. The rot woulda gotten in everywhere and the interior looks like it's riddle with rat's scabies.

The one on eBay is the same conversion as mine and would be a bargain at somwhere between £500 to £1000. Plus it has the more modern dashboard than mine so I'm well tempted. Anyone want to buy the old one"



Well - better dashboard ! - well its worth just changing for that!

Whats better? - does it have a Mach meter? or just a bigger ashtray? ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on July 21, 2005, 10:42:14 am
Plus it has the more modern dashboard than mine
Does that mean one with a water temperature gauge?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on July 27, 2005, 11:21:06 am
Found this back on page 3  :o

Not really a RV but you could get alot a beer in the trailer!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BrickWC on August 07, 2005, 02:37:10 am
Spotted on the camp grounds at Silverstone (Classics weekend) Not a Commer I grant you. Sweet looking with a Paisley interior.

http://tinyurl.com/bu48t

Steve



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on August 07, 2005, 09:17:53 am
Not sure about waking up with a hangover surrounded by paisley, but thats a nice set of pics Steve! 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BrickWC on August 07, 2005, 08:12:43 pm
thats a nice set of pics Steve! 

 8)Thank you Fran


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on August 07, 2005, 08:17:06 pm
A ceegar to the young lady, (no Mr Clinton, not one of yours!) that is a very nice set of photos Steve, thanks.

 :D

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 08, 2005, 12:36:16 pm
It's a nice model of the Austin Paralanian.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on August 27, 2005, 04:50:24 am
Hi Andy,
            Not much action here on teh Commer thread ;D
Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 27, 2005, 09:50:29 pm
Hi Andy,
            Not much action here on teh Commer thread ;D
Canada Phil

Indeed - not much.  Perhaps the Commer is sleeping building up strength for the forthcoming track day excursion.   In the meantime, no Commers but loads of VWs seem to be available, along with a tasty (and in-period) Austin camper.........

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-BEIGE-CAMPER-VAN_W0QQitemZ4569610526QQcategoryZ29753QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on August 28, 2005, 12:24:18 am
some more...

(http://fleetdata.co.uk/photos/commer/OWJ209A.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 30, 2005, 04:17:59 pm
Hi Andy,
            Not much action here on teh Commer thread ;D
Canada Phil

Hi Phil

Yeah, not much action on the thread but the Commer has been involved in plenty of other action recently, including a trip to Silverstone for the 1000kms. Then on saturday night she was in a field in deepest Sussex, where there was a dance party in a big tent til 3.00am. Later this week she is off to Canterbury with Chris Z to pick up a new double bed. (I think he's worn his old bed out due to his excessive "nocturnal activities"). She's a busy old thing at the moment.  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 30, 2005, 04:22:59 pm
Hi Andy,
            Not much action here on teh Commer thread ;D
Canada Phil

Indeed - not much.  Perhaps the Commer is sleeping building up strength for the forthcoming track day excursion.   In the meantime, no Commers but loads of VWs seem to be available, along with a tasty (and in-period) Austin camper.........

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUSTIN-BEIGE-CAMPER-VAN_W0QQitemZ4569610526QQcategoryZ29753QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

MG Mark

Bloody hell, I learnt to drive in one of those! No power steering and no servo on the drum brakes which made life worrisome going down mountain roads with six grunting heffers in the back. And you think Ari V was worried on Pikes Peak! No syncromesh in the 'box, so it was double declutch time. Worst of all, no heater! They had a bored-out version of the Healey 3 litre engine and even on a single SU carb did less than 10 mpg. Loved the little windows in the footwell though, useful for seeing where you were going to hit the wall.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Paddy_NL on September 01, 2005, 08:28:59 pm
I'm looking for a campervan too, got my eyes on this for now. What do you think?
http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4571803270


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on September 01, 2005, 08:44:37 pm
Very nice Paddy, where would the 1000 ltr's of beer be located ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Paddy_NL on September 01, 2005, 09:05:15 pm
it has a towbar ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on September 01, 2005, 09:09:15 pm
Paddy,
We've rented one of these Ford chassis / cab motorhomes in Arizona a couple of times (petrol engined version) and found them very roomy and comfortable with all the usual facilities.
Good luck!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 02, 2005, 05:56:02 pm
Hmm, here's a couple to contemplate Paddy You could spend half the money in this one, it's a bit old though, being first registered just three days before I was born:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1963-COMMER-KARRIER-MOTORHOME-AJS-TWIN-AXLE-TRAILER_W0QQitemZ4572818680QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or

You could spent about 1.5% of your planned budget on this. It's an absolute cracker, the nicest one I've seen on e*ay for ages:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1973-commer-highwayman-classic-camper-van_W0QQitemZ4572884863QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

PS have a good time at the Ring.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 02, 2005, 06:04:32 pm
Hi Andy,
            Not much action here on teh Commer thread ;D
Canada Phil

Later this week she is off to Canterbury with Chris Z to pick up a new double bed. (I think he's worn his old bed out due to his excessive "nocturnal activities"). She's a busy old thing at the moment.  :)

Just in case anyone is worried, she got there ok and is shortly heading back onto the friday night M25 traffic. I'm not confident in this heat.  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 02, 2005, 09:16:07 pm
Quote
I'm not confident in this heat

Andy,

        Just remember to take the Union Jack off the front this time...........good luck!

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on September 03, 2005, 12:26:32 pm
Quote
I'm not confident in this heat

Andy,

        Just remember to take the Union Jack off the front this time...........good luck!

MG Mark

Should be flag, unless the old Commer can be considered a naval vessel (please note naval with 2 'a's, not 'a' and 'e').

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 03, 2005, 09:49:17 pm
Quote
Should be flag

Bugger - sorry, no offecne and all that - us in light blue don't have jacks or flags, we go to toilets and not the heads, we have beds and not bunks, and when we're walking on the grass we don't get shouted at by some CPO that we're "getting our feet wet" .   An ensign with a roundel seems to do us fairly well..........

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on September 03, 2005, 10:23:00 pm
Quote
Should be flag

.... - sorry, no offecne and all that -.......
MG Mark

No offecne taken.

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on September 07, 2005, 10:18:48 pm
OK - RV Commer replacement !
1980 DODGE CI MOTORHOME

Sad really -  I quite like the pics 

the strange bit is its sleeps 5 !
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1980-DODGE-CI-MOTORHOME_W0QQitemZ4574046868QQcategoryZ14256QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 17, 2005, 03:05:02 pm
Having slipped down the order to page 5, and somewhat out of fashion,  I'm pleased to report that Classic Car Magazine are coming on friday to take the Commer away for a week's road test.

I tell you, these vehicles will be all the rage after publication and prices are bound to soar. You heard it here first, so get yours early and grab a bargain:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commer-PA-Dodge-camper-like-vw-campervan_W0QQitemZ4583154042QQcategoryZ100929QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 17, 2005, 06:06:09 pm
Having slipped down the order to page 5, and somewhat out of fashion,  I'm pleased to report that Classic Car Magazine are coming on friday to take the Commer away for a week's road test.

I tell you, these vehicles will be all the rage after publication and prices are bound to soar. You heard it here first, so get yours early and grab a bargain:

The Commer may slip down the order occasionally, but it will always bounce back!

Presumably the magazine were taken with the period shots of the Commer outside the Officers Mess.......

I do think it is a little unkind of the owner to call it a "funk-ass camper of doom" in the subtitle on the description and "cannot vouch for its reliability"- obviously doesn't know his Commers!

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 17, 2005, 06:28:44 pm


The Commer may slip down the order occasionally, but it will always bounce back!

Presumably the magazine were taken with the period shots of the Commer outside the Officers Mess.......

I do think it is a little unkind of the owner to call it a "funk-ass camper of doom" in the subtitle on the description and "cannot vouch for its reliability"- obviously doesn't know his Commers!

The magazine was indeed very impressed with it outside the Mess, I think it was the deal clincher. I am indebted to someone on here for bringing to my attention, about six months ago, the fact that one of there journos had a hankering to drive one. This sparked some correspondence, which has culminated in the road test. He's taking it to Gloucester. What's the betting the funk ass camper of doom misbehaves?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on October 17, 2005, 06:32:33 pm
What's the betting the funk ass camper of doom misbehaves?

That'll be the Curse of the Commer then!  :o



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 17, 2005, 07:25:12 pm
Quote
What's the betting the funk ass camper of doom misbehaves?

That'll be the Curse of the Commer then!

Oh no - now you've done it - I can feel the vibes already...................mind you, you did insist on talking at Marhamn about how you were going to overhaul the brakes.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on October 17, 2005, 11:20:51 pm
Bouncy like a boat!


I like it. Have fun with the Commer's fame session, not even slightly undeserved I feel.

The Commer is a ... well it is a privelege to know of it, a true icon.  :)



0-1, 0-1...

 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 18, 2005, 01:48:49 pm
Bill, I too was delighted with the result.  :D

But I'm very sorry to hear about the pandemic of deadly Bird Flu around your neck of the woods at the moment, which seems to be affecting half the population in Birmingham at the moment.  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on October 18, 2005, 10:50:38 pm
Oh gosh Andy, is there a problem then? :o

Luckily for me I don't get out much so I'll be OK then!

It's fowl out there tha' knows...

 ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 19, 2005, 12:52:26 pm
Oh gosh Andy, is there a problem then? :o

 ;)

I think there is because it said in the newspaper that there were loads of Bluenoses who were as sick as a parrot.  :D ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on October 19, 2005, 09:38:54 pm
 ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gilles on October 20, 2005, 09:10:56 am
Coming back to the subject here is a good base for any of your LM projects, even if I find it too much expensive...

http://www.hy-rivaton.fr.st/


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garystout on October 20, 2005, 09:41:39 pm
Perfect for advertising on the the side  :-\


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on November 20, 2005, 11:21:11 pm
Just to bring this back from page 5

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/commer-camper-van-1972_W0QQitemZ4591039094QQcategoryZ2192QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 05, 2005, 12:27:09 pm
There's a new rival on the block... Bit pricy though.

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22749-1901373,00.html


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on December 05, 2005, 12:37:47 pm

This is the same VW that the Stig drove with Jamie Oliver in the back 'preparing a salad'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/star_laps/jamie.shtml


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 07, 2006, 11:29:38 pm
About time we had a fresh bout of Commer banter, particularly as Mr Z was enthusiastically telling us at the Marham track day about how he was going to overhaul the brakes, and generally fettle the dear old girl in plenty of time for this year's outing.....

However, the is the opportunity right now to get in on something a little more heavyweight - just the job for awhole variety of purposes at La Sarthe...........

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AVELING-BARFORD-1937-STEAM-ROLLER-10-TONNES_W0QQitemZ4608966353QQcategoryZ9883QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

However, just for those lusting after a look-a-like (well this one does have a funky raising roof....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commer-Van-with-Sofa-Bed-Kitchen-Raisable-Roof_W0QQitemZ4608691871QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

All the best for now,

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 08, 2006, 03:44:41 pm
Hi Mark,

You're right, things in Commerland are pretty quiet just at the moment. She sleeps her winter slumbers quietly decaying on her bed of wet grass. Rather like a shrine to happier, headier days of sunshine and tomfoolery and fun, she's exactly as I left her when I stumbled out of her on my return from Santa Pod in late October. Even the paper Ritazza latte beaker, which I purchased at Hatfield services on the A1, lies forlornly in the footwell just where it was hurled. God, doesn't February make one feel so maudlin... Still, roll on June and it'll all seem better.

If anyone is feeling blue for the kiss of warm sun on their cheeks, then I recommend this site for bringing a little cheer to your life:

http://www.commer.org.nz/index.html

Having said all that, only yesterday I picked up a new pair of front brake pipes bought off eBay for a tenner. I have now got everything I need to rebuild the arrester system. It was always a bit disconcerting wondering if there was sufficient fluid left in the master cylinder to complete a manouver once retardation was applied.

I've been thinking of fitting a new one of these too:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5661900984&ssPageName=STRK:MEDW:IT

Something's bound to go wrong in the run up to departure, it always does, but I'm determined to catch it early this time.

AZ

PS Any news on next track day dates?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 08, 2006, 04:09:26 pm

Having said all that, only yesterday I picked up a new pair of front brake pipes bought off eBay for a tenner. I have now got everything I need to rebuild the arrester system. It was always a bit disconcerting wondering if there was sufficient fluid left in the master cylinder to complete a manouver once retardation was applied.


Andy, sod the brake pipes, fit a couple of these -

(http://www.stroudsafety.com/Images/Index-Camaro.jpg)


(p.s. - glad to see this worthy topic back on page one - where it belongs  :o )


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 08, 2006, 05:28:40 pm
Hi Mark,

You're right, things in Commerland are pretty quiet just at the moment. She sleeps her winter slumbers quietly decaying on her bed of wet grass. Rather like a shrine to happier, headier days of sunshine and tomfoolery and fun, she's exactly as I left her when I stumbled out of her on my return from Santa Pod in late October. Even the paper Ritazza latte beaker, which I purchased at Hatfield services on the A1, lies forlornly in the footwell just where it was hurled. God, doesn't February make one feel so maudlin... Still, roll on June and it'll all seem better.

If anyone is feeling blue for the kiss of warm sun on their cheeks, then I recommend this site for bringing a little cheer to your life:

http://www.commer.org.nz/index.html

Having said all that, only yesterday I picked up a new pair of front brake pipes bought off eBay for a tenner. I have now got everything I need to rebuild the arrester system. It was always a bit disconcerting wondering if there was sufficient fluid left in the master cylinder to complete a manouver once retardation was applied.

I've been thinking of fitting a new one of these too:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5661900984&ssPageName=STRK:MEDW:IT

Something's bound to go wrong in the run up to departure, it always does, but I'm determined to catch it early this time.

AZ

PS Any news on next track day dates?

When's the MOT due Andy??


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 08, 2006, 06:11:14 pm
Erm, about five days before we set out for France......  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Papa Eric on February 08, 2006, 06:50:43 pm
Anyone interested in a VW?  Low miles, one careful lady owner!!!

http://www.youtube.com/w/vw-van-jump?v=hSyoryN8904



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on February 08, 2006, 07:02:26 pm
Erm, about five days before we set out for France......  :(

This will sound sensible and remove all the fun of a last minute panic which as we all know is part of the build up to an important trip. 

BUT 

wouldn't be sensible to have the MOT completed in April or May ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on February 08, 2006, 10:40:02 pm
I'm sure he was going to mot it when he got back from Le Mans last year to save these last minute panics.
Still theres always next year ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 10:02:08 am
I'm sure he was going to mot it when he got back from Le Mans last year to save these last minute panics.
Still theres always next year ;D


I fear that you are right there dear boy.  However, it all adds to the mystery, and tension that is our favourite vehicle!  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 09, 2006, 10:15:44 am
Morning Gib,

Glad to see both the reappearance of this thread and your good self from hibernation.  ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 11:30:53 am
Steve, I think Gib's been curled up asleep in his nesting box in the back of the Commer these last three months. The sudden sunshine yesterday must have awoken him. I just hope he hasn't wet the bed!  ;)

Nice to hear from you Gib. Must have a planning beer soon.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 11:38:28 am
Steve, I think Gib's been curled up asleep in his nesting box in the back of the Commer these last three months. The sudden sunshine yesterday must have awoken him. I just hope he hasn't wet the bed!  ;)

Nice to hear from you Gib. Must have a planning beer soon.


Cheers Andy & Steve.  Life still very hectic with little time to spare.  Just moved in with new lady, still in Pound Hill.  When will I come to my senses??????

Planning beer sounds good Andy, and no I did not wet the bed whilst nesting in the Commer.  nice of you to let me stay while though   ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on February 09, 2006, 11:43:59 am
Being another local lad, Maidenbower to be exact, can anyone come to the west sussex planning meeting where I presume, the finer points of commer motoring are discussed?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 11:44:23 am
Steve, I think Gib's been curled up asleep in his nesting box in the back of the Commer these last three months. The sudden sunshine yesterday must have awoken him. I just hope he hasn't wet the bed!  ;)

Nice to hear from you Gib. Must have a planning beer soon.


Cheers Andy & Steve.  Life still very hectic with little time to spare.  Just moved in with new lady, still in Pound Hill.  When will I come to my senses??????

Planning beer sounds good Andy, and no I did not wet the bed whilst nesting in the Commer.  nice of you to let me stay while though   ;D ;D ;D

Sounds like I'm defo gonna have to replace the springs and shockers now! I'll give you a call mate and we can meet up soon.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 11:49:26 am
Being another local lad, Maidenbower to be exact, can anyone come to the west sussex planning meeting where I presume, the finer points of commer motoring are discussed?

I certainly can't see why not, it would be great to see you again. I can get Chris Zarse along, he's just moved to Maidenbower too. Have you noticed any pets going missing yet? Gib, would "The Offspring"  (your phrase!) do the taxi thing again?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 11:53:36 am
Being another local lad, Maidenbower to be exact, can anyone come to the west sussex planning meeting where I presume, the finer points of commer motoring are discussed?

I certainly can't see why not, it would be great to see you again. I can get Chris Zarse along, he's just moved to Maidenbower too. Have you noticed any pets going missing yet? Gib, would "The Offspring"  (your phrase!) do the taxi thing again?

Andy...... Bit tricky being as we live in separate houses now.  Might I suggest that as the majority are in Maidenbower/Pound Hill (where the pubs are not quite so good) you could perhaps travel?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 11:58:35 am
Yes, no problem, I was intending to travel, but I just thought we could maybe do a pub crawl of some of the fine country pubs in the area, eg Cowdray, a couple in Turners Hill, White Hart, Royal Oak in Ardingly, Half Moon Warninglid, etc etc etc. Just an idea?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 12:36:11 pm
Don't know if you've been in the Cowdray recently, but it's not what it used to be!!

That's a hell of bloody pub crawl you're suggesting.  Damn thing would take all day and a multitude of taxis  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on February 09, 2006, 01:11:50 pm
I used to lve in that area (Salfords) any pub crawl we went on always ended up in "The Parsons Pig" on the Balcombe Road. Not a bad place in those days and full of pissed trolly dollies out for a good time away from their gay male colleagues. Many a happy evening was spent in there.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 01:22:42 pm
I used to lve in that area (Salfords) any pub crawl we went on always ended up in "The Parsons Pig" on the Balcombe Road. Not a bad place in those days and full of pissed trolly dollies out for a good time away from their gay male colleagues. Many a happy evening was spent in there.


Hey Bob, just up the road from me.  Parsons Pig is now an annex to some sort of travell inn........... ???  No idea what the beer is like these days, but I think the trolly dollies now go to the Froghole farm on Maidenbower.  But then again I could be out of date with that..............


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on February 09, 2006, 01:37:49 pm
Not many trollie dollies in the frogshole farm now, its a bit of a dive, but it has just changed landlord so it may be getting better.

I met my wife in the Parsons Pig many years ago, used to be a favorite place along with the Shipley Bridge. Both are now a shadow of there former selves and best avoided


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on February 09, 2006, 01:45:15 pm
I always thought "The Pig" would end up as a stay and park type of place what with all the land at the back, but what a noisy place to try and get some kip if the aircraft are taking off East to West .Sat in the garden some Sunday lunch times and you couldn't hear yourself think when they hit full power on there take off run:o
 We used to use the Flight Tavern a lot too when the son was young as he loved to watch the planes taking off, I suppose that is ruined now too. That place must be on the list to be demolished if the second runway goes ahead


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 02:40:50 pm
I suppose we could do central Crawley? It's improved of late, if you hadn't noticed, what with trendy places like the JaJa Bar and the new tapas place. It's now possible to go out in the evening without having your head kicked inside out. No guarantees of course.  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 09, 2006, 04:31:17 pm
I suppose we could do central Crawley? It's improved of late, if you hadn't noticed, what with trendy places like the JaJa Bar and the new tapas place. It's now possible to go out in the evening without having your head kicked inside out. No guarantees of course.  :)


that's a distinct possibility


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on February 09, 2006, 06:39:16 pm
When are you chaps thinking of? Any chance of the spare room Andy??  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2006, 08:09:50 pm
No dates yet but keep you posted Mark. Rooms available on "first come" basis. Actually, I'll rephrase that if Chris Z is staying.  ;)

Would be nice to it on the day before they all go to Sebring on 15th, but regretably I go to India on the 14th  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 10, 2006, 09:22:59 am
When are you chaps thinking of?


Hi Mark

I'm pretty easy really (Yes I know we all know that!!!) and it'd be good to see you again.  Met any more celeb's recently?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 10, 2006, 09:02:51 pm
Quote
Any chance of the spare room Andy

Spare room?   Is the Commer full then?

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 13, 2006, 04:25:44 pm
Quote
Any chance of the spare room Andy

 Is the Commer full then?

MG Mark

Yes. Of mildew!

I poked my nose through the door on saturday just to see how things are. There appears to have been a slight leak from somewhere (the open window is my guess) and it's let in quite a lot of water. The carpets have had it and it's blown the plywood at the bottom of the cupboards.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 13, 2006, 04:31:16 pm
Why didn't I notice that whilst I was hibernating???

Thsi sounds serious Andy


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 13, 2006, 04:31:34 pm
Best of luck with the de-contamination Andy  ::)

(http://www.stevequayle.com/News.alert/NBC/NBC.pics/Decontam.suit.cropped.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 13, 2006, 04:33:32 pm
Didn't I mention there a price to pay for the Gatwick parking! Bring some rubber gloves and a stiff brush.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 13, 2006, 04:36:02 pm
(http://www.art-bo.com/images/bigbrushflat2ny.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 13, 2006, 04:38:45 pm
Bring some rubber gloves and a stiff brush.  ;)


the mind boggles  :o :o :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 13, 2006, 04:46:53 pm
Bring some rubber gloves and a stiff brush.  ;)


the mind boggles  :o :o :o

It's for this Gib (see other threads!)

(http://www.karunaretreats.com/Images/ColonicsWhy/ColonicsWhyRun.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on February 13, 2006, 05:08:58 pm
Didn't I mention there a price to pay for the Gatwick parking! Bring some rubber gloves and a stiff brush.  ;)

Andy,
How do you intend to collect this fee given that you will be on a different continent?  Are we just to leave them on the doorstep waiting for you to return and make good use of them cleaning the old girl out in readiness for her yearly sojourn to France?
Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on February 13, 2006, 10:31:27 pm
Good to see Steve Brown Illustrations Inc is back on form!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 14, 2006, 05:31:00 pm
It's for this Gib (see other threads!)


Never tried it myself Steve.  What's it like?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 14, 2006, 05:40:14 pm
Sorry fran, that's a Zarse piccy! Gib you are welcome to call by the Commer anyytime to sample the restorative properties of having your rear fundament sluiced out.  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 14, 2006, 05:47:18 pm
Andy, I'll take your word for, but in her current state I wouldn't trust the Commer to host a sluicing of anything, let alone any of my bodily parts.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 14, 2006, 06:36:33 pm
Well I'll fit a new water pump and remove the thermostat if it helps you any.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on February 14, 2006, 06:51:20 pm
Quote
Well I'll fit a new water pump and remove the thermostat if it helps you any.


Andy,
Whilst I can hardly contain myself at the prospect of rectal and colonic cleanliness during this years campaign on MB, I'm also wondering whether or not the Comma has enough oomph to clear out some of the flotsam and jetsam that must be lurking up the bullet-holes of a few of the regulars on the camp site. Removal of the thermostat may provide a few more foot pounds per second per second, but petroleum jelly, with genuine petroleum, could be the only realistic way forward. Let's face it, if we're talking about being spic and span in the trouser area, then you should have at least a 'Plan B' up your sleeve. Quite what else may get up your sleeves doesn't bear thinking about, I suggest elasticated cuffs, or carrying out the whole procedure naked.
Have you any idea yet what the cost will be per person? (I say person, because at this stage, I hesitate to use the word 'victim')
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 14, 2006, 06:57:02 pm
H, I'm seriously concerned with the problems you have concerning your digestive tract.
Might I suggest you consider have your entire pipework system Teflon lined.  I recall a demonstration of a product called Slick 50 at a car show I attended a while back.  This product is guaranteed to lower the coefficient of friction at the interface between two parts.

Apparently, if taken at bedtime instead of your usual Horlicks, the treatment is said to last up to 12,000 miles.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 14, 2006, 07:11:14 pm
I think we have a serious medical disagreement on our hands, so to speak. With due respect Steve, I think your prescription is the complete opposite of what is required here. It's a well known medical fact, or at least Chris Z tells me it is, that the glycol content of anti-freeze is an irritant to the small intestine. So Slick 50 by definition will cause the movements to be not so much stools, but more like door mats.

No, I have a better prescription altogether, namely Holt's Radweld. Taken anally, it'll tighten things up a treat and provide comfort and safety to the patient for the whole week. That or poison him to death, one or the other.

(http://www.holtsauto.com/products/64.jpeg)

Oh, and for some post palliative care, I'd recommend a course of Radflush when you get home.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 14, 2006, 07:17:48 pm
PS Chris Z asked me to get him some of this whilst I'm in Halfords.

(http://www.holtsauto.com/products/106.jpeg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 14, 2006, 07:22:34 pm
Stools??  If you use Radweld surely you'll end up with a whole dining table!

This should be better.

The label says it stops frequent venting and prevents cold spots.

(http://static.abcaz.com/productimages/36/2891812/plumb-world-fernox-mb-1-central-heating-protector.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on February 15, 2006, 05:19:13 am
This thread is the pinnacle of CA folly ::)
I love it.
Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 15, 2006, 05:03:31 pm
(http://www.commer.org.nz/adhallrel.jpg)

Hi Phil, just to get things back on track and away from the folly, have a look at these Commers in Canada. And Holland. And Africa....

http://www.commer.org.nz/AWHiggins/AWHColl.html


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on February 16, 2006, 06:42:40 am
Hi Andy,
            Interesting link. The Toronto one is interesting to me ofcourse. Lots of new trucks still have the HIAB crane fitted. Is it unique to Canada ? The address for Pilkington Glass is now in the Club District.
Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 16, 2006, 10:01:15 am
Well I'll fit a new water pump and remove the thermostat if it helps you any.


That sounds just fine Andy, but without the thermostat wouldn't the water preassure be alittle high?  To which part of the cooling system do you recomment attaching the rectum?  It could be a bit tricky on top of the radiator  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2006, 11:21:42 am
Gib, I had of course intended to plug you into the heater matrix. Things could quickly become very like The Matrix film, you'll be sitting there plumbed in and sweating like Morpheus whilst Steve Brown and Fran are bouncing off the walls dodging bullets.

(http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/img/1-3d.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2006, 11:35:54 am
Hi Andy,
            Interesting link. The Toronto one is interesting to me ofcourse. Lots of new trucks still have the HIAB crane fitted. Is it unique to Canada ? The address for Pilkington Glass is now in the Club District.
Canada Phil
Phil,

HIABs are in the UK too, though I think it's also a generic term for any crane fitted to a lorry chassis. A bit like hoover is a generic term for a vacuum cleaner.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2006, 11:42:39 am
If anyone is interested to know more about the brilliant TS3 enginge, this is a great article. And also a link to hear what a proper Commer sounds like at on starting up and at full chat. I think it's very similar to a 70's Ferrari V12.

http://www.commer.org.nz/TS3motor.html


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on February 16, 2006, 12:35:11 pm
I heard one of these on a test bed years ago, and we couldn't believe it was a 2 stroke truck diesel, it sounds far more exotic.  Will it fit the campervan?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 16, 2006, 12:41:30 pm
If anyone is interested to know more about the brilliant TS3 enginge, this is a great article. And also a link to hear what a proper Commer sounds like at on starting up and at full chat. I think it's very similar to a 70's Ferrari V12.

http://www.commer.org.nz/TS3motor.html

The info about the TS4 is even more fascinating.  Only 14 built and, when Chrysler bought out Rootes, they ordered all engines to be destroyed as it was at odds (but far better) than other engines they had developed in joint ventures!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 16, 2006, 01:21:54 pm
Gib, I had of course intended to plug you into the heater matrix. Things could quickly become very like The Matrix film, you'll be sitting there plumbed in and sweating like Morpheus whilst Steve Brown and Fran are bouncing off the walls dodging bullets.


Andy, I think I'd rather be warm, than trying to catch bullets.  But does this mean we would be under attach throughout the entire irrigation process.  Not very comfortable with that idea.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on February 16, 2006, 02:39:00 pm
The TS3 design is similar to the Leyland L60 engine used in the Chieftain tank on a bigger scale - Luckily they weren’t used in anger much - they had a life expectancy of 700 to 1,000 miles (great excuse to develop its own ARV (Armoured recovery Vehicle)) and a quick change system which meant they could change an engine in the field in about and hour - either a very quick hour with a shell up your bum or a very long one - depends on the enemy I guess.
Then there was the smoke issue, being 2 stroke,  when they first started up they emitted more smoke that Battersea power station - you can imagine - lets hide our tanks in this clump of woods, enemy waits for them to start up and the smoke plumes on the horizon, a fairly easy target spotter! Wasn’t very powerful either (cant remember the stats) we mated the new CV12 RR engine onto the standard TN42 gearbox in the last of the chieftains  - a cheap Challenger - and the increase in power just ate the boxes as soon as they steered them.
I still have an L60 piston, its iron, is about 4.5 inch in Dia and 9inch long weighs about 10lb! I tie it to the wife’s jaw when she needs some ballast. :-X


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on February 16, 2006, 10:17:21 pm
I dont mind dodging bullets, but I flatly refuse to have anything plugged into my rectum.... >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 17, 2006, 05:06:10 pm
but I flatly refuse to have anything plugged into my rectum.... >:(


very wise indeed ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 17, 2006, 06:18:24 pm
Andy, I think I'd rather be warm, than trying to catch bullets.  But does this mean we would be under attach throughout the entire irrigation process.  Not very comfortable with that idea.

We'll be under attack alright, mainly from the queue of folk wanting to watch this spectacular.

Whilst we're at it Gibb, if I might be a little personal for a moment now that you're with a new lady in your life, I wondered if you've considered the benefits of a little, ahem, male grooming? To be more precise, can I suggest Sir opts for our deluxe package consisting of a facial peel, a pedicure, a full leg wax and all rounded off with a "Back, Crack and Sack" for that rather risque bikini line.

We have a fully fitted salon in the Commer and I personally guarantee that our top stylist M. Gimp will attend to your every need.  Of course, we use only the finest personal grooming products, like battery acid, and that hot tar-backed felt they use to seal up leaky flat roofs, to ensure you'll go home with skin like velvet.

I can make Sir an appointment, oui?

(http://www.cuppatea.org/cover4.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 20, 2006, 09:23:06 am
can I suggest Sir opts for our deluxe package

I can make Sir an appointment, oui?

(http://www.cuppatea.org/cover4.jpg)



Well ahead of you there old boy.  You've no idea  :o :o

An appointment will not be necessary merci  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 20, 2006, 07:45:15 pm
A Prince Albert!! It must be!! Gibberish has only gone and had his hedge grubbed out and a bloody Prince Albert fitted!!  :o

Gib, you must have become one of those sex people. Sorry, but I shalln't be coming to any of your so-called "parties".  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 21, 2006, 09:27:01 am
Sorry mate, you've lost me with the Prince Albert thing.  I'm a shy retiring innocent sort of person, who has no idea what this thread is about, and wouldn't know anything about depilation.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 21, 2006, 02:33:44 pm
Sorry mate, you've lost me with the Prince Albert thing.  I'm a shy retiring innocent sort of person, who has no idea what this thread is about, and wouldn't know anything about depilation.  ;)

Or intimate body piercing seemingly................. :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 21, 2006, 02:47:06 pm
Or intimate body piercing seemingly................. :o


Oh bl**dy heck NO  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 21, 2006, 06:22:15 pm
Or intimate body piercing seemingly................. :o


Oh bl**dy heck NO  :o

Gib, a quick google threw up this site;

http://public.diversity.org.uk/deviant/fsprmprc.htm#Glossary

It should help disabuse you of your naivety.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on February 21, 2006, 08:45:14 pm
Or intimate body piercing seemingly................. :o

Gib, a quick google threw up this site;

http://public.diversity.org.uk/deviant/fsprmprc.htm#Glossary

It should help disabuse you of your naivety.  ;)

Jeez, I bloody clicked the link, just wiping the tears from my eyes.


Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 21, 2006, 09:50:05 pm
Quote

Gib, a quick google threw up this site;

http://public.diversity.org.uk/deviant/fsprmprc.htm#Glossary

It should help disabuse you of your naivety.  ;)
Quote

Andy - I had nooooo idea there were so many variations.... ouch:o

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: gibberish on February 22, 2006, 09:33:12 am

Gib, a quick google threw up this site;

http://public.diversity.org.uk/deviant/fsprmprc.htm#Glossary

It should help disabuse you of your naivety.  ;)
Quote



Oh my god  :o   That is truly scary.  My new lady is quite happy they way things are thank you.  I don't think I'll ever be the same after seeing those pictures  :-X :-X


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 05, 2006, 07:17:10 pm
The car's the star...

This page is on Commer's in the movies. I can think ofa few that it's missed such as the Commer fire engine in Carry On Girls. But not a bad effort. Have a check for you fave car makes too.

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles_make-Commer.html


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on April 05, 2006, 07:34:39 pm
The car's the star...

This page is on Commer's in the movies. I can think ofa few that it's missed such as the Commer fire engine in Carry On Girls. But not a bad effort. Have a check for you fave car makes too.

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles_make-Commer.html

Andrew, amazingly, the commer and also your double in the lady killers 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 05, 2006, 07:56:19 pm
Commer in the TV series "The Champions"

Alexanda Bastedo ( I think thats how you spell it) I'd forgotten all about her, cor she was luurrrvelly, many a schoolboy fantasy there.

Scuse me must try Google


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 05, 2006, 11:50:16 pm
Well I'll be dipped in dog sh*t!
I didn't realise that was a Commer in Mad Max 2.

(http://www.imcdb.org/images/006/895.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 06, 2006, 08:10:07 pm
Well I'll be dipped in dog sh**t!
I didn't realise that was a Commer in Mad Max 2.

Well the Zarse mobile makes a lot more sense now......... ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 19, 2006, 01:50:50 pm
Spring has sprung,
The grass is ris,
I wonder where that Commer is...

Rather like the Good Lord Himself, it arose from the dead on Easter Sunday and whisked me, chariot-like, to the Shell garage for a paper and some semi-skimmed. No problems to report on the driving front but the dreaded tin worm seems to have taken a bit of a hold on the sills. Ave Maria.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 19, 2006, 02:30:27 pm
When is the MOT due?

More last minute repairs to be arranged?

(http://www.altenberg.com/peter/images/bombayAutoRepair.jpeg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on April 19, 2006, 02:33:20 pm
Was it made at Ryton?  They may still have body panels


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 19, 2006, 04:25:10 pm
Engine was made in Ryton but the van was all screwed together in Dunstable, where co-incidentally there is nothing left after Renault shut their UK commercial vehicle factory down ten years ago.  Bloody French >:(

Steve, them Indian cars is PALs, which are based on an old FIAT design, pal. ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on April 19, 2006, 08:05:15 pm
Is there going to be a Commer weather prediction this year? A bit hot during the day last year so i think you should change the torrential down pour to heavy rain, that way the beer wont boil.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Black Granny on April 19, 2006, 08:32:39 pm
Engine was made in Ryton but the van was all screwed together in Dunstable, where co-incidentally there is nothing left after Renault shut their UK commercial vehicle factory down ten years ago.  Bloody French >:(



I think thet still make LDV vans in a factory that is very close to the old Renault one in Dunstable.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on April 19, 2006, 10:00:33 pm
I thought Dunstable was the 2nd Bedford plant.  Till GM did a Ryton.

It all comes back to me.  Was it the old Dodge commercial plant, which Chrysler must have owned before Rootes Group.  I thought they sold that off.  So where was Karrier?  All complicated and all gone


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 24, 2006, 03:16:11 pm
Is there going to be a Commer weather prediction this year? A bit hot during the day last year so i think you should change the torrential down pour to heavy rain, that way the beer wont boil.

I have cast the runes and stared into the tealeaves. The Commer has spoken thus:

There will be quite a lot of weather this year, mainly coming in from 045. It will be ambient on thursday with air carrying on over the following days. Temperatures will range towards steady and it will be generally undercast. On saturday there will be an occlusion of about 990, leading to visibility of 70 in most regions and some stickiness in Arnage. Then on sunday a gentle zephyr is expected early on, giving way to a mild spell continuing through to the evening. In summary: Mare's tails.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 24, 2006, 03:29:45 pm
I thought Dunstable was the 2nd Bedford plant.  Till GM did a Ryton.

It all comes back to me.  Was it the old Dodge commercial plant, which Chrysler must have owned before Rootes Group.  I thought they sold that off.  So where was Karrier?  All complicated and all gone

Confused? You will be! This might help:

http://fleetdata.co.uk/commer.html

and

http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp.fc/qx/commer-family-crest.htm

Lorry, LDV's (as I'm sure Perdu will confirm) are all made in Washwood Heath, Birmingham, in the old Leyland Sherpa factory. LDV are going bust as well, so expect an announcement soon.  :( >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 24, 2006, 03:37:59 pm
And Karrier...

Karrier Motors started life in 1904 in Hudersfield as Clayton and Company. In 1908 they started making Karrier cars and in 1920 changed their name to Karrier Motors Ltd. After a couple of takeover bids in 1934, the Rootes Group aquired Karrier and, in their standard fashion, moved production to Luton, closing the Hudersfield operation.

Dodge came to the UK in 1922 and started out importing American Dodge build ups to build at a production line in Fulham; the local assembly moved to Park Royal and later to Kew. Dodges built there known as Dodge Kews.

In 1965 production moved to Dunstable where Commer / Dodge and Karrier were all brought together. The Dodge badge was used more and by the mid-1970s, it was on all Commer / Karrier / Dodge vehicles. By then, Rootes Group had been acquired by Chrysler.

The 50 series was the result of subsidies by the British goverment in 1975/76, giving Dodge / Karrier / Commer a boost in developing a 3.5 to 7.5 tonne range of vehicles to help keep the UK truck building business on an even keel. It came out in 1979, badged as a Dodge but with a Karrier nameplate, just in time for Peugeot's acquisition of Chrysler Europe, which included Rootes and Simca. In January 1980, all Commer / Karrier / Dodge vehicles officially became Talbot. Peugeot had no interest in truck building and sold it on to Renault in 1981; but for 1980, the 50 series was still badged as a Dodge under the Talbot name. In 1983, it switched to being sold as a Dodge under the Renault name, and in 1985 the Renault logo joined the nameplate; but the Dodge name was retained until 1987, when the trucks were replaced by the New 50 series, badged as Renaults only. Due to poor sales, the entire line was shut down in March 1993, with the line becoming the UK distribution center for French-built tractor units. The production line was taken away in 1994 by a Chinese group, and presumably Dodge medium duty trucks are now being produced in China. (For more details, see dodge50.co.uk.)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on April 24, 2006, 04:10:00 pm
(For more details, see dodge50.co.uk.)

Theres more?  :o

(or is this just a thinly veiled attempt at boosting the Commer thread?)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on April 24, 2006, 04:40:37 pm
Is there going to be a Commer weather prediction this year? A bit hot during the day last year so i think you should change the torrential down pour to heavy rain, that way the beer wont boil.

I have cast the runes and stared into the tealeaves. The Commer has spoken thus:



Ok i'll still pack the wet weather gear then!!

There will be quite a lot of weather this year, mainly coming in from 045. It will be ambient on thursday with air carrying on over the following days. Temperatures will range towards steady and it will be generally undercast. On saturday there will be an occlusion of about 990, leading to visibility of 70 in most regions and some stickiness in Arnage. Then on sunday a gentle zephyr is expected early on, giving way to a mild spell continuing through to the evening. In summary: Mare's tails.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 10, 2006, 02:52:31 pm
All being well, it's MOT day tomorrow. Fingers cross but which boxes will the failure crosses go in this year?  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on May 10, 2006, 05:18:34 pm
All being well, it's MOT day tomorrow. Fingers cross but which boxes will the failure crosses go in this year?  :(

Is there a box for haunted?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 10, 2006, 05:23:34 pm
Good luck Andy.  I'll be down on my prayer mat, pleading with the great god Ferric Oxide to give you a flying pass.

Don't let them use this  - (VOSA call it a 'Corrosion Assessment Hammer')

(http://www.tool-supplies.co.uk/images/H1MOT copy.jpg)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 10, 2006, 06:26:22 pm
Is this multiple choice? What odds are you offering?

At least its not blown a seal.

MOTs are computer controlled now.  Best wait for the server to go down.  I can see it in the papers now  "Government computers shut down by Commer Virus"


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 11, 2006, 04:31:50 pm
 :( Oh dear. Things go off to a very poor start when the MOT man wound the driver's window down and it came off it's runners and dropped into the bottom of the door with a terrible clatter. He seemed a bit embarrassed. Next the brake test showed a 21% imbalance between L and R rear brakes. It was later pointed out to me that oil contamination of the brake shoes is being caused by a leaking halfshaft seal. Next, the handbrake didn't work on the nearside, and as the nice man put it; "I had to apply the footbrake, otherwise it would have been a fail". So in the words of The Gimp, smack my arse and call me Bertie! She passed. As I drove off up the road overjoyed, good old Jeremy Vine started playing Something inside (so strong) by that Labia Siffrie. The Strange Attractor shows it's face again.

We're going to Le Mans!!  :D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on May 11, 2006, 04:33:58 pm
Good news indead ;D ;D

With all the cogratulations that are gonna come in I can see this thread heading for the 2000 mark :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on May 11, 2006, 04:36:59 pm
As Gerry would say ' Ausgezeichnet!' 

Best I sort those plates out.   ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on May 11, 2006, 04:46:05 pm
...... It was later pointed out to me that oil contamination of the brake shoes is being caused by a leaking halfshaft seal. .......

So you have been blowing seals again.

Please to hear that you've got air conditioning too.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 11, 2006, 04:53:39 pm
Well take my trousers down and paint my bottom blue  :o

(http://www.parkers.co.uk/images/guides/certificate.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 11, 2006, 05:57:08 pm
Yay! Yay! And thrice yay!

Coz MB/LM just would not be the same without the dear old Commer  ;)

Come on down!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on May 11, 2006, 06:16:17 pm
Tally Ho  8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brian(Liverpool boys) on May 11, 2006, 06:26:57 pm
Andy, great news, see you for a cool one in June and some fire breathing lessons from Stu 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on May 11, 2006, 08:14:47 pm
There a fine example of a Commer Camper van on Emmerdale as we speak - or I type or......  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 11, 2006, 10:13:27 pm
Hey SR, I hope the  :o was to acknowledge the realisation by yourself that you were indeed watching Emmerdale!!!!

 ;)  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on May 11, 2006, 10:15:13 pm
Hum, did I admit to that  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 12, 2006, 12:01:04 pm
Outstanding and welcome, if rather surprising, news  ;D ;D   

I particularly like the lubrication of the brakes on one side - are you planning to even it up by making the other halfshaft leak too?   I do just hope that the dear old girl is not lulling you into a false sense of security by passing the MOT first time.............and what are you going to do with all the spare time you now have leading up to the great race?

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 12, 2006, 04:11:58 pm
Thank you gents for your good wishes.

Mark, nothing will go wrong between now and LM, mainly because, except for a short run to the council tip tomorrow, she'll not be going anywhere for fear of some random component breaking/falling off etc.

With regard to the spare time, well nothing out of the ordinary, but the weather's looking good, so maybe some golf, gardening, a few evenings in the pub, and working on reducing my Tardive Dyskinesia, you know, the usual kind of thing.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on May 12, 2006, 05:28:30 pm
Haven't been on here for a while, found this beauty!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-axle-GMC-Camper-Very-unique-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ4637491082QQcategoryZ50058QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Would look good on camping bleu!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on May 13, 2006, 12:39:00 am
would look good in a dustbin
It's horrible :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 13, 2006, 12:44:02 am
Would look good on camping bleu!

What did we on camping bleu do to p*** you off?

I used to drive a stretch 3 axle range rover... that was bad enuff.. but 4 axles is 25% worse!!!  (or is it 33.3% worse?)  ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on May 13, 2006, 01:11:17 am
Hi Andy Good o hear the Commer is legal again. I would suggest some brake cleaner to clean off that oil and adjust for maximum effect, remember last  year you found all tha additional power and will need all the braks youcan get to handle it.
Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 12:45:34 pm
The viscious evil f**k*ng bastard should be stuck on an attempted murder charge.  >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on May 15, 2006, 12:56:12 pm
The viscious evil f**cking bastard should be stuck on an attempted murder charge.  >:(

Umm - is that just a random rant or errrmmm.............  ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 05:25:33 pm
Tyre delamination. Wasn't going quite as fast as "Our Nige" but it's not pleasant when you find yourself heading for the nearest lamp post

Never trust rubber.

(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:CFSkXI_BZ59HVM:atlasf1.autosport.com/2000/aus/preview/gallery/1986-1.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 15, 2006, 06:29:53 pm
I assume said tyre has just passed MOT?



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 06:40:09 pm
Yes I don't know how he didn't spot it. That's the price you pay for attending an MOT station with a cavalier attitude to road safety. I'm tempted to go back and complain.  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on May 15, 2006, 06:46:53 pm
Andy, how the carbon emissions, what did the printout report?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 06:48:08 pm
Andy, how the carbon emissions, what did the printout report?

Don't need an emission test for that vintage Peter, just a visual smoke test: Passed. :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on May 15, 2006, 06:56:26 pm
Andy, how the carbon emissions, what did the printout report?

Don't need an emission test for that vintage Peter, just a visual smoke test: Passed. :D

Just thinking about this visual thing, if the tyre was missed, would the testing person have seen any smoke ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 06:58:52 pm
I've no idea, the test was conducted in the workshop and we were all tripping out of our heads on the magic exhaust fumes.  :P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on May 15, 2006, 07:06:49 pm
Assuming the green gimp mobile is still extant next year any chance of some pic's?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2006, 07:09:03 pm
It doesn't really like having it's photo taken Pete. It thinks you're trying to steal it's soul. :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on May 16, 2006, 11:31:39 pm
Haven't been on here for a while, found this beauty!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-axle-GMC-Camper-Very-unique-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ4637491082QQcategoryZ50058QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Would look good on camping bleu!

It's a bit 'gay' for Bleu, but I'm not going to get involved in the 'my campsites better than yours arguement' ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 08, 2006, 01:37:21 pm
Today's sea trials (driving it to work) have gone quite well but have discovered a massive infestation of tiny spiders. It's like the end scene out of Arachnaphobia. There are literally millions of the little black and yellow f**k*rs. Any aspiring Bill Oddies out there know what I can do about it?

Other than that we seem to be about ship shape though I'm not sure about the Bristols.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 08, 2006, 01:38:57 pm
Any aspiring Bill Oddies out there know what I can do about it?

Look it up on the web ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 08, 2006, 11:19:13 pm
Can you get those smoke bombs that you used to put in your greenhouse to kill all bugs? Failing that some flyspray sprayed about with windows and doors kept shut afterwards should do the trick.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 22, 2006, 04:16:29 pm
For those who are interested in such matters her are the Commer stats for 2006:

429 miles travelled

22.45 mpg

Oil consumed - Nil

Water consumed - 1 pint



Gross weight on return 2.2 tonnes. (as checked at our local Ministry of Transport weighbridge, which we have to drive right by)

Gross Max Plated Weight - 2.1 tonnes (so we were 100 kg over the legal max weight!)

Vmax -indicated 75mph chasing Robbo and the SPS van on the motorway into Ouistreham

Usually it is at this point I go into a rant about the unreliability of the vehicle and what a heap of crap it is; eg. last year when it overheated in 40c+ cos we'd blocked off the radiator air intake with a big flag, or perhaps the interior light had packed  up or other major problem. Unfortunately this year's journey was completed with absolute 100% reliability. Nothing went wrong. Nadda.

As I think I may have mentioned before,

SHE'S A BEAUTY!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 22, 2006, 04:18:06 pm
How many times is that she has done it?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 22, 2006, 05:49:55 pm
How many times is that she has done it?

Five Le mans this year by my counting. Plus lots of other races, festivals, parties, trips to the council dump, moving furniture and assorted other local runs. In all, about 9000 miles in six years. All for £330.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Black Granny on June 22, 2006, 07:26:38 pm
Andy

Spotted you at Pompey on the return journey. Like the rear spoiler!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: RS2 Babe on July 29, 2006, 06:17:03 pm
 :-* :-* :-*

I think I might rival the Commer next year with this little beastie

What do you think?

Of course the Liverpool Boys might ban me from their pitch for continued bad behaviour! :P ;)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 30, 2006, 01:44:15 pm
How much is the commer worth?

Look at this one on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1974-COMMER-GREEN_W0QQitemZ160013320015QQihZ006QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://i15.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/da/51/74_12.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on July 30, 2006, 05:29:01 pm
How much is the commer worth?

Look at this one on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1974-COMMER-GREEN_W0QQitemZ160013320015QQihZ006QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://i15.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/da/51/74_12.JPG)
Hi Nopanic,
                A good one can be had for 330 Pounds according to earlier posts on this forum :o Plus a few years of R & D money ;D apperently blown cylinder head gaskets are hard to spot ;D
 Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on July 31, 2006, 01:20:43 am
Good Grief - and there's another 8 days to go.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on July 31, 2006, 12:26:51 pm
£3,600  :o obviously a quality machine!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: fagey on July 31, 2006, 01:37:26 pm
:-* :-* :-*

I think I might rival the Commer next year with this little beastie

What do you think?

Of course the Liverpool Boys might ban me from their pitch for continued bad behaviour! :P ;)



my god!! what is that  :o :o :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 31, 2006, 01:56:18 pm
£3,600  :o obviously a quality machine!

Quality, yes, but I'd say he's starting the bidding about £2600 too high.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 31, 2006, 04:06:29 pm
Where are all these Commers coming from?

On ebay again, this one looks tidy and its LHD.

(http://i22.ebayimg.com/06/i/07/e0/1a/e5_12.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 31, 2006, 05:15:52 pm
There's a whole page of the little rascals on here:

http://tinyurl.co.uk/gfog


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 31, 2006, 06:32:00 pm
There's a whole page of the little rascals on here:

http://tinyurl.co.uk/gfog


Is that Bedford Rascal?

(http://www.bedfordrascal.com/img/motorhome_mainimg.jpg)

http://www.bedfordrascal.com/motorhomes.html


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 07, 2006, 05:30:59 pm
Now then gents - not quite 4 wheels as we know them, but British engineering nonetheless and perhaps worth a shot, given the speed with which one could get to Le Mans if operational, and their potential use in crowd/campsite control...........

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sea-Harrier-FA2-XZ494_W0QQitemZ320013748092QQihZ011QQcategoryZ32635QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Decommissioned-Navy-Sea-Harrier-Jump-Jet-Aircraft_W0QQitemZ300012997602QQihZ020QQcategoryZ32635QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Astonishing what the second of the links has reached so far, given that when we sold the last Canberra T4 in airworthy condsition a few months ago, it made around £20k......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 07, 2006, 05:44:54 pm
Echoes of the Vulcan that sold for a ridiclous amount on ebay, but didn't actally sell at all.
Lets hope it's not consighned to the same fate.

Back on topic,
Those Commers do look good but one classic in the household is all I'm allowed.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 08, 2006, 11:34:40 am
Echoes of the Vulcan that sold for a ridiclous amount on ebay, but didn't actally sell at all.
Lets hope it's not consigned to the same fate.

Talking of Vulcans beibng consigned to the same fate, did anyone else see this. Personally I wish them all the best in raising the necessary funds. The Vulcan was an amazing aeroplane to watch (and hear!) being displayed:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/04/nvulcan14.xml


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on August 08, 2006, 11:47:27 am
Echoes of the Vulcan that sold for a ridiculous amount on ebay, but didn't actually sell at all.
Lets hope it's not consigned to the same fate.

Talking of Vulcans being consigned to the same fate, did anyone else see this. Personally I wish them all the best in raising the necessary funds. The Vulcan was an amazing aeroplane to watch (and hear!) being displayed:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/04/nvulcan14.xml

I understand that a far portion of the cost increase is caused by delays in the project and costs have increased over the original budget submission.  Its a shame that it will probably never fly, there are new regulations for these warbirds coming along which would make it very difficult to keep it flying.

have a look here for the uptodate picture and ominously a count down clock

http://www.vulcan558club.com/


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 10, 2006, 09:28:05 pm
Echoes of the Vulcan that sold for a ridiculous amount on ebay, but didn't actually sell at all.
Lets hope it's not consigned to the same fate.

Talking of Vulcans being consigned to the same fate, did anyone else see this. Personally I wish them all the best in raising the necessary funds. The Vulcan was an amazing aeroplane to watch (and hear!) being displayed:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/04/nvulcan14.xml

I understand that a far portion of the cost increase is caused by delays in the project and costs have increased over the original budget submission.  Its a shame that it will probably never fly, there are new regulations for these warbirds coming along which would make it very difficult to keep it flying.

have a look here for the uptodate picture and ominously a count down clock

http://www.vulcan558club.com/

Just hope that something comes together this month - they have come a long way already and it would be a great shame if it falls at the latest (albeit expensive) hurdle.   More definitive info here http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=222368&page=19 (and a lot of other stuff of interest too.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 16, 2006, 02:25:27 pm
Commer News:

Had to have the cylinder head off. A slight misfire, which I originally thought was points, plugs etc, was diagnosed as a total lack off compression in cyl 4. Turned out to be a burnt out exhaust valve. I say burnt out, in reality about a third of it's diameter was missing! Not sure if this is anything to do with using unleaded fuel, but will be using Lead Additive from now on. However, compression and the condition on the valves on 1,2 and 3 are absolutely fine. A mystery really. Bores are in fantastic nick too. Put back together again, she fired up first time of asking and is now running like a train.

The absense of a properly functioning (spongy) brake pedal has not stopped Chris Zarse and his good lady from travelling up to Shropshire for a weeks' motor caravanning holiday in the splendid accommodation afforded by the Commer. They should be back on friday, allowing me the weekend to have a serious look at the brakes before the trip up to Donington and the LMS. So that'll be about 1000 miles this month, not bad for an old 'un.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on August 16, 2006, 02:31:38 pm
Did they head up the M40 yeasteday, sans rear Spoiler? Cos I saw a fine example of a Commer heading north as I was going south.
Whilst in Shropshire they could vist my Mum in Shrewsbury - duno why, but she would make them a nice cup of tea.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 16, 2006, 02:32:14 pm
Echoes of the Vulcan that sold for a ridiculous amount on ebay, but didn't actually sell at all.
Lets hope it's not consigned to the same fate.

Talking of Vulcans being consigned to the same fate, did anyone else see this. Personally I wish them all the best in raising the necessary funds. The Vulcan was an amazing aeroplane to watch (and hear!) being displayed:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/04/nvulcan14.xml

I understand that a far portion of the cost increase is caused by delays in the project and costs have increased over the original budget submission.  Its a shame that it will probably never fly, there are new regulations for these warbirds coming along which would make it very difficult to keep it flying.

have a look here for the uptodate picture and ominously a count down clock

http://www.vulcan558club.com/

Just hope that something comes together this month - they have come a long way already and it would be a great shame if it falls at the latest (albeit expensive) hurdle.   More definitive info here http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=222368&page=19 (and a lot of other stuff of interest too.

MG Mark

Guys, it's not looking good. Click the link below and go to the bottom of the page to write to the Lottery heritage Fund to ask for the funding needed. It would be a shame if this falls at the last hurdle.

http://www.airsceneuk.org.uk/hangar/2006/xh558/xh558.htm


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 16, 2006, 02:34:06 pm
Did they head up the M40 yeasteday, sans rear Spoiler? Cos I saw a fine example of a Commer heading north as I was going south.
Whilst in Shropshire they could vist my Mum in Shrewsbury - duno why, but she would make them a nice cup of tea.

They did indeed! Was it a green Commer? If so it must have been them. They've already been to Shrewsbury, but only cos they got lost. They were supposed to be near the Wrekin.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on August 16, 2006, 07:59:28 pm
Yes it was the lovely shade of green that graces MB. 8)
They missed the Wrekin? its a bloody great hill on the left of the M54 about 8 miles outside of Shrewsbury (It used to have a big light on top to stop aeroplanes flying into it, got into alot of trouble as a kid for drawing a nice picture of it, in marker pen , on my bed headboard)
I think the navigator must have already had there beer goggles on.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on August 16, 2006, 10:30:09 pm

...has not stopped Chris Zarse and his good lady from travelling up to Shropshire for a weeks' motor caravanning holiday....


Nice part of the world to go to, even in a Commer.

I go at least once a year to have a meet-up with mates from 'oop north' - nice little campsite right behind the Engine & Tender pub in Broome.  This just a few clicks south of the Long Minge Mynd - great walking country and great scenery.

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 17, 2006, 06:48:17 pm
Yes it was the lovely shade of green that graces MB. 8)
They missed the Wrekin? its a bloody great hill on the left of the M54 about 8 miles outside of Shrewsbury (It used to have a big light on top to stop aeroplanes flying into it, got into alot of trouble as a kid for drawing a nice picture of it, in marker pen , on my bed headboard)
I think the navigator must have already had there beer goggles on.

That was them alright, British Racing Green was never an original colour.

I did not know you were from God's own county Ian, so what's with all the Reading FC nonsense? Your heart belongs to Gay Meadow and you know it! PS were you a Wakeman lad?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 17, 2006, 06:51:44 pm

...has not stopped Chris Zarse and his good lady from travelling up to Shropshire for a weeks' motor caravanning holiday....


Nice part of the world to go to, even in a Commer.

I go at least once a year to have a meet-up with mates from 'oop north' - nice little campsite right behind the Engine & Tender pub in Broome.  This just a few clicks south of the Long Minge Mynd - great walking country and great scenery.

Del


I know it well, I grew up about 10 miles the other side of Craven Arms, which is practically just round the corner in such a remote area. I can also recommend The Bridges pub at erm, Bridges, it's just a short walk down the Minge from the Styper Stones.

PS Wadda ya mean "even in a Commer???" :( >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on August 17, 2006, 07:01:17 pm


PS Wadda ya mean "even in a Commer???" :( >:(



For a while there, I thought you weren't going to bite   :D :D :D

A fine vehicle and yours is a fine example.   :-* :-*

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 17, 2006, 07:11:28 pm
I did wonder if I should bite but thought you'd be disappointed if I didn't!

It's only fine in so far as it only cost £300! If you want to see a really fine example, then drop into W H Smiths and open up this month's Practical Classics. They are driving one one a beach. They must be mad to get salt and sand into the corrosion prone joints and panels!

http://www.practicalclassics.co.uk/content/view.ehtml?k=july2806septissuebeachparty&d=practical/News/News2006/News_200607


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on August 17, 2006, 11:45:27 pm
Yes it was the lovely shade of green that graces MB. 8)
They missed the Wrekin? its a bloody great hill on the left of the M54 about 8 miles outside of Shrewsbury (It used to have a big light on top to stop aeroplanes flying into it, got into alot of trouble as a kid for drawing a nice picture of it, in marker pen , on my bed headboard)
I think the navigator must have already had there beer goggles on.

That was them alright, British Racing Green was never an original colour.

I did not know you were from God's own county Ian, so what's with all the Reading FC nonsense? Your heart belongs to Gay Meadow and you know it! PS were you a Wakeman lad?
No, Dad was a Surrey lad (just off the Byfleet banking of Brooklands) and met Mum whilst doing national service at Shawbury, they moved back to retire. I have been to the Gay Meadow to watch my cousins husband play for Shrewsbury in the late 70's though.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 18, 2006, 02:27:12 pm
Crikey, I used to go in that era, especially the wonderful season when they were promoted to the (then) Division 2 and played the likes of Birmingham etc. Who's your cousins husband? Kenny Mulhearn? Graham Turner? Chick Bates?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on August 20, 2006, 09:10:43 pm
Crikey, I used to go in that era, especially the wonderful season when they were promoted to the (then) Division 2 and played the likes of Birmingham etc. Who's your cousins husband? Kenny Mulhearn? Graham Turner? Chick Bates?
Steve Cross, went onto play for Derby then Bristol Rovers where he finished up as their Player Coach. He now works with young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in the town.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 21, 2006, 02:06:30 pm

No, Dad was a Surrey lad (just off the Byfleet banking of Brooklands)

OK Ian, here's a pic of a lovely Commer on the Brooklands banking.
(http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/groups/g_5937242/1700/__sr_/8104.jpg?groxd6EBbv8CutpA)
Sadly it was rammed up the rear end two weeks ago by a Dutch registered double unit jugernaut, the driver went to sleep on the M4. I feel an apology is due from the Dutch contingent for the unlawful killing of a Commer. Paddy, you're in the Dutch transport industry, have you anything to say on the matter?  ;)

PS Ian I saw Steve Cross play too, he was a cut above the usual donkeys in the league at the time.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on August 21, 2006, 10:55:52 pm
Checked out Goodwood Sunday and they have two Commer vans in the car park, will you be going in yours Andy?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on August 21, 2006, 11:12:20 pm

OK Ian, here's a pic of a lovely Commer on the Brooklands banking.
(http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/groups/g_5937242/1700/__sr_/8104.jpg?groxd6EBbv8CutpA)


Looks more like a little red cross to me, but I have had a pint or four.

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on August 21, 2006, 11:49:17 pm
I rather like my little red cross, I think I'll save it for later on.


 ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 22, 2006, 01:43:26 pm
Well I can see it on mine but try this if you'v still got a little red cross.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 22, 2006, 01:44:18 pm
Checked out Goodwood Sunday and they have two Commer vans in the car park, will you be going in yours Andy?

I'm not sure yet, it probably depends on the weather.  ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ferrari Spider on August 22, 2006, 04:49:18 pm
this is what i like to see, an owner with a sense of humour ;)
http://tinyurl.com/hv5xu


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 01, 2006, 02:43:46 pm
By the way Nobby, this is the official Vulcan thread. You might have known it...  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on September 22, 2006, 06:37:10 am
Three weeks since anyone posted to this thread :o
Is summer officially over now 8)
More Commer pictures please Andy or a Vulcan will do in a pinch.
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 22, 2006, 12:46:34 pm
Okay Phil, this should help while away those long cold winter's nights:

http://www.lightstraw.co.uk/ate/tec/commer2.html

http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/vehicles/mwv/vehcomq4.htm

http://rides.webshots.com/album/554037092ZMiFou?start=0


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on September 22, 2006, 03:14:25 pm
Mr Zarse,
For your delectation.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/resin-slot-car-body-kit-ice-cream-van-1-32-scale-ish_W0QQitemZ250031830057QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20056QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on October 18, 2006, 08:47:36 am
Found this lurking back at page 5!

Anyway here is another choice motor for Andy to look at and consider when that fateful day arrives, and the commer goes to commer heaven, Southend council camping site.


http://www.motorline.cc/offroad/index0.php?section=offroad&article=135420


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 18, 2006, 02:35:57 pm
I think it's fair to say the if Steve McQueen was alive today he'd be turning in his grave at the thought


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on October 18, 2006, 03:00:40 pm
Well Pimp my Ride.  28 inch alloys and Lambo doors.  I knew the Commer was missing something


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: il Cavallino on October 18, 2006, 08:05:57 pm
Found this lurking back at page 5!

Anyway here is another choice motor for Andy to look at and consider when that fateful day arrives, and the commer goes to commer heaven, Southend council camping site.


http://www.motorline.cc/offroad/index0.php?section=offroad&article=135420

It's done pretty good. But it's still sacrilege.  >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on October 18, 2006, 08:42:26 pm
Found this lurking back at page 5!

Anyway here is another choice motor for Andy to look at and consider when that fateful day arrives, and the commer goes to commer heaven, Southend council camping site.


http://www.motorline.cc/offroad/index0.php?section=offroad&article=135420

It's done pretty good. But it's still sacrilege.  >:(
Sorry but the only pimping a Hummer should get is with a chainsaw.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: il Cavallino on October 19, 2006, 11:33:23 am
I'm talking about technically good. I'm not saying anything good about pimping a Hummer this way or a Hummer itself. Hummers are hideous cars for people with a small dick.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 21, 2006, 05:43:04 am
Over a month since anyone posted to the famous Commer thread. Too busy taking the piss out of the Navy and annoying His Lordship  ;D
 We are BACK 8)
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 21, 2006, 09:26:30 am
And rightly so  ;D    Now then, here's a thing.  And its a Commer too.  A Landliner in red white and blue.   A thing of beauty to the beholder anyway.......

It is also some time since Mr Z gave us an update on the venerable Commer and its foibles - things must have been happening with/to the old girl since 22 September.  We must be told.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: MIKE C (Liverpool Boys) on November 21, 2006, 09:52:40 am
I saw the exact same model, but in two shades of green, on the back of a flatbed, going north up the M6(Preston area), 4 days ago.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 21, 2006, 11:29:31 am
Ok guys, you're right, I've been meaning to do an update for a little while.

Following Chris Zarse's 600 mile epic round trip to the sex festival in Shropshire, the Commer has had a few local runs to various events. However, The Gimp drove her up to Santa Pod in Northants for the Flame and Thunder weekend a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say she behaved faultlessly, other than the battery became flattened. I must get round to fitting that seperate curcuit with a leisure battery I've been promising her. And check the tired old alternator too, which I think may be partially to blame. She's done about 2000 miles this year, as good as gold.

She's now been put to bed for the winter in the long grass round the back of the house, and I really don't expect to go near her for the next five or so months. The official "putting to bed of the Commer" is one of the saddest parts of my year. It means summer, or any pretence of it, is finally over. It's an acknowledgement that there is a long slog of foul weather, mud and swirling leaves ahead of us. Over the depressing winter months she will sit largely forgotten and uncared for, brooding and hibernating under skies as grey and cold as Dunstable steel, thoughts of long-gone days of  motoring quitely through the dappled evening sunshine of the beautiful Sarthe countryside nothing but a lingering dream of times past. Nothing to disturb her other than the tiny mice asleep warm and dry in her cupbords, until finally sometime in late March spring breaks out, the birds start singing and once more the Commers cheeks are carressed by the first weak rays of the rising spring warmth.

Just you wait till she get's the sun on her back again, now that will be a day to relish.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on November 21, 2006, 12:08:15 pm
So what you are poetically saying Andy is,
At the first sign of rain a nip in the air, you chuck her round the back and forget about her.

Use it all year round (apart from on salty roads).
My Frogeye never goes into hybernation.
They work better when they're used regularly.

Having said that, mine looks like Sh*t by spring.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 21, 2006, 12:24:13 pm
Gary, no what I'm poetically trying to say is - what is the point of driving round in a heap of sh*t when it's not absolutely necessary?  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 21, 2006, 12:29:31 pm
Gary, no what I'm poetically trying to say is - what is the point of driving round in a heap of sh**t when it's not absolutely necessary?  ;)

I can't believe that you said that  :o :o :o . The Curse of the Commer has been invoked by far less.....and that, from its keeper......oh dear....... it's gong to have all winter now to ruminate on how it will choose to wreak irs revenge ::)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on November 21, 2006, 04:22:27 pm
I cant believe Gary said that!

"Having said that, mine looks like Sh*t by spring."

So harsh

So untrue

So...sue me!

I think Andy is right to allow the little mice people a little quality time to themselves over the winter.
The altruistic action of a really nice bloke.

 ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 21, 2006, 04:56:21 pm
Altruism is my middle name Bill. Actually it's John but you know what I mean.

Mark, I am of course safe from the curse of the Commer because I possess The Ring, just like a latter day Golum. I must have told you all about the power of The Ring, surely?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 21, 2006, 05:18:38 pm
Mark, I am of course safe from the curse of the Commer because I possess The Ring, just like a latter day Golum. I must have told you all about the power of The Ring, surely?

Aaahhh - it makes much more sense now, oh great one.  We are not worthy......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 21, 2006, 05:27:41 pm
Mark, I am of course safe from the curse of the Commer because I possess The Ring, just like a latter day Golum. I must have told you all about the power of The Ring, surely?

Aaahhh - it makes much more sense now, oh great one.  We are not worthy......

MG Mark

Problem is of course though that the rest of us aren't safe (unless protection extends beyond your good self), plus lord only knows what Big H will make of your references to "protection" and "rings".........

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on December 02, 2006, 02:08:02 am
In this issue of Motorsport there is pull-out-double-page-spread of the "Daddy" Commer of them all.

The Ecurie Ecosse Transporter.

Oh yeah baby ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 02, 2006, 12:48:06 pm
Bob, it's funny you should mention Le Mans in connection with this famous vehicle, which is powered by that wonderful two stroke reciprocating diesel engine, the Commer TS3. I was lucky enough to be invited aboard her at the Goodwood Revival and spent a happy hour sipping champagne and talking Le Mans and Commers with the owner and his son who'd just flown in from the States specially for the Revival.

Anyway, as if to cement Commers in the annals of Le Mans history, have a look at this website which is linked through the CommerNZ website. The MAP diesel racer should be seen as the first viable diesel endurance racer, the genetic grandaddy of the new Pug and the R10. It competed in the 1950 race, driven by Peter Veyron of Bugatti fame and also set 15 world records at Montlhery. The engine is so similar to the TS3 it's uncanny:

http://www.commer.org.nz/Commer%20Connections/MAP%20diesel.html

Not connected to LM but for those of you who are fans of big diesel engines like the Napier Deltic, there are some good links on this page too:

http://www.commer.org.nz/Commer%20Connections/MAP%20diesel.html



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on December 02, 2006, 01:46:57 pm
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=627731108138867682&q=commer&hl=en

This pair of little beautys would be a welcome sight on a baking hot campsite in June!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on December 02, 2006, 01:54:57 pm
Mr Zarse,
For your delectation.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/resin-slot-car-body-kit-ice-cream-van-1-32-scale-ish_W0QQitemZ250031830057QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20056QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

See my post of a couple of months ago with a link to a slot car Commer Icecream Van.
You could have this whizzing round your Scalextric trac with a little effort


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bobblehat on December 02, 2006, 05:10:47 pm
Wow Andy what an increidible bit of kit that MAP racer is! Any one got any more info on it

Mind you I am struggling to get my head around 4 cylinders and 8 pistons and the TS3's 3 cylinders -6 pistons................ ???

I know that Corgi did a contempery model of the E.E. transporter, anyone know if there is a a more recent one. Mind you would not mind a model of the MAP Racer.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 12, 2007, 01:02:31 pm
This global warming's a bugger isn't it? Usually at this time of year the Commer's hibernating in her cave but because this winter's much warmer than normal, she's quietly been up and about and nibbling on a few nuts. Anyway, just to let you all know that whilst her joints are getting a bit seized and she's quite crotchety, the old girl's up and about and still alive.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on January 12, 2007, 01:22:59 pm
This global warming's a bugger isn't it? Usually at this time of year the Commer's hibernating in her cave but because this winter's much warmer than normal, she's quietly been up and about and nibbling on a few nuts. Anyway, just to let you all know that whilst her joints are getting a bit seized and she's quite crotchety, the old girl's up and about and still alive.

Hurrah - good to hear, particularly as this thread had slipped back to about page 7.  Brings it back to where it deserves to be!

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on January 12, 2007, 09:30:33 pm
Just a tip for old recalcitrant vehicles. You can really piss on their chips if you take spares for the worst things that can go wrong. - they know you've got the bit, so there's no point in breaking one. They just blow headlight bulbs etc.

It worked in my old Saab, a spare head gasket in the boot was better than any warranty.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on January 12, 2007, 10:39:29 pm
Andy what good news that the Old Lady is up and about.

Good news for you too Mark, maybe just a rub down with an oily rag and she'll be up for that trip to the palace.

Or did you go already? Already!

 ;D

Bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on January 17, 2007, 11:56:39 pm
Andy

Not sure if you know this company, but they sell spares for commers and other Brit vehicles#

http://www.speedyspares.co.uk/n1stpage.htm


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 24, 2007, 05:25:45 pm
Thanks mate. I know them well. I spend enough money there to be on their christmas card list  :(

Talking of Christams, here's a couple of early morning snaps of a seasonal Commer hibernating today.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Neal on January 24, 2007, 05:29:35 pm
Andy

How could you allow such a thing to happen, the old girl deserves to rest inside at her time of life


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 24, 2007, 05:34:29 pm
I agree to a point. However I don't have an "inside" big enough to fit her into. So to speak. The damp off that wet grass isn't too bad anyway, although I popped inside on monday for a look and that rats have had a proper go at the bedding cushions and they've gnorred through one of the the cupboard doors.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on January 24, 2007, 05:38:09 pm
Just a tip for old recalcitrant vehicles. You can really piss on their chips if you take spares for the worst things that can go wrong. - they know you've got the bit, so there's no point in breaking one. They just blow headlight bulbs etc.

It worked in my old Saab, a spare head gasket in the boot was better than any warranty.

Agreed. I keep a fuel pump, water pump, points, condenser, fan belt, gasket set and other vital speares onboard at all times. Never needed any of them. But if I off-loaded them I would be inviting mechanical armageddon.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on February 25, 2007, 03:50:56 pm
Andy - on ebay - could you use for spares?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1971-Commer-Camper-DIESEL-Tax-Exempt_W0QQitemZ150095640057QQihZ005QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

(http://i23.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/8e/03/7c73_12.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 27, 2007, 12:40:21 pm
The diesels were incredibly noisy......... I SAID THE DIESELS WERE INCREDIBLY NOISY....  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 05, 2007, 05:39:19 am
Someone mentioned Delahaye and Commer in the same post :o
Note spelling Paddy ;D
More info on the MAP please.
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 05, 2007, 09:59:27 am
About time that this one hit the front page again - how is the old girl now that the weather is turning warmer, keeping the rust bugs at bay and giving tired batteries a new lkease of life?

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 05, 2007, 10:42:50 am
She's been abandoned on a drive in the frost and damp whilst her master is sunning himself at the cricket in Antigua.
 Surely this is no way to treat a grand old lady. Methinks an anonymous phone call to the RSPCC ( Royal society for the prevention of cruelty to Commers) is called for.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 05, 2007, 11:11:40 am
She's been abandoned on a drive in the frost and damp whilst her master is sunning himself at the cricket in Antigua.
 Surely this is no way to treat a grand old lady. Methinks an anonymous phone call to the RSPCC ( Royal society for the prevention of cruelty to Commers) is called for.

How could he treat the Queen of the Road in such a desultory fashion, and all for watching bloody cricket too!  Criminal behaviour indeed and worthy of shopping him to the authorities before the mighty lady rises up and seeks her revenge.  Incarcerate him for his own safety.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 11, 2007, 12:07:01 pm
Over the depressing winter months she will sit largely forgotten and uncared for, brooding and hibernating under skies as grey and cold as Dunstable steel, thoughts of long-gone days of  motoring quitely through the dappled evening sunshine of the beautiful Sarthe countryside nothing but a lingering dream of times past. Nothing to disturb her other than the tiny mice asleep warm and dry in her cupbords, until finally sometime in late March spring breaks out, the birds start singing and once more the Commers cheeks are carressed by the first weak rays of the rising spring warmth.

Just you wait till she get's the sun on her back again, now that will be a day to relish.

The sun has indeed shone on her back and I'm delighted to say that I started her up and moved her a few yards on monday evening so I could mow the grass around where she'd sat all winter. Obviously there's work to do to get her fully functioning but it's a good start none the less. It is, I guess, the Commer equivalent of "sitting up in bed with a nice cup of tea".

I suppose it is the merest coincidence too that that she arose like Christ on Easter Monday. Oh and I did notice what looked suspiciously like nail holes in her sills, although I suppose it's possible this could just be more corrosion. Still, it makes you wonder doesn't it?

Anyway, having a living breathing Commer again can only mean one thing; that summer has officially started and that Le Mans is a mere nine weeks away. So let us all give thanks for that news!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 11, 2007, 11:26:53 pm
Marvellous news - so nail holes rather than tin moth holes eh?  That's a good one!  Mind you they probably will be dripping your blood when you start fettling the old girl preparing her for the annual pilgrimage.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on May 04, 2007, 04:51:59 pm
I am told this is the 'Saab Mobile sauna' so it could just as well fit into the 'anyone going in a Saab?' thread.

But it looked like a VW to me, but is is without doubt a van so..


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 04, 2007, 05:35:22 pm
Nordic it looks like a bloody bird table...

Anyway a whole bankholiday weekend of Commer-fettling lies ahead for me.  :D
That and a local Beer and Blues festival tomorrow.  :D
And bloody gardening and ironning.  :(
Oh and I think the Gimp's down on sunday all day.  :o
And then it's GoKarting in Kent on Monday.  :D

So absolutely no Commer-fettling at all by the look of it  :( >:( :(

Have a good weekend everyone!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2007, 08:13:04 pm
You'll all be pleased to note the annual "pre-Le Mans Commer problem" reared it's ugly head at the weekend and involves a Modern Commer Brake Replacement.

I've tried to avoid applying my mind to replacing the rear brake shoes for the past five years. This is because I knew the O/S outer oil seal in the hub was perished and weeping and I'd have to withdraw the half shaft to put a new rubber on to stop it dribbling over my feet. As the years went by the weep had turned into the worst flood since 607 Squadron flew over the Ruhr Valley a while back. This job was going to involve a degree of something known as time and effort and what with me and me bad back etc I really wasn't keen to get involved. Last year the MOT man gave me an advisory note about the low Kg's registering on the rolling road; what he actually said was- "Did you know one of your rear brakes doesn't work. Nor does the handbrake and your master cylinder is leaking too". So I promised faithfully I'd get it all attended to, and trotted off merrily down the road with my pass certificate sniggering to myself that all was well for another twelve months. Unfortunately, time has flown by and in readiness for the forthcoming MOT I started thinking about getting stuck in. Actually I did nothing except put it off, until the weather turned really sh1t...  :(

So last weekend I set to with a rather damp sense of optimism; of course this quickly turned to woe. On removing the drum I found something resembling the product of Sapton Treacle Mine. The whole thing was compacted with a congealed and noxious mix of 38-year-old Hypoid SAE90 and asbestos powder. I never thought this was going to be a piece of cake and that a bit of humping and grunting would be required. Nevertheless, what I hadn't banked on was the contrast between what the manual said I needed to do and what was actually involved. Phrases like- "using a suitable extractor slide the bearing down the shaft" actually mean "go and get a lump hammer and cold chisel and smash the f**k*ng SKF-6307 bastard thing to a thousand pieces and then get in the car and drive to Shoreham to pay £37.98 to replace the perfectly good one you've just destroyed in order to fit a 75p rubber seal”.

Another phrase open to an alternative interpretation is "replace the worn brake shoes with the new ones". Simple you might think, but no, it really means "get back in the car and drive yet again to Shoreham, (taking care to note you were there less than three hours ago) to exchange the 10 inch diameter shoes they sold you because your drums are 9 inch dia..."

Anyway, this is what it looks like now; I'd better get on to it sometime before 13th June. Well I will if I can ever get my breath back, that asbestos dust is a right bugger on the lungs isn't it?  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2007, 08:18:02 pm
.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2007, 08:26:13 pm
Oh and look who's coming to help at the weekend. He came to help last sunday evening but all he did was drag me down the pub for a much needed roast dinner  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 15, 2007, 08:29:34 pm
Astonishing thing preventative maintenance y'know - creates all sorts of mayhem.  I'd just forge paperwork and leave it until the wheel either seizes or falls off next time if I were you.  Did you know that classic lorries are exmpt from any form of annual testing because the DVLA system can't cope with them - you wouldn't need to do any maintenance with one of those!

Good to hear that the old girl is getting a bit of fettling.  Did the same last weekend with the A before going off to Snetterton in it - lovely new oils and fluids, the odd pump of grease here and there, a bit of checking and lubricating, and she rewarded me with a lovely clattering noise under very heavy braking and the overdrive developing a mind of its own.......ah the joys of classic ownership.... ;D

Pubs are a useful diversion when the emotion of it gets too much though....
MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 15, 2007, 11:36:31 pm
That's a lovely clean hub though Andy, really nice.

So you got bitten by the nasty Rootes Group Spare Parts trap too did you?

Goshagolly, I remember queueing for hours at the Rootes Dealership on Coventry Road for the privilege of knocking off a few hours from paid work on the following Monday to take the bits back in exchange for the proper ones.

Mostly for my dad's Imp, before he dumped gave it to me...

Hope the old girl gets through this time without frightening "advisories"

Good luck


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on May 16, 2007, 08:59:53 am
Andy

I think that half shaft could do with pushing in an inch or two before you replace the wheel.

PM


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 16, 2007, 09:56:01 am
Andy

I think that half shaft could do with pushing in an inch or two before you replace the wheel.

PM

Oh I don't know PM................wide wheel arches are all the rage on Commers these days!!  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 16, 2007, 09:40:18 pm
Andy

I think that half shaft could do with pushing in an inch or two before you replace the wheel.

PM

Oh I don't know PM................wide wheel arches are all the rage on Commers these days!!  ;D

Yes, agreed.  A pair of these would fit a treat !

(http://www.mileagemack.com/mickeythompson/et_drag.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 17, 2007, 11:59:47 am
Slicks?? How in the name of sweet Carlos Fandango am I gonna get those through an MOT?

Steve, did I not tell you I had brand new Fate high profile tyres fitted all round last year, £20 a corner they were. Far more grip than the rock hard Polish rubber that was on previously. They were awful, I think they were made out of pre-cast concrete and covered in Russian cyrilic script. Ruddy great lumps of rubber broke off them and one even split right around the tread circumference on the way back from the MOT last year.  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Neal on May 17, 2007, 12:09:24 pm
Cross Ply I hope Andy 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 17, 2007, 12:11:41 pm
Cross Ply I hope Andy 8)

Cross? I was absolutely livid!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 21, 2007, 02:20:58 pm
Here's a plea for help from the mechanically minded on here regarding a modern Commer half-shaft reinstallation.

In a nut shell (case more like!) I can't get the ruddy half-shaft back into the rear axle. When I took it all to pieces it slid out easy as pie. Now it slides in a treat but stops short as soon as the end gets near the crown wheel and pinion, a good inch or two short of getting the hub bearing back into the housing on the end of the axle casing. I've looked at an engineering drawing and the splined end should just slide straight onto the drive output on the CWP; there's no circlip or anything like that. It just kinda goes in far enough to turn the prop shaft when rotated but it wont go home fully.

I've file off some small burrs off the end of the shaft splines and put a good chamfer on too. I've also tried jer-jer-jiggling it a ber-ber-bit too, but it won't go home. Should I hit it with a sledge hammer? I'm completely baffled and any suggestions, sensible or otherwise, are welcomed.

Thanks

Andy Z


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lawnmower Man on May 21, 2007, 02:38:03 pm

I've file off some small burrs off the end of the shaft splines and put a good chamfer on too. I've also tried jer-jer-jiggling it a ber-ber-bit too, but it won't go home. Should I hit it with a sledge hammer? I'm completely baffled and any suggestions, sensible or otherwise, are welcomed.


I'd be hesitant with the hammer.  I might try a few taps with a mallet. If the shaft is going in to a blind hole is it possible that somthing is in the hole a preventing the shaft going all the way home?   I guess you won't want ot take it bits even more to find out.  Does it feel like it's hiting somthing or does it just bind up? 

t,


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 21, 2007, 02:48:13 pm
Taking them to pieces is always the easy bit.   It should just slide gracefully in, assuming that you are using the same halfshaft that came out.....

Often though, it is a case of jiggling/wiggling it around gently, as it can miss the 'ole, so to speak, by just a fraction - you haven't got a lot of leverage left on the last inch or two of the remaining bit to insert and, particularly if it is the longer halfshaft a small movement at the hub end gets amplified into a much larger movement at the other end. 

One way that can help, if you've got a spare pair of hands and the wheels are in the air, is to get someone to turn the diff slowly as well, which will help the shaft to engage on the splines, whilst you feel delicately for whether the shaft is in the right alignment.  However, tempting it may be, don't use a hammer beyond a light tap or two onto a piece of wood held against the hub when you think it is in the right place.  Good luck

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 21, 2007, 03:27:19 pm
Quoting a Hilman Hunter Haynes book I just happen to have lying around -

"When refitting the halfshaft, the splines at the inner end should first pick up the splines in the differential side gears.  Then enter the bearing into the axle casing recess until the outer edge of the race is nearly flush with the casing ..."

The diff side gears may have moved a bit in relation to the crown wheel / pinion, preventing correct alignment (especially if the crown wheel has been rotated).
Try the half shaft at different clock positions (3, 6, 9, 12) if no luck.  Also, bare in mind that you are trying to relocate 2 to 3 feet of half shaft in a small hole using only the end flange to lift and position the splined end, which is bound to drop a bit under it's own weight.

Persevere and try not to curse too much  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Dickiex on May 21, 2007, 04:00:51 pm

Andy,

Put me down in the jiggling/wiggling section of car maintenance.

MG Mark is probably correct. However try getting someone else (unless you have very long arms) to rotate the opposing wheel, while you try an insert the half shaft. 

If that fails go with Mark's idea and try rotating the prop shaft, maybe by putting a big screwdriver in the universal joint.  Make sure it is out of gear.  You could also try stopping the opposite wheel.

Is the half shaft dropping in the axle tube,  while you are trying to insert it?  Can you try an lift it a little. 

I am surprised you can file hardened steel. Did you use an angle grinder?

Good luck.  Open a few beers,  chat with a few mates,  it will go in when relaxed.

Dickiex


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 21, 2007, 05:03:55 pm

I am surprised you can file hardened steel. Did you use an angle grinder?

Dickie I was surprised to note that too, seems to be ordinary bright drawn steel, it doesn't even look case hardened and it shaped up a treat with a normal 8" file.  ???

Thanks for the help and suggestions one and all, I'm really very grateful. I'll let you know when it's gone back home. I kinda reckon it's going to need a bit of fiddling and I wasn't doing anything too wrong.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on May 21, 2007, 06:52:49 pm
Hi Andy,
           I find most inanimate objects respond well to threats and pleading in equal measure. Lies such as promising not to thrash the sh*t out of it all the way to France are allowed ::) Offers of Oil changes and premium petrol might work too ;D Other than that all good advice so far. A little lube makes it go in easier too :o
 See you in MB for a Cidre
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 22, 2007, 09:51:28 am
We wait with bated breath to hear news from the Commer front.....is it back on wheels, with four non-leaky, functioning brakes?  Does it have one-wheel drive?  Or did Andy just hit the bottle in frustration?  We need to know......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 22, 2007, 10:21:57 am
Mark, all is well.  I heard from Andy last night.  Apparently, the half shaft, when lubricated with strong lager, slipped in a treat.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 22, 2007, 10:30:01 am
Phew...that's a relief....I was getting worried there for a minute that he had been buried under a ton of Commer as the old girl exacted a terrifying price for his callous treatment of her. 

Now he has just got to remember to brace himself, so as not to smash his face against the windscreen next time out, now that he has brakes that will actually work.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lawnmower Man on May 22, 2007, 11:14:13 am
Mark, all is well.  I heard from Andy last night.  Apparently, the half shaft, when lubricated with strong lager, slipped in a treat.


Well that's good news.  I trust you recieved the news before you advocated the use of a "Bigger Hammer" in the other thread!

t.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2007, 05:01:48 pm
Yup, I got home last night, and still wearing my suit, I couldn't resist the temptation of giving it a little wiggle. Something moved inside the diff housing and with a few light taps of the copper mallet, in she slid good as gold. Got the new brakes fitted, hydraulics bled, wheels back on and up the road for a quick test drive. Whilst the brakes seem pretty good- well good for non-servoed drums- the speedo cable instantly snapped and there's now a low grumbling/rumbling sound coming from the N/S front wheel on right hand bends.

I'm getting far too old for this getting under old cars lark I can tell you!  >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 22, 2007, 06:19:39 pm
Oh the joys of the classic automobile.
Todays action packed day at the workshop included a big Healey with non functioning O/D and loose rear dampers, a 60's merc with stalling issues and overheating and now the sodding Citroen DS that i have just got shut of after a whole year of misery is back in for accident repairs. Must be an easier way of making a living. Keep the faith Andy- she'll come good in time for the big one!   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Dickiex on May 23, 2007, 05:34:41 pm

Andy,

Does the Commer's speedo cable operate off a cam in one of the front wheel hubs,  like other roots classics?

If yes that could explain the noise.  Either that or you have an F'ed wheel bearing or binding brakes.

Good Luck.

Dickiex



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 24, 2007, 11:26:55 am
Any progress?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2007, 01:29:49 pm
Any progress?

Not really, I've sourced a S/H speedo cable and alternator in Leeds, just waiting to hear back from the bloke re carriage costs etc.

BTW Dickiex, the cable is driven off the gearbox output shaft which means it has a very tortuous 10ft route to travel to get to the speedometer. A bloody nightmare I seem to remember.

Anyway, provided I have time, it's MOT day tomorrow  :o ??? :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 24, 2007, 01:37:06 pm
We'll keep our collective fingers crossed!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Neal on May 24, 2007, 02:03:52 pm
 ;D The old girl may soon have a connection with Leeds ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 24, 2007, 04:33:37 pm
I once met cheesy TV Inventor Wilf Lunn- he of spectacular moustach fame in Leeds train station, i got him to sign the Stone Roses album i'd just bought. Easily impressed me you know!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 24, 2007, 04:36:08 pm
Crikey, who'd have thought it, Wilf Lunn in the Stone roses? It's a long way from VisionOn.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 24, 2007, 04:43:25 pm
It would certainly top old Ollie Reed featuring Neds Atomic Dustbin as seen on The Word mid 90's. Gloriously shambolic performance! The wound him up before the show by getting him pissed and hiding his trousers.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 24, 2007, 04:45:51 pm
Crikey, who'd have thought it, Wilf Lunn in the Stone roses? It's a long way from VisionOn.

Wilf Lunn - A name from the pass - He did a book on his inventions once..

What about the Professor - Early stop motion filming

Sorry about that, I'll get back in my box....................................


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on May 28, 2007, 09:47:56 am
Any progress on the MOT front Andy?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on May 28, 2007, 11:51:58 am
Is it not time we had a few Commer curses placed. How about the Audi an Pug teams to take each other out on the opening lap.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 29, 2007, 02:10:04 pm
 >:( No MOT yet and more than a few curses bandied about, mainly at the wretched vehicle itself. I was fitting a recon Lucas alternator and I accidentally droppped the cast iron pulley wheel on the floor (you know what's coming next don't you) and needless to say it shattered to a million pieces.  :( Anyone got a spare?

Anyway, I can't really drive it without the alti as the belt drives the water pump too, which incidentally I'm fully expecting to fail anytime soon too.  >:( :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 29, 2007, 08:17:20 pm
Every year, the same late MOT traumas .... and we keep saying MOT it in August / September to carry you though the next LM  ::)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on May 29, 2007, 09:50:03 pm
Every year, the same late MOT traumas .... and we keep saying MOT it in August / September to carry you though the next LM  ::)



On the other hand, the wait for departure day would be a lot poorer without the will the Commer pass or not saga every year.

Persevere Andy, you know she'll get there in all her glory.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on May 29, 2007, 10:19:37 pm
andy

If you fail to get one,i could probably make one for you.

Dont leave it too late though

PM


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 30, 2007, 09:30:41 am
Every year, the same late MOT traumas .... and we keep saying MOT it in August / September to carry you though the next LM  ::)



Yeah Yeah, whatever.....the A is heading for its annual health check and a tune up this Friday.  I'll find out the verdict next Monday after we get back from racing in the Welsh hills this weekend ......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on May 30, 2007, 10:45:17 am
Andy
Is it the pully wheel on the alternater or the one attached to the water pump as I have a couple of old Lucas alt lying around and could take the pully off of one of those. What's the diameter.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 30, 2007, 05:09:57 pm
Yes I know it wouldmake sense to get an MOT in August but it's not passing the MOT that really worries me! Anyway, it won't stop the pre-LM trials and tribulations. In fact I find it's useful to go over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb at this time, I'm always finding small but potentially awkward problems. For instance, I discovered the carb had worked slightly loose of the manifold and also a naughty little water leak on a heater pipe which would have remained unspotted if I hadn't been playing with the alternator.

Anyway Gary, the pulley wheel is 80mm outside diameter. The inside dia for the drive spindle is 15mm with a single square keyway cut into it. If you've got any pulleys lying about post up a pic on here and I can say whether it's a starter for ten. Actually, let's leve the starter out of this, I had trouble with that on the ferry a few years ago......

Thanks

Andy


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on May 31, 2007, 02:25:11 pm
http://tinyurl.com/ysnfeh

Maybe time to trade her in for Commer II, Son of Commer

Although how you could ever describe a Commer as a Trailblazer I will never know (no offence to the old girl!)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kpy on June 01, 2007, 12:23:56 am
Or another make altogether:

http://tinyurl.com/23dv89



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: fagey on June 01, 2007, 10:02:23 am
I didnt know that the cutlermeister was floggin his portable bunker ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: fagey on June 01, 2007, 10:19:38 am
my mate has just done his merc vito van out into a camper.. must be the quickest camper out there as them vito things fly :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 01, 2007, 12:21:38 pm
I'd like to see that. I have used a Vito for 4 years as a rally servicebarge and its due to be replaced with a much larger Sprinter. The Vito has been such a good tool (4 le Mans, 70+ rallies and loads of race meets) i'm planning on converting it into a camper when it gets pensioned off.  My only concern is height. How does he find it?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Pam the Weather on June 01, 2007, 12:47:29 pm
I'd like to see that. I have used a Vito for 4 years as a rally servicebarge and its due to be replaced with a much larger Sprinter. The Vito has been such a good tool (4 le Mans, 70+ rallies and loads of race meets) i'm planning on converting it into a camper when it gets pensioned off.  My only concern is height. How does he find it?


this looks like a good bye


http://tinyurl.com/23dv89


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 01, 2007, 01:00:08 pm
The ad says "Toilet Thetford". Now I have been to Thetford a couple of times in the past and found the locals to be carrot crunchers and the favourite mode of transport is the tractor. But, I think it is unfair to call this historic East Anglian market town a toilet. Now Slough, that is a toilet.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: fagey on June 01, 2007, 01:15:27 pm
I'd like to see that. I have used a Vito for 4 years as a rally servicebarge and its due to be replaced with a much larger Sprinter. The Vito has been such a good tool (4 le Mans, 70+ rallies and loads of race meets) i'm planning on converting it into a camper when it gets pensioned off.  My only concern is height. How does he find it?


not too bad.. he raised it fractionally (dunno know how) so its just like a VW hippy surf stylee van.. but zillions times faster and way more comfortable ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 01, 2007, 01:42:45 pm
Its not dark red is it? There were 2 guys in a converted Vito next to us on Karting Nord at last years Classic.
Smart job, with a fibre glass roof extension.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 01, 2007, 05:48:24 pm
I didnt know that the cutlermeister was floggin his portable bunker ;)

It was for sale when I accompanied him in it to the 2004 PQ.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: fagey on June 01, 2007, 05:56:53 pm
Its not dark red is it? There were 2 guys in a converted Vito next to us on Karting Nord at last years Classic.
Smart job, with a fibre glass roof extension.

nope.. its silver, but never been to LM.. its one of the hot ones with the red badges i think...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Pam the Weather on June 01, 2007, 06:27:56 pm
I didnt know that the cutlermeister was floggin his portable bunker ;)

It was for sale when I accompanied him in it to the 2004 PQ.


the next obvious question, is why nearly three years later? ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 01, 2007, 07:44:52 pm
The ad says "Toilet Thetford". Now I have been to Thetford a couple of times in the past and found the locals to be carrot crunchers and the favourite mode of transport is the tractor. But, I think it is unfair to call this historic East Anglian market town a toilet. Now Slough, that is a toilet.

Bob, did you know Thetford is home to Izal Medicated Toilet Tissue (sic), Parazone, Jeyes Fluid and Wet Ones, in addition to the eponymous Thetford comedy camping lavvys. You have to admit it's certainly well connected to the excrement industry. Thatford is also home to the worst hotel in the whole of England, The Bell.

I think it's unfair to call Slough a toilet, I like to think of it as more of a shithole.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 03, 2007, 01:54:43 am

I think it's unfair to call Slough a toilet, I like to think of it as more of a shithole.


I concur.  Slough is indeed a shithole!!!  Having worked there for four and half years I feel qualified to comment....

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lawnmower Man on June 03, 2007, 09:32:45 am

I think it's unfair to call Slough a toilet, I like to think of it as more of a shithole.


I concur.  Slough is indeed a shithole!!!  Having worked there for four and half years I feel qualified to comment....

Dx

You don't need to spend that long there Just drive past on the M4 you can smell it.

Oh and for those Chocaholics that like Mars bars.  There are made in Slough.
t.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on June 03, 2007, 11:11:43 am
The van has been for sale on and off since Pre_quals 04, I don't really want to sell it, I just don't get the time to use it anymore. Plus I think I should start looking for a real house.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 03, 2007, 10:16:55 pm

Oh and for those Chocaholics that like Mars bars.  There are made in Slough.
t.

By the same company that make Pedigree Chum.   :-X

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on June 04, 2007, 12:28:54 am
I'm with Doris on this one, I wouldn't eat anything made in Slough.

I see that the Horlicks factory it being turned into an indusrtial estate.  RIP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 05, 2007, 09:08:20 am
With a week to go, do you have a MOT yet Andy? The suspense is killing us!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 07, 2007, 11:38:48 am
With a week to go, do you have a MOT yet Andy? The suspense is killing us!

Booked in for 3pm today. New speedo cable now fitted, kingpins pugged up with bodyfiller, fresh underseal over the terrible chassis corrosion, all ready to go. Fingers crossed!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 07, 2007, 11:51:17 am
Andy

I hope your MOT tester hasn't got a computer!

Good luck, let us know how it goes.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 07, 2007, 04:58:26 pm
(http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/b/b0/Neville_Chamberlain2.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on June 07, 2007, 05:04:11 pm
Congratulations. Any backhanders required?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 07, 2007, 05:34:07 pm
You old tinker.  I suggest a round of applause is now called for.

(http://blogs.smh.com.au/mashup/images/applause.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 07, 2007, 05:52:00 pm
The waiting with bated breath is over. :o

Autosport may have abandoned their LM guide 10 days before the race. :(

But one traditional yearly milestone remains, and has now been reached. :)

The Commer is GO, so now Le Mans 2007 can start. ;D

Well done Andy, when is the Grand entrance to MB this year?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 07, 2007, 05:56:43 pm
Thanks guys, arrival MB estimated at about 22.00 wed night.

Well, she sailed through, ignoring the advisory on the oil leak through the pinion oil seal but two strange incidents to report.

Firstly, on the way to the Test Centre I drove past a little pub called The Lamb at a small village called Lambs Green. Just as I was approaching, a long haired elderly man emerged from the pub with his friend who sported a Le Mans teeshirt. It's a very quiet pub, you never see people exitting at 15.00, so I pulled up and we had a brief chat. Le mans regulars, but I'd never met them before in my life. What are the chances eh?

Reviewing this thread a few days ago, I was reminded that last year when I left the test centre, Jeremy Vine was playing Something Inside (so strong) by Labia Sifrie. Well this year, just as I was being handed the piece of paper, it came on the radio playing in the workshop. What are the chances eh? (again).

Anyhow, we're all set fair to go now, and the Commer has bestowed it's munificent blessings upon all those travelling to LM by dodgy British iron.

Oh and permission granted to say- "She's a f**k*n' beauty!"


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on June 07, 2007, 09:30:08 pm
Thanks guys, arrival MB estimated at about 22.00 wed night.

Well, she sailed through, ignoring the advisory on the oil leak through the pinion oil seal but two strange incidents to report.

Firstly, on the way to the Test Centre I drove past a little pub called The Lamb at a small village called Lambs Green. Just as I was approaching, a long haired elderly man emerged from the pub with his friend who sported a Le Mans teeshirt. It's a very quiet pub, you never see people exitting at 15.00, so I pulled up and we had a brief chat. Le mans regulars, but I'd never met them before in my life. What are the chances eh?

Reviewing this thread a few days ago, I was reminded that last year when I left the test centre, Jeremy Vine was playing Something Inside (so strong) by Labia Sifrie. Well this year, just as I was being handed the piece of paper, it came on the radio playing in the workshop. What are the chances eh? (again).

Anyhow, we're all set fair to go now, and the Commer has bestowed it's munificent blessings upon all those travelling to LM by dodgy British iron.

Oh and permission granted to say- "She's a f**k*n' beauty!"
Good Luck Andy,have a fun trip.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 08, 2007, 01:14:25 am
Andy, what good news! Although as an oldie owner myself I have to say, not unexpected good news.

Oldies but goodies sums them up perfectly. Lara my Midget passed her MOT easily last week as well.

Funny about Labi Siffre though, must add that to my Good Vibrations Compilation"...

F***in great news, great!

 :D

Bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 08, 2007, 10:08:07 am
Well hurrah and huzzah!  Jolly good to hear, and good news for the rest of us knowing that her blessings have been bestowed upon fellow classic iron. Although do remember that the old girl would never let you down in that way - it would take away all her fun in picking her time to mess you around. 

The MGA is ready to go too, having been given a good fettle and she passed the annual health check last weekend  ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 08, 2007, 10:32:17 am
Well, great, yeah. I'm so pleased for you.
Whatever.

I normally take the jag down to a local ex Coombs Mark2 fettler for the MOT, knowing that he has Mark2 sympathy, an unplumbed knowledge of the marque, and a special big hammer. He makes sure it passes.
This time round, I thought it would make me feel better about neglecting the old girl if it failed it's MOT, - I could then say, - "look pet, I know you'd love to come, and I'd love to take you, but you haven't got an MOT now have you though but? You wouldn't want us to risk a pull now would you? It's a shame, but considering the circumstances, I'm just going to have to leave you behind and cycle". I knew she'd understand.
So I took it to the High St MOT place, the herbert doing the tests down there is usually less than half the age of the cars exhaust system, I knew he wouldn't let me down.
The b*stard passed it.
Now I daren't go in the garage, she'll have me leg off. And I feel very guilty.
Where's the idiot fitter when you need one?

Have a good trip down boys, and I hope the core plugs stay exactly where they're meant to...
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 08, 2007, 08:41:16 pm
H,

With you spurning her silky smooth ride in favour of the boneshaker this year, you didn't honestly think she was going to let you off that lightly did you  ::)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 08, 2007, 09:08:19 pm
Well Andy as the old girl has passed can she curse the Audi's and Pugs. Something like they win by a hundred laps. That should have them off at the first corner. ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 08, 2007, 09:48:23 pm
Congratulations to you and the old girl.
My young fella (50 next year) is also resplendent with his MOT but an aged seven month old one, which doesn't change the fact that new rear brakes and seals will be replaced next Tuesday (in time for my crack of dawn Friday departure) while you lot are probably setting off.
Ear plugs are being dusted off as we speak.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Stu on June 08, 2007, 10:05:25 pm
H,

With you spurning her silky smooth ride in favour of the boneshaker this year, you didn't honestly think she was going to let you off that lightly did you  ::)

MG Mark

Rumour has it that H's bike has no saddle and a threepenny bit for a back wheel.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 09, 2007, 11:21:08 am
Can you not test the classics immediately on return from LM, so that you still have a valid ticket for the following year, even if the motor's gone a bit 'shonky' in the meantime?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 20, 2007, 01:53:27 pm
For those who are interested in such matters her are the Commer stats for 2006:

429 miles travelled

22.45 mpg

Oil consumed - Nil

Water consumed - 1 pint

Gross weight on return 2.2 tonnes. (as checked at our local Ministry of Transport weighbridge, which we have to drive right by) Gross Max Plated Weight - 2.1 tonnes (so we were 100 kg over the legal max weight!)

Vmax -indicated 75mph chasing Robbo and the SPS van on the motorway into Ouistreham

Usually it is at this point I go into a rant about the unreliability of the vehicle and what a heap of crap it is; eg. last year when it overheated in 40c+ cos we'd blocked off the radiator air intake with a big flag, or perhaps the interior light had packed  up or other major problem. Unfortunately this year's journey was completed with absolute 100% reliability. Nothing went wrong. Nadda.

As I think I may have mentioned before,

SHE'S A BEAUTY!

Just for comparative purposes with 2006, I've quoted last year's stats above.

So the Commer stats for 2007 are as follows:

405 miles travelled (BTW Newhaven-Le havre is closer overall for us than Pompey-Caen)

20.5 mpg (a mystery why worse than '06, as she was a bit lighter this year)  ???

Oil consumed - 1/2 pint (nil last year)  ???

Water consumed - Nil (1 pint last year)  ???

V-max -indicated 65mph but never really bothered pushing her as it burnt out an exhaust valve last time.

Reliablity this year once again was completely faultless. Ok, she let in a little rain on the way home in the running torrents on the motorway, her rubber seals aren't as tight as they were in her youth. But which of us can honestly say we haven't sagged and perished a little over the years? I for one leak a bit these days and I noticed over the weekend that however much I shook my equipment during a big drinking session, there was always another little drop heading south to run down my leg ten seconds later. Thus I'm more than prepared to forgive her that one. And anyway, she later had a lovely time in Honfleur, sunning herself dry in the pretty old harbour and watching the fishing boats, before promenading along the beach and then onto our Golf Club at Deauville, her Union Jack fluttering proudly on her stern.

So it was a proud and moving moment when Steve, Chris and myself rolled up on the crunching gravel drive of Zarse Towers late on Monday. We patted her dashboard, congratulated her on another successful "mission accomplished" and then I sent a message to the engine room to shut down the power. She gave a little sigh and closed down with just a hint of over-run, the silence punctuated only by the ticking of British steel cooling in the night air.

We've kind of discovered over the last seven years that if you give her a little of yourself and look after her and be nice to her, then the Grand Old Lady of Le Mans will give it all back to you in spades; a comfy bed, decent cooking and washing facilities, load carrying capacity and a loyal companion on any journey. She finds goodwill wherever she goes, other drivers let you pull out of junctions and the amount of people who came up to us over the weekend to recall their own "Commer moment" was staggering. There's no doubt in my mind, she's the Queen of the Highway.

So as Chris said- "Permission to speak Sir?" "Three cheers for the Commer!"

GOD SHE'S A BEAUTY!  ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 20, 2007, 03:19:36 pm
Congratulation Andy,
I know exactly how you feel. My own 49 year old steed did his job magnificently all the way there and back, although he's drinking significantly more oil than you Comma.
He too got a pat on the dash and a "Well done lad", as we pulled into the garage.
Look after them and they'll make sure you get home safe and sound.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on June 20, 2007, 03:44:04 pm
Andy good to hear your rootes went down well as well. The Arrow went without fault, not one drop of oil or water consumed, just working out the MPG but all in we did just over 880 miles all in. Only mishap was not the cars fault, a high speed tyre blowout, yes i know high speed and humber do go together. Got a bit sideways but we got to the shoulder changed it and she motored on.

Didn't need the wipers, jsut as well as they are bodged together at the mo, rainex cleared the screen, just needed to keep up the speed to keep the screen clear, but that is no hardship in the humber.

880 + miles, not one ache or pain, in fact i felt fresher after a stint surrounded by velour and walnut, and an indicated top speed of 90mph.

And i can mirror your experience, everyone loved the car, everyone wanted to chat, took pics, i used to have one, what is it, what engine does it have, can i sit in it...........etc etc gawd bless rootes!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 20, 2007, 04:15:45 pm
Funny, we all do the same thing - a pat on the dash and a few words of congratulation to the steed before shut down, followed by taking in the ticking sounds and smellls as she cools. 

The MGA managed the run at 70+, with 5 litres of oil and a half pint of coolant consumed over 1100 miles, mainly because in having resolved the fuel vaporisation problem, she is now running 10 degrees hotter, at around 195F, and temperature rising further when stuck in traffic, so using more oil as a result.  Normally I woulkd expect to use about a pint or two.  Fuel consumption varied around the 25-30mpg mark depending upon how spirited the driving was at the time.  Sticky wiper got fixed out there (just as well) and the carpets on the driver's side are still drying out.

As always, the classics draw glances, looks and comment from the multitude and they reward us by getting us there and back, just with the odd niggle or two to remind us that they do need maintenance.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on June 20, 2007, 05:06:08 pm
The MGA managed the run at 70+, with 5 litres of oil and a half pint of coolant consumed over 1100 miles,
This does seem a touch excessive, even for a car of that age.  The oil must be going somewhere, (stem seals?) do try and stop it as you're approaching the rule of thumb, two stoke oil mix and you've a duty to keep it running.

Apologies for the niggle


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 20, 2007, 09:31:13 pm
Such wonderful words about such a wonderful vehicle! Loved the "so Sexy" outfits and cant wait to do it all again next year!

Plans are already being made for a vehicle for PIG-PEN RACING, which will have to be, in the words of my new Yank friends John & Chris (who blagged a lift in the caddy in exchange for fuel and hotel cost) "Real Shiddy". It will have to be how I like my women.... Big, wide, ugly and have alot of room in the back end.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated! An early 70's Zil is my current quest, with the help of Bill and his Russian contacts.

With regard to all the theiving that went on, I spoke to several people on monday who had had gear nicked, several lost passports and car keys, which really sucks. Some had caught people (English) robbing and dealt out the required justice, but we dont need that scum attending such a marvelous event. I think the security posters idea is a goodun, along with warnings of AHD for offenders caught.

Anyhoo.... Merguez and Tartiflet for dinner.

The Commer Rocks!

Pig-Pen. (The Brethren)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 22, 2007, 05:49:35 pm
Good to hear the old girl made it there and back. We saw her parked ready for the off at the edge of MB on sunday afternoon and nipped over to toast her a safe journey home (apart from seeing Alibongo on the outward leg-she was the only CA member we met all weekend- shame on us!). We were sheltering from the rain out back of the ACO building when she trundled past at 2pm and gave her 3 cheers (sneaking out before the bell again Zarse?). As you say -
SHE'S A BEAUTY! 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 22, 2007, 05:57:41 pm
Good to hear the old girl made it there and back. We saw her parked ready for the off at the edge of MB on sunday afternoon and nipped over to toast her a safe journey home (apart from seeing Alibongo on the outward leg-she was the only CA member we met all weekend- shame on us!). We were sheltering from the rain out back of the ACO building when she trundled past at 2pm and gave her 3 cheers (sneaking out before the bell again Zarse?). As you say -
SHE'S A BEAUTY! 

We'd had more than enough of the rain and some of the boys had to be in Le havre by 19.00 so....  :(

The toasting seems to have worked but you should have introduced your selves!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 22, 2007, 06:06:10 pm
Such wonderful words about such a wonderful vehicle! Loved the "so Sexy" outfits and cant wait to do it all again next year!

Plans are already being made for a vehicle for PIG-PEN RACING, which will have to be, in the words of my new Yank friends John & Chris (who blagged a lift in the caddy in exchange for fuel and hotel cost) "Real Shiddy". It will have to be how I like my women.... Big, wide, ugly and have alot of room in the back end.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated! An early 70's Zil is my current quest, with the help of Bill and his Russian contacts.

With regard to all the theiving that went on, I spoke to several people on monday who had had gear nicked, several lost passports and car keys, which really sucks. Some had caught people (English) robbing and dealt out the required justice, but we dont need that scum attending such a marvelous event. I think the security posters idea is a goodun, along with warnings of AHD for offenders caught.

Anyhoo.... Merguez and Tartiflet for dinner.

The Commer Rocks!

Pig-Pen. (The Brethren)

Thanks mate, can I point out you are now Maison Blanche's second self-appointed peer! You also take a mean photo too  ;)

With regard to the WARNING NO THIEVING poster idea, no doubt Russ could apply his arthritic, sorry I mean artistic hand to produce something demonstrative that won't need too many words?  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 22, 2007, 06:08:34 pm
The captain was away from his vessel at the time! Ooooh-er missus Enter smutty response here.....,.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on June 22, 2007, 06:50:09 pm
The captain was away from his vessel at the time! Ooooh-er missus Enter smutty response here.....,.

Oooohh No Matron!

Or

Nudge, Nudge Wink, Wink, Say no more Say no more!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 26, 2007, 12:40:04 am
Zarse...Sir!

Ones peerage has been appointed by The Brethren, namely Dr Tray and Mr Chop, due to the fact that Pig-Pen Towers is a late 60's twin unit mobile home in the middle of the deep deep dark woods of Ossemsley near New Milton!

We should catch up for a beer sometime as I dont think you are that far away. Lady Pig-Pen is back from tasmania later this week and would be pleased to see you and especially your leather hooded chum. She liked him!!

Roll on next year.... long live the Commer ( I have a set of perfect badges and name letters somewhere in my stores if required), wish for a ZIL and the golden years are still here and to come. This was my 14th 0r 15th (cant remember) and no complaints... not even about the weather!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 26, 2007, 04:16:05 pm
The usual, congrats to Andy and the Eternal Commer. I am looking forward to meeting your new steed next time around milord and if I get down to the NewForsst soon I will be in touch. Drinkies beckon

Lara the Midge had a gruelling trip this year, two heavywieght blokes with luggage and rear springs made of wornout Post Office rubber bands I think. (New for LM three years ago too!) She were on her bump stops all the way, even when bladdering along the French Highways with lord Pigpen and Andy. She used no oil, and about a whisky glass of water for the trip, but she did have several nasty bouts of axle trampitis. New springs again for her  this autumn, just before Marham I think and maybe an anti-tramp bar too.

Andy, you are dead right about teating the lovely Commer well to get the best results. Long live the Commer and here's to many more Le Manses for her.

 :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 27, 2007, 12:35:24 am
With regards to camp security next year..... have found details of a supplier of hardcore paintballing kit... sounds gay but... they do all the tripwire operated flash/smoke cannisters, 4 minute heavy smoke cannisters, time delay bangers... and best of all... tripwire operated  heavy pva grenades that can be filled with the contents of your choice (well it said plastic bb pellets or paintballs) but the options seem limitless! Fish imulsion is an obvious choice as the culprit would be easily identified for several days despite washing repeatedly. (unless it was french pikey girl). Will keep you posted once have more details.

THE USE OF SUCH DEVICES MUST BE TREATED WITH CAUTION AS A LONE RETURN TO CAMP WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF FRENCH POP COULD LEAD TO SEVERE SHOCK WHEN MEMORY LOSS TAKES OVER AND ONE FORGETS HE/SHE BOOBYTRAPPED ONES OWN TENT OR VEHICLE... BUT HE HE

NONE OF THE DEVICES ARE SAID TO BE DANGEROUS TO HEALTH!




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 27, 2007, 08:20:05 am
Not sure if I would want stinky fish paste going all over my tent, kit, car and clothes- rather the pikeys took a few items to be honest.:-o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 28, 2007, 12:28:08 am
Point taken.... devices need to be placed so as not to splatter ones own belongings or those of others nearby. My ex SAS friend Ivor Brownsword has tought me well about such equipment and its placement.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 28, 2007, 12:52:20 am
cant say I did.... please tell more? is it like the old fashioned game known as freckles???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 28, 2007, 09:50:54 pm
Andy, better look after the old lady, it seems to be getting more valuable.

Saw this on Ebay today

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Classic-British-Commer-Camper-Van-12-MONTHS-MOT_W0QQitemZ290133493516QQihZ019QQcategoryZ2192QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Buy at £3,000.00

(http://i8.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/a7/1f/6069_1.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 29, 2007, 12:16:33 am
if you have your chins on a large table and there is a naked squaddie crouching, then yes ;D
No... never! Dont have a clue what you are on about.... he he!
It was all the others!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on June 30, 2007, 09:10:15 am
Mr Piggy and Catchpole, can we please keep this discussion relatively on-topic? This thread is heading for the 100 page mark and has mostly remained on topic - it'd be great to see it surpass that without too much deviation... (and I use the word deliberately, given where your latest exchanges appear to be going!!)  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 30, 2007, 09:20:14 pm
Sorry!! I will remove my last few posts regarding such deviation. Apologies. It was the bigger boys made me do it!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Gordonwr on June 30, 2007, 10:19:50 pm
Back on topic then, I actually saw the green machine on M B this year, when I thought it was a figment of everybodys imagination !!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on June 30, 2007, 10:45:02 pm
I also saw the green machine on MB this year, but the figure on the front in a green costume somewhat burned my eyes.  :-X (http://smile.smilies.nl/1912.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on July 11, 2007, 02:34:41 pm
Out with the old - in with the new.

This is now parked in our yard


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on July 11, 2007, 04:17:12 pm
Mr Moderator!!!

Deviation of thread topic.

nothing to do with the commer replacement, at all...

nice van though, quite like to get the larger version, any ideas what it might be called?

A Citroen ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 11, 2007, 04:17:56 pm
The H van?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 11, 2007, 05:17:17 pm
Citroen H van would be great, always like them as well. Some guy use to have one on MB site, saw it most years.

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/469438925_791c06c46d.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 11, 2007, 05:35:06 pm
You could try Centreville in Newcastle upon Tyne. They always have good D's, 2cv's, GS's etc. in for sale, they might be able to point you in the right direction. They are just down the road- if they have anything I could pop down and check it out for you to save on a wasted journey.
 I'll dig out their number and web address tonight and PM you in the morning.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 11, 2007, 05:36:08 pm
Ebay?

PS Peter, there's quite a large following for the H Camionette as it's known in France. There are plenty available, I dare say the military still have some locked up somewhere.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on July 11, 2007, 08:14:07 pm
'pends where in France you buy one, and how much loot you stuff it with.

55 mph might be all you get on a good day.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 12, 2007, 08:22:30 am
Catchpole, don't buy a Transit Connect. If its a modern-ish van you want go for the series 1 Vito CDI.  I've had mine 5 years and 80k and it has never missed a beat or broken anything- it gets a hard life too, towing rallycars and spares around the country and its done five 1,600mile round trips to LM. Its fast, comfortable and looks good for a van. You can get a minter for £5k
 Trannies aren't what they were and depreciate like mad. New Vito has poor reliability so avoid.
 Si


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on July 12, 2007, 08:29:13 pm

 Trannies aren't what they were and depreciate like mad. New Vito has poor reliability so avoid.
 Si

Depends on if they have had a full chop job, or so I am told  ;) Is depreciation ... going down?

>Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 15, 2007, 08:56:43 am
yep, thats the one, any ideas where they can be bought, errh the answer isn't France, BTW ;D
Catchpole- the number for Centreville is 0191 276 3730
 www.centrevillegarage.com
 Happy hunting!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on July 15, 2007, 10:28:42 pm
The H van or Tubie as it is sometimes called are cool as... My local citroen specialists (brave men) have/had one as a parts hauler. Not seen it for a while but I remember them saying they had a contact in France for spares and project vans. Also some weird facts they told me... the longer the wheelbase, the better the top end and mpg. Something to do with aerodynamics or lack of... not sure if its true but 55mph in a pig arc on wheels should be enough for most people.
If youwant their number PM me and I will pass it on. PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on July 16, 2007, 05:16:28 am
Staying on topic ;D Will this push it over to 100 pages ???
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 16, 2007, 11:27:19 am
Staying on topic ;D Will this push it over to 100 pages ???
Phil

It is my firm opinion, and indeed that of the Commer, that the person who should bring the MCR thread onto Page 100 is the lunatic who started it all - I give you MG Mark!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 11:57:30 am
Staying on topic ;D Will this push it over to 100 pages ???
Phil

It is my firm opinion, and indeed that of the Commer, that the person who should bring the MCR thread onto Page 100 is the lunatic who started it all - I give you MG Mark!

Lunatic you say?  Well that's ripe coming from you...... ;).  Here goes..... 

The Commer, venerated and feared in equal measure, has generated insipration, merriment and wonder to many.  Long may she continue to do so.  The subject matter has strayed and wandered over topics aplenty, from sensible on-topic thoughts, through banter, to bizzare and outlandish suggestions, straying into aviation, wandering into Commer curses and across general chit-chat.   But always the thread returns, like the Commer to its roots, namely, with what you might replace the Commer.  A purely rhetorical qwuestion of course, as she cannot be replaced - ever - and Andy is saddled with being in thrall to her forever more, with the rest of us holding out breath as the annual saga unfolds, culminating in a collective sigh of relief as that year's unofficial ACO poster hits the streets, featuring here ladyship in some form, lifting up her skirts and showing johnny foreigner the way hime at La Sarthe. 

In keeping with the thread, there are plenty of here sisters, brothers and cousins out there - here is but a small selection for your delectation  ;D

Do we know what happens when a thread reaches 100 pages?  Will the server crash?  Will the page count turn to gobbledy-gook?  Will the Commer rescue the dire situation?  Well, I guess we shall see soon enough.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 12:17:36 pm
Ok, let's see if this one does the trick from a period advert.......ostensibly a happy family situation camping from one's Commer, although the bloke seems to have lucked in with 2 birds along with him.  But he does seem to have the right idea with a beer in hand, whilst they get on and do other useful stuff like walking dogs and children, and preparing the meals..... ;)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 12:23:38 pm
This has got to be getting near to hitting page 100 now.....I'm doing my best here, Andy.  Or will page 99 just last forever.....

Let's see with this one, espousing the Commer as the "faster more ecnomical transport of small parties".  With the dozen bodies shown as having bags of space inside it, I suspect a little artictic licence here, as a dozen bodies crammed inside a Commer might just be a little more cosy, and I imagine that the foot to the floor performance was perhaps a little curtailed..........

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 12:28:00 pm
Well there it is  :o :o :o  A milestone in the annals of CA.  100 pages of the Commer, from what started as a little bit of banter when she was having a hissy fit because she hadn't been looked after over the winter.  Hasn't she done well - Andy, you need to crack open the bubbly over her bonnet this evening and raise a toast to the old girl  ;D  Hurrah and huzzahh!  And here's one to take you right back to the start with the birth of a Commer.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 16, 2007, 12:33:38 pm
Thank you Mark for taking it to 100, a CA first. And thank you for starting the thread in the first place. May I return the complement with something for our friend and ally, the MGA.

(http://www.neubauerphotos.com/mga/MGA-MK-II-Monreal.jpg)

(http://tildebang.com/mg/images/mga-adv2.jpg)

High on style! High in spirit! And if I might be so bold as to suggest the owner was High on Tropicoma and Dutch lager!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 12:47:45 pm
Too kind - many thanks - the A lives on in the same spirit as the Commer, although I am now having to be careful over the jealousy factor, now that the missus has an MGF parked on the drive which I ended up spending all day working on yesterday, to the exclusion of the spritely old girl in the garage. 

Not sure about the high on Tropicoma and Dutch lager.  The latter seemed to work outstandingly well without any recourse to the former.  As far as I can remember....

I do like the reference to the "one of a rainbow of brilliant new MG A colour schemes available.  If memory serves me correctly, the following veritable kaleidoscope of "rainbow colours" used originally during the production of the MGA - red, a mid green and a mid blue, powder blue and then eerrmm beige, white, black and battleship grey.... :o.  Oh, and one gold one which was the 100,000th of the line.  That's why mine went back together in BRG!   

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 16, 2007, 01:34:09 pm
Ok, let's see if this one does the trick from a period advert.......ostensibly a happy family situation camping from one's Commer, although the bloke seems to have lucked in with 2 birds along with him.  But he does seem to have the right idea with a beer in hand, whilst they get on and do other useful stuff like walking dogs and children, and preparing the meals..... ;)

MG Mark

Having stood up in the dear old Zarse wagon, the woman in that photo must be a midget!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 01:50:17 pm
Whilst we all know that the Commer will never be replaced, as we have reached the milestone of 100 pages it is perhaps time to meander back to the thread title - Modern Commer Replacement - if only briefly.  I seem to remember that some fairly garish Japanese custom vans were suggested on the first pages of the thread.....a bit like this one.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 16, 2007, 02:06:58 pm
Congratulations to Mark for providing us with this epic thread.
 Here's to the next 100 pages and to the wonder of MB, the green goddess herself- the one and only Commer, gawd bless her and all who sail in her! 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 02:18:35 pm
Congratulations to Mark for providing us with this epic thread.
 Here's to the next 100 pages and to the wonder of MB, the green goddess herself- the one and only Commer, gawd bless her and all who sail in her! 

Now then Andy, talking of the green goddess, it's been quite a while since we have had the pleasure of a contemporary picture of the old girl herself posted on these pages - words have been typed recently of brakes and hubs, and of negligible oil, water and fuel consumption but, frankly, there has been little in the way of pictures.  We need reassurance that, having fulfilled her duties admirably this year, she is not now lying forlorn and mouldering at the bottom of your garden like this poor specimen.........   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on July 16, 2007, 02:26:31 pm
Here's a picture of the old girl that I took at RAF Marham 18 months or more ago - with the man himself at the wheel

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/827412993_eec8f3b70d.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 16, 2007, 02:41:37 pm
Here's a picture of the old girl that I took at RAF Marham 18 months or more ago - with the man himself at the wheel

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/827412993_eec8f3b70d.jpg)

Ah - a marvellous weekend to remember indeed!  Basking in the sunshine of early Sunday morning after a night on the pop at Mess prices, before thrashing cars around Marham's airfield.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on July 16, 2007, 06:44:18 pm
Congratulation to one and all


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 17, 2007, 07:19:00 pm
The Commer sends it's best wishes for a successful 100 posts on CA and continued it's success. However, I think she's a bit worried all the media brouhaha regarding the Beckhams will detract from future viewings, thus a curse has been laid....

In response to recent photos, I was going to post the Marham pics, as she was looking fine there, but instead here's a couple of her in full Le Mans action:-

Firstly doing what she does best, and that's providing quality accommodation at a refreshingly affordable price. Note no awning this year.

Secondly, here's one taken from the cockpit whilst conquering the Pont De Normandie. Note the speedo is without kilometres per hour. As you might guess, the Commer doesn't hold with such foreign measurements and only travels in Imperial.

It was taken on a sunny monday morning on our way to a fourball at the Deauville Golf Club. Of course she was widely admired by the affluent Parisien club members as we drew up straight into the Club President's reserved parking bay. The security man was very enthusiastic, he ran over to us like lightning and quickly a small crowd gathered. I just wish we could have understood what they were all saying. As you know I don't really understand the French what with all that arm waving and shouting stuff, but they were very animated about it. Presently a scuffle broke out with the Gimp when the security man tried to snatch the keys which was not very pleasing to see and it was slightly embarrassing to hear the Gimp was blackballed; those steel toe cap golf shoes are very heavy aren't they.

I don't think we'll have any problems next year, the relevant curses were laid by you know who.....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: rcutler on July 17, 2007, 10:22:18 pm
Here's a picture of the old girl that I took at RAF Marham 18 months or more ago - with the man himself at the wheel

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/827412993_eec8f3b70d.jpg)

Ah - a marvellous weekend to remember indeed!  Basking in the sunshine of early Sunday morning after a night on the pop at Mess prices, before thrashing cars around Marham's airfield.....

MG Mark

I can't remember that evening?  :-X


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 18, 2007, 10:02:13 am
Andy,

Nice pictures of the old girl in action and still looking mighty fine.  A grand way to travel, and I note that you are not pressing her unduly, cruising at a shade under 50 when, according to the speedometer, she would be capable of 80+....

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 23, 2007, 05:32:01 pm
I want a roof like this on my Commer. How Dan dare is that. From an article drawn to my attention in the Daily Mail last week regarding TV lLicence Detector vans, here's the link, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=468466&in_page_id=1770

but I quote (cos it's fantastic!):-

By 1955, fleets of new Hillman vans with twirling antennae were on the roads – stepping up the game of cat and mouse with viewers who refused to pay up. The Commer van, Britain's longest-serving TV detector vehicle, went into service in 1968 and heralded the age of putting downright fear into the public.

A classic public information film in 1970 summed up the approach. A bespectacled man in a tweed suit twiddles controls in his van as it crawls along a suburban street. Suddenly, he exclaims triumphantly: 'Yes, there's a TV set on at No 5. It's in the front room – and they are watching Columbo.' The excitement is palpable. The Commer survived until 1983.

Excuses officers report hearing on doorsteps have included: 'I don't watch it. It's on for my dog. He watches it, but I'm not paying for him', and, 'That's not a TV you can hear in the background. It's a tape of adverts I play to entertain the children.'


Pathetic excuses like that aren't going to cut much ice with a Commer I can tell you.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on July 23, 2007, 05:41:52 pm
"The Commer van, ................. went into service in 1968 and heralded the age of putting downright fear into the public. "

Says it all really


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 23, 2007, 05:47:03 pm
That is simply outstanding  :o You must have one!  Even if it means crafting one out of loo roll centres, papier mache, coat hangers and poster paints a la Blue Peter.  

Dan Dare meets fire truck, ski racks, roof box, death rays etc etc.  That would certainly bring a contemporary look to the old girl - much more Top Shop than M&S!  Awesome.  Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 23, 2007, 05:53:31 pm
Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

Which of course could be backed up by a suitably "in-period" law enforcement pursuit vehicle to nab the rotters.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 23, 2007, 06:19:34 pm
Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

Which of course could be backed up by a suitably "in-period" law enforcement pursuit vehicle to nab the rotters.......

MG Mark

Terrific teamwork! I'm assuming PC Puddingbasin keeps his extra-long night stick in the boot of the MGA?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 23, 2007, 06:30:51 pm
i use to be one of the technicians that worked in those vans, very technical it was too, all oscilloscopes, wave generators and lots of tea, very dark and strong. ;D

BTW, never worn a tweed suit in my life, tweed jacket and leather patches, yes, but never, the full suit, good brogues on the feet. 8)

It's not very different today. We use a SatNav based on a moving cloth map out of the old HS Trident. The engine management system has numerous oscilliscopes and gives off unknown levels of radiation. The onboard computer is an old gas powered model known as a Rev StJohn Grylls Mk IV. The pilot light keeps going out.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 23, 2007, 06:51:38 pm
Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

Which of course could be backed up by a suitably "in-period" law enforcement pursuit vehicle to nab the rotters.......

MG Mark

Terrific teamwork! I'm assuming PC Puddingbasin keeps his extra-long night stick in the boot of the MGA?

Actually, he has two, cunningly disguised as the boot and bonnet stays, so as not to give the game away to unsuspecting villains, which are easily removeable and made of good, solid english steel....none of that modern deformable plastic rubbish.

MG Mark

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 24, 2007, 09:57:21 am
Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

Which of course could be backed up by a suitably "in-period" law enforcement pursuit vehicle to nab the rotters.......

MG Mark

Terrific teamwork! I'm assuming PC Puddingbasin keeps his extra-long night stick in the boot of the MGA?

Please excuse this un authorised, eversoslightly thread creep, in the Big Apple with a constable chum of mine and he's 'arranged' a drive out in a black and white, at one of the numerous coffee and dough nut breaks we were shown the arsenal the officers had to deal with miscreants that they occasional came across, the view of the 'night stick' was " we don't use this, it just makes 'em cross" ;D

Ahh, now there's a thought - a good ole black n' white, cruising the leafy streets of suburbia...............

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on July 24, 2007, 10:00:08 am
It's 104 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sun glasses.

HIT IT!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 24, 2007, 10:14:28 am
Our blessed lady.......


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 27, 2007, 01:59:31 pm
This one was dug up by someone in the Commer Club. The Kent Surfing Club are still going.

Eleven people to Portugal?! It's bad enough with three or four to Le mans.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 30, 2007, 02:28:55 am
Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

Steve,

As soon as I read that I knew the 'Brother's would come out.

However, why not. If a 'new' replacement is necessary, an additional 'accessory' is mandatory.  Afterall, at lady goes out and buys another outfit (new or charity shop).

She has to have 'HER' accessory!

Don't ask me why, thats women!  (Oops!!!!!!!!!!!!) please misses I beg forgivenes. Honestly.

So how about a classic B&W, could generate a few bob for the charities.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on August 05, 2007, 12:15:32 pm
Commer Spotted!  "Tiger Bay" - (film 1959) - Commer pickup first off the transporter bridge during opening title sequence.

 ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on August 05, 2007, 11:24:36 pm
And on Carry on behind.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on August 08, 2007, 11:19:22 am
Was flicking through an old Classic and Spartscar last night and came ocross these beauties:
(http://katsclass.com/10760/wk12artdeco/commertruck33.jpg)
Isn't she a peach, sure its been on here before but there is awlways time for such beauty. None of them survive apparently due to them being cut up for the war effort as we needed the aluminium.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on August 08, 2007, 11:20:58 am
Then i was doing a google for a picture of teh below and came across this:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Colani_Truck.jpg/180px-Colani_Truck.jpg)
Isn't it terrible how such commer wannabes pop up on a search for something lovely.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 08, 2007, 11:39:55 am
imagin that coming toward you, you'd cr*p yourself.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 08, 2007, 11:49:29 am
Was flicking through an old Classic and Spartscar last night and came ocross these beauties:
(http://katsclass.com/10760/wk12artdeco/commertruck33.jpg)
Isn't she a peach, sure its been on here before but there is awlways time for such beauty. None of them survive apparently due to them being cut up for the war effort as we needed the aluminium.

Funnily enough Dave I came across that pic last week too. It's an absolute beauty. All these new Kassbohrers are all well and good, but where's the style gone?

Here's an unusual ex-RAF 1+1/2 decker Commer currently to be seen at the Yorkshire Air Museum.

(http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk/collections/vehicles/vehicle_images/crewbus.jpg)

After the Second World War, the RAF and the then British Overseas Airways Corporation were in need of vehicles to transport passengers between airports and city centre terminals. A design specification was drawn up by the Ministry of Supply for a vehicle to accommodate 20 passengers carrying their maximum 60lbs of luggage. This led to the 1½ deck observation coach design with 180 cu ft luggage space. A total of 375 (later modified to 315) vehicles was ordered from the Park Royal Coachworks based on the well established Commer Q4 Commando chassis.

The Museum’s vehicle, XAT 368, was delivered to the RAF in April 1947 and served at various Yorkshire airfields until 1957, when it was bought by Hull Cricket Club who found it slow, causing the team to frequently arrive late for matches! From 1959 it was used first as a staff bus, then as a commercial coach by two operators until, in June 1962, it was bought by The British Automobile Motor Club and converted for use as a race control vehicle. In this role, it appeared at the Harewood Hill Climb, Castle Howard, Scarborough, RAF Church Fenton and Silverstone until 1972.

In 1978, a new owner, David Hardcastle, planned to restore the vehicle but eventually donated it to the RAF Benevolent Fund in 1993, in recognition of the help received by his mother from the Fund when her first husband was killed in a flying accident in 1937. The bus was then moved to RAF Cottesmore where restoration finally began.

Thanks to the volunteers at RAF Cottesmore and the most recent owners, the Panton brothers at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby, the Museum’s Crew Bus, believed to be one of only 5/6 still to survive, is fully serviceable with just some interior work outstanding.


I can't help wondering if MG Mark isn't behind all this somehow!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 08, 2007, 11:59:32 am
Again, apologies if this has been posted before

(http://www.brasiliapress.com/images/arc-002.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on August 08, 2007, 02:57:18 pm
imagin that coming toward you, you'd cr*p yourself.

LOL ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on August 08, 2007, 02:59:08 pm
Again, apologies if this has been posted before

(http://www.brasiliapress.com/images/arc-002.jpg)
Is that the coolest? 8)
Check out those lines,that grill. :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on August 09, 2007, 10:36:52 am
That model was also in the C&SC they do a couple of liveries, do look good. The article mentioned someone was thinking of making a replica, don't know if it ever got done, the mag is 2 or 3 years old now...........dunno if you have heard anything through the commer club Mr Z?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 09, 2007, 10:48:53 am
Could you imagine one in full munfacturers racing livery being used to take a classic race car to le mans.
Stunning


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on August 09, 2007, 12:10:15 pm
I always get laughed at during the old 'if I won the lotto' conversation when I say that I would love to build a nice period 50's race transporter cum motorhome but on a modern bus chassis- air con, power steering and brakes that work etc. I have even sketched it out and priced the chassis.... We can all dream eh?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 09, 2007, 12:43:23 pm
I always get laughed at during the old 'if I won the lotto' conversation when I say that I would love to build a nice period 50's race transporter cum motorhome but on a modern bus chassis- air con, power steering and brakes that work etc. I have even sketched it out and priced the chassis.... We can all dream eh?

Great minds think alike. I was thinking about this very thing at about 06.30 this morning - on what chassis to coachbuild a replica of that Commer streamliner? I decided a Leyland Daf LF55 with a Cummins 6.7 engine would do the trick. The body could easily be modded to allow for some suitably whacky side windows. The car would go on the roof.

Here's a pic (again!) of the famous Commer Ecurrie Ecosse transporter with it's C and D Type cargo at LM in 2003. I got chatting to the owner at the Goodwood Revival last year. He was entirely charming, as you'd expect of a Commer owner, and showed us round inside. He explained the secrets of the fantastic 2-stroke diesel TS3 engine, and then cracked open a bottle of shampoo! We spent a very enjoyable hour in his company and hopefully we'll meet up again this year.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 09, 2007, 12:43:43 pm
There is a website somewhere that has a losd of Race transporters on it. I'll try to find it.
If you win the lottery I'd love to have a look at your race transporter.
I'll keep my fingers crossed as it would be one of my fantasy must haves too.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 09, 2007, 01:02:15 pm
Again, apologies if this has been posted before

(http://www.brasiliapress.com/images/arc-002.jpg)
Is that the coolest? 8)
Check out those lines,that grill. :o

Randy, you are a gentleman of exquisite taste and refinement! That classic design is straight out of a 1930's cartoon such as Hoppity Goes to Town. You know the sort, where you see traffic roaring around in NYC and a Postal Service telegram delivery dog on an Indian motorcycle with full wheel spats. There's also some great scenes with cigar smoking bugs going up and down on girders on the construction hoist outside the equally wonderful Chrysler building.

(http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/wp-content/b/_Hoppitys.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Catchpole on August 09, 2007, 01:23:24 pm
thinking of the 'Indian' motorcycles, last weekend there was an AutoJumble at Sammy Millers, saw two, yes 2 Indians going to the event.  One was in US Army colours, including the leather sheath for the rifle? maybe Thompson, and the second in a most beautiful deep blood red colour.

Just wonderful, they looked too,


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on August 09, 2007, 01:30:30 pm
http://www.old-dodge-trucks.co.uk/dodge_vk.htm

Here is one story

http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p10304765kr.jpg

http://www.wilms-garage.de/Restauration/restauration.htm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2006/04/29/mftrans29.xml

There is a very interesting thread on the Atlas fourm about old transporters. Alot more than you would expect are still around or are being restored.

http://forums.autosport.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63980&perpage=40&display=&pagenumber=1


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on August 09, 2007, 02:48:02 pm
If you win the lottery I'd love to have a look at your race transporter. I'll keep my fingers crossed as it would be one of my fantasy must haves too.
To put flesh on the bones it would have a steamlined body with an early 60's FIAT T8 series or Pegaso cab with an air cooled V12 Magirus-Deutz motor, take 2 cars and have Ice cold beer on tap. Surely there is someone with £200k to spare to let me build it for them?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 09, 2007, 02:50:43 pm
I'll check down the back of my sofa


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on August 10, 2007, 10:31:02 am
I'll check down the back of my sofa
Tried that, found just over 3 quid, several Drachma, a small toy pig and a mouldy Toffet. And loads of fluff- must get on tor of the cleaning. Any luck your end?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on August 10, 2007, 10:37:25 am
Slight digression (but still tenuously linked) but on the way back for LM this year, there we were 2 gentleman smoking pipes in a golden humber (theres the rootes connection) in the traffic jam for the peage before the rouen traffic jam and next to us was an artic (theres the truck connection) which a rooded up sports exhaust and it sounded great. Didn't know they did such things as tubi's for trucks. Anyone else see or hear this? I think your race transporter should have one of these, i'll bet it sounded bloody loud if you were next to it in a caterham rather than the limo comfort of a mid 70's Humber.

And it was good to see the full cab was covered in an airbrush mural, its good to see truck art is still alive and well.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 10, 2007, 10:39:18 am
Not much really, just a mint humbug sum fluff, Oh and an old rolled up parchment some instructions and a map on it. I haven't had time to read it yet but I'll report back later.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on August 10, 2007, 10:49:07 am
X marks the spot eh Gary?
 On the subject of airBrushed trucks, has anyone seen the DAF that runs up and down the A1 thats covered in The League Of Gentlemen stuff? Its fantastic!  Just to keep this post on topic there used to be an awfull VW camper in Barnsley that had been done with those Ninja Turtle things on it- and badly too. Come to think of it, I knew I'd seen Honda's F1 livery somewhere before.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveB on August 10, 2007, 03:54:31 pm
If you can stetch your budget to a little more , maybe you could contemplate a GM Futurliner......

(http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/edu_k-12/images/futurliner_test_drive.jpg)
(http://www.6066gmcguy.org/V6pwr/GM-Futurliner11-c.jpg)
(http://s9.album.sina.com.cn/pic/483cf88302000f7k)

Only 12 were ever built in 1939/40 , and i believe one was sold last year for just over $4million.
... so keep digging down the back of the sofa


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 10, 2007, 04:02:21 pm
 Futurliner, Schmuterliner. I think the Commer looks way better


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on August 10, 2007, 07:13:57 pm
My LM co-pilot (or pilot when the cobras having a rest), Dick, very nearly bought an old 60's red double decker bus complete with Gardiner diesel engine earlier this year, with the express desire to convert it to a 'Cliff Richard Summer Holiday' stylie double deck LM camper / party bus / viewing platform.

Unfortunately, the purchase was vetoed by his better half.  :'(

I did insist, however, that it would have to be themed like The Who's Magis Bus - sod Cliff Richard!

(http://www.thewho.info/images/MagicBus-LP-USA2.jpg)




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 10, 2007, 07:28:37 pm
My office 1948 RT.  (used to a green country bus)

(http://www.camdenbus.co.uk/images/bus_outside.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on August 10, 2007, 10:41:16 pm
he aint joking either

That's going to work for Gary

Where the rest (some) of us used to go to work by bus Gary goes to work at a bus...

 ???

confused? you will be

Gary have you had time to look at that parchment? I lost one somewhere in that London a few years ago, is that the one? X marks a spot near the Tower Of Lunnon?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 13, 2007, 11:29:29 pm
This may make a guest appearance next year as my Zil quest is drawing a blank...

She was dragged out of the barn last week to make way for my pops unreasonable ammount of hay!

A squirt of petty in the carb and a tractor battery WILL get her running!

Had it since I was 17......


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 14, 2007, 12:07:03 am
or one of these two.... but as Nissan UK have discontinued all 300c parts (twats) I doubt it very much. Awesome cars.... HAS ANYONE ELSE EVER DRIVEN ONE?

I rate the saloon (all auto) better than the estate (all manual) but 3.0L V6 in either form is fun... the only cars to benefit from air filter removal (2 pairs of lady pig pens tights over air intake) as the induction noise is sooooooooo good. anyone want to buy one????? he he

Now to be really boring.... there were 1037 300c's  saloon and estate sold between '84 & '86 with a few in early 87...and that was it... hardly a surprise as they were more money than than the same level merc... which looked a little more modern for the era.

What are your views??


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 14, 2007, 05:03:44 pm
VW? You got a VW! And you ask what to go to LM in??? Put her back on the road NOW!

Nissan 300s?  :o WTF, they were hopelessly outclassed by premium Europeans in their day. Very reliable, as I recall, but you had to be some sort of oddball and into shiny plastic stalks and lumpy seats to buy one new and think it was any good. One for disgruntled Alfa Romeo Alfa6 drivers maybe? (were there ever any Alfa6 driver's who weren't disgruntled?)

(http://www.careos.com/pics/BiblioPHO/net/alfa6_1981.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 14, 2007, 05:54:43 pm
We had one of these six cylinder 2600cc Red with wolfrace wheels. I wanted my dad to get the rear end jacked up but he wouldn't let me ::)
Rear side window on the back was electric for putting your shopping in. I thought that was very cool.

(http://mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B21722.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 14, 2007, 11:30:54 pm
VW? You got a VW! And you ask what to go to LM in??? Put her back on the road NOW!

Nissan 300s?  :o WTF, they were hopelessly outclassed by premium Europeans in their day. Very reliable, as I recall, but you had to be some sort of oddball and into shiny plastic stalks and lumpy seats to buy one new and think it was any good. One for disgruntled Alfa Romeo Alfa6 drivers maybe? (were there ever any Alfa6 driver's who weren't disgruntled?)

(http://www.careos.com/pics/BiblioPHO/net/alfa6_1981.jpg)
She was going to Bug Jam about 4 years ago but failed the dreaded MOT on rusty brake lines, which were duly replaced but my spanner man couldnt get her in for re test in time so she has sat in the dry barn since full of kitchen units for my place.
On your instruction... NOW... I will get her back and running and she will make a guest appearance next year. On the boring side.... she is a 72 changeover model, nice bumpers with high and big lights and indicators. motor is a 1700 type 4 (remember how ugly they were) which was an option for that year. Camper conversion is Danbury (Crap) but she seats7, makes up into a kingsize love grotto bed and has enough headroom with roof up to allow any deviance one should require when camping.
Shame it lost all the big stereo years back as it would bounce a full can of stella off the roof in seconds.... but.... next year she will be there. Can we do a lap of honour with the Commer??
I may even start a new thread about the bus... if anyone is interested?
My body and paint mate is up for sorting it all so.... watch this post.. oh and It has a Rex plate... bought for my 21st by parents.... REX21K... Hmmmm (i like it!)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on August 15, 2007, 12:32:39 am
OK Rex

You'm forgiven as it is in such a good cause

Give you an extry year to find the Big ZEE anyway

same time? same ferry?

 ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 15, 2007, 12:59:14 am
Perdu
Yes mate.... same ferry. same day. another shitty VW, but stay close as this one may need a tow  at some point on the journey... No she will be fully sorted and the "black jap crap" (nice good car) sold to fund the new bits (panels) and my paint and body man is ready for the weld and smooth. I will post a pic of his paint quality tomorrow as he can paint black that looks wet when dry as if you could dip your finger in it!
Anyone want bits painting in aircraft grade paint to THE HIGHEST quality... let PP know! Sprayer is based in New Milton, Hants.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 15, 2007, 03:40:58 pm
Good news Lord PP, you know it makes sense, esp if it pisses down with rain again. The Commer will be delighted to have a new travelling companion.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on August 15, 2007, 09:06:30 pm
found tis pic on the web, as they say in Italy - Prit-ey Van

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Romeo2.jpg/775px-Romeo2.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 19, 2007, 10:09:38 pm
Good news Lord PP, you know it makes sense, esp if it pisses down with rain again. The Commer will be delighted to have a new travelling companion.
For info... new battery will be with me tomorrow and have ordered a pair of complete front arches so the front bumper can go back on and a new set of window rubbers to go in once the top half has been resprayed.
Once she is mot'd the engine and box will come out so the tinware can be sprayed by my mate and the annoying jumping out of first gear (bent selector fork) problem sorted. Will also have a taller 4th cog fitted to give better cruising.
Further updates to follow!

Just dug out some old pics and scanned em..... This one is from '91when she took me and my at the time girlfriend to the south of France.
More to follow once I work out how to make em smaller




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on August 20, 2007, 06:15:42 pm
FFS PP, could you crop that one a little? So all the white around it is gone?

Sumpin' like this :


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on August 20, 2007, 06:35:02 pm


.........just leaving the rust   ;) ;) ;)

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on August 20, 2007, 09:48:35 pm
Out with the old - in with the new.

This is now parked in our yard

Blimey, I saw that only the other night driving home!! I didn't realise any other CA'ers worked in this area, let alone in the same road!

I'm down at Unit 2!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 20, 2007, 11:07:16 pm
FFS PP, could you crop that one a little? So all the white around it is gone?

Sumpin' like this :
Cheers dude... still gettin used to my new lap top and scanner... all very hard to work out at the times I use em!! Has the pony tail got better yet??


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on August 20, 2007, 11:16:09 pm


.........just leaving the rust   ;) ;) ;)

Del

Rust! where?? not a bit of it.... all hidden by acres of filler as will be shown in the next pic to be posted (as she was, not is now!) I am only having new front steps fitted because its cool, nothing to do with the fact there is f**k all left to mount the cab steps to! he he


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 12, 2007, 11:23:30 am
No picture I'm afraid, but when we were racing in Wales last weekend, we had the dubious pleasure of staying in a hotel in Llandindrod Wells, which now rates as one of those places that, having been to once, I have no desire to re-visit. 

However, if you happen to be passing through, in the centre of town, is what was originally a lovely car showroom building, now in need of a little TLC.  Near the railway station and probably built in the 1950s, it is now used as a bric-a-brac shop, but it started life as a car showroom with acres of curved glass on the frontage, and blue and white pillars and boards above the glass, which still retain the original signs/lettering of the manufacturers' products sold when it was a car dealership - Humber, Hillman, Sunbeam and, most importantly COMMER shine out proudly in letters of blue from the frontage....aahh.

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 12, 2007, 11:28:56 am
Google normally comes up trumps - here's a picture of part of that frontage.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 12, 2007, 04:31:14 pm
A fantastic find Mark! One only wonders though how long it's all liable to last once one of the go-ahead Llandindrod Wells proprty speculators gets his grubby hands on it. It ought to be listed. It's great spotting these relics of a faded age. Some years ago in Penang I found a Vauxhall Motors sign opposite the E&O Hotel and also a famous TRIUMPH motorcycle logo set in mozaic in the doorway to a now-grotty shop doorway. I bet they once looked splendid!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: vqdave on September 12, 2007, 05:41:20 pm
on my family trips from the hustle of the south east we go to our favoured spot in the roseland in cornwall and one of the closest large(ish) settlements is that of St Mawes who still have a Leyland sign on the garage as you come into town.

Always raises a smile.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 14, 2007, 06:18:25 pm
Forgot to post this one up after our return from holiday a couple of weeks ago - a bit like nopanic's picture (btw what make is that one?) - a small, German registered, Tata coach in Paris - not as preetty, but still jolly nice and a worthy contender

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on September 14, 2007, 08:34:36 pm
Looking at the shield on the grille I'd guess at an Alfa Romeo F series which I believe was a badge engineered Saviem built in Italy from a kit of parts. Both very nice little buses though Mark.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on September 14, 2007, 08:59:06 pm
Looking at the shield on the grille I'd guess at an Alfa Romeo F series which I believe was a badge engineered Saviem built in Italy from a kit of parts. Both very nice little buses though Mark.

Spot on that man!  A little search reveals an Alfa romeo Romeo2 -
http://www.prewarcar.com/pre1966/show_postwar_car.asp?car_id=5094 (http://www.prewarcar.com/pre1966/show_postwar_car.asp?car_id=5094)

Mind you if only 3 were produced, it's going to be a bit difficult finding one......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on September 14, 2007, 11:36:02 pm
I really do need to get out more often! ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on September 16, 2007, 10:36:34 pm
Thats a beauty!.... I must sneak into the old timber yard in Bashley and get some snaps of old Mr Rivers collection of rusting relics. There are a couple of similar british built and very rusty old girls decaying in the brambles. Not seen em since I was was a nipper but they are still there, as are all the old army vehicles and the big shed full of Austin 7 type thingys.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 19, 2007, 04:05:11 pm
There's been a shocking developement. No doubt there have been infidels and unbelievers in the "mystical Commer" business. But what happens next was a little surprising even by our own standards.

There was a recent post on the Classic Camper Club forum. I look in occasionally, it's useful for tips etc. I saw there was a post from a chap in Japan.....

Hi, I am from Japan. I am an enthusiast of Mini, have Rover Mini
> Cooper
> > S5, Mayfair and Riley Elf.
> > I now want classic camper, I am interested in VW Type2 or BMC JU.
I
> > like BMC JU better because it's British!!
> > However, it is impossible to find JU in Japan, loads of VW though.
> >
> > Anyway, if you have any info on these vehicle, I am very happy to
> hear.
> > pre '68 BMC JU with pop up roof sounds good to me!!
> >
>

---------------------------------
So I sent a short reply explaining the Commer's Japanese connection......

> Hi Yamana San!
>
> I've got a Commer PB Wanderer camper, there are pictures of it in
the
> Photos gallery on this website under Le Mans Commer or something.
>
> Anyway, the reason I mention this is because I bought it off a guy
who
> had himself bought it some years previously off a Japanese man in
> Croydon UK! I understand it is the only Commer van ever to have
been
> owned by a Japanese man in Croydon! He loved it by all accounts and
> only sold it as his GB visa had expired and he needed the money to
fly
> back to Narita.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Andy


He replied thus......

Andy-san,

Thank you very much for your reply, this story actually becomes quite
interesting.
My friend and me were in UK, we were there for 9-10 years. During our
stay in UK, we became British car nuts. I like BMC cars, he likes
Roots. Now, I have asked my friend about you and your commer, he can
confirm it was him who sold the van to you!!
He is driving Mini Cabriolet and Berkley (3 wheeler) at the moment.

He said he is going to join this group later.



Well, wow! An ex-owner traced the Commer from Japan. I know the internets a wonderful thing but I can't help thinking there's a pinch of karma in here somewhere.

PS A Barkley and a Mini? He sounds suspiciously like a cross between Robbo SPS nd MGMark to me :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on October 19, 2007, 04:20:26 pm
That's just doubled the value then.
A great story.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on October 19, 2007, 05:05:40 pm
Blimey,
A Berkeley, he must be clean off his Japanese rocker to be driving one of those around. It was after a drive in a Berkeley that I vowed to rely on public transport for the rest of the forseeable future. My proud mate had described it to me as being a bit like a Lotus Elan Sprint, but much more reliable. And a wheel short.
I think some pikeys had given it to him...
Hats off to him though, bonkers or not (and I'm giving him the benefit of an ever so slight doubt) he's what I'd call an enthusiast alright.
H



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on October 19, 2007, 05:40:10 pm
Cool Story
The bloke I bought my VW camper off of appeared on the front page of my local paper a few weeks after I got her..... for kidnapping his children from his extranged wife!
If he had still had the VW he would not have managed to get so far in such a short time!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 19, 2007, 08:07:10 pm
What a marvellous coincidence!  And it brings home the increased chances of hooking odd connections together through the internet.  My Berkeley was sold via an intermediary to a Japanese chap, and it went to Japan a couple of years ago - I know it's not the one you refer to though, as mine was a four-wheeler.  But I wouldn't mind betting that that your man over there knows of that red, 4-wheeler Berkeley, chassis number 340, in Japan....and Big H is right in his view - how anyone could ever describe one, even a 4-wheeler as "a bit like a Lotus Elan Sprint" is beyond me - he must have been over indulging in the medication.  No, it's much more like an AC Cobra - really!

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on October 21, 2007, 11:33:47 pm
Like this?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 22, 2007, 09:38:06 am
Like this?

No, no, heavens no, not the ones with those good awful hardtops....more like this one....





Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on November 28, 2007, 08:13:41 pm
Well here's one for Andy.

I was at my mates workshop and he had a Commer all the way from Gondor,for a bit of welding ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on November 28, 2007, 08:21:26 pm
Could you make the pic a little bigger Andy? I can't make out some of the detail ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on November 28, 2007, 10:40:23 pm
Hi Bob

Well I thought that as my phone is small,then the picture would also be ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 29, 2007, 09:42:49 am
Hi Bob

Well I thought that as my phone is small,then the picture would also be ;D

Seemingly not...... ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 29, 2007, 12:17:55 pm
It's true, well done Wishy, or should maybe we should call you Frodo? I've always wondered about that moustache and those furry feet of your.

List ye! The Legend of the Giant Commer of Gondor. In the name of my holely precious ring, it exists!

Gondor was a Dúnedain kingdom founded by Isildur and Anárion, the sons of Elendil, after the Downfall of Númenor. Gondor was located to the west of Mordor, on the Bay of Belfalas, just off the M1 near Dunstable, Beds. Its name means "Land of Rust", from Sindarin gond (rust) + (n)dor (land), most likely given to it because of the Ered Nimrais the Welder and the many Rootes Group Motors dealerships located there. Gondor's early history was characterised by huge building projects, of cities, ships, armies and light commercial vehicles designed mainly for town work on account of their unsuitable engine and narrow front suspension subframe.

After Hyarmendacil's reign, decadence spread under the kings of Gondor, started by Hyarmendacil's own son, Atanatar, and a long, slow period of decline began (although Gondor experienced several revivals). Three great calamities struck Gondor during the second millennium of the Third Age, which are held to be the chief reasons for its decline: the Kin-strife, the Great Plague, and the decision to turn the Commer PB into the Dodge Spacevan with the cheap and nasty black plastic grille and square rear lights and that.

And so the Giant Commer of Gondor passed into Tolkeinian folklaw. Until now. Behold, the Fourth Age is upon us! Or alternatively just resize the pic using a freeshare j.peg program like Infranview...  :(


(http://home.tiscali.nl/solarfallsartwork/enter_pic_cloud.jpg)

(Wishy and Sam Gamgee yesterday on their to the Hotpoint dealers for some more pump  spares)






Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 29, 2007, 12:34:56 pm
Yea verily, Gandalf has spoken.  And thus it was prophesied, many moons past by Tolkein:

"This is the Master-Commer, the One Commer to rule them all.
This is the One Commer lost many years ago,
to the great weakening of its maker's power".

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 29, 2007, 12:37:56 pm
Yea verily, Gandalf has spoken.  And thus it was prophesied, many moons past by Tolkein:

"This is the Master-Commer, the One Commer to rule them all.
This is the One Commer lost many years ago,
to the great weakening of its maker's power".

MG Mark

This is the One Commer lost many years ago,
to the great weakening of its maker's power". 

Weakening power? Bloody Lucas distributor and rotor arm again I expect!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 29, 2007, 12:40:51 pm
Don't forget the clapped out condenser and split plug leads.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 29, 2007, 12:43:50 pm
I've replaced the bloody lot and still no good. Check the jet in the old Solex carb? Worn valve seats? Oh well, get the head off again...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 29, 2007, 01:03:25 pm
Remember that she is a grand old lady, who will put out just as much power as she decides to put out.  And not a horsie power more.  Particularly on shite modern petrol.  But do try and narrow it down to ignition, fuel or air leak first.  My dear chap, do please carry out a compression test, with and without oil, before you go and get all bothered and flustered pulling lots of important engine components apart in inclement weather.  Anyway, Lucas were jolly good....it says so here....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on November 29, 2007, 01:35:46 pm
........  Anyway, Lucas were jolly good....it says so here....
The trouble is that they're still making the same stuff, but it usually sparks.  If it does, then its crap in the carb, or emulsion in your emulsion tube


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on November 30, 2007, 02:54:38 am
Mr Zarse.
Am i still being forced to take my elderly VW to LM next year?
Drove her  up the lane the other day and all was sweet. All she needed was a squirt of petrol in the carb and a decent battery and she fired up like a redhead on heat!
Obviously the coil lead was left off to let the oil pressure get up but when started there was no smoke and she ticked over fine.
If she is required she will be sorted........ otherwise a hearse is needed....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 30, 2007, 03:27:52 pm
Mr Zarse.
Am i still being forced to take my elderly VW to LM next year?
Drove her  up the lane the other day and all was sweet. All she needed was a squirt of petrol in the carb and a decent battery and she fired up like a redhead on heat!
Obviously the coil lead was left off to let the oil pressure get up but when started there was no smoke and she ticked over fine.
If she is required she will be sorted........ otherwise a hearse is needed....

Yes you are still being forced. It'll be fine. Trust me...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on November 30, 2007, 03:38:19 pm
Right. Best I get on with getting her sorted... she wont need much as she was ready for MOT retest when I parked her up.
I might even splash out and get the gearbox problem fixed. She jumps out of first.. which makes pulling away interesting!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 30, 2007, 08:51:42 pm
I might even splash out and get the gearbox problem fixed. She jumps out of first.. which makes pulling away interesting!

What gearbox problem? Surely just hold it in first to stop it jumping out?  Standard practice old chap...... mind you if it's not british and has reached that stage, it's probably completely phuq'd....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on November 30, 2007, 09:55:48 pm
I might even splash out and get the gearbox problem fixed. She jumps out of first.. which makes pulling away interesting!

What gearbox problem? Surely just hold it in first to stop it jumping out?  Standard practice old chap...... mind you if it's not british and has reached that stage, it's probably completely phuq'd....It kicks it out so hard that you cant hold it in.... likely to be missing teeth I think!

Cogbox do an exchange unit with longer legged 4th for about £500 so thats the way forward I think. Its a 1700 type 4 engine version which will make things interesting as they were an option only unit and all type 4's gave in to the tin worm years ago.... wish me luck!!!


MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on November 30, 2007, 10:19:47 pm
Nice to see the Commer made it to the calender. Good work chaps.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on December 01, 2007, 04:14:34 am

What gearbox problem? Surely just hold it in first to stop it jumping out?  Standard practice old chap...... mind you if it's not british and has reached that stage, it's probably completely phuq'd....It kicks it out so hard that you cant hold it in.... likely to be missing teeth I think!

M'Lord,
          these missing teeth... the driver or the box ??? ::) ;D
Could it be as simple as adusting/renewing the linkage which may have some worn bushings?
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on December 01, 2007, 11:26:22 pm
All the linkage bushes have been replaced and some VW specialists have pointed to bent selector forks or the cog being totally fcuked. It kicks out so hard it makes a bang... and if you try and hold it in it hurts! Not so bad as the 1700 type 4 lump has alot more grunt than the wheezy 1600 so second picks up ok.
It makes hill starts interesting as the handbrake is directly above the gearlever so an interesting finger thumb combo is needed to do a smooth one!!
I will talk to Peter Engelzos at Cog Box and see whats best.... think the exchange long leg 4th replacement is the way forward.... then I will be able to keep up with all the other nutters on the way down to LM..... Have you ever driven a fully loaded VW on nice roads.... once they get rolling they are ok! Its the stopping thats scary!!!

Pic below is her on release from the haybarn after years... bit scabby round the edges but she is a month and a day older than me so entitled to be rough!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on December 01, 2007, 11:35:45 pm
And this is on a banger racing site.... and someone raced a James Young bodied '54 Bentley at arena Essex Firecracker in November... It was a Dutch driver... thats all I know but it did very well and won the demolition derby and drove out.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nobby Diesel on March 07, 2008, 11:28:44 am
Maybe not a Commer, or indeed modern, but a great replacement.

saw this on another site.

13,000cc, flat 6, petrol engine......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1940s-American-Greyhound-Inter-city-bus_W0QQitemZ190203447710QQihZ009QQcategoryZ9883QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 07, 2008, 11:48:02 am
yep, worthy of a mention on this thread.

Meanwhile, other Commer news;

At the weekend I opened the Commer up to get some gear out to take to NZ. Being as I'd got the keys on me I popped them in the ignition to see what would happen. She hadn't been started since october so I'd no real expectations. She fired up first go, once the lift pump had done it's stuff with the fuel. Cool eh? The clutch plate is rusted to the fly wheel, easily sorted, and the handbrake has locked on again (Doh! Every year I forget to leave it off!). But I'll be digging her out at easter and this officially marks the start of summer!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 07, 2008, 12:22:27 pm
It's good to hear that she woke from her Winter slumbers without too many age related problems Andy. I look forward to welcoming the grand old lady onto the Summer pastures of Houx Annexe.

Here's one that is still hibernating


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on March 07, 2008, 01:51:32 pm
Lurvely big windowses on that one Bob

Andy congrats on kickstarting summer a few days early

what a smashing morning it has been

yippee!

 :)

soon be June me dears


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on March 07, 2008, 05:50:48 pm
Always marks the start of summer the green goddess awakening from her winter slumber- a little earlier this year Andy?, you've beaten the swallows return!
 Will this deprive us of the tales of seized bearings, wheel cyls and will it, won't it pass? in the run up to the big pilgrimage?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 07, 2008, 09:36:15 pm
Always marks the start of summer the green goddess awakening from her winter slumber- a little earlier this year Andy?, you've beaten the swallows return!
 Will this deprive us of the tales of seized bearings, wheel cyls and will it, won't it pass? in the run up to the big pilgrimage?

No, I shouldn't think so - it'll just mean he has longer not to so anything about stuff, soi we should still get the annual guessing game.....bless her!

MG Mark



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on March 08, 2008, 04:53:36 am
yep, worthy of a mention on this thread.

Meanwhile, other Commer news;

At the weekend I opened the Commer up to get some gear out to take to NZ. Being as I'd got the keys on me I popped them in the ignition to see what would happen. She hadn't been started since october so I'd no real expectations. She fired up first go, once the lift pump had done it's stuff with the fuel. Cool eh? The clutch plate is rusted to the fly wheel, easily sorted, and the handbrake has locked on again (Doh! Every year I forget to leave it off!). But I'll be digging her out at easter and this officially marks the start of summer!
I trust you will post pics of the annual event. Nothing better than seeing an old girl covered in dust emerging from enforced hibernation. ;D My VW is blocked in the barn by loads of round bales of hay, Hay Baler, turners, cutters, dung spreader and my dads tractor and caravan... in that order :(
She wont be coming out this year as getting all that moved... and having to involve my dad..... just not worth it, I cant put him ... or me,  through that ordeal! ;)
Long Live The COMMER.
(I still have a very shiny set of COMMER nose letters somewhere in my stores)
PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on March 08, 2008, 09:03:09 am
How about this beauty, could well suit Robs Sex van asperations....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1973-COMMER-MOTOR-CARAVAN-MOTORHOME-CAMPERVAN-TAX-MOT_W0QQitemZ230229405439QQihZ013QQcategoryZ14256QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on March 08, 2008, 07:19:40 pm
Its not rusty enough... or horrid looking enough for his purposes!
Is that current on ebay? Would make a useful addition to my fleet of crap.

I imagine crossing the Pont de Normandie on a very windy day would be intersting with all that side area to catch the wind ;D
PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on March 08, 2008, 10:43:20 pm
Its not rusty enough... or horrid looking enough for his purposes!
Is that current on ebay? Would make a useful addition to my fleet of crap.

I imagine crossing the Pont de Normandie on a very windy day would be intersting with all that side area to catch the wind ;D
PP
Yes as of this morning, i think a hair dryer would pose a danger, never mind the Pont De Normandie on a mild day.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 25, 2008, 03:00:46 pm
yep, worthy of a mention on this thread.

Meanwhile, other Commer news;

At the weekend I opened the Commer up to get some gear out to take to NZ. Being as I'd got the keys on me I popped them in the ignition to see what would happen. She hadn't been started since october so I'd no real expectations. She fired up first go, once the lift pump had done it's stuff with the fuel. Cool eh? The clutch plate is rusted to the fly wheel, easily sorted, and the handbrake has locked on again (Doh! Every year I forget to leave it off!). But I'll be digging her out at easter and this officially marks the start of summer!
I trust you will post pics of the annual event. Nothing better than seeing an old girl covered in dust emerging from enforced hibernation. ;D My VW is blocked in the barn by loads of round bales of hay, Hay Baler, turners, cutters, dung spreader and my dads tractor and caravan... in that order :(
She wont be coming out this year as getting all that moved... and having to involve my dad..... just not worth it, I cant put him ... or me,  through that ordeal! ;)
Long Live The COMMER.
(I still have a very shiny set of COMMER nose letters somewhere in my stores)
PP

Sorry Rex, snow stopped play, Commer not interested, I got growled at by the grumpy hibernating van. If the wx warms up this weekend I'll have a go at waking her up. Keep you posted. I still think you should bring your van, just fire the tractor up and get that sh-it shifted!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on March 25, 2008, 08:54:47 pm
I will see about the VW... the aggro of getting her out with my Dad involved really does not seem to make it worth it >:(
The Silver 300C saloon was saying that she is bored after her black estate friend went so you never know.... especially as a mate will be a full up MOT tester by may ;).. its just the thought of driving something down to LM that has NO spares availability anywhere, an ECU and is auto and has been stood for 3 years..
It was fine last time I fired it up... drove fine and did 30 miles with no probs. Its just a big risk to take as I am (Hopefully) going to be there early on Monday.

Worth the risk as I will be carrying all our camp passes ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 26, 2008, 09:45:36 pm
Fair enough, I know it's jap so will like as not get you there, but it's always an adventure travelling in a slightly unknown quantity.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on March 26, 2008, 10:00:36 pm
Fair enough, I know it's jap so will like as not get you there, but it's always an adventure travelling in a slightly unknown quantity.

Keep us posted on the Commer... I think the big silver thing can be left slumbering in the nettles.
Chavalier it will be... with a striking paint job and all ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 11, 2008, 05:17:33 pm
I want a roof like this on my Commer. How Dan dare is that. From an article drawn to my attention in the Daily Mail last week regarding TV lLicence Detector vans, here's the link, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=468466&in_page_id=1770

but I quote (cos it's fantastic!):-

By 1955, fleets of new Hillman vans with twirling antennae were on the roads – stepping up the game of cat and mouse with viewers who refused to pay up. The Commer van, Britain's longest-serving TV detector vehicle, went into service in 1968 and heralded the age of putting downright fear into the public.

A classic public information film in 1970 summed up the approach. A bespectacled man in a tweed suit twiddles controls in his van as it crawls along a suburban street. Suddenly, he exclaims triumphantly: 'Yes, there's a TV set on at No 5. It's in the front room – and they are watching Columbo.' The excitement is palpable. The Commer survived until 1983.

Excuses officers report hearing on doorsteps have included: 'I don't watch it. It's on for my dog. He watches it, but I'm not paying for him', and, 'That's not a TV you can hear in the background. It's a tape of adverts I play to entertain the children.'


Pathetic excuses like that aren't going to cut much ice with a Commer I can tell you.

That is simply outstanding  :o You must have one!  Even if it means crafting one out of loo roll centres, papier mache, coat hangers and poster paints a la Blue Peter. 

Dan Dare meets fire truck, ski racks, roof box, death rays etc etc.  That would certainly bring a contemporary look to the old girl - much more Top Shop than M&S!  Awesome.  Do you think it could be tuned to detect pikeys and automaticallly blast them with the zillion volt invisible Commer curse? ;D

(http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/07_02/tvdetectMS1407_468x328.jpg)

MG Mark

The other day I found a great new Commer Van Fan forum

http://66.129.69.181/forum/default.asp?CAT_ID=3

It's held me in raptures for days. Mark you'll be glad to know there's a bloke restorung a TV detector van. Have a look at what he got to start with, now that's dedication!

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_0524.jpg)

More on it here:
http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=108


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 12, 2008, 02:57:06 am
Sat rotting in a garden.... nice paint ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 12, 2008, 03:17:41 am
And a few doors up was this... the owner of a Droop Snoot .... rocking horse shiit.
OMG....thats a real one ;DQuestions????????


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 14, 2008, 04:16:00 pm


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCWLlPBGFho

Worth watching all the way to the end.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 14, 2008, 06:32:49 pm
Sat rotting in a garden.... nice paint ;D

Rex, where is this van mate?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 15, 2008, 10:09:30 am
All this talk of other vans and chavmobiles.  Some weeks have passed since the first report of firing the mighty Commer's engine up, with stuck clutch and handbrake, followed by a tentative post 3 weeks ago about getting the old girl circulating once snow stopped stopping play.   

The world is on tenterhooks, and since her successful blast last weekend around the tarmac and concrete of RAF Marham (now with no overheating issues with a re-cored rad and racing water pump) the MGA keeps asking me forlornly whether the mighty Commer has taken to the road yet. 

A progress report is called for please Mr Z, particularly as judging by a post elsewhere today
http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1557 (http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1557)
from someone appearing to be suspiciously like yourself, it seems that, as in the words of the song, "there may be trouble ahead....."         

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 15, 2008, 02:29:01 pm
Sat rotting in a garden.... nice paint ;D

Rex, where is this van mate?
On the Londod road, Riscombe near Twyford.
Terrace of council houses on left as heading east out of Twyford.
Beware of the owners and neighbours if you go to have a look.... Nasty!!! >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 20, 2008, 10:00:56 pm
Another sleeping beauty around Wokingham... and it had moved about 2 feet since I last saw it!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 20, 2008, 10:42:39 pm
Now is there any need for silly comments like that... they are best saved for pics like this one ;D
It lives down the lane from me and was greeted by a tree in the storms of 86.. was a runner at the time.

Renault 12 spares anyone?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on April 21, 2008, 10:22:47 am
I've every confidence in the Zarsemobile, and wouldn't be surprised if it's being gunned down an autobahn right now. Or dissolving slave cylinder seals on a drive near Crawley.
I had a go at firing the jag up at the weekend, - what with work abroad and my two wheeled shenanigans last year it's barely troubled the odometer. Surprisingly the old girl spluttered into life on the button, and I took her for a very easy tootle around some local roads, - ones with plenty of laybys. She wasn't happy with me though, and I believe she's bearing a grudge. Every time I turned a corner the horn would sound off a few rapid honks. There's some deeply unattractive men and women, mostly vagrants, walking around these parts this morning with a whiff of Old Spice and a spring in their step. I hope to God they don't know where I live. I suspect a fault in the AE35 unit, and I must get round to scheduling some EVA.
And then of course there's the question of stickers, - not one to be ignored but it's a difficult call. The Highways Agency seem to have set the bar very high though with a set of fantastic examples that have sprung up by the roadside recently. On a recent haul up the M40 I was advised to 'Check your fuel level' no less than four times! Normally I have a guage (and a collection, admittedly small, of nerve endings under my hat and loosely between my ears) for this sort of work, but it seems it can't be trusted so I suppose we just have to pull over and shove a dry stick down the filler tube just to be sure. I have a friend who wouldn't need a dry stick, and even though it would make for a fantastic scene on the hard shoulder, I don't think I should go down that route.And then there's 'Possibility of Spray!'....................holy sh*t, no kidding, this is England, not Death Valley, of course there's the possibility of spray, along with the possibility of the sun rising in the east and seagulls crapping on my head when I'm eating a nice cornet with a splash of monkeys blood in Brighton.
Maybe some some signs on the front wing letting people know that the car is fitted with shock absorbers would do the trick.
Anyway, a terrible urge has come over me to nip into the garage and check the fuel level again....
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 21, 2008, 01:59:21 pm

And then of course there's the question of stickers, - not one to be ignored but it's a difficult call. The Highways Agency seem to have set the bar very high though with a set of fantastic examples that have sprung up by the roadside recently. On a recent haul up the M40 I was advised to 'Check your fuel level' no less than four times! Normally I have a guage (and a collection, admittedly small, of nerve endings under my hat and loosely between my ears) for this sort of work, but it seems it can't be trusted so I suppose we just have to pull over and shove a dry stick down the filler tube just to be sure. I have a friend who wouldn't need a dry stick, and even though it would make for a fantastic scene on the hard shoulder, I don't think I should go down that route.And then there's 'Possibility of Spray!'....................holy sh*t, no kidding, this is England, not Death Valley, of course there's the possibility of spray, along with the possibility of the sun rising in the east and seagulls crapping on my head when I'm eating a nice cornet with a splash of monkeys blood in Brighton.
Maybe some some signs on the front wing letting people know that the car is fitted with shock absorbers would do the trick.
Anyway, a terrible urge has come over me to nip into the garage and check the fuel level again....
H

The Zarsemobile is current indisposed to move. Drive cannot be engaged. However, a towrope for a drag to the scrapyard is being arranged. The voices in the kettle made me do it.

Who was that bloke in the bible as God told to kill his son and burn his body on the bonfire? Zebedabahdiah or someone he was. So anyway, he done him in and then God just pointed at him and gone off laughing. Well that's me that is. I'm having a crisis of confidence, it's all so wearisome. I'm tired of the inevitable lumbago inducing contortionism on wet grass, the skinned knuckles, the grime under my nails, and shovelling rat sh*t out of the cupboard. But mainly it's that pair of blue overalls shrunk by a boil wash which always rides up my arse crack and plays merry hell with my prolapse. Enough!

Talking of road signs, years ago there was a great one in Birmingham on the ringroad. It was an experimental model of those dotmatrix things they've now got on the M25 which implore you, with spelling errors, not to Drink and Dive or suggest you Take a Beak. Well the Brummy one was terrific, as it only had the letter G. One day it would say GGG G GGGGG G G GGGGGGGGGGGGGG GG G. The next it might be more succinct; GG GGGG G or maybe GGGGGGGG. It was like that for months, until they took it away after a motorcyclist crashed into it and killed himself. I always felt quite sorry for the poor sod; death by GGGGGG. It's no way go in my book.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 21, 2008, 02:59:27 pm

The Zarsemobile is current indisposed to move. Drive cannot be engaged. However, a towrope for a drag to the scrapyard is being arranged. The voices in the kettle made me do it.

Say it is not so!

It is a true LeMans tradition.
LeMans will not be the same without it.

I say you take one last time.
Then BURN IT!

I remember a song we sang around one of Sebring,s after the race bon-fires many years ago.
It goes something like this.
In my best Tom Jones[Welsh as I]
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT IN THE FIRE !
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT IN THE FIRE !
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT IN THE FIRE !
Etc.etc.







Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on April 21, 2008, 04:17:33 pm
Sounds like the pushrod from the slave cylinder to the operating lever has tried to escape and jammed.  Should be easy to fix by removing the slave cylinder.

Stuck clutches are far more fun.  Warm up the engine.  Stop it.  Put it in first and restart the engine so that it it all starts to move.  With left foot, depress left pedal and then with right foot stamp on the other two alternately.  It will either free up or you run out of road.

Classic like this need to be driven regularly, and not to the scrapper


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 21, 2008, 10:04:33 pm
3 more for you Andy, all on sleazybay.

1965 Commer civil defence ambulance Camper motorhome
(http://i22.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/eb/56/d791_12.JPG)

and
 
commer camper motorhome,
(http://i14.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/e8/c9/72cf_1.JPG)

and
 
classic commer camper 1970 tax free great festival van
(http://i9.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/e9/d9/36d8_1.JPG)

Funny these things must be like buses, you wait to see one for ages and then 3 come along at the same time. ;D





Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on April 21, 2008, 11:03:10 pm
Dads Mog had a stuck clutch. To unstick it we took the hapless implement out of the garage, jacked up the back wheels, started it, revved it, and dropped it off the jack repeatedly until the poor thing cried enough and agreed to play again.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 21, 2008, 11:51:30 pm
The lads that bought the Rickman Ranger I aquired with a 2.8 V6 with a horribly stuck clutch had it running for an hour, turned it off, jacked it up on the diff, started it in second, left it running again for half an hour with the wheels trundling round.... 2 got in... got it revving and dropped the jack.
Huge wheelspin, big crack and all was free.
They got to drive it home... I had only been towed in it :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 22, 2008, 12:40:24 am
You had a Rickman Ranger  :o



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 22, 2008, 01:54:50 am
I was given it by a mate to use around the private lanes... but could never get the clutch free.
Now comes the boring bit.... it was built by a Rickman employee with double thickness 'glass all round, galv chassis, RS struts with fancy koni shocks, koni at the back, RS2000 prop, mexico bits... and the motor was "built" with a kent cam, some fancy manifold and a big fat carb.
Sold it as bits on ebay with buyer to remove but some lads got together and bought the lot as a whole.
Last report I had was that it was one of the most evil things anyone had ever driven...
The folder of receipts that went with it totalled around 15k so someone loved it...

But they are horrid and I WAS given it ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 22, 2008, 02:13:48 am
Sounds like the pushrod from the slave cylinder to the operating lever has tried to escape and jammed.  Should be easy to fix by removing the slave cylinder.

FREE the SLAVE :angel: Nobody knows the trouble i've seen......

Canada Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 22, 2008, 10:15:06 am
The Zarsemobile is current indisposed to move. Drive cannot be engaged. However, a towrope for a drag to the scrapyard is being arranged. The voices in the kettle made me do it.

I'm having a crisis of confidence, it's all so wearisome. I'm tired of the inevitable lumbago inducing contortionism on wet grass, the skinned knuckles, the grime under my nails, and shovelling rat sh*t out of the cupboard. But mainly it's that pair of blue overalls shrunk by a boil wash which always rides up my arse crack and plays merry hell with my prolapse. Enough!

My dear friend,

Please stop this lily-livered, pansy, snivelling, pathetic, snot-dribbling whining and tell the kettle to f*** off.  Shoot it if necessary.  Then either buy yourself a new pair of blue overalls, or wear the current ones in "mechanic style" i.e. oil/grease-spattered CA T-shirt with the overalls worn as trousers with the arms tied round your waist.   Put some stirring music on the domestic PA system full blast (some stirring Russian anthems from Red Square parade days should do the trick) light up a full strength Marlboro and get spannering.  In short, show her who is boss, before I decide to pay a visit with a few of the boys and convene a summary field courts martial for LMF.  Or I'll get a Soviet tank commander to show you how field repairs are done, before incarcerating you summarily without recourse to appeal in the Gulags for treason. 

Certainly, the MGA will not be happy if the Commer doesn't come out to play and I'm damned if she's going to sling some sympathetic wobbly on me going out to La Sarthe because of some trifling problem like the Commer's malfunctioning clutch.  Anyway, why do you need a clutch?  Start her in gear, crash the gears, and I'd warrant that she'd still get you there and back ;D.       

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on April 22, 2008, 10:50:02 am
All that Mark just said plus a slapped thigh with a wet birch branch.
At worst, buy a 4 x 4 and tow the thing protesting to France.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on April 22, 2008, 02:42:58 pm
Quote
Well the Brummy one was terrific, as it only had the letter G. One day it would say GGG G GGGGG G G GGGGGGGGGGGGGG GG G. The next it might be more succinct; GG GGGG G or maybe GGGGGGGG. It was like that for months, until they took it away after a motorcyclist crashed into it and killed himself. I always felt quite sorry for the poor sod; death by GGGGGG. It's no way go in my book.

It's a tragic story Andy, and such a dismal choice of consonant, - a terrible epitaph but easy work for the stonemason I suppose. Wasn't there a sign for East Grimstead for a while on the M23?Anyway, before you start peeling your gulags as Mark has suggested, or sacrificing dear relatives to Zippydedoodah have you checked out the local scout troop and the timing of the next Bob-A-Job week? It's very good value and a week of hard scrubbing, fixing and polishing will do them the world of good. Get them to sign something first.

Bollox to Land of Hope and Glory, the Amazing1 campfire song should be our next National Anthem!!
H
 
PS - Jeez, it's hard work posting these days, is the server solar powered?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 22, 2008, 06:00:50 pm
Okay, you lot win. Against my better judgement I relent, and I'll not go with Randy's Viking Funeral idea, which I must admit has it's attractions. So I'll give it an afternoon, don my Village People overalls, put Mahler's 18th symphony (The Unendurable) on the 8Track and if I can get the clutch to close it's jaws and bite again, I'll approach the MOT man with his annual bottle of scotch and 200 Embassy Regal. I just want Lorry to know that making flippant suggestions about classics needing to be driven is cheap and easy; but it's not Lorry who has to risk life and limb driving the wretched things.

H, it will always be East Grimstead to me, and many local folk need no signage to know where Whorley is located. One day I'm certain that that sign in Birmingham actually worked, it said "GGGG GGGG GG Granville Street Closed Ahead ", and similar to the Commer, it's as if the thing had suffered a stroke. Talking of which mate, last time I saw you it was as we were departing MB after the race last year; you'd just got up. You too appeared to have suffered some sort of terrible cerebral incident or trauma. You'd seemingly been struck dumb, capable only of making a basic grunting/snorting noise through your adenoids, your sense of balance had been compromised, and looking into your eyes one could clearly see the confusion going on within.

Without being rude, you appeared to be rehearsing method acting for a role in the remake of The Night of the Living Dead, or perhaps the lead role as the idiot-savant in Rainman. As we drove off towards the exit by that concrete lavatory block where the firemen all hang around, I glanced in the wingmirror and saw you tumble over your tent's guy rope. This is exactly what you looked like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZK_70HgNx0

And as this is the Commer thread;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95v5rDhqEGs&feature=related




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on April 22, 2008, 06:24:33 pm
Thanks Andy.
You're quite right, I spent most of my time at LM last year shot to pieces. In a sort of crazy Commer parallel it took a long time to get me started, and when I did I just sort of weaved around with virtually no brakes or steering to talk of. Two drinks, at any time of the day, left me legless and talking to inanimate objects. And of course explosive incontinence was never very far away. Mostly it's a blur.
It didn't help my disorientation that we had to pitch up in a 'strange' spot, I needed our familiar ground badly. This year's going to be different, but with luck I'll still be staggering around like George A Romero on a Picolax overdose, so the difference will be very subtle.
That's a brave decision on the Mahler Overalls, a little bit of a Viennese walzing should finish the days work nicely. Have you considered working nude?
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on April 22, 2008, 06:28:04 pm
Sat rotting in a garden.... nice paint ;D

Rex, where is this van mate?
Went passed it again today and it had moved accross the road to sit by the Mk2 Granada saloon and MK1 Hearse. Its quite scabby....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 22, 2008, 07:28:07 pm
Thanks Andy. This year's going to be different, but with luck I'll still be staggering around like George A Romero on a Picolax overdose, so the difference will be very subtle.
That's a brave decision on the Mahler Overalls, a little bit of a Viennese walzing should finish the days work nicely. Have you considered working nude?
H

It's a free country and if you chose to stagger around like an Alf A Romeo on Citramag or whatever, then that's a personal desision for you, but I think on balance I'm glad we're on Houx Annexe this year. Free-basing on Class A osmotic laxatives is a one-way street and it's not a good one; have you not seen the state of Amy Winehouse these days? It's not filthy scag she's shooting up her veins you know, so hey kids, Just Say No to phosphate enemas (unless of course you actually want an arcing jet of banana yellow... anyway I'm sure you all get the picture).

Whilst it's been amusing enough getting my teeth into the CA Good Toilet Guide, I can tell you Team Zarse is gloomily awaiting the stinging reality of the rectal hell that is contemporary Le Mans. :(

Naked mechanics? Why not, naked housework is such fun isn't it!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 12:04:34 pm
Andy,

Aaaahhh.  Back to talk about booze, incapacitation, and lower tract problems, with the odd side swipe at the Commer's recalcitrance.  Now that's much better than all that LMF, defeatist, white feather carrying clap-trap! 

I await the progress report on the Commer eagerly, and imagine that the essence of it, with musical accompaniment from the 8-track, could well go something along the lines of:

1)  Trying the clutch again after talking nicely to it didn't work  (Dvorak -New World Symphony)
2)  Freeing off stuck bits gently didn't work (Holst - Planets)
3)  Hitting stuck bits with large hammer didn't work (Tchaikovsky - 1812 - Cannon section)
4)  Swearing copiously and throwing things at it didn't work (Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries)
5)  Pause for drinking bottle of Scotch - (Berg - Wozzeck)
6)  Assessing the problem, dismantling the offending parts, and refurbishing/replacing them did work (Elgar - Nimrod, then Land of Hope and Glory when the Commers moves under her own steam)

Only I know that you will describe that process with such greater eloquence and humour, and that is what I look forward to the most.....

Good luck,

MG Mark

     


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 23, 2008, 12:47:08 pm
I'll give it a go. Have you considered a new career as a Radio 3 presenter, they've got a vacancy now Andy Kershaw been banged up in the nick, and that other woman's gone AWOL. Your suggested musical accompaniment is inspired, but I can't help feeling the finale is always destined to be Chopin's Marche Funèbre in C minor...  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 01:51:32 pm
I'll give it a go. Have you considered a new career as a Radio 3 presenter, they've got a vacancy now Andy Kershaw been banged up in the nick, and that other woman's gone AWOL. Your suggested musical accompaniment is inspired, but I can't help feeling the finale is always destined to be Chopin's Marche Funèbre in C minor...  :(

Good Man!  Chopin might be a possible alternative, but you're getting all "glass half empty" again.... and I'm not sure that Ravel's Pavane would fit, in that I cannot really grasp the concept of the Commer as a dead child.  More a seriously and dangerously wounded Giant perhaps.  Which puts me in mind of the various movements of Greig's Peer Gynt Suites, offering some interesting insights and possibilities for an epic tale of Wagnerian stature:

Morning Mood - a glorious sunrise. Andy wakes.

The Death of Åse - a tender lament, as Andy draws back the curtains and the sight of the Commer reminds him of day's task.

Anitra’s Dance - A swirling melody as Andy steels himself to face the tribulations of the day.

In the Hall of the Mountain King - Now Andy really has started work, the dance with the Commer begins with tentative steps, but as he becomes more confident the music builds to a crescendo as the mighty Commer continues to stubbornly resist attempts to resolve the non-functioning clutch.  Cymbals crash and drum rolls sound as Andy reaches apoplexy and starts using the heavy hammers.

The Abduction of the Bride Strings and crashing cymbals herald Andy ripping open the Scotch bottle, followed by a slow lament.  Solo violins rise, as he slumps against the wheel arch of the Commer in depressed exhuastion, and the remainder of the orchestra swells, as the CA community collectively offers further encouragement.

Arabian Dance - A kettledrum beats, as Andy recovers and purposefully returns to the task. Moments of calm, thoughtful periods emerge, along with the inspiration to return the Commer to her rightful place as Queen of the Road.

Solveig’s Song - A soulful melody with joyous dance sections, as Andy alternately counts the mental cost of repairing the Commer and rejoices in the prospect (after bribing the MOT man) of bowling along the open road to France in mid-June.

I think that should do the trick   ;D ;D ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on April 23, 2008, 01:57:22 pm
"How unlike the home life of our own dear Queen"

Blarryell Mark
talk about waxin' soddin' lyrical

what did you have on the stereo dashing round Marham t'other day?

Andy

another incentive for you

Have the Commer on the boat with us and I'll buy the first pint at the bar

howzatt!?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 02:15:49 pm
Blarryell Mark
talk about waxin' soddin' lyrical
what did you have on the stereo dashing round Marham t'other day?
howzatt!?

Bill,

'Twas the glorious sound of a BMC 4-pot of 1622cc capacity through twin SUs and a tubular exhaust, accompanied by the mechanical thrashing of valvegear.  Anything else is just drowned out by the kettle drum nature of the coupe bodyshell.  But I might have been mentally humming Mars from the Holst's Planets suite, or Wagner's ride of the Valkyries....

And today has a touch of ennui de travail about it, hence the waxing lyrical....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on April 23, 2008, 02:34:01 pm
Well, I think you're all a bunch of pseuds!
What's wrong with the Ace of Spades and Tiger Feet?
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 23, 2008, 02:39:38 pm
Peter, there is nothingchildlike about the Commer, she is too serious for that. In fact she detests children.

Mark, can you suggest a movement for that bit between the Death of Arse and Anita's Harris's Dance or whatever, you know, the bit where you take the Daily Express off to the smallest room in the house?

I guess it would depend what you'd had to eat the day before. Too many Liquorice Allsorts might lead to the Sourcerer's Apprentice, pickled eggs surely  gives rise to something with a nice canntralto, whilst drunkenly eating a Troy's large donner with extra chilli would inevitably take us back to our old friend Tchaikovski and the full-on 1812 extraveganza. Heaven forbid I should ever require the services of the Warsaw Concerto!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 23, 2008, 03:10:06 pm
Not that I'd want to appear to be the harbinger of doom, but how about Antonio Salieri's Requiem in C minor


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 03:11:20 pm
Peter, there is nothingchildlike about the Commer, she is too serious for that. In fact she detests children.

Mark, can you suggest a movement for that bit between the Death of Arse and Anita's Harris's Dance or whatever, you know, the bit where you take the Daily Express off to the smallest room in the house?

I guess it would depend what you'd had to eat the day before. Too many Liquorice Allsorts might lead to the Sourcerer's Apprentice, pickled eggs surely  gives rise to something with a nice canntralto, whilst drunkenly eating a Troy's large donner with extra chilli would inevitably take us back to our old friend Tchaikovski and the full-on 1812 extraveganza. Heaven forbid I should ever require the services of the Warsaw Concerto!

Andy,

In moments of such intestinal stress requiring a delicate and balanced approach, I caution that careful eating the day before would be prudent.  You really must save Mr T and the cannons with fireworks for those large sledgehammer modification moments.  Smallest room moments should be reserved for the likes of Beethoven's "Morning" for those really contemplative times, or if you really can't manage without something more challenging to the digestive tract, then might I suggest Handel's Zadok the Priest or Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld as being approproate depending upon mood, consistency, effort required to exhaust etc?

Well, I think you're all a bunch of pseuds!
What's wrong with the Ace of Spades and Tiger Feet?
H

H,

Nothing at all mate.  A few others to sprinkle liberally into the equation could be The Final Countdown, Paranoid, Highway Child and Stairway to Heaven.  Oh and a bit more AC/DC and some ZZ Top and Guns n' Roses probably wouldn't go amiss either  ;D.  

MG Mark  


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 03:15:04 pm
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT THE FIRE !    :angel:


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 23, 2008, 03:18:21 pm
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT THE FIRE !    :angel:

You'll only go and upset him again  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 03:28:47 pm
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT THE FIRE !    :angel:

You'll only go and upset him again  ::)


It's not Andy that he should be worried about upsetting, it's incurring the wrath of the mighty Commer that is likely to produce the problem, spanning continents in a single leap before wreaking terrible vengeance upon the infidel unbeliever...........

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 23, 2008, 03:41:47 pm
Very true Mark.

Ezekiel 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.

Pulp Fiction stylie - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumE3vs82bk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumE3vs82bk)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 23, 2008, 04:10:17 pm
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT THE FIRE !    :angel:

Mr Pruett,

You should be made aware that when the Commer starts up from cold she recites your name. The starter motor goes;

RRRrrRRRrrRRRRrrrRRRANDYRANDYRANDYRANDYRANDYRANDY

Then she clatters into life in a terrifying cloud of smoke, I'm sure it smells of brimstone.

It's not a good sign to be honest, you better hope for the best on Judgement Day, when the Commer rises again...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 04:11:41 pm
There is actually a method to my madness.Andy,that Commer has been a part of your life.So you plan on towing salvage yard.There it will sit with all kinds of assholes googling at her ,fondling her fenders,maybe even checking her springs[you know what I mean]not to mention actually taking bits off of her.Its like sending your girlfriend who you truelly love to Lemans to camp with DFH by HER SELF. :o
My point is she deserves better. :'(

I in no way shape or form would ever do or say anything that would anger or hurt the feelings of my life long friend Andy Zarse. ;D

Maybe you could auction off the priveledge of throwing the match,at the charity auction.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 04:18:44 pm
LITTLE PIECE OF sh*t TRUCK AND THROW IT THE FIRE !    :angel:

Mr Pruett,

Its Mr Prewett remember I'm Welsh.{and damn proud} lol

Then she clatters into life in a terrifying cloud of smoke, I'm sure it smells of brimstone.


I love the smell of fire and brimstone in the morning.







Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on April 23, 2008, 04:43:11 pm
... Its like sending your girlfriend who you truelly love to Lemans to camp with DFH by HER SELF. :o


But nowhere near as bad as sending her to LM to camp with The Brethren by herself.    ::) ;)

Dx



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on April 23, 2008, 05:13:23 pm
Its like sending your girlfriend who you truelly love to Lemans to camp with DFH by HER SELF. :o
My point is she deserves better. :'(
Was it that bad camping with us?  :-\


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 06:39:46 pm
Camping with you guys was FANTASTIC ! ;D

When I wrote she deserves better,I was refering to the van deserves better than the junk yard.

As far as the girlfriend goes,come on you guys are a bunch good looking,smooth talking Dutchies. 8)
Pieter would start talking dirty in Dutch,and the next things you know the pants are hitting the floor.LOL


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 06:44:04 pm
... Its like sending your girlfriend who you truelly love to Lemans to camp with DFH by HER SELF. :o


But nowhere near as bad as sending her to LM to camp with The Brethren by herself.    ::) ;)

Dx


At least she is guaranteed to see FIREWORKS !   ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2008, 07:06:44 pm
Glad that there's no confusion in the camp about the fickle nature of the Commer when her supreme sovereignty is challenged.  Despite their consummate, innate skill with fireworks (including the unofficial ones, thinking of a certain 40-gallon oil drum on Karting Nord a few years back) I think that even the awesome Brethren would be a little circumspect with regard to the Commer. 

Fire and brimstone are the least of the Commer's party tricks, which also include simulrtaneous pestilence, war, famine and death, to the extent that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have booked in for retraining.  Chuck in some concurrent floods and earthquakes for good measure, and Armageddon would be a desirable family holiday destination, and the Book of Revelations a child's tale, by comparison with pi**ing the Commer off......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 23, 2008, 07:45:10 pm
Too damn funny! ;D
You guys are killing me.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 23, 2008, 08:03:45 pm

Fire and brimstone are the least of the Commer's party tricks, which also include simulrtaneous pestilence, war, famine and death, to the extent that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have booked in for retraining.  Chuck in some concurrent floods and earthquakes for good measure, and Armageddon would be a desirable family holiday destination, and the Book of Revelations a child's tale, by comparison with pi**ing the Commer off......

MG Mark

Hell yes.  George Dubya's shock and awe is a walk in the park compared to the 'Curse of the Commer'.  Randy, isn't Pestilence a little gold rush mining village east of Sacremento?



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 28, 2008, 09:41:18 pm
Andy,how did the repairs to the Commer go this weekend?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 28, 2008, 10:47:00 pm
Andy,how did the repairs to the Commer go this weekend?

I'm afraid Randy that sunshine, a game of golf, the demon drink and women all intervened and prevented any Commerly activities this weekend. But I'm hoping to make a start really soon, honestly I am.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 29, 2008, 09:32:53 am
Andy,how did the repairs to the Commer go this weekend?

I'm afraid Randy that sunshine, a game of golf, the demon drink and women all intervened and prevented any Commerly activities this weekend. But I'm hoping to make a start really soon, honestly I am.

Lightweight  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 29, 2008, 09:46:44 am
Andy,how did the repairs to the Commer go this weekend?

I'm afraid Randy that sunshine, a game of golf, the demon drink and women all intervened and prevented any Commerly activities this weekend. But I'm hoping to make a start really soon, honestly I am.

Glad to hear it that you will be making a start soon - distraction therapy always works....for a while....but lightweight you should not be - she will not take kindly to being left idle for too long, as the temperatures climb, warming her rust flakes and heightening the internal aromas, and a Routemaster driven by Cliff Richard passes by, with the strains of "we're all going on a summer holiday" wafting on the breeze.
  
And do, do please beware the effects of the demon drink  >:D old chap.  A bewitching and infectious vice, afflicting a degenerate labour force drowning the realities of a society in the twilight of its transition from mighty industrial production (e.g. the Commer) to service industry and consumer culture.  Next step will be the workhouse or, worse still, the asylum if you're not careful my lad, so gird up the loins and make her mighty again  ;D.  Good luck....

MG Mark

  


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on May 01, 2008, 06:09:27 pm
Shame the Commer is not yet fully awake, if she were she could join her cousins huffing and weezing down at Eastbourne this weekend.


http://www.magnificentmotors.co.uk/


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 02, 2008, 12:26:43 am
Andy,how did the repairs to the Commer go this weekend?

I'm afraid Randy that sunshine, a game of golf, the demon drink and women all intervened and prevented any Commerly activities this weekend. But I'm hoping to make a start really soon, honestly I am.
Hmmm..
You seem to be slacking in your duties Mr Zarse....
My revival of the Silver Brick took me far less time than was expected and only a 10mm socket, pozi driver and tyre pump were needed. Mot next week ::)
Distractions such as sunshine, golf, booze and womanising are all valid excuses but photographic evidence may be required to validate;D
The Commer in Twyford I posted back along is owned by some total vermin.... approach with caution! A polite enquiry with a neighbour the other afternoon as to who owned it was met with a very hostile response and some language that could have been the "bleeps" from a televised Chubby Brown show.
They also own the MK1 Granada Hearse and early Mk2 Granada that the Commer now resides near to.
Terrible shame really, I would buy the Hearse if they were civilised enough to hold a conversation without calling me the C word..... :(





Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on May 02, 2008, 02:15:12 pm
... Its like sending your girlfriend who you truelly love to Lemans to camp with DFH by HER SELF. :o


But nowhere near as bad as sending her to LM to camp with The Brethren by herself.    ::) ;)

Dx


At least she is guaranteed to see FIREWORKS !   ;D

As will Green Park next year coz guess what..........they're coming to Sebring!!!!!  :D :D :D 8) 8) 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 05, 2008, 02:57:45 pm
So, with a weekend of balmy breezes and sunshine, I wonder if Mr Z has been hard it sectioning the bowels of the Commer, or whether sun, golf, booze and women have distracted him from the task in hand?

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 05, 2008, 03:01:29 pm
So, with a weekend of balmy breezes and sunshine, I wonder if Mr Z has been hard it sectioning the bowels of the Commer, or whether sun, golf, booze and women have distracted him from the task in hand?

MG Mark
One would hope the Commer has had the attention she needs but such nice weather can lead to distractions ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 05, 2008, 04:43:17 pm
That is GREAT news.
Looking forward to showing them American culture at its finest.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 05, 2008, 06:01:36 pm
Andy,how did things go with the van 'THIS'weekend?

Surely you ddid not go boozing and womanizing again this weekend.

Your Friend
Randy Prewett
"of Welsh decent"


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 06, 2008, 09:30:33 am
Andy,how did things go with the van 'THIS'weekend?

Surely you ddid not go boozing and womanizing again this weekend.

Your Friend
Randy Prewett
"of Welsh decent"

Randy, when I mentioned that "women" had previously stopped me getting to work on the Commer, it wasn't so much "womanising", more to do with getting some gardening done, you know, putting hanging baskets up etc.  :-[  No matter, in between domestic chores yes I did manage to get stuck into the old bird (and I mean the Commer, not the GF). I dragged her out of her winter death pit with the Subaru, and she also started up first time. The battery had held it's charge all winter. The clutch slave cylinder had been forced to the end of it's travel and as the little rubber dirt seal had perished the end of the cylinder was a touchon the corroded side; it had jammed solid. It required a trip to the shed to be gripped in the vice, where I struck it firmly with a large mallet, where it eventually saw sense and returned to position A. Reassembly was easy, and i thought that upon bleeding the system I'd have a functioning and roadworthy vehicle.   :) Well nothing is that simple with the Commer  >:( and the master cylinder has decided to stop cylindering and to play silly buggers. So there we are; two steps forward, one step backwards.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 06, 2008, 04:53:41 pm
Andy,how did things go with the van 'THIS'weekend?

Surely you ddid not go boozing and womanizing again this weekend.

Your Friend
Randy Prewett
"of Welsh decent"

, more to do with getting some gardening done, you know, putting hanging baskets up etc. 

LOL

Well thats a fine start anyway.Do you think it might be time for a new slave cyl. and clutch disc[could be why the slave was pushed past its limits].Sorry I can not help with any parts for that thing,but I can at least supply some moral support,as well as the occasional prodding.
I hope you arew having a wonderful day.
By the way how are the brothers of yours?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 06, 2008, 05:24:15 pm
Support is welcome mate, and I changed the clutch plate a few years ago, so it's fine for the next forty years or so. But I still can't help feeling it might soon be time to pass on the magical mantle of Commeric ownership to new blood.

You wanted to know how the Zarse Brothers are? Well, you need to speak to Lord Pigpen, he and Lady PP experienced the Gimp first hand at Rusty's house and she's not yet recovered from the vigourous dry humping she received. I hear he was very badly behaved.

Paul is busy not returning telephone calls, but that's what happens if you support Charlton Athletic who gloriously failed to make the play-offs.

Chris the Suicide Bomber has been keeping his head down a bit, but we suspect him of committing a gross act of matrimony.  :o He took his GF away for the weekend to a posh hotel in Devon. He never told no one he was going neither. It's all very suspicious, me and Gimp think he put his ring on her finger and I'm looking forward to giving him a good pumping later to extract the info out of him...

Anyway, we'll all be at Le Mans and that's the main thing. Sure we can't tempt you over for the full Zarse Experience?

PS Here's the pic you took two years ago!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 07, 2008, 09:47:06 am
Andy,

Well done for resisting temptations of the flesh and finding that the solution is just resolving a master cylinder and slave cylinder issue rather than an engine out job.  The rssolve to rid yourself of the Commer is weakening nicley having moved from a "to the scrappies" stance to one of "maybe it's time".  Once you've successfully undertaken the straightforward job of sorting both ends of the clutch hydraulics out, it'll be back to it's normal equilibrium.  Hurrah, so crack on with it my dear chap, life just wouldn't be the same without the annual lurid tales of the Commer's awakening, MOT test, and run to La Sarthe and back ;D

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on May 07, 2008, 10:04:20 pm
Love the number plate Mr Z.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 13, 2008, 04:26:19 pm
Found this on the web,

another commer. - Nice dented swing side door.

I think the guy who worked on the van, lives behind the van! (same colour yellow)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on May 13, 2008, 04:34:53 pm
 How times change. That one has a post through the roof and yours, which is obviously a lot newer, has a cherry picker. Cor the wonders of the modern world ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 13, 2008, 04:43:17 pm
no

just health and safety.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 13, 2008, 04:45:19 pm
Any progress on the Commer this past weekend? ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 13, 2008, 05:22:53 pm
Any progress on the Commer this past weekend? ;D

What do you think?   ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 13, 2008, 05:51:30 pm
Any progress on the Commer this past weekend? ;D

What do you think?   ;D



Well, I've been busy in the garden, those potatos won't plant themselves. And it's gone mental at work. It's always like this in the run up to LM, drives me mad.

Still I've simply to prime the clutch master cylinder, grease the trunnions and king pins, a quick clean and polish and then take it to the MOT station where it will sail through the test with flying colours. It always does. Nothing can possibly go wrong. Can it?

PS I'll be posting the resulton page one hundred and THIRTEEN!!!  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 13, 2008, 06:00:52 pm
Any progress on the Commer this past weekend? ;D

What do you think?   ;D



Well, I've been busy in the garden, those potatos won't plant themselves. And it's gone mental at work. It's always like this in the run up to LM, drives me mad.

Still I've simply to prime the clutch master cylinder, grease the trunnions and king pins, a quick clean and polish and then take it to the MOT station where it will sail through the test with flying colours. It always does. Nothing can possibly go wrong. Can it?

PS I'll be posting the resulton page one hundred and THIRTEEN!!!  :o

Oh no, not chips again!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 13, 2008, 06:29:42 pm
Yep, chips again!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 13, 2008, 06:57:24 pm
f**k*r,I'm eating lunch.

Yes,Steve I figured he had it done and purring like a kitten and passed the MOT[Mother of Torture]. :angel:


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on May 14, 2008, 09:05:53 am
Of course you could always mot it after Le Mans as well, saving you the yearly panic. Oh hold on don't we say that each year as well ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 15, 2008, 01:58:57 am
I've found another Commer on my travels in Portsmouth, Its a late one on a V plate.
Would have taken pics but the blokes working on it did not look very nice.
It's Spearmint green and White.... Just Like Pacers used to be. (Chewy sweets not the AMC Version)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 15, 2008, 10:46:22 am
Arhh, the AMC Pacer, the one with different sized doors!


(Couldn't find a green and white one  :'( )

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Amc_pacer_x.jpg/800px-Amc_pacer_x.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 15, 2008, 10:53:20 am
is that Steve Brown in the car
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r60/second_drink/ONTD/waynesworld.jpg)
What was the song  playing?

you mean the one below


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2008, 01:16:36 pm
Bohemian Rhapsody.

Wasn't the AMC Pacer a total death trap for some reason? I always liked it's funky looks though. Bit like the Commer, a potential death trap with funky looks.

Oh and Ian, we don't do MOT's after Le Mans. It's not the done thing old chap.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on May 15, 2008, 01:32:06 pm
You'd be thinking of the pinto Andy. A sharp tap in the rump would puncture the fuel tank, while simultaneously jamming the doors shut. Also known as the barbecue that seats 4.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 15, 2008, 05:01:10 pm
You'd be thinking of the pinto Andy. A sharp tap in the rump would puncture the fuel tank, while simultaneously jamming the doors shut. Also known as the barbecue that seats 4.

Ford was aware of the design fault, but worked out it would be cheaper to pay for lawsuits than repair the cars - cost-benefit analysis -  a good memo from the time (info drawn from the origonal 1968 memo),

http://www.calbaptist.edu/dskubik/pinto.htm

more info go to good old Wiki.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 15, 2008, 06:27:56 pm
The Pinto scandal also brought that wretched man Ralph Nader to prominence. Apart from being a big-headed c*cks**ker, he also stood for President, splitting the vote and letting GWBush into the Whitehouse. The law of unintended consequence in action... :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 15, 2008, 06:39:04 pm
Nader didn't only have a downer on the Ford Pinto.  His other hated car was the Chevrolet Corvair.

He wrote a book about poor US car design called 'Unsafe at any Speed'  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsafe_at_Any_Speed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unsafe_at_Any_Speed)

(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/0a/bc/2c01224128a02d7e44d88010._AA240_.L.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 15, 2008, 10:37:30 pm
There used to be 2 Pacers rotting in a garden in Lymington....
Yes, one door was bigger than the other and I believe it was the passenger door. Possibly to allow the more obese in the car to be able to get in and out.  They were released to rival the likes of Jaguar in the luxury market but had about as much success as the Nissan 300C.

The Javelin was somewhat different!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 19, 2008, 12:13:54 am
Some more info here about that TV detector van.

http://www.britishtelephones.com/vehicles/lightvans/023.htm

And remember that lunatic who was rebuilding the last remaining TV detector Commer from that awful rusted out shell? Well what an amazing piece of workmanship to get to this...

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_4550.jpg)

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_4551.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2008, 11:25:37 am
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on May 22, 2008, 11:58:09 am
I take it from this that you're not  having the annual Neville Chamberlein moment :'(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on May 22, 2008, 12:02:15 pm
Something vexes thee?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2008, 02:16:14 pm
I'm a tadge riled chaps, yes. Annoyed almost. The master cylinder is defying ever known law of physics and despite being stripped and rebuilt it's refusing to work for some unapparent reason.  It's a viscous evil bastard of a hydraulic pump. >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chris (Liverpool Boys) on May 22, 2008, 02:20:21 pm
Large hammer andy!!!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 22, 2008, 02:20:52 pm
I'm a tadge riled chaps, yes. Annoyed almost. The master cylinder is defying ever known law of physics and despite being stripped and rebuilt it's refusing to work for some unapparent reason.  It's a viscous evil bastard of a hydraulic pump. >:(

Andy is the master cylinder the same as a Triumph Hearld (Lucas type), if so may have a spare one.

Let me know


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2008, 02:26:50 pm
I'm a tadge riled chaps, yes. Annoyed almost. The master cylinder is defying ever known law of physics and despite being stripped and rebuilt it's refusing to work for some unapparent reason.  It's a viscous evil bastard of a hydraulic pump. >:(

Andy is the master cylinder the same as a Triumph Hearld (Lucas type), if so may have a spare one.

Let me know


Thanks mate! No, all the wetched electrics are all Lucas, but did you mean Lockheed, for it is that. It a unit with the fluid reservoir "bottle" built in surrounding the cylinder itself. Do you have a photo?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 22, 2008, 02:47:26 pm
I'm a tadge riled chaps, yes. Annoyed almost. The master cylinder is defying ever known law of physics and despite being stripped and rebuilt it's refusing to work for some unapparent reason.  It's a viscous evil bastard of a hydraulic pump. >:(

Andy is the master cylinder the same as a Triumph Hearld (Lucas type), if so may have a spare one.

Let me know


Thanks mate! No, all the wetched electrics are all Lucas, but did you mean Lockheed, for it is that. It a unit with the fluid reservoir "bottle" built in surrounding the cylinder itself. Do you have a photo?

The part is Girling 5/8 - Part No 310340

(http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/spitfire/images/103a.gif)

it looks like the one on the right

I'll have a look think i might have a complete one.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2008, 02:51:07 pm
 >:( Grrr! So close, but I don't think it would fit without some modifications. Thanks so much for the offer though, muchly appreciated.   :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 22, 2008, 02:55:20 pm
OK O guru of Commerology

the master cylinder, when you stripped it was the bore Ok or somewhat elderly lines appearing on its/her age mellowed face?

Are you "absolutely" sure you put the new rubber on he right way round (No dont laugh I have done it and it looked proper job, you know!)

And have you tried Pressure bleeding it after leaving the furthest away slave cylinder bleed nipple open? Overnght if necessary...

Do you have a pressure bleeder (Eezibleed)?

If not and you'd like to have a borrow of mine if you are able to get to Gaydon Heritage museum on Saturday I can let you take it away and gimmee it back at HA

Any use?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 22, 2008, 04:49:19 pm
Unlike it's owner who is indeed beginning to leak, the bore is okay and the rubber seal fits nicely and it's not perished. The rubber "cup" is on the right way (I think!), with the cup pointing down into the fluid in the cyl, with the base firmly on the piston. The problem seems to be that the fluid won't flow from the reservoir into the cyl. It was all pretty gunky so I'm gonna try blowing it through with a high pressure air hose to see if summat gopes pop.

Thanks for the advice though, you can't beat experience!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 22, 2008, 10:53:02 pm
If it isnt draining through a "little" HP air might help, specially if the other end (farthest away from the master) bleeder is open

I hope this gets sorted

I am hoping to actually meet the gentle Commer this year after larning so much about her over the years.

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 22, 2008, 11:14:33 pm
Hope the air line clears it and makes it all dandy again.
I am seeing my eccentric scrap yard owning mate tomorrow who seems to have or know how to fix anything.
In his "out of bounds" sheds lurk all sorts of NOS "new old stock" (not fast gas) parts from years gone by... will keep you updated.
I hope my airflow meter stripping antics yesterday dont fail me. She still runs fine and all the little wires were ok.
Belts and tensioner change on Sunday should prove interesting.. Record is 2 hours.
Should I do the water pump too? Last Nissan outing in the Black Estate involved pump failure 2 days after belt change, meaning all had to come off again to get to it... 2 days before departure for LM >:(
I think thats a yes!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 25, 2008, 01:28:01 pm
Did it! drilled a little hole in the fluid cap and pumped it through to the slave. Airline from tyre inflator worked a treat! Once the air stopped coming out I nipped the bleed valve up and hey presto! Thank you everyone, she's now taxed insured, with a valid MOT (til next week only though  :() so I'm off for the first test drive of the year!  God I love that van, she's a beauty!!  ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 25, 2008, 02:22:57 pm
Good news!
Off at 1.30 to do the Nissan Cambelt... Fingers crossed.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 25, 2008, 03:05:57 pm
Nice pics on this site,

Like the orange van

(http://www.commervan.com/wp-content/themes/atlantia/images/heads//orange.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 25, 2008, 06:40:21 pm
BASTARD f**kING BASTARD  :( >:( >:( >:(


ooooooOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh! I'm so furious, my blood pressure is about to go through the roof. I'm sick and tired of this evil van, it's all a total disaster area. Well I've had enough, I've laid it on the line to it time and time again. Well don't say i haven't warned it, this time it's had a bloody good thrashing.  >:( >:( >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on May 25, 2008, 07:08:43 pm
What's it done now? Have you got hydraulic fluid on your clutch foot?

The saga continues... (Is the COMMER old enough to join I wonder?)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 25, 2008, 09:15:20 pm
Nissan is ready for new belt tomorrow, weather as too nice to stay in the workshop and the pub was calling.
Would have finished it today but watched all the GP as it was full of accidents.

Only one stubborn bolt.

Mr Zarse, what is the aggro now :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 26, 2008, 08:21:55 am
The MGA is off for its annual health check this week, after getting 4 new boots fitted to replace the very tired carcasses after the last Marham track day - hopefully all else will be well.

What on earth has the dear old Commer gone and done now to deserve such an outburst of unseemly anger? 

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 26, 2008, 10:18:33 am
Mark, I know your affinity for your MGA is based on your long time love affair with the little green beauty and therefore I understand why you might refer to my van as a "dear old Commer". But I tell you, it's a viscious, deceitful, spiteful bugger. It broke down on the test run, causig me to walk a mile home to fetch the spare petrol can. I saw no point in returning in the car as i was going to drive the Commer back right?- I put fuel in and started her. It was at that point I discovered the bastard clutch slave cylinder had packed up again. I was therefore unable to get it started AND engage a gear. The starter motor was too weak to start in gear so that was me donald ducked. So I had to walk home and get the car and tow rope and collect a pal to drag the rolling junk home.  And all the while it was laughing at me, mocking me with that permanent inane grin on it's grille >:( GGGgggrrrrrrrr!!!!!

I hope you have better luck with the Nissan Rex.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 26, 2008, 03:29:27 pm
Andy,

Indeed, there is a long and illustrious affair with the MGA, stretching back to when I first saw her in 1979 on my arrival at RAF Bruggen, where she was sitting outside, very forlorn, and in need of a great deal of TLC - like a full ground up rebuild which I duly undertook, during which any tricks were played out with parts not fitting, nuts that are octagonal rather than hexagonal (which at the time, until the light dawned, took some figuring out as to why not a single AF, Metric, Whitworth or any other damned size socket would fit onto them) many skinned knuckles and so on.  Verily, all was back together and ready to go, but it was not until trying to bleed the joint clutch/brake master cylinder, lovingly rebuilt with honed bores and new seals, that it became apparent that nothing but a new cylinder would siffice as fluid pi**ssed out of the bores....onto nice new paintwork.....     

I can, thus, understand the immense angst caused by the Commer, but I recall not only those grand excursions to Le Mans and your fascinating tales of derring-do, but the very first Marham track day weekend and her stately presence in front of the Officers Mess after her owner had enjoyed an excellent night on cheap pop.  Such things are memories made from, just as the legend is that builds with your annual run of trying (very trying this year by the sound of it) to coax her back to life to meet MOT standards for another run to Le Mans. 

You have my deepest sympathy that the Commer is proving to be so recalcitrant on this occasion.  Do I detect though, with the implication of you having to walk back for a petrol can, that the test run breakdown was caused by something so trivial as having insufficient fuel in the tank in the first place?  If so, methinks that her mockery of you may have been warranted.... ;) 

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 26, 2008, 03:54:25 pm
Andy,I feel your pain.Dealing with antique hyd.systems can cause severe headaches.
Not trying to be stupid,but have you replace both the Master and the Slave.

I do wish I lived just down the street,I am sure together we could fix this thing.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 26, 2008, 11:06:59 pm
All went well (ish). One  8mm belt shroud bolt was naughty, but a 7mm splined socket hammered on soon bad the little bastard.
A lie in due to foul weather and over consumption resulted in my mate (Who owns the unit), Cambelt King Andy, taking the old one off and gettin all ready for my arrival.
The O/H Cams both move by about 5 teeth on release of belt so my first hungover job was to hold them in spot while he did the belt stuff and adjusted the tensioner and its pissy spring (well lubed yesterday ;))
All was ok in his eye so he left me to refit all the belts, pulleys, shrouds, fan etc while he tinkered with a late 6Cyl Spitfire with carb issues.
All done, fired her up and all was good apart from a grating noise. Normally she is silent, only the tick of the injector pump can be heard.
Finally traced to the lower shroud being pushed in by us wiggling the crank pulley balance weight off.
A bit of jigery pokery with mole grips and the redundant timing marker arrow thingy and hey presto.

Silent running but heater/aircon blower needs attention.
Blows the fuse every time, Fixed the mouse nibbled vacuum pipe but it looks like the motor is jammed, with Mouse nest and associated little black beans.

Its a dash out job so that will be left alone as screen has to come out to do it properly ::)

Into other mates unit wed night to  do the tiny bit of welding on the sill and then 4 new boots and Mot Thurs.

Makes you wonder why you do all this... then you have a discreet blast on the A35 and think... thats why ;D

Nicest Auto I have ever driven, shame it was wasted on such an ugly unwanted pile of sh1t, but I love her :)

PP

The Cambelt King is at the wheel in the last pic and also is an exotics master. Anything (Especially Italian) and running carbs (or injection) and not on song will be soon after Andy has it.

Dont often reccomend people as it usually goes tits up but he is the man. Should anyone need help with anything then let me know.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 26, 2008, 11:57:37 pm


I hope you have better luck with the Nissan Rex.
[/quote]

I spoke to my nutter scrap yard owner yesterday. Mentioned Commer and he just gave me that look that means F*** O** and dont waste my time.
After some discussion, which could have started the Tourettes Phrase book, he said that he never bothered with any he had in, had no NOS parts as there was no need for them and that I was a Twat for wasting time on my Nissan.
Cant quote the original words but as my car is Auto is meant for the less mobile of the population.
If I take that to France i am more of a **** than any Frenchman etc etc.

Bless him. one of the last of the old school scrappy owners, with a toilet roll sized wad of cash in the pocket at all times.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 27, 2008, 12:06:26 am
seems to know you well enough then Rex  :o

 ;)

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 27, 2008, 12:16:40 am
Oh Yes. He was racing Isetta bubble cars round his dads yard before I was born ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on May 27, 2008, 12:21:28 am
Oh Yes. He was racing Isetta bubble cars round his dads yard before I was born ;D




Will he still let you roam around his 'stock in trade' stacked 4 high out the back?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 27, 2008, 02:15:52 am
All the good old stuff has been removed or scrapped, the best is hidden away in his sheds.
RS2.3 MK1 with ducktail spoiler Capri is there somewhere, as is Janspeed 3.0L MK3 (seen that), plus all the mad specials he built. 3.5 V8 Fiesta MK1, V6 Mini etc
His dads 3.0 Capri is sat in the same garage as it was parked in 20 years ago after its last drive before he died. Regularly started, fueled etc...... typical scrap yard nutter. Love em ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 27, 2008, 12:10:02 pm

Do I detect though, with the implication of you having to walk back for a petrol can, that the test run breakdown was caused by something so trivial as having insufficient fuel in the tank in the first place?  If so, methinks that her mockery of you may have been warranted.... ;) 

MG Mark

How is that my fault?  ???   ;) Actually the fuel gauge wasn't indicating that matters were quite so critical.

As for the clutch someone has come to my rescue on the Commervan Fan forum and a set of rubbers and new piston are in the post tonight!

PS I'd no idea the MG was half German! You live and learn! I'm imagining it was taken to Bruggen by some handlebar-moustached roustabout ex-WWII fighter pilot, who then sold it on to a chum, who sold it on to another chu in turn until it fell into your mercies.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 27, 2008, 05:44:00 pm

Do I detect though, with the implication of you having to walk back for a petrol can, that the test run breakdown was caused by something so trivial as having insufficient fuel in the tank in the first place?  If so, methinks that her mockery of you may have been warranted.... ;) 

MG Mark

How is that my fault?  ???   ;) Actually the fuel gauge wasn't indicating that matters were quite so critical.

As for the clutch someone has come to my rescue on the Commervan Fan forum and a set of rubbers and new piston are in the post tonight!

PS I'd no idea the MG was half German! You live and learn! I'm imagining it was taken to Bruggen by some handlebar-moustached roustabout ex-WWII fighter pilot, who then sold it on to a chum, who sold it on to another chu in turn until it fell into your mercies.

I never work off the fuel gauge - one of the MGA's quirks is that the gauge permanently reads 2/3 full and I've never got round to finding out why, as the trip/odometer on the speedo always gave me the signal to fill up every 200-300 miles depending upon how "spirited" the driving had been.  However, since fitting it with the the MGB gearbox with overdrive, the speedo needs recalibrating so is currently disconnected, thus, the "fill-'er-up" estimate is now usually done on a combination of estimated miles on the map and time run. 

And, yes, the MGA did form an integral part of NATO's Cold War defences, from 1977 (when she was taken out there by the chap I bought it from in 1981) until she came back with me in 1983 - and, yes, he was a moustachioed pilot of fast jets, who had bought it in 1975 from the old garage at the junction of A4 and the North Circular (can't remember its name for now, but I know it's on the receipt for the car from when he purchased it).  He used it in UK for 2 years at Cranwell and Lossiemouth and then took it to Germany in 1977, where due to her failing the test on arrival in Germany (dodgy brakes, lack of lights and rusty body work) she then sat forlorn and unloved, whilst he drove around in a brand new TR7 paid for by overseas allowances and flying pay.  Uncaring brute. 

I clapped eyes on her on my arrival in 1979 and spent 2 years trying to persuade him to sell (because he was going to "do it up"), which he eventually did on his last night before posting back to UK in 1981.  Much work later and she became as you know her now.  There was also a second stint of defence duties for her out there, based at Rheindahlen from 1991-94, but this time restored to former glory, mobile, and fully capable of a rapid response to any pesky Russkie invasion.

The new clutch bits for the Commer is music to the ears - it sounds like there is every chance that the Commer will be purring contentedly along the old N138 (or whatever it is called now) enroute to Le Mans ::).  Good luck with the fitting and bleeding ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on May 27, 2008, 05:50:44 pm


 Good luck with the fitting and bleeding ;D

[/quote]

fingers


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 27, 2008, 10:58:43 pm
ditto


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on May 27, 2008, 11:51:55 pm
Mark,

That garage was heaven to me in the 70's, it had a clock tower and big showroom full of orgasmic machinery.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 28, 2008, 06:49:06 pm
Mark,

That garage was heaven to me in the 70's, it had a clock tower and big showroom full of orgasmic machinery.

I know, same for me in the late 70s whilst I was at RAF Hendon, along with another garage along the Edgeware Road - Straight Six I think that one was called.  Plenty of time spent drooling through the windows of both!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 28, 2008, 07:46:41 pm
Andy - Have you seen the latest mag - Roadscene (browsed thru it at WH Smitts)

Have a 3 page article on the Commer PB.

this is the first page
http://www.roadscene.com/The%20Commer%20PB,%20Page%2060.pdf


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on May 29, 2008, 01:09:26 am
Never knew some had front acting handbrake.... could prove interesting with 2 fat bastards in the front and trying to show off on tarmac ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 29, 2008, 01:13:11 am
Never knew some had front acting handbrake.... could prove interesting with 2 fat bastards in the front and trying to show off on tarmac ;D

It works, to be fair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCWLlPBGFho


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 30, 2008, 05:10:29 pm
Knocked off at lunch today. Clutch working, fuel in the tank, Commer on the road, re-taxed for another 12 months. MOT at 12.00 tuesday (in ruddy Solihull on Monday  :()


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on May 30, 2008, 05:16:06 pm
Will start gathering in all the good luck omens i have and start praying for tuesday.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on May 30, 2008, 05:17:37 pm
Whooppee. One step closer. Is it going to be on Nord or Sud?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 30, 2008, 08:03:39 pm
Knocked off at lunch today. Clutch working, fuel in the tank, Commer on the road, re-taxed for another 12 months. MOT at 12.00 tuesday (in ruddy Solihull on Monday  :()

Well that takes aload off of my mind.
Congrats Andy !

Cant wait to see the pics of this years arrival.
Keep her between the ditches,and enjoy the ride.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 31, 2008, 09:33:27 pm
Knocked off at lunch today. Clutch working, fuel in the tank, Commer on the road, re-taxed for another 12 months. MOT at 12.00 tuesday (in ruddy Solihull on Monday  :()

Marvellous news.  True British never-say-die spirit (even if you did waver initially, oh infidel unbeliever).  Never say never.  Banzai.  Damn the Torpedoes.  Watch out les flics, 'cos the Commewr is coming your way.  Bloody well done.

The MGA has also passed her annual health check with the Ministry, is taxed and now has new boots as well as being in tune.  Had a damned fine run out to Suffolk and back today in sunshine to celebrate.   

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on May 31, 2008, 10:56:44 pm
Good luck for Tuesday, specially if ya gotta endure Solihole on Monday

It seems that having had a perfectly nice MOT last year my poor old baby has to have another one this year!

Wots that all about then?

What is the world coming to when these old fellows have to be prodded about in their declining years?

tsk tsk tsk!

However Lara did have a mild touch of congenital tin worm around her tail end, so after a couple of fettling days and maybe a splash of Dunkelgrun tomorrow or Monday I will put her in for this years annualbuggerabout.

fingies crossed huh?

 ::)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2008, 10:10:43 am
Bill, nobody except Midland folk will understand this, but I'm invoking the omnipotent powers of Tony Butler to help at 12.00 today. Also taking a fat wed of cash to "leave" in the ashtray.

Gerrout yer prayer mats!

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/images/2007/08/16/butler_nutcase2_203_203x152.jpg)

PS Do you remember him going absolutely mental when Villa won the European Cup?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 03, 2008, 11:12:11 am
Everything crossed here for the MOT Andy- good luck!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy on June 03, 2008, 11:36:23 am
Yee of little faith... it's gonna pass. ;D
But you may find the ashtray to good to be true, the cash will still be there, the original commer ashtray on e bootsale for 100 nicker


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 03, 2008, 01:45:18 pm
Well its 12:45, the end off the designated time allowance for the ministry test....,
 A nation holds its breath!
 The verdict?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2008, 02:13:06 pm
It's a big Neville Chamberlain moment!  :) Flying colours!

(http://www.cassilis.co.uk/uploaded_images/Chamberlain-731780.jpg)

THE COMMER'S GOING TO LE MANS
[/font]


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 03, 2008, 02:17:18 pm
Well done to both of you!   :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 03, 2008, 02:18:28 pm
Yippie, well done Andy

(http://www.gifmania.co.uk/drinks/champagne/040225_champ_jet.gif)

Another celebration for Le Mans


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 03, 2008, 02:22:46 pm
Congratulations!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 03, 2008, 02:53:13 pm
Its been said before but I'll say it again-
 SHE'S A f**k*n BEAUTY!
 Well done to you both. Heres to a safe and steady run down.
S


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 03, 2008, 03:39:49 pm
It's a big Neville Chamberlain moment!  :) Flying colours!

(http://www.cassilis.co.uk/uploaded_images/Chamberlain-731780.jpg)

THE COMMER'S GOING TO LE MANS
[/font]

 
AND SNAP! TODAY AT 12.30

My baby Lara passed hers too!!!

But like yourself, I never doubted it (for either of them!)

Newhaven next week it is then, see ya


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 03, 2008, 04:01:41 pm
And good old Tone?

What a bloke
an absolute nutter, I love him, which is more than can be said of many round here
Seems old Tone keeps rubbing people up the wrong way, it takes all sorts

If he comes sniffing around the verandah on a balmy evening next week at le HA Sud, he's welcome to a cool stubby

As, of course, are you and the familee!

I can smell the dusty air rising off the track as the lightweight traffic trundles by... Those wonderful relaxing evenings...

bring it on! 8)

soon be there


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 03, 2008, 04:09:42 pm
It's a big Neville Chamberlain moment!  :) Flying colours!

(http://www.cassilis.co.uk/uploaded_images/Chamberlain-731780.jpg)

THE COMMER'S GOING TO LE MANS
[/font]

Best you remember the number plates this year then.  ;)

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brian(Liverpool boys) on June 03, 2008, 04:18:51 pm
Well done to the both of you, bring it on.

There is so much changing at Le mans, and a lot of these changes are not for the better, but at least seeing your good self and the Commer will make it feel some what as it was. ;D

Brian.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 03, 2008, 04:22:42 pm
Marvellous.  Hurrah. ;D ;D ;D 

The MGA is jolly pleased to hear the news that she will be in such illustrious, fabled company again.  Well done for persevering in the face of adversity - difficulties mastered are opportunities won, and the Audis and Pugs had better watch their mirrors through the Dunlop Bridge.  

Having received Chamberlain's piece of paper appeasing the Ministry gnomes, you can now move naturally onto exuberant expressions of Churchillian victory as you drive through the ports and down the route to Le Mans.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 03, 2008, 04:26:25 pm
Now then, what will Piggers fetch up in I wonder?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 03, 2008, 04:49:00 pm
Now then, what will Piggers fetch up in I wonder?

Well it's only a bloomin Airflow Meter, bung it on and lets have some class! HA screams out (discretely!) for class like the Niss, (even, dare one say it, the verdant pastures of HA Nord...)

Face it LPP, you have to have a good long ride to burn out all the rodentine peeedle from her nether passages, anyway.

And I'll have my screwdriver and multimeter juss in case


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 03, 2008, 05:33:49 pm
She wont run without it and my only source of one wont send one until I renew club membership and he has received the cash.
Helpful aye!
Then there is MOT, Insurance and Tax.
 :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2008, 08:04:47 pm
Thank you one and all.

I knew things were going my way when the MOT man, who's knocking on a bit these days, drove the Commer onto the ramp. He'd clearly forgotten that the front wheel track is much narrower than the rear and promptly dropped the inside wheel off the ramp and into the pit below. After much grunting, pushing and jacking we eventually got things on an even keel without too much damage. Prior to that he'd been muttering under his breath about brake balance needing to be within 25%. Needless to say, after him dropping a bloomer like that, I knew we were home and dry! Talk about laugh.

Every year there is a Le Mans coincidence on the way to the MOT test and I was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen this time. That is until a rather dishy girl who was next in the queue for the test came up and saw the 2007 LM poster in the window. Then she started waxing lyrical to me about her mate's many trips to La Sarthe...  :) Wicked karma man.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 03, 2008, 08:49:41 pm
Congrats Andy and the Mighty Commer :).
Another box is ticked in the runup to Le Mans.
The excitement builds.
Which campsite is being graced with the presence of the Mighty Commer, and it's worthy crew?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on June 03, 2008, 10:18:48 pm
She wont run without it and my only source of one wont send one until I renew club membership and he has received the cash.
Helpful aye!
Then there is MOT, Insurance and Tax.
 :(

Piggers,

Hope AFM arrives, you should have ordered 2 of them. Forward thinking to 2009.

I'll be a bit disapointed if the ol' beast doesn't make it.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 03, 2008, 10:56:14 pm
Just done Oil and Filters on the Cav. Just not enough time for Nissan Shakedown even if the bits arrive from the Ahole at the owners club. Niss wont be going this year :(

My Cousins wife is Japanese so I will try and get her to track down an NOS one from there, must be some kicking about.
All the second hand ones are the same age and same as the ITU,s are all failing. New is the only answer and new wont happen as last time I asked (Before Nissan Deleted all 300C parts) they were over a grand with shipping. :o

The Cav is smiling as she is back in favour 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 03, 2008, 11:10:35 pm
Well done Commer and Andy.  Time to wheel out the appreciative audience again.

(http://www.globalschoolnet.org/about/images/applause.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 04, 2008, 10:36:55 am
Just done Oil and Filters on the Cav. Just not enough time for Nissan Shakedown even if the bits arrive from the Ahole at the owners club. Niss wont be going this year :(

My Cousins wife is Japanese so I will try and get her to track down an NOS one from there, must be some kicking about.
All the second hand ones are the same age and same as the ITU,s are all failing. New is the only answer and new wont happen as last time I asked (Before Nissan Deleted all 300C parts) they were over a grand with shipping. :o

The Cav is smiling as she is back in favour 8)

Just a thought, but isn't there parts commonality across the range? Surely there's another big datsun which uses the same AMM.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 04, 2008, 02:17:27 pm
Was there really ever any doubt??  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 04, 2008, 03:05:19 pm
Was there really ever any doubt??  ;D

Only in the vacillating mind of her illustrious keeper..... ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 04, 2008, 03:06:32 pm
The 300 ZX models used the same block but had different breathing and heads, hence a different AFM.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 04, 2008, 04:41:58 pm
Was there really ever any doubt??  ;D

Only in the vacillating mind of her illustrious keeper..... ;D

I've no need to vacillate you know, I'm in a relationship.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 05, 2008, 09:56:53 am
I was giving things some thought last night, and depending on how things pan out when we actually get there, I think there could be an extra vehicle in the Cavalcade from St Satunin this year.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 05, 2008, 07:07:58 pm
I was giving things some thought last night, and depending on how things pan out when we actually get there, I think there could be an extra vehicle in the Cavalcade from St Satunin this year.

Good news, good news.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on June 05, 2008, 07:26:52 pm
Piggers,

Hows it going with the Nis?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 05, 2008, 08:25:37 pm
I was giving things some thought last night, and depending on how things pan out when we actually get there, I think there could be an extra vehicle in the Cavalcade from St Satunin this year.

How many of us can we fit in the back Andy??  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 05, 2008, 10:37:20 pm
Piggers,

Hows it going with the Nis?

She is sleeping in her usual spot.
She will be awoken after LM and reminded of what she missed.
The hunt for an NOS airflow meter will start when I get back, no time (or money) to do that in this short time.
Chavvy is sat on the drive grinning and no doubt making snide comments to the sleeping beast.

Half day tomorrow, Wedding in the afternoon, Brethren meet on Sat then back home and off Sunday ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on June 05, 2008, 10:43:51 pm
Piggers,

Hows it going with the Nis?

She is sleeping in her usual spot.
She will be awoken after LM and reminded of what she missed.
The hunt for an NOS airflow meter will start when I get back, no time (or money) to do that in this short time.
Chavvy is sat on the drive grinning and no doubt making snide comments to the sleeping beast.

Half day tomorrow, Wedding in the afternoon, Brethren meet on Sat then back home and off Sunday ;D


Sorry, who is Piggers?

>Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 05, 2008, 10:47:20 pm
ME!!
The grubby dirty little fat bellied Lord of depravity >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on June 05, 2008, 10:58:06 pm
Well, that would not have taken too much thinking about would it, if it had not been for the three vodkas and two bottles of wine... sorry about my typing speed, not that you will notice... but the spelling is ok...

>Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 06, 2008, 12:20:13 am
Well, that would not have taken too much thinking about would it, if it had not been for the three vodkas and two bottles of wine... sorry about my typing speed, not that you will notice... but the spelling is ok...

>Martini...

Are you in training for next week Martin?
If so, you are slacking a bit. ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 10, 2008, 09:09:17 am
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD!  >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on June 10, 2008, 09:21:29 am
BASTARD BASTARD BASTARD!  >:(


???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 10, 2008, 09:27:27 am
Something vexes thee, Andy?

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 10, 2008, 09:44:19 am
I should cocoa!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Black Granny on June 10, 2008, 10:05:17 am
Qui est la probleme?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 10, 2008, 10:25:52 am
We wait nervously


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 10, 2008, 10:38:19 am
Nothing wrong with the van, i just wish we were leaving today!  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on June 10, 2008, 10:42:13 am
Qui est la probleme?

Who is the problem?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on June 10, 2008, 10:48:31 am
Nothing wrong with the van, i just wish we were leaving today!  :D

Phew... ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 10, 2008, 11:13:30 am
Had visions of the old girl not working and Andy whipping the gimp to to push it there.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 10, 2008, 03:31:23 pm
Andy, tell ya what.
Let's go tomorrow and hang the consequences!

See you in the bar

After I see you in the car park
possibly also after I see you on the road down there.

Tomorrow it is then! Settled!

 ;D

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 10, 2008, 06:14:59 pm
Nothing wrong with the van, i just wish we were leaving today!  :D

You big tease you.  ::)


Title: Re:Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 10, 2008, 06:33:55 pm
As the Commer wheeses it's way to Le Mans i thought it right to bring this one back to page 1!

We wait with bated breath for the pre/post race report....... ;)

MG Mark

To save MGMark the trouble of typing his annual "bated breath" question as to the Commer's return, I'd like to leave this as the last post on this thread, until indeed the Commer returns to these fair shores next week.

I do hope I'm not tempting fate in doing this, but

TEAM ZARSE STAND BY! WE SAIL WITH THE TIDE!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 27, 2008, 12:12:25 am
God bless the Commer and all who sailed in her.
I await the full and detailed report but was a little concerned over the sleeping arrangements and the occupants ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 08:30:04 am
First night we were glad simply to be there. Plenty of room on my right for a small Gimp...   :-*

It looks tiny with the curtains closed and without the pop-top roof up, very friendly. Once we'd put up the big tent, I had the double bed all to myself  :)

A poper posting on the adventures in the Commer will appear shortly. However, I've been giving the matter of the Commer's future some very serious thought and I think I've just about come to a final decision  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 27, 2008, 10:16:54 am
First night we were glad simply to be there. Plenty of room on my right for a small Gimp...   :-*

It looks tiny with the curtains closed and without the pop-top roof up, very friendly. Once we'd put up the big tent, I had the double bed all to myself  :)

A poper posting on the adventures in the Commer will appear shortly. However, I've been giving the matter of the Commer's future some very serious thought and I think I've just about come to a final decision  :(

Look forward to the post-race report but, oh dear, looks like we're going to have about 350 days of encouragment to emerge from depression if we are to see the Commer there next year....... ::)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 11:18:43 am
Mark

I know we discussed at length at the DfH party the joys of classic ownership. But in the sober cold light of day, regretably I must tell you there won't be a Commer at Le Mans next year.  :( At least not with me. We've come to the end of our journey together. It's time to bid farewell old friend and pass the responsibility of Commeric ownership on to new blood.

As I say, I'll post more detailed reasons, and the story of our eventful journey to LM hopefully at the weekend.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 27, 2008, 11:24:14 am
Andy- without coming across as a vulture, I would be interested in keeping the Commer 'in the family'
 Do you have a price in mind?
 
 S


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 11:48:05 am
Andy- without coming across as a vulture, I would be interested in keeping the Commer 'in the family'
 Do you have a price in mind?
 
 S

What price a health hazzard? Let me see if I can do some research, including the cost to remove the colony of bats who've taken up residence in her, and work summat out.

I know she'd be in great hands with you Dr S. No doubt your wife will approve, a Commer camper on the drive melts the heart of any woman.  ;) Your nippers will go mad for it too, kids love playing in them!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Neal on June 27, 2008, 11:51:30 am
Ah yes the joys of a camper when the offspring are young, endless days of fun for my daughter on campsites, while I spent all weekend tryingto fix what
 had broken on my 20 year old VW, what fun ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 27, 2008, 12:34:24 pm
Oh I can just picture the look of pure joy on Dragonwife's face when she glides gracefully down the drive of Sconefinger Towers :)
 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on June 27, 2008, 03:04:18 pm
I must tell you there won't be a Commer at Le Mans next year.  :( At least not with me.

 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

You could have broken it to me gently

 :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 27, 2008, 03:15:58 pm
Maybe you would like to take her on yourself Steve!  8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 03:28:00 pm
Fran did you not know Steve could smash a Sherman tank in five minutes flat!!!    ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on June 27, 2008, 03:30:42 pm
It's a lovely thought Fran, but I just wouldn't be able to give her the love and attention she needs and indeed deserves. Oh, and I've nowhere to park it...  :-\


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 03:31:29 pm
It's a lovely thought Fran, but I just wouldn't be able to give her the love and attention she needs and indeed deserves. Oh, and I've nowhere to park it...  :-\

You could leave it at my house...  :(



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on June 27, 2008, 03:32:35 pm
Fran did you not know Steve could smash a Sherman tank in five minutes flat!!!    ;D

I object to your inference Sir! Three minutes, tops.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on June 27, 2008, 03:33:57 pm
It's a lovely thought Fran, but I just wouldn't be able to give her the love and attention she needs and indeed deserves. Oh, and I've nowhere to park it...  :-\

You could leave it at my house...  :(


So you keep it!  :P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 03:50:33 pm
Oh okay, that's a good idea.  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 27, 2008, 03:57:56 pm
I WILL DRINK TO THAT

later this very evening!

 ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 27, 2008, 04:53:33 pm
All will doubtles become clear in due course - look forward to hearing the eloquent prose describing her cruise to La Sarthe and back.  Having recently bid farewell to my faithful Land Rover at 203k miles, I know how it can affect one  :'(

Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 27, 2008, 05:07:35 pm
THE LAST RUN

This year's race marked the end of an era. The Commer won't be carrying Team Zarse to Le Mans again. I've decided she needs a new home, so when her summer work is over, I'll be vetting potential "good homes" with a view to a transfer before the seasonal window closes.

It's been a wonderful journey, me and the Commer. I've covered 9000 miles in her and I reckon she's done over 4000 miles just on Le Mans duty alone. As I paid only £330 for her in 2001 I've probably just about had my moneys worth out of her, it's about thrupence ha'penny a mile.

The Zarses have all had some truely memorable times in her. I can cry laughing about some of the antics she's witnessed over the last seven year. Drunkeness, soberiety, car races, music events, girl's bottoms, girl's tops, dogs, sports events, birthday parties, weddings, music events, dead pigs, you name it, she's seen it all and taken it in her stride. Chris Z even woo'ed the future Mrs Chris Zarse in her. She's also seen her share of sad times too, but she's always been there for us, our answer to Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's gay butler and self-styled "rock".

But she's an old girl now and I think it's getting a bit much to ask her to carry 2.5 tonnes of gear down and back each year. No geriatric should have to do that. I'd love it if I could glide down empty carrying nothing weightier than a box of PG Tips and a sleeping bag. But life isn't like that, we need some modern payload capacity and performance. I saw new vans like Brad's rented Transit go hurtling past in aircon comfort, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't seduced by these modern flighty vans. Meanwhile, I worked hard just to keep her rolling all the time, waiting for the inevitable next breakdown...

Ah yes. The breakdowns. Driving down from Lisieux to Vimoutiers we conked out in the middle of the road and drifted to a halt. Happily we were being followed by Bill (Perdu to you), 26 years an AA man, possessed with a box of imperial tools and an utterly unflappable laconic Birmingham nature. Cut a long story short, five minutes after it packed up, a man in a Dodge 50 (originally a Rootes/Commer light goods vehicle design) stopped and showed us to a nice safe layby so we could work on the van. Basically a fuel problem was diagnosed. I had a spare fuel pump with me, so Bill and myself set to and changed it. We found what looked like "snake skin" in the old pump and a blocked fuel line. After three hours of faffing around and having disconnected the fuel line from the tank it seemed there was something nasty in the tank causing the blockage. It appears to be a disintegrating plastic bag or maybe a condom. It would have to be a very large one for a blue whale or an elephant or similar given the anount of the wretched stuff we retreived. So finally, just as it was going dark, we had ignition, contact and brrrrummm... off we continued for the hundred miles to LM with Bill and Bob following gamely in Lara the MG Midget, who incidentally is now firm friends with the Commer.

Well, we got to Le Mans. But unfortunately not quite to the curcuit. A couple of miles short, we were beating up a hill in third on the southside dual carriageway. She could smell the LM campsite, the drink, fetid toilets and burnt meat. She knew she was nearly home, she'd made it back. At that moment, a bit of the nasty snakeskin got ingested into the fuel line and she began to misfire, slowly but inexorably the speed was stripped away from the Queen of the Highway as more of the skin got sucked into the line; a mere hundred yards from the brow of the hill she finally died. God, she fought though. Fought hard, like a dying person in the arms of a loved one, she did not want to let go. She coughed and spluttered and worked using every atom of fuel to get us there but it was just too much to ask. In the end she just did enough to get us to a slip road before my CPR failed and she finally flatlined. Lara gamely towed her out of harms way and arrangements were made for her to suffer the indignity of a towed arrival onto HA. Unfortunately, I could only conclude she'd failed us and was unreasonably cross and disappointed with her.

Phone calls were made, and it was suggested by persons unknown, that BobU would be delighted to come and get us in his Land Rover Discovery. Thus the Gimp decided to enter Bob's tent to waken him, where he'd been asleep for the past hour. One can only imagine the horror of such an experience on seeing that masked man in your reverie and it was a somewhat shaken and horrified Bob whom Bill and myself met outside the Stella Bar.

So we arrived on tow. Not desperately dignified I admit, but we'd got there at long last. I'd now like to pay tribute to all those who were travelling with me. Everybody contributed something to resolving matters, nobody moaned about our five hour delayed arrival on site, not even once. so cheers to Bob, Andy and Chris. Special thanks too to BobU for the tow, and to the unamed Angel of the Road who stopped to help us for two hours. Thanks to the guy (one of the SPS or Robbo's Lot?) who donated an in-line fuel filter; it works! But the biggest thanks go to Perdu. The guy's a prince amongst men. Under his guidance, experience, plain common sense and never-give-in attitude we made it there. And then he helped mend her on the thursday morning and install the "easy fix" filter soloution should- when- the blockage occur again.

So that was it really. She got us safely to Roluen on the sunday night. She conked out the next morning, again just doing enough to get us down the slip road, I think she was trying to ensure our personal safety. Fifteen minutes work had the blockage cleared and we were safely in pretty Honfleur for an extremely pleasant lunch on the harbour. Then back across the Pont du Normandie and onto the ship homeward bound. Fate dictated another breakdown at midnight on the A27 just east of Brighton and for the last time, she yet again did enough to see us safely up a country lane and out the way of the speeding HGVs. Another fifteen minutes of bare-chested work under the fuel tank, and having seen Bill drive past the end of the lance (he couldn't see us but we heard Lara), we were on our way home.

There was one last incident to go. Those who know where I live know there's loads of deer around. One such beast, a good sized young fallow buck with growing antlers, decided to go head to head with us on the bridge over the motorway. I slowed and chivvied him back into the woods, as I didn't really want to see him straying onto the main road. Initially we drove him back and he trotted along infront of the van. But then he decided he wanted to go the other way, so he leapt and headbutted the Commer right by the headlight. The noise was incredible and he bounced off dazed. I thought there must surely be a massive dent in the front panel. Inspection next day revealed a tiny scratch in the paint and nothing else!

So we got home. I pulled up at Zarse towers and we all just sat there a little dazed, breathing in those classic car smells of hot oil, warm bakelight and unburnt hydrocarbons, as the Commer sat cooling and tinking on the drive. Chris Z said "She's a beauty!" and patted her dashboard for the very last time; it's his last Le Mans for a while as he's going off to become a school teacher. We were tired and surprised that she got us home once more. What a girl! However, I can't keep asking her these tough questions. I don't want to break her, and she deserves oh so much better than I can offer her; yet another winter sat rusting in long wet grass with the local wildlife gnawing at her extremities. And I'm going to see that she gets better treatment, even if it's from another guy.

So as their slogan used to say: Commer. Built stronger to last longer. A fitting epitaph to the end of my ownership of a very fine vehicle.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 27, 2008, 05:29:45 pm
Paul Burrell is gay!?
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on June 27, 2008, 05:36:15 pm
Beautiful Mate, just beautiful. I don't mind admitting I shed a tear upon reading your last words there. She is indeed an amazing vehicle, there is something almost magical about her and I'm absolutely gutted that I wasn't a passenger for her final Zarse voyage to Le Mans. When she needed me most I let her down, and I'm truly sorry.

I can't imagine how our next pilgrimage to LM will turn out without her, who can say? One thing I do know is that I've never encountered a finer machine in my life, and I probably never will.

So how about we send her off with a gathering in her honour? I believe it's her 40th birthday soon...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on June 27, 2008, 08:21:41 pm
 :'(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on June 27, 2008, 09:07:22 pm
I raise a glass to toast the Commer...........

Long Live the Commer.

I raise a glass to toast the Zarses in their endevours to maintain the Commer.

Long live the Commer.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 27, 2008, 09:43:36 pm
I'm sure that the outcome of this most recent part of Commer life will see her in safe hands ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 27, 2008, 09:58:54 pm
That Andy

what a way he has with the finest language in the world

that which is willingly mangled by us all without losing its beauty

but, bugger all that!

Andy you do me too much honour mate but thanks

If this is to have been the swan song for that fine old lady, Lara and I are glad we were able to share part of what has been yet another fine saga

For years I have been able to share her and your, Team Zarse's, tales of derring - do via this esteemed forum. It was an honour to be able to share this one with you all.

I was glad to help you a little but I am aware that you did more than I to get her rolling again. I was moved too by your wonderful hospitality when we did get to Team Zarse's encampment in the verdant pastures of Houx Annexe (Sud)

Joining in with the finest bunch of fellows and our lady friends too (Ladies all, I'll have you know) within the safe harbour of the CA Enclave, within the leafy glade amongst the trees, this was without doubt my bestest ever camping at Le Mans visit.

I will regret the last stand of the Mighty Commer finally arriving, as will her many friends around the world to whom her annual "wake up calls" have been a welcome presager of our visits from around the world to La Sarthe.

She will not be forgotten

And what a fine old girl she is

As I said earlier today...

"Kerrack!!!!!" That  is my first can of Amber Nectar opening in her and your honour

CHEERS
mate


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 27, 2008, 11:26:06 pm
Andy,

As ever, a truly marvellous tale of Homeric proportions to rival the old boy's Odyssey.  Not just for the most recent excursion to La Sarthe, but for all of the other times too, along with other events.  The annual MOT tale of suspense of will she, won't she?  Outside the Mess at Marham.  Your inadvertant mal-treatment of her as she gamely struggled to maintain equilibrium in temperature despite a hot French day and you flying the Union Jack (a la Italian Job) across the front of the grille.  Tales of things that went bump in the night and of strange coincidences.  And many, many other memorable things, not least of which is, as I type, a thread that stretches to 122 pages with 1,815 replies, viewed 38,409 times, which started out 20 November 2003, nearly 5 years ago, as a "what could Andy get to replace the Commer". 

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=1195.0 (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=1195.0)

A true legend in so many senses, including being the star of the annual CA offical Le Mans poster.  An honourable vehicle, driven by an honourable gentleman (well, sometimes).  With grateful thanks for the entertainment and friendship she has engendered.  We shall miss her, and the MGA wishes her well too - she has just run me back from High Wycombe after the week at work and I see she has now shed tears of oil on the garage floor in sympathy.  A glass of red has been raised to her and drained!  All the best to her and her future custodian - best they look after her, that's all I can say!

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 27, 2008, 11:55:10 pm
Never in my life have I felt so melancholy at the passing of an icon.  She is truly the Queen of the Road and shall be much missed at LM.

Can I take her to NZ with me so she can see off her days in the sun?

I might have to keep her away from the mountains though.  It seems she had enough trouble with the French hills this trip.  When I called Chris Z on the Monday we left Rouen to find out iof you were going again I was fully ready to forgo my beer, drive back from Enfleur, and tow her to the ferry - and there's not many that can say I'd give up a beer for them!

She is truly a legend and I toast her with a glass of Normandy's finest.

Dx



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 28, 2008, 12:00:33 am
Oh I can just picture the look of pure joy on Dragonwife's face when she glides gracefully down the drive of Sconefinger Towers :)
 

Priceless!!!  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 28, 2008, 12:17:57 am
Andy, what a fine epitaph. I sit here with my glass of NZ Sauvignon Blanc and raise it to her money iwth a tear in my eye.  :'(

I am heartbroken to think that I will not see the Commer at Le Mans next year, or on my driveway for the beer festival or a party, or on your driveway when I fly off to Sebring in March. She has been a glorious friend that has given you so many good memories to treasure her by.

Let's just hope that someone from the forum an afford the time and money to bring her back to her glory to keep the dream alive!!  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 28, 2008, 12:46:04 am
Having just returned from a saucy visit to my local I must say how fantastic it is see such appreciation for the old green lady.
I raise a gents measure of Vodka & Tonic to her. She will be forever with us.

The Pig-Pens


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 28, 2008, 01:31:41 am
Oh I can just picture the look of pure joy on Dragonwife's face when she glides gracefully down the drive of Sconefinger Towers :)
 

Priceless!!!  ;D
The Jaunty wheelspin on departure from HAS was my last view of her. Snigger ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 28, 2008, 02:29:42 am
Andy,

Thanks for sharing your story. Although I only met her once, the sight of her this year along side us at Houx Annexe (Sud) will be indelibly etched into my mind.
She will be missed by her four wheeled and two andfour legged friends.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2617270256_bfe85c0c3f.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 28, 2008, 02:39:13 am
It's like a bereavment, Andy the Commer widower  :(.

I'm fresh in from the local pub, and all the local pub folk are telling me I'm mad to sell her. It's not a sale as I see it, but the passing on of a majestic British mantle. A torch keeping aflame the legacy of a decrepid British light goods vehicle industry, the memory of long closed factories and those who worked in them with brown overalls, hooters, tannoys, vernier gauges poking out their back pockets and big teapots which never went cold. All now kept alive by ingenious engineering from pattern parts on a drive in Sussex. Well regrettably, it can't go on for ever.

So thank you one and all for all your kind words, and good wishes. She's not gone quite yet, there's still a long hot summer to get through first, and she'll be at a certain event in Hants in a few weeks time. But I'm sure of one thing, those were our salad days, when I was green in judgement, cold in blood... and we thought they might last forever...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 28, 2008, 03:18:40 am
Andy,

If nothing else, please tell me the number plates will be passed on to a machine worthy of their status and reverence.

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 28, 2008, 03:23:45 am
BSA/Ariel 3 wheeler. that's what I really crave. With ZAR 5E on the back.

(http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/1970_ariel_3_tricycle.jpg)

(http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/ariel_3.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 28, 2008, 03:33:07 am
To be honest, that's not what I imagined the Zarse number plates on when I had them made for you, but if that's what makes you happy my friend I shall not argue.   :-*

Dx   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 28, 2008, 09:49:11 am
Fine words for a fine old friend.
 She has always had a place in my heart. She sums up everything that is Le Mans to me, spirit, endeavour, courage, friendship, adventure, endurance and good old fashioned British grit and stubbornness in the face of adversity.
 I'll never forget my first encounter with her as she made her way up that hill outside of Alencon. To see the legend of CA at the end of my first LM adventure just put the finishing touch to a weekend that I knew would change my life for ever.
 S


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Black Granny on June 28, 2008, 11:22:50 am
Andy
I felt the same way when the black Granada Estate finally had to go after several years of Stirling service going to and from Le Mans. I must admit our only breakdown was due to a dodgy starter motor that refused to play ball once the engine was warm.

Hope the Commer has a better fate than the Black Granny!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on June 28, 2008, 06:58:50 pm
Andy,

As the ole girl is being gracefully retired can I suggest that wqith all the Commers documentation. You also print out her CA heritage from this forum.

You never know, she may return to La Sarthe.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 28, 2008, 09:32:09 pm
Surely we can apply to the lottery fund to keep the old girl running. After all she is our heritage ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lawnmower Man on June 29, 2008, 10:04:01 am
This is indeed sad news. 

To me the Commer had become part of the whole seen not just this thread but the whole event.

When she rolled of the production line some 38  years ago it was to provide a family with many holidays or may be it became someones home.  Then for the last few years is has been a great celebrity at many events and always getting Team Zarse to Le Mans in Style.

Even this year it got most of the way there and if I may be so bold as to suggest the only reason it didn't make the last few yards was due to the fatigue of Team Zarse.  The cause of the failure was not really mechanical. 
               
I hope a new loving owner can be found for the old girl.

It was a privilege to know her.  When I saw her parked in Rouen on the Sunday night after the race little did I know that would most likely the the last time I would see the fine old girl.

May be there is still hope after all Derek Bell announced he was retiring from Le Mans only to return the following year  and he is a lot older than the Commer.

As for the Thread title,  I don't think there is anything that can replace the Commer.  I'd like to suggest that this thread be moved to it's own Board as permanent memorial to this amazing machine.

t.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 29, 2008, 11:10:05 am
I may have found a solution to safe parking for the old girl and still keeping a watchfull eye over the le Mans proceedings.









(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2619943309_97f173e2ef.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Chris24 on June 29, 2008, 11:35:37 am
Theres a white Commer for sale in Preston at the moment. I think the asking price is about £4000 though !


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 30, 2008, 11:05:55 am
Well, I think it's a disgrace, you're a lightweight and a quitter.

Never mind all this eulogising about the Commer and how great she's been, it seems to me you bought her for a song (in much the same way that a Thai bride can be bought on e-bay these days) and treated her in a manner that anyone with any self respect should be ashamed of. You tarted her up for one or two 'high' times a year then sent her back, like a buggered cinderella, to some fetid dog sh*t littered corner of a field to collect rats and milldew till you decided you needed to use her again. Frankly, it's the sort of behaviour you might expect from an Austrian.

I'm not surprised she conked out on the way to Le Mans this year, you probably got your rohypnol-Redex ratio wrong and what you fished out of the fuel tank was, I'd say, the tattered and shredded remains the poor girls once proudly treasured hymen. You've used and abused her for twenty pieces of silver Zarse, and now you've had your pleasure she's going to be cast aside like an umbrella hoisting football manager with porcelain teeth.

H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 30, 2008, 01:20:00 pm
You have such a way with words H. I hope the day never comes when you are pensioned off.  I'm off to put on dry underwear- a classic rant! :) :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 30, 2008, 02:41:42 pm
Well, I think it's a disgrace, you're a lightweight and a quitter.

Never mind all this eulogising about the Commer and how great she's been, it seems to me you bought her for a song (in much the same way that a Thai bride can be bought on e-bay these days) and treated her in a manner that anyone with any self respect should be ashamed of. You tarted her up for one or two 'high' times a year then sent her back, like a buggered cinderella, to some fetid dog sh*t littered corner of a field to collect rats and milldew till you decided you needed to use her again. Frankly, it's the sort of behaviour you might expect from an Austrian.

I'm not surprised she conked out on the way to Le Mans this year, you probably got your rohypnol-Redex ratio wrong and what you fished out of the fuel tank was, I'd say, the tattered and shredded remains the poor girls once proudly treasured hymen. You've used and abused her for twenty pieces of silver Zarse, and now you've had your pleasure she's going to be cast aside like an umbrella hoisting football manager with porcelain teeth.

H


Thanks Big H.

Made me think of this -


                        " Me..... get rid of the commer! "

                          (http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/3323405.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=86F19F6C94FCC84FD37B5DF480470675A55A1E4F32AD3138)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on June 30, 2008, 03:36:39 pm
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D

In best Iain Paisley voice,  Never, Never, Never!!

The Commer is immortal, didn't you know?
What happened to the man who was so sure never to replace his fine machine? ???  :'(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 30, 2008, 03:41:43 pm
Marius, you either have a brilliant memory or you spent hours trawling the whole Commer thread.

A quote from 2003 wow.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on June 30, 2008, 03:41:55 pm
Thank you Marius.
I sense a changing of the tide here, and if I'm right it'll not be long before the villagers are streaming through the streets with their flaming torches and pitchforks held high, baying and barking on their way up the rock strewn slopes to Zarse Towers. Hanging's too good for the b*stard.
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on June 30, 2008, 04:17:41 pm
Marius, you either have a brilliant memory or you spent hours trawling the whole Commer thread.

A quote from 2003 wow.
First page of this thread Bob ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 30, 2008, 05:10:44 pm
Well, I think it's a disgrace, you're a lightweight and a quitter.

Never mind all this eulogising about the Commer and how great she's been, it seems to me you bought her for a song (in much the same way that a Thai bride can be bought on e-bay these days) and treated her in a manner that anyone with any self respect should be ashamed of. You tarted her up for one or two 'high' times a year then sent her back, like a buggered cinderella, to some fetid dog sh*t littered corner of a field to collect rats and milldew till you decided you needed to use her again. Frankly, it's the sort of behaviour you might expect from an Austrian.

I'm not surprised she conked out on the way to Le Mans this year, you probably got your rohypnol-Redex ratio wrong and what you fished out of the fuel tank was, I'd say, the tattered and shredded remains the poor girls once proudly treasured hymen. You've used and abused her for twenty pieces of silver Zarse, and now you've had your pleasure she's going to be cast aside like an umbrella hoisting football manager with porcelain teeth.

H


I have no defense to offer H, your rapier intellect and keen vocabulary has sliced my case open like a common hippopotamus. It's true, like the dumb-as-dogshit blonde secretary with whom one can have an longterm affair, I've neglected and put upon the Commer over the years, doing just enough at the right time to ensure loyalty for a little bit longer.

I suppose I could trot out some platitudes here, like Porcelain Toothed Umbrella Man's predecessor Sven Urine Ericsson used to, but it's not really my style. So I'll just lie on the grass and take the Neil Lennon-like shoeings whilst pocketing the massive profit I'll make upon her sale and completion. I'm even more mercenary than Nicolas Anelka me :D

Fagin Zarse


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 30, 2008, 05:20:59 pm
It's true, like the dumb-as-dogsh*t blonde secretary with whom one can have an longterm affair, I've neglected and put upon the Commer over the years, doing just enough at the right time to ensure loyalty for a little bit longer.

I hate to say it Mr Zarse, but in that one sentence you have just thrown a horribly revealing light on some of my own past personal relationships….    ;D

F


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 30, 2008, 05:23:40 pm
I may have found a solution to safe parking for the old girl and still keeping a watchfull eye over the le Mans proceedings.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2619943309_97f173e2ef.jpg)

Wonderful Gary! I think I'll phone the curator tomorrow!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 30, 2008, 05:26:30 pm
It's true, like the dumb-as-dogsh*t blonde secretary with whom one can have an longterm affair, I've neglected and put upon the Commer over the years, doing just enough at the right time to ensure loyalty for a little bit longer.

I hate to say it Mr Zarse, but in that one sentence you have just thrown a horribly revealing light on some of my own past personal relationships….    ;D

F

Crikey Fran! I was going to elaborate further on these Svengali antics, but I'm glad I didn't.

Oh, and is that how the man you eloped with in Commer breadvan treated you?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 30, 2008, 05:36:52 pm
It's true, like the dumb-as-dogsh*t blonde secretary with whom one can have an longterm affair, I've neglected and put upon the Commer over the years, doing just enough at the right time to ensure loyalty for a little bit longer.

I hate to say it Mr Zarse, but in that one sentence you have just thrown a horribly revealing light on some of my own past personal relationships….    ;D

F

Crikey Fran! I was going to elaborate further on these Svengali antics, but I'm glad I didn't.

You assume too much Mr Zarse... I didnt actually say if I was the one throwing the bone or the one catching it!  >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on June 30, 2008, 06:40:16 pm
It's true, like the dumb-as-dogsh*t blonde secretary with whom one can have an longterm affair, I've neglected and put upon the Commer over the years, doing just enough at the right time to ensure loyalty for a little bit longer.

I hate to say it Mr Zarse, but in that one sentence you have just thrown a horribly revealing light on some of my own past personal relationships….    ;D

F

Did you have a blonde secretary Fran??  ;D

>Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on July 01, 2008, 11:40:16 am
Did you have a blonde secretary Fran??  ;D

Umm ... no.   I thought it was a metaphor!!   :P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 01, 2008, 02:37:47 pm
Thank you Marius.
I sense a changing of the tide here, and if I'm right it'll not be long before the villagers are streaming through the streets with their flaming torches and pitchforks held high, baying and barking on their way up the rock strewn slopes to Zarse Towers. Hanging's too good for the b*stard.
H

Thank you H, I think you may be right, and a good thing it might be too, and to Marius too for reminding us of the turncoat's earlier political statement now returning to haunt him.  I shudder to think of the havoc that the Commer may wreak in revenge upon his hapless soul.  Although the earlier eulogy was aimed more at the Commer than him, I may have been a liitle too kind in letting him off the hook.  The only question now is whether or not the changing tide of opinion is sufficient to make the shirker feel guilty or worried enough to reverse his earlier, precipitate decision, albeit it understandable one from one so weak-willed.  And if the villagers don't get him first, then the tide probably will, as he sits Canute-like at the door of Zarse Towers....

After the villagers and/or water have done their worst, I can picture the crime scene now, with the local constabulary in full investigative swing, with the Police Commer standing on mobile HQ duties outside.... 

MG Mark     


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 01, 2008, 05:59:44 pm
Never! No one will ever stop me in my evil alchymist plan to convert the Commer into filthy lucre! For I am a latterday Victor Frankenstein, the necromancer, the one who walks backwards.

Bww-haha

Bww-haha

Bww-hahahahahahahahaha

 >:D

You're going home in a Commer Ambulance!  >:D

(http://www.colacambulance.com/1962-commer-web.jpg)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on July 01, 2008, 06:58:11 pm
Did you have a blonde secretary Fran??  ;D

Umm ... no.   I thought it was a metaphor!!   :P

What's a meta for and does it take batteries  ;D

>Martini...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on July 01, 2008, 10:29:59 pm
What a pleasant surprise to see the mighty Commer as one of the photos for July this morning. Never seen her in the flesh so to speak, will there be a final outing to Silverstone in September?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: SteveZarse on July 02, 2008, 12:36:45 am
I think if Andy keeps the Commer much longer it could end up looking like this monstrosity I spotted near Brighton (not surprisingly) last year:


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: knetter on July 02, 2008, 09:08:04 am
Didn't realise Petra ownes a commer?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 02, 2008, 09:35:08 am
Never! No one will ever stop me in my evil alchymist plan to convert the Commer into filthy lucre! For I am a latterday Victor Frankenstein, the necromancer, the one who walks backwards.

Good will triumph over evil :angel:.  Stocked to the gunwales with silver bullets, the wolf pack will assemble, circle and then, baying under a full moon, their mission will commence.  Best ye be afeared Mr Z as, without respite, they will hunt you down and drive you to the very ends of the earth and back, before trampling your battered carcass under care-worn crossplies.  You can run but you can't hide :o.  Walking backwards will not aid you in the slightest.  They will not return to their suburban garages and nettle patches until their task is complete and they are reunited with their outcast kin.......the start will probably look quite innocent, a bit like this....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 02, 2008, 10:03:41 am
Cripes! you mean I'll end up like Kenneth Williams in Carry On Screaming?

"Frying Tonight!"

(http://www.coercri.dsl.pipex.com/whatacarryon/images/screaming1.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 02, 2008, 02:59:16 pm
Cripes! you mean I'll end up like Kenneth Williams in Carry On Screaming?
"Frying Tonight!"

That might be one way, but I suspect it might accord more with the ancient rite of hanging, drawing and quartering for the charge of high treason through betrayal of the sovereign......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 02, 2008, 03:28:41 pm
 :( No thanks, that sounds like it might sting a bit.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on July 02, 2008, 06:40:56 pm
Ignoring the Viking burial bit etc, can I just get back to thread (after 123 pages of rantings)

Just what is the replacement?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 02, 2008, 07:26:59 pm
Ok – I have been giving this topic “Modern Commer Replacement” some thought.

It has read over 40,000 times, has over 124 pages dedicated to it, and over 1800 replies.

Which means we really must like this Commer and we are very interested in past, present and possibly future life? This little camper has been a bit like family to some of the posters on this site.

Now the question, in respect to the latest posts, I think we have missed the point, it is not what the modern Commer replacement is going to be, I mean we really like the little green lady. I thinking the subject should be what is going to be the Modern Andy Zarse replacement going to be.

I mean if he can talk about getting rid of the Commer, I think it’s only fair we have a good discussion on the Modern Andy Zarse replacement.

What do we want from are new and improved Andy to be?

What’s everyone else’s view?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 02, 2008, 07:36:27 pm
Well, I think he should have a well stocked workshop with space for the old girl to spend winters indoors and preferably be a Doctor, he should be dashing and handsome and live in the wilds of Northumberland.
 He must have a love of Scones and tea.
 Any ideas?
 ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on July 03, 2008, 02:34:46 am
Or a Lord!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on July 03, 2008, 02:25:53 pm
surely just one last run...up the hill at the Goodwood FOS.
Lord March doesnt know what hes missing

PM


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 03, 2008, 05:54:23 pm
surely just one last run...up the hill at the Goodwood FOS.
Lord March doesnt know what hes missing

PM

I'm afraid you're wrong there, he already has one...................

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa64/jjkt15/IMG_1365.jpg)

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa64/jjkt15/IMG_1366.jpg)

Taken this morning.

Mr. Z, how about putting an offer in!!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 03, 2008, 06:32:38 pm
Guess what? The Duke of Richmond and Gordon (or Charlie as I call him) and myself are fellow Commer owners. We also both leave our Commers sitting outside all winter in the wet and cold weather under a tree. Classy huh? Other lesser classic Goodwood Estate vehicles are parked in the dry paddock sheds, but the Commer is considered above such mollycoddling.

His Lordship's Sunday Times Commer was parked up on the main entrance when I went to a trackday recently. Of course, I discussed the matter with Chas when he invited us for tea and scones in Goodwood House, or was it that I bumped into him in the curcuit Gents toilet? No matter; he was rivetted by my talk of his Commer being a late PA model. I pointed out it only has single side/indicator lights (whereas my PB has doubles), has a rear-acting handbrake and lacks the lozenge-shape grille of the PB. Captivated and entranced he was, but he was unavoidably called away after thirty seconds by his staff to deal with some no doubt important estate matters. And he didn't come back to me for some reason.  ??? Queer lot these aristos!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on July 03, 2008, 11:57:24 pm
surely just one last run...up the hill at the Goodwood FOS.
Lord March doesnt know what hes missing

PM

I'm afraid you're wrong there, he already has one...................

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa64/jjkt15/IMG_1365.jpg)

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa64/jjkt15/IMG_1366.jpg)

Taken this morning.

Mr. Z, how about putting an offer in!!!!
I WANT THAT COMMER! NOW! WHAT A CONVOY! And it would carry half the Brethren gear...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 04, 2008, 12:25:56 am
Rex, you've got already got a perfectly good f**ked campervan and you can't be asked to take it to LM, so why would you need another knacker with no MOT or Uncle Max???  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on July 04, 2008, 12:33:07 am
I found out today that my dear old Grandfather used to pootle around the New Zealand countryside in a Commer.  I was foetus at the time so don't remember.  Will have to talk to Dad and have a root through the family photo albums.

I also found this while seeing what's currently about in NZ.  I like the last in its list of uses.   8)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Trucks/Other/auction-164079461.htm

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 04, 2008, 12:47:29 am

I also found this while seeing what's currently about in NZ.  I like the last in its list of uses.   8)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Trucks/Other/auction-164079461.htm

Dx

Must admit it does look a bit shagged, but then look at the name!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on July 04, 2008, 01:18:37 am
Rex, you've got already got a perfectly good f**ked campervan and you can't be asked to take it to LM, so why would you need another knacker with no MOT or Uncle Max???  ;)
The hoarding of things is not always bad...  >:D
I must get the VW out again... then put it back in again... Haymaking time so  she has to be moved... bloody thing!



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on July 04, 2008, 09:36:17 am

I also found this while seeing what's currently about in NZ.  I like the last in its list of uses.   8)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Trucks/Other/auction-164079461.htm

Dx

Must admit it does look a bit shagged, but then look at the name!!

LJ Hooker are estate agents back home.  So yes, pretty much shagged given the current state of global financial affairs.

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: lady pig-pen on July 05, 2008, 01:47:55 am
LJ Hooker your the best......classic


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 05, 2008, 07:08:36 pm
Gone. The Commer has gone.  :(

Gone. Gone. And never called me mother.  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on July 05, 2008, 08:26:23 pm
Fill us in, who to you can't just leave us dangling :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on July 05, 2008, 08:59:25 pm
Gone. The Commer has gone. 

The Commer is dead, long live the Westphalia!  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 05, 2008, 09:29:43 pm
Fill us in, who to you can't just leave us dangling :o

Oh yes he bloody can you know

wouldnt be the first time either

Andy

"More, tell me more, tell me more, tell me more!"

something of a need to know exists mate



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on July 05, 2008, 09:48:14 pm
Bloody hell, thats a shock- Hope she's stayed in the Family!
 Better have a look to see if that Alfa van is still on ebay then.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 05, 2008, 11:12:00 pm
Gone. The Commer has gone.  :(

Gone. Gone. And never called me mother.  :(

Go on, how much were you bribed to wash your hands of her?

Bloody Philistine!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 06, 2008, 01:22:27 am
Bloody hell, thats a shock- Hope she's stayed in the Family!
 Better have a look to see if that Alfa van is still on ebay then.

If its the pick-up, then yes its back up.

Not sure what happened to he guy who brought it before


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 06, 2008, 10:08:40 am
Gone. The Commer has gone.  :(

Gone. Gone. And never called me mother.  :(

A void has appeared in your life, the depth of which you can only just start to fathom.......

MG Mark   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 06, 2008, 11:10:55 am
I got home yesterday evening from our local village fete where I'd been running the dg show bit, I'd be a liar if I said it was a completely shandy-free event. I noticed the Commer had gone. Completely vanished. At first I thought it had been stolen or run off or whatever but eventually realised I'd said Chris could borrow it for a sleepover 30th birthday party. I guess she'll be back when she's ready.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on July 06, 2008, 11:22:10 am
Ya big bluffer!  You have quite ruined MGMark's weekend. 

F


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 06, 2008, 05:44:08 pm
I did blarry tell you all

he's always doing it

Saps we are, we almost always fall for it

 ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on July 06, 2008, 05:46:00 pm
I did blarry tell you all

he's always doing it

Saps we are, we almost always fall for it

 ;D



I was rather looking forward to the Westphalia thread!  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 06, 2008, 10:59:49 pm
I did blarry tell you all

he's always doing it

Saps we are, we almost always fall for it

 ;D



I was rather looking forward to the Westphalia thread!  ;D

Westphalia?
Isnt that an almost interesting German cheese?

But I notice an uncanny trend Fran, your goddess-like spelling ability is taking a turn towards awesome these days...




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on July 06, 2008, 11:15:24 pm
I got home yesterday evening from our local village fete where I'd been running the dg show bit, I'd be a liar if I said it was a completely shandy-free event. I noticed the Commer had gone. Completely vanished. At first I thought it had been stolen or run off or whatever but eventually realised I'd said Chris could borrow it for a sleepover 30th birthday party. I guess she'll be back when she's ready.
No doubt with some stories to tell.... :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on July 06, 2008, 11:20:02 pm
[Westphalia?
Isnt that an almost interesting German cheese?

Quite possibly Mr P - in any event I rather like the word - although Caravelle sounds just as exotic!  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 06, 2008, 11:43:56 pm
[Westphalia?
Isnt that an almost interesting German cheese?

Quite possibly Mr P - in any event I rather like the word - although Caravelle sounds just as exotic!  :)

Ah now you're talking

Caravelle

A Fench airliner that pioneered the "engines at the back" format now so familiar combined with the lovely nose and cockpit shape of the sexy de Havilland Comet.

Quite why the Frenchies didn't design their own nose for the Caravelle I just do'nt know

P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on July 09, 2008, 05:57:51 pm
I've found it!!

the perfect commer replacement, I think Lord pig pen may also be interested!

http://www.barons-auctions.com/details.php?lotpath=lots/G447FWC.htm


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on July 09, 2008, 08:10:23 pm
Jeeeeesus H Christ.

If you look up Gaudy in the dictionary, first you get a picture of Timmy Mallet, then a pic of that thing.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on July 09, 2008, 08:43:47 pm
That's class that is.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: lady pig-pen on July 09, 2008, 09:50:01 pm
please don't bring rex into your crazy ideas....this was on ebay a few months ago and we had to have a very l o n g talk about why he wasn't allowed it...he got to the reasoning stage that if he sells his other nissans and crap please could he have it? (he always tries this with whatever crap he thinks we need, i think we need a new kitchen so he can wash up in style and comfort), and he actually sold one of the nissans, it had me nervous for ages....delete this link please.....for the sake of our kitchen (and bathroom, flooring etc)  :angel:


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 10, 2008, 09:01:00 am
I've found it!!

the perfect commer replacement, I think Lord pig pen may also be interested!

http://www.barons-auctions.com/details.php?lotpath=lots/G447FWC.htm

(http://www.barons-auctions.com/cars/nissan-hearse.jpg)

It was on ebay before Le Mans, and they could not sell it there for buy it now price of £5k.

So how did a get a value of £6-8K ?

Still looks like a car thats had an accident with a Japanese shed!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 10, 2008, 09:50:20 am
A limited, but garish, market appeal methinks, and bloody awkward in multi-storey car parks....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 10, 2008, 10:37:19 am
Now that thing is, to use the modern parlance, Well Sick!

Possibilities for sleeping and cooking look rather cramped, and I'm not sure the Tean Zarse bear would like it up there with the dragons. But none of that would matter if you were dead. What a way to go!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on July 10, 2008, 02:28:00 pm
OK Andy, if the Commer has to go, which I hope it does not.

I understand you have certain standards which you like to keep, may I suggest something in keeping with your style

(http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050133/0305002243-l.jpg) (http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050191/0305002731-l.jpg)

(http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050191/0305002726-l.jpg) (http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050191/0305002727-l.jpg)

(http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050191/0305002725-l.jpg) (http://images.wisconsinhistory.org/700003050191/0305002728-l.jpg)

http://www.paper-dragon.com/1939/images/jungleyachtadv.jpg


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 10, 2008, 05:08:39 pm
far too much wasted space in  there

have you seen how close to the gunnels they pack the mighty Commer

I am still in awe of the Commer, even after her somewhat protracted dramas this year. That poofy-mobile sleaze palace couldnt hold a candle, proverbial or not

I mean twin tub luxury, what is that all about?

Bookshelves?

Pshaww


(psst, anyone got one of them for sale, kinda getting to like it now...)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 10, 2008, 06:57:00 pm
Very impressive if you like that kind of thing but to my tastes it's a bit too poncified. Where's the bat dropping and sticking-out nails? Still, I can appreciate the workmanship.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 28, 2008, 12:19:31 am
If the Commer becomes unservicable/repairable, how about another Brit' classic.

Seen at Silverstone Classic...............

(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa64/jjkt15/IMG_1440.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on July 28, 2008, 09:32:34 am
If the Commer becomes unservicable/repairable, how about another Brit' classic.
Seen at Silverstone Classic...............

Work computer won't let me see the piccy, but if it is of the Austin Paralanian that was near us on the Litchlake campsite, then Mr Z should take heed and provide some TLC to the Commer.  Lovely piece of kit, complete with canvas awning and windbreak and period bits inside.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on July 28, 2008, 11:01:51 am
Whilst lounging on a sunbed for the last 2 weeks in Greece I had taken a fair selection of motoring magazines to pass the time of day, could not believe it but on page 187 of Classic and Sports Car there's a photo of a Green Commer in the main sqaure at Sees on route it says to the Classic,  could it be the one and only ??? Andy if you want will scan in the photo and mail it to you.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 28, 2008, 12:59:25 pm
Nice pick Leftie, and Mark's correct, it's an Austin Paralanian. They're a beautiful bit of kit, worth thousands in that nick. To be honest though, I've never really fancied a coachbuilt camper, prefer the pop-top thing I guess. Having said that, some of them were a work of joiner's art. They were mainly built on a pick-up chassis and this is what they look like underneath if you strip off the ali bodywork. Wouldn't want to be in the back though, pouring a cuppa or frying chips, if it went and rolled over on the M6!

(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p331/william1boy/DSCF0664.jpg)

(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p331/william1boy/DSCF0656.jpg)

Jules thanks, yes that's my Commer on page 187, a mate gave me a copy of the mag the other week. The photo wasn't taken at the Classic though, as I have only ever been to that by Subaru! I think it was taken on the sunday after the 24 hours, either from 04 or 05.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on July 28, 2008, 01:23:08 pm


Jules thanks, yes that's my Commer on page 187, a mate gave me a copy of the mag the other week. The photo wasn't taken at the Classic though, as I have only ever been to that by Subaru! I think it was taken on the sunday after the 24 hours, either from 04 or 05.

As a matter of interest Andy.

 Does either the Photographer or the magazine have to ask your permission before they publish the pic of the Commer?


 If so, do you get a cut of the royalyies?

 I reckon, that in the times we live in, a publshed photo of your property, especially in a place that you might not want some people know you were, could be seen as an invasion of privacy.

 Just a thought


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 28, 2008, 03:31:35 pm
Gosh I hope so

Garys Frogeye is in Classic Cars mag almost every month

and Lara seems to make it in there every three or four months

must be worth a few cold ones at LM next year (if...) at least

Somehow I doubt I'll get even one freeby in the name of CC...

 :(

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on July 30, 2008, 01:01:36 am
And this from Classic cars Magazine about 2004-ish, the year that Tiff Nidell (sp?) popped in for a chat.
You can see the that Perdu fella sitting there with the white (CA shirt).

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2715369182_34e2ecacd1_o.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 30, 2008, 01:11:44 pm
Much as we enjoyed the leafy glades that year, on reflection I could also have enjoyed being in the lower picture on that page, watching the "sixties beauty pageant"

2004 was the year we were first assisited in the gentle art of site saving by Sir Steve Brown the pyromoderator of this fine discussion club

Thanks again mate!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on July 30, 2008, 03:50:03 pm
Was that the year you hand painted the Porker Bill?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 30, 2008, 10:23:27 pm
If you mean this year Bob

2005

another fine vintage year in the sun

104º at trackside for the podium ceremony that year

And our own Winsome Welshman John decided to decorate the Porkie as a celebration


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on July 30, 2008, 10:37:26 pm
If you mean this year Bob

2005

another fine vintage year in the sun

104º at trackside for the podium ceremony that year

And our own Winsome Welshman John decided to decorate the Porkie as a celebration

That's one sheepsha**er that really needs to sort his vision of colourful graffics. you can tell John this comment is from another Taffy.

Was he suffering from the effects of the dreaded liquid?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on July 30, 2008, 10:48:50 pm
Wee John is the small ish chap at the rear of the car chatting to me (who isnt the small ish chap...)

The artist isn't on that picture

the beer bottle in service is!


and Stu was following his dream...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 22, 2008, 07:46:15 pm
It seems they're going up in value. Here's a nice clean one for sale, and priced about right I'd say. So what price now the Zarsevan? Some years ago (2004) on this thread I was mocked for suggesting a Commer was a sound investment. Guess who's laughing now...

http://www.sunsetcampers.co.uk/1971-commer.php


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on September 25, 2008, 10:08:51 pm
One for Rex here, just imagine all the piano's and other junk you could take to Le Mans or even Goodwood.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMMER-PB-LUTTON-VAN_W0QQitemZ270279554394QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270279554394&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

(http://i20.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/0f/1d/9b35_1.JPG) (http://i16.ebayimg.com/03/i/001/0f/1d/c7b1_1.JPG)

(http://i23.ebayimg.com/04/i/001/0f/1e/1a0b_1.JPG) (http://i17.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/0f/1e/4239_1.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 27, 2008, 08:19:44 pm
Here's a Communist Commer (a Barkus) destoying a Merc S600 Brabus.  :D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=izo2RmYtTBE


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 29, 2008, 09:11:19 pm
Here's a Communist Commer (a Barkus) destoying a Merc S600 Brabus.  :D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=izo2RmYtTBE


Nice ;D 

I got home yesterday evening from our local village fete where I'd been running the dg show bit, I'd be a liar if I said it was a completely shandy-free event. I noticed the Commer had gone. Completely vanished. At first I thought it had been stolen or run off or whatever but eventually realised I'd said Chris could borrow it for a sleepover 30th birthday party. I guess she'll be back when she's ready.

So, as we haven't heard what's happened to THE Commer since 6 July, at the risk starting an outcry, what has happened to THE Commer  ???

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on October 29, 2008, 09:56:20 pm
I hope she's not been buried under a patio. :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 31, 2008, 12:06:57 am
I hope she's not been buried under a patio. :o

More likely to be the other way around having buried her uncaring owner under a patio......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 31, 2008, 01:16:57 pm
Now now!  ;)

The Commer resides in her usual spot in the long grass at Zarse Towers. However, on wednesday I have secured a nice indoor barn for her to spend the winter, where she'll be cooped up safe and sound next to a Dax Cobra and an XK140. I will then be able to fettle her ready for sale, probably to be knocked through the auction ring, following which, no doubt, the scrapman's cutting torch awaits the old girl.  >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 31, 2008, 08:11:40 pm
How pleasing and comforting it is to hear that she resides back in your tender loving care......

It'll be interesting in the spring when you open the doors to find that she has been busily tinkering away during the winter nights and swopped a V8 from the Dax ,or the straight six from the XK, for the good old 4-pot....


MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on October 31, 2008, 08:51:11 pm
Now now!  ;)

The Commer resides in her usual spot in the long grass at Zarse Towers. However, on wednesday I have secured a nice indoor barn for her to spend the winter, where she'll be cooped up safe and sound next to a Dax Cobra and an XK140. I will then be able to fettle her ready for sale, probably to be knocked through the auction ring, following which, no doubt, the scrapman's cutting torch awaits the old girl.  >:D

Andy which auction are you going to use - (http://www.christies.com/images/christies.gif) or (http://www.bonhams.com/images/BonLogoGrey.jpg),

something fitting her status I hope


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on November 02, 2008, 04:29:29 am
I had a chat with the Commer last nite while watering the grass that threatens to engulf her undercarridge. (Halloween at Zarse Towers was a hoot!)
She is more than happy with her soon to be new bedroom and likes her room mates.
No further secrets were disclosed but she appeared to be sniggering quietly in the darkness as I walked away. Bless Her ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 03, 2008, 12:19:06 pm
I guess this all depends on me being arsed to get her started and rolling again.  :(

I didn't even dig her out for her annual run round Handcross during the London-Brighton which rattled through the village yesterday, possibly cos i was still suffering the terrible after-effects of the Halloween Party on friday.


The Gimp and a familiar friend; for those who've never seen it, this is what he looks like under that mask...

(http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v348/95/60/554047587/n554047587_1580631_6241.jpg)

Mrs Zarse has no idea what's behind her...

(http://photos-587.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v348/95/60/554047587/n554047587_1580657_2959.jpg)

And Chris Z being told off again by his missus for over-stepping the bounds of taste and decency...

(http://photos-587.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v348/95/60/554047587/n554047587_1580665_5258.jpg)

That Gimp's an imposter! The eye's give it away, very New Forrest I reckon...

(http://photos-587.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v348/95/60/554047587/n554047587_1580652_1606.jpg)






Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on November 03, 2008, 02:56:10 pm
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/101-LAND-ROVER-101-OVERLANDER-CAMPER_W0QQitemZ120324407518QQihZ002QQcategoryZ29748QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: DelBoy on November 03, 2008, 04:56:44 pm
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/101-LAND-ROVER-101-OVERLANDER-CAMPER_W0QQitemZ120324407518QQihZ002QQcategoryZ29748QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Engine's a bit on the small side   :P :P

Del


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 10, 2009, 11:12:04 pm
With all the appalling weather we have had recently, juxtaposed by the anticipation of a mass CA 2009 encampment that shall be called Bleu Nord, a mental picture emerged of the Commer sitting regally amidst the carnage.  And then I realised that it has been some while now - a shade over 3 months - since we have heard anything from her custodian about how the mighty Commer was faring.  I hope that she is well .....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on February 10, 2009, 11:15:35 pm
With all the appalling weather we have had recently, juxtaposed by the anticipation of a mass CA 2009 encampment that shall be called Bleu Nord, a mental picture emerged of the Commer sitting regally amidst the carnage.  And then I realised that it has been some while now - a shade over 3 months - since we have heard anything from her custodian about how the mighty Commer was faring.  I hope that she is well .....

MG Mark
So pleasantly worded.
Zarse... remove ones finger from wherever it may be residing and put those plans we discussed into action.
Thats an order!
PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 11, 2009, 01:35:05 pm
To tell the truth gents, recently I've been ignoring the wretched vehicle's very existence. It's sat outside as usual, though not in long grass, it's paint peeling and rubber perishing. It won't start as the battery's flat. The back brakes only work on one side, causing me to apply considerable countersteer when braking. It's also leaking like a sieve and is full of mildew. I last drove it the week before xmas when I moved house, we tow started it with my brother's Discovery. I'm not sure i can be bothered with any more.  :(

We'll have to see if my mood changes in spring, but if not I'll have it towed away.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on February 11, 2009, 09:37:11 pm
Go on!!! BN is calling out for the commer  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 11, 2009, 09:38:11 pm
Oh dear.  And with such a grand gathering of CAers on BN this year....

But, I think we have been here before a few times before dealing with this dispiriting approach - pages 123 and 124 of the thread concerning last year's attendance are relevant, along with Marius's reference therein, which takes one all the way back to page 1 of this epic thread and is particularly enlightening, betraying just how far Mr Z has fallen.  After all the threats about the curse of the Commer being visited upon infidel unbelievers, I am surprised that Mr Z is exposing himself to such danger, in such a cavalier fashion.....

Lord PP, you alluded to plans discussed previously with Mr Z and exhorted him to take action - would you care to elaborate on the plans for the benefit of our readers?

MG Mark



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kpy on February 11, 2009, 10:14:02 pm
Go on!!! BN is calling out for the commer  :o
Bearing in mind what Andy went through last year, shouldn't that be BIN is caling out for the Commer?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on February 11, 2009, 10:39:01 pm
Lord PP, you alluded to plans discussed previously with Mr Z and exhorted him to take action - would you care to elaborate on the plans for the benefit of our readers?

MG Mark

I would love to disclose details of the plans myself and Mr Z discussed over several measures of Harveys but I'm afraid that it may incur the wrath of the Commer and The Gimp.
If I told you I would have to kill you... and thats not really very nice, is it. ;D
I shall let Mr Z take this further.....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 12, 2009, 10:21:09 pm
I would love to disclose details of the plans myself and Mr Z discussed over several measures of Harveys but I'm afraid that it may incur the wrath of the Commer and The Gimp.
If I told you I would have to kill you... and thats not really very nice, is it. ;D
I shall let Mr Z take this further.....

Wise and temperate words indeed, one would not wish to tempt fate.  Mr Z is probably doing that enough already....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 12, 2009, 11:11:24 pm
She's looking a bit down at heel just now but here's what she looked like when new. it's hard to imagine a druken Gimp peeing in the sink all over the washing up, but that's what happens.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb50/studiocommer/articles/wanderer2.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on February 12, 2009, 11:20:14 pm
Is that 54 or 34 seconds to 60 ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on February 12, 2009, 11:25:13 pm
Is that 54 or 34 seconds to 60 ???

quicker to boil the kettle!

Hang on , wash my mouth out. - What am I saying.



It is quicker to drink a bottle of Kronenberg 1664!  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on February 12, 2009, 11:28:22 pm
She is a beauty, The  0 - 60 is most impressive.
Should you decide to have her "towed away".. then she will be towed to my barn and reside in elderly slumber with my VW. They can chat about the old days, when they were loved and cherished and when a man put his hand under the leaky bits.
PP :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on February 12, 2009, 11:39:41 pm
 it's hard to imagine a druken Gimp peeing in the sink all over the washing up, but that's what happens.

One could not Imagine him doing that ..... but FFS... in the best wisdom of British promo material of the era why did they say that tall people struggle to see out of the cab and then show a giant  behind the wheel in the pictures?.
As some of the young ladies I know now say..... derrrrr... mmmm


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 13, 2009, 12:33:20 am
What a marvellous turn of phrase, "without bringing too much fuss and commotion from the engine".....and the prices in £sd...

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on February 13, 2009, 01:05:06 am
One needs three hands to choke it.... as read in the original lit. supplied by Mr Z. :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 13, 2009, 09:44:33 am
Here's the rest of the article. I like the idea of the optional fridge, which I don't have. All the lovely original cabinets had been stripped out by the time I got her and some nasty homemade ones installed, which are at least functional. Gone too is the 8 gallon water tank and Whale footpump, it would be useful for rinsing weewee off the Royal Worcester teacups sat in the sink. Personally I'm not convinced keeping the calor gas cyl in the same cupboard as the battery is such a wise idea.  ???

That Goliath man shown driving must be fully seven feet tall, and looks suspiciously like my old headmaster Bengo who was a complete freak of nature. I've no complaints about visibility other than alcohol-induced giraffes and other weird hallucinations that look back at you as you glance in the wing mirror for a last look at the disappearng Scots pines at Tetre Rouge.

Anyway I thought it was all quite interesting in it's own sweet way.

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb50/studiocommer/articles/wanderer1.jpg)

(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb50/studiocommer/articles/wanderer3.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on February 13, 2009, 06:45:41 pm
Maybe we should give the old girl a Viking funeral on BN  ;D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on February 13, 2009, 09:48:54 pm
Maybe we should give the old girl a Viking funeral on BN ;D

Now that sounds like a good plan ;D Give some of a chance to see her in the flesh.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on February 14, 2009, 07:50:42 am
Commer wanderer - does that refer in any way to the vagueness of the steering?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 21, 2009, 11:55:55 pm
The good Mr Zarse appears to be truly unresponsive this year to pleas for resurrecting the Commer from her slumbers for this year's Le Mans http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0 (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0).  I seem to remember that he was particularly recalcitrant before finally deciding that she should go last year.  This year, he appears to have finally given up any semblance of commitment probably with a view to transporting himself there in some devilish rice-burner or something similar. 

So, although ignoring the title of the thread in terms of a truly relevant post, perhaps the time has come to use the thread as the opportunity to share examples of truly, truly, utterly crap cars that he should be cursed with, given that he has resorted to wanton abandonment of the magnificent Commer.  Shall we start with this one?

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/austin-allegro-vp.jpg)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 22, 2009, 03:47:20 pm
.... a Dutch masterpiece, the Daf 33

(http://www.delest.nl/media/img/DCP_0816.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 22, 2009, 04:02:58 pm
Is this Houx Annex in the early days? -

(http://www.dberridge.plus.com/Babes/MaxiCamping.JPG)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/F170/oohmatron-1.jpg) Is that a young Bob U in the pic (if so, guess which one?)

Ah the good ol Maxi - in that great British Racing Beige colour


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 22, 2009, 04:53:40 pm
Ah, the good old days of HA.


Crap cars? Oh yes, I had one of these, and what a pile of sh*t it really was. Any hint of moisture in the air and tha bastard thing didn't want to know. It would cut out if I drove through a puddle. WD40? I used to buy it by the crate. A truly awful car although I believe the Mexico was a bit special.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on April 22, 2009, 04:55:13 pm
Well seeing MGMark's posting of the mighty Allegro, the boys over at Allegro Motorsport take their trips to Le Mans very seriously.

http://www.freewebs.com/allegromotorsport



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: lynxd67 on April 22, 2009, 05:06:45 pm
My first company car was a wonderful Morris Marina "coupé" - read two door saloon. Wipers that were set up for left hand drive, 1275cc of sheer unadulterated flab and wonder of wonders, drum brakes with no servo. I went into the back of the van in front after one day, arse off the seat and braking like a good'un. Even worse, I had a replacement two years later in BL beige vomit, this time with a servo and it took 50 yds for the gearbox to seize completely - I hadn't even got out of the car park!  Long may they perish!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2009, 09:08:14 pm
Well seeing MGMark's posting of the mighty Allegro, the boys over at Allegro Motorsport take their trips to Le Mans very seriously.

http://www.freewebs.com/allegromotorsport


Far be it from me to cast judgement, and certainly no offence intended to Allegro Motorsport - those portrayed are, indeed, fine machines and are being given the right level of usage and exposure - the one I posted was the VDP version, which was trying rather unsuccessfully to be a high class limousine for the rich and famous.....

No, i think that this is what the dastardly Mr Z chap needs - a stretched Limo Trabant which will have him begging for the Commer.....

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/Trabant.jpg)

MG Mark
 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 23, 2009, 09:18:08 pm
The good Mr Zarse appears to be truly unresponsive this year to pleas for resurrecting the Commer from her slumbers for this year's Le Mans http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0 (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0).  I seem to remember that he was particularly recalcitrant before finally deciding that she should go last year.  This year, he appears to have finally given up any semblance of commitment probably with a view to transporting himself there in some devilish rice-burner or something similar. 

So, although ignoring the title of the thread in terms of a truly relevant post, perhaps the time has come to use the thread as the opportunity to share examples of truly, truly, utterly crap cars that he should be cursed with, given that he has resorted to wanton abandonment of the magnificent Commer.  Shall we start with this one?

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/austin-allegro-vp.jpg)

MG Mark

Mark, I guess the time has regrettably come to consider answering the question you posed in the first post of this now-beloved thread. I am afraid the date with destiny has arrived, and i can finally reveal that the answer of what will be the eponymous "Modern Replacement" is one of these;

(http://www.euronetcar.com/vito.jpg)

I'm not saying she won't be back one day, but I gave her a once over the other week and my heart sank at the list of dirty filthy jobs that would need doing to make such a trip practicable.

So there's no going back this year, but let us see what the future holds. I lament the passing of an era, but really I can't be bothered to do anything about it compared to the airconned turbocharged economical comfort of the Merc.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on April 23, 2009, 09:18:36 pm
Wow, that is a very classy Trabant extension...

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2009, 11:33:29 pm
Wow, that is a very classy Trabant extension...

>Martini...LB

Indeed, one would have thought it unique, but it seems to have been quite a popular pastime....

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/_42602137_bernie_kaval_416.jpg)

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/_42601055_peter_burnage_416.jpg)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 23, 2009, 11:55:27 pm
The good Mr Zarse appears to be truly unresponsive this year to pleas for resurrecting the Commer from her slumbers for this year's Le Mans http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0 (http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9530.0).  I seem to remember that he was particularly recalcitrant before finally deciding that she should go last year.  This year, he appears to have finally given up any semblance of commitment probably with a view to transporting himself there in some devilish rice-burner or something similar. 

So, although ignoring the title of the thread in terms of a truly relevant post, perhaps the time has come to use the thread as the opportunity to share examples of truly, truly, utterly crap cars that he should be cursed with, given that he has resorted to wanton abandonment of the magnificent Commer.  Shall we start with this one?

MG Mark

Mark, I guess the time has regrettably come to consider answering the question you posed in the first post of this now-beloved thread. I am afraid the date with destiny has arrived, and i can finally reveal that the answer of what will be the eponymous "Modern Replacement" is one of these;

(http://www.euronetcar.com/vito.jpg)
I'm not saying she won't be back one day, but I gave her a once over the other week and my heart sank at the list of dirty filthy jobs that would need doing to make such a trip practicable.

So there's no going back this year, but let us see what the future holds. I lament the passing of an era, but really I can't be bothered to do anything about it compared to the airconned turbocharged economical comfort of the Merc.

Andy,

I take from this a small glimmer of hope that the list of jobs and condition is simply too much to contemplate in the time remaining before the annual jaunt to La Sarthe this year, and that you will return to her, at some point (in the not too distant future...) to reinstate her to some semblance of former glory.  The replacement is, at least, not a rice-burner, but for goodness sake, a Mercedes Jolly Bongo Surf Friendee Vito?  One of these would have been preferable...

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/_42603377_trabantbulgaria.jpg)

In the meantime, I shall remember your mighty steed as she was, outside the front of the Mess at Marham, but as I can't find a picture of that (I know I've got it somewhere...), you'll have to make do with this instead......

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/trabantOvergrowth.gif)

I shall continue to post encouraging hints as to more acceptable modes of alternative transport until you return her to the road....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 24, 2009, 03:09:03 am
Oh Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz........ Andy there should be enough room in there for atleast adouble bed. No standing head room and the kitchen sink will hve to stay home :) :) The lads will have to bunk on the ground like the me ;D
Mark glad to hear you intend to keep this entertaining thread.
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 24, 2009, 09:05:16 am
Andy - as you have decide not to take the Commer this year and are now talking about a Mercedes Benz (was it the taste of style and comfort on your Virgin flight to Sebring this year I wonder?)

So what about something else, would also help you to blend in .

(http://i.ebayimg.com/03/!BP(ib6g!Wk~$(KGrHgoH-DcEkJw2KwwWBJzSz7bFsw~~_12.JPG) (on ebay now as well)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 24, 2009, 09:25:22 am
The good Mr Zarse appears to be truly unresponsive this year to pleas for resurrecting the Commer from her k


I shall remember your mighty steed as she was, outside the front of the Mess at Marham, but as I can't find a picture of that (I know I've got it somewhere...),


You will find the picture on the July page of the 2008 CA calender


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 24, 2009, 09:32:10 am
The good Mr Zarse appears to be truly unresponsive this year to pleas for resurrecting the Commer from her k

I shall remember your mighty steed as she was, outside the front of the Mess at Marham, but as I can't find a picture of that (I know I've got it somewhere...),


You will find the picture on the July page of the 2008 CA calender


And here too. Halcyon days...


(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/andyzarse/rafoffmess1.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 24, 2009, 10:47:49 am

Here's one with Alastair Sim at the wheel

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1317/827412993_adb0d77179_o.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on April 24, 2009, 03:13:10 pm
The very epitome of refinement and understated class

Andy, if  you are only leaving the lady behind because I'm doing Dover Boulogne this year (a natural cause of worry I realise) should I dart to Le Havre to await your arrival with the Small Green Tow Truck?

Actually I rather  think the old girl deserves a refurbishment and a rewakening for next year, maybe with a nice chunky Vauxhall Red Top power unit in place of the "Dear old Rooteses" one, Five speed Getrag gearbox too...

Mark I simply dont know how Steve and youself find those gems of fotograficallitty

A papier mache bodied Jitney, I love it.

 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 24, 2009, 04:22:16 pm

Mark I simply dont know how Steve and youself find those gems of fotograficallitty


Bill, easy in my case as I took the photo.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on April 24, 2009, 05:58:49 pm
I did mention to Jo that the Commer might be in need of a new home, and a light restoration.
At which point she reached over my shoulder and typed 'divorce lawyers' into Google.
I will take the hint.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on April 24, 2009, 07:24:19 pm
How about we all turn up "Armish-like" tooled up with bucket, spade, derusting-filling, oiling type thingies and we resurect the Commer in a barnlike manner. accompanied by the quiet singing of slave songs, while in the background, our womenfolk prepaire the post commer resurection feast.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on April 24, 2009, 07:25:46 pm
Alternatively, there is this


(http://www.mark-ju.net/images/chinese_truck.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on April 25, 2009, 03:08:09 pm
How about we all turn up "Armish-like" tooled up with bucket, spade, derusting-filling, oiling type thingies and we resurect the Commer in a barnlike manner. accompanied by the quiet singing of slave songs, while in the background, our womenfolk prepaire the post commer resurection feast.

Lois?
Gwyn?

whatever he's on, I need some



 ;D

bill


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 29, 2009, 09:33:26 am
found on Ebay, see Andy - see yours is not that bad.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/04/!BR,r5b!!2k~$(KGrHgoOKi8EjlLmZdNYBJ93(cnwj!~~_1.JPG)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMMER-WANDERER-CLASSIC-CAMPER-1973-HISTORIC-VEHICLE_W0QQitemZ110383348391QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes?hash=item110383348391&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A10|39%3A1|240%3A1318


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 29, 2009, 01:14:55 am
Update - how is the old lady?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 29, 2009, 02:59:32 pm
Do tell,please Andy.
We have not heard of the "old bird" lately.
Being that you are not taking her.
What are you taking?Will it be enough to support "The Gimp" for his now infamous arrival.

I hope "The Gimp" is feeling better.
Oh by the way. I like bbq pork cracklins !
They are a 12hrs Sebring staple.

Randy


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 29, 2009, 09:27:26 pm
Don't worry huys she's fine.  :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 29, 2009, 11:47:54 pm
Don't worry huys she's fine.  :)

MOT'd?........

Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on May 30, 2009, 01:18:31 am

Lois?
Gwyn?

whatever he's on, I need some
 ;D
bill

So far today a bottle of Caberney and 4 double Grouses plus the two pints of ale at lunch time.
Apparently I have exceded my healthy alocation for the week. But this is daily consumption due to relaxation and the stresses of no work. (one of the reasons why no LM this year for me) Too much Stress! ;D

When I told my Doc', he wanted to join CA.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 30, 2009, 01:26:18 am
Don't worry huys she's fine.  :)

MOT'd?........

Mark
Still got T&T and insurance. For another few days...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 03, 2009, 11:22:27 pm
And then you'll be renewing it?.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 03, 2009, 11:42:33 pm
Don't worry huys she's fine.  :)

MOT'd?........

Mark
Still got T&T and insurance. For another few days...
I saw her the other day (over the fence) and she was looking suitably relaxed. While Andy and I had a detox stroll around the estate after Germany, she could be heard chortling to herself.
I think she is pleased that she has a years release from the punishment she had to endure due to organ lining failure while hauling massive ammounts of baggage and wee spilling men in masks.
As we returned from our stroll around the boundry's of Zarse Towers, I noticed that she rocked gently in appreciation.
Long live the Commer.
PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: jpchenet on June 04, 2009, 01:09:05 am
I look forward to seeing The Commer and The Popemobile side by side at Le Mans 2010!!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 08, 2009, 01:41:14 pm
I was suffering pangs of guilt over the weekend. So I dug her out of hibernation and fired her up for the first time this year. I charged the battery up, put some fresh petrol in her and hit the starter button. Once the fuel was through the system she fired up instantly and settled into a lovely smooth idle. I've rarely heard her run nicer. Slotting her into first gear I drove her round the front of the house onto the driveway. It was a "Let's go dad!" moment, she was raring to roar off down the road, she know's it's LM time...

There then ensued a very difficult and emotional conversation whereby I explained that she wouldn't be Sarthe bound this year. As you would expect, she was very upset but being such a magnificent vehicle she retained her dignity and didn't argue. I parked her up next to an old wall under some lovely hanging baskets and promised to give her a wash tonight. As I walked away I glanced back, and I'm sure I saw a solitary tear well up and roll out of her Lucas sealed beam headlight, running down her cheek and dripping gently onto the gravel below. I feel like I'm being a real sh*t to a lovely loyal lady.  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 08, 2009, 01:55:46 pm
What a load of sentimental claptrap. You're obviosley been on the pop again Zarse ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 08, 2009, 01:58:03 pm
You hurtfull bastard Zarse!  :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 08, 2009, 02:13:32 pm
What a load of sentimental claptrap. You're obviosley been on the pop again Zarse ::)

Not at all, I've hardly touched a drop since Germany. Sentimental yes, but what would you do if it had been your Commer huh? Answer me that wiseguy!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 08, 2009, 02:52:32 pm
You hurtfull bastard Zarse!  :o


I agree, she gave you her the best years of her life.

She brought a smiles to your face, made you cry, made you swear and curse.

But she was still there when you needed her, she let you sleep deep in her welcome warm bosom, even when you have one to many sherbets and found it hard to find the door. (Don’t mention the sink)

She helped you make to make a grand entrance to Le Mans; she even posed suggestively for you in the improved Le Mans posters.

And this is how you repay…………………………………………. Shame on you.

All I can say is,

You complete and utter bastard …………………………... ;)

(but she will forgive you if you do give her that full body wash, and tell her how next year your take her to Le Mans and she’ll me her new mate, even if he is a bit religious – the popemobile.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on June 08, 2009, 02:56:57 pm
http://www.gwbridges.co.uk/ (http://www.gwbridges.co.uk/)

Its time


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on June 08, 2009, 03:07:49 pm

I feel like I'm being a real sh*t to a lovely loyal lady.  :(


That's because you are! 

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 08, 2009, 03:21:29 pm
What a load of sentimental claptrap. You're obviosley been on the pop again Zarse ::)

Not at all, I've hardly touched a drop since Germany. Sentimental yes, but what would you do if it had been your Commer huh? Answer me that wiseguy!

What would I do? I'll tell you what I'd do, I'd get rid of the pile of rusting junk and buy myself a Land Rover Discovery. That way I wouldn't have to be dragged onto a campsite at 2am looking like a disobediant puppy that hadn't been leash trained.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 08, 2009, 04:00:02 pm
What a load of sentimental claptrap. You're obviosley been on the pop again Zarse ::)

Not at all, I've hardly touched a drop since Germany. Sentimental yes, but what would you do if it had been your Commer huh? Answer me that wiseguy!

What would I do? I'll tell you what I'd do, I'd get rid of the pile of rusting junk and buy myself a Land Rover Discovery. That way I wouldn't have to be dragged onto a campsite at 2am looking like a disobediant puppy that hadn't been leash trained.

That's brave, to risk the curse.
She might not be going, but she will be listening.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 21, 2009, 11:11:22 pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00kwf9y/Punt_PI_Series_2_Episode_2/

Steve Punt's saturday radio show Punt PI last week featured TV detector vans. About five minutes in he interviews Mr Commer Van himself Martin Maltas. Worth a listen if you've half an hour spare and so inclined.

Martin is a great guy, on more than one occasion he's got me out of jail and to LM by sending spare parts when no others were available and providing invaluable advice. I'm pleased to say I'm providing him with an entire heater system for the only Commer TV detector in the world.

Edited to say the bloody thing's been removed form the Iplayer... :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 22, 2009, 12:22:35 pm
I look forward to seeing The Commer and The Popemobile side by side at Le Mans 2010!!!!
It will be quite a sight, believe me!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 25, 2009, 11:20:39 pm
Chris has a long lost little Brother!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 26, 2009, 01:08:33 am
It said on the news Michael Jackson's been found collapsed in a Commer. I know how he feels...  >:(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on June 26, 2009, 02:19:54 am
It said on the news Michael Jackson's been found collapsed in a Commer. I know how he feels...  >:(
His last appearance before his collapse in a Commer. He looks a little poorly!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 26, 2009, 11:24:57 am
You bastard!



Mind you I have to say Hayley's a dab hand with the make up. Even I fancy me...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 28, 2009, 07:49:44 am

Mind you I have to say Hayley's a dab hand with the make up. Even I fancy me...

you're probably the only one......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 28, 2009, 10:36:53 am

Mind you I have to say Hayley's a dab hand with the make up. Even I fancy me...

you're probably the only one......

MG Mark

Nonsense!

(http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs117.snc1/5176_119997696437_540801437_3389895_2088951_n.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 29, 2009, 11:16:32 pm

Mind you I have to say Hayley's a dab hand with the make up. Even I fancy me...
you're probably the only one......
MG Mark
Nonsense!

hmmm - hardly conclusive evidence given the "fancier"....... good equality and diversity pose though, with the fag in hand on thigh and village people hat....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 26, 2009, 10:26:12 am
I've been thinking further about a replacement. My initial idea was something along these lines...



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 26, 2009, 10:29:56 am

But this is what I've settled on.

Pick her up from Tadworth tonight  :) she's (another) beauty. 1948 Petrol/TVO Ferguson TEA20, her engine sounds so sweet and smells lovely running on a petrol/kerosene mixture.







Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: chop456 on August 26, 2009, 12:45:14 pm
Nice!  Congrats.

My wife's grandfather had a 1948 Ferguson (painted powder blue).  Almost killed myself with it dragging tree stumps out of the woods.  It was about 50 years old at the time and still dangerous in the hands of an idiot.  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on August 26, 2009, 01:36:28 pm

But this is what I've settled on.

Pick her up from Tadworth tonight  :) she's (another) beauty. 1948 Petrol/TVO Ferguson TEA20, her engine sounds so sweet and smells lovely running on a petrol/kerosene mixture.







Wow - and you moaned on how long the Commer took to get to Le Mans!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on August 26, 2009, 02:12:39 pm
How about a 4 x 4 Maestro Van?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27366531@N03/3843181431/in/pool-827441@N23


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 26, 2009, 03:27:19 pm

But this is what I've settled on.

Pick her up from Tadworth tonight  :) she's (another) beauty. 1948 Petrol/TVO Ferguson TEA20, her engine sounds so sweet and smells lovely running on a petrol/kerosene mixture.







Wow - and you moaned on how long the Commer took to get to Le Mans!

Neil you're taking the meaning of "replacement" too lierally. In this context it means replacing the Commer in my affections, regretably I've gone off her a bit recently.  Oh the joys of new love  :angel: :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 26, 2009, 03:28:30 pm
Nice!  Congrats.

My wife's grandfather had a 1948 Ferguson (painted powder blue).  Almost killed myself with it dragging tree stumps out of the woods.  It was about 50 years old at the time and still dangerous in the hands of an idiot.  ;D

Any photos Chop?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on August 26, 2009, 05:14:41 pm
Here's someone using old tree stumps to get themselves out of the s**t

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnRRGW6z3UQ


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on August 26, 2009, 06:23:54 pm

But this is what I've settled on.

Pick her up from Tadworth tonight  :) she's (another) beauty. 1948 Petrol/TVO Ferguson TEA20, her engine sounds so sweet and smells lovely running on a petrol/kerosene mixture.


Andy,

That is a very cool bit of kit.  I do believe I may have turned a little green with envy.  I will only have a John Deere sub compact when I go back to NZ.  It's just not in the same league. 

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on August 26, 2009, 06:57:02 pm
Nice!  Congrats.
... and still dangerous in the hands of an idiot.  ;D

Any photos Chop?

Why would you want pictures of an idiot? ....

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on August 27, 2009, 12:39:16 am

But this is what I've settled on.

Pick her up from Tadworth tonight  :) she's (another) beauty. 1948 Petrol/TVO Ferguson TEA20, her engine sounds so sweet and smells lovely running on a petrol/kerosene mixture.







Stonking - Now we can have a race round your garden on Goodwood Weekend - Mower vs. Tractor - what could possibly go wrong?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 27, 2009, 09:44:40 pm
No. I think it would be more amusing to have a tractor v Commer race when we're all pissed. The tractor has no lights, what could go wrong?  >:D



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on August 27, 2009, 09:47:44 pm
You heartless bastard. You've wheeled the Commer out to see your new plaything. What about her feelings?!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on August 27, 2009, 09:52:52 pm
You heartless bastard. You've wheeled the Commer out to see your new plaything. What about her feelings?!

What he said...........she'll get you, you know.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 27, 2009, 11:28:47 pm
They're getting on famously!  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on August 28, 2009, 12:01:21 am
i kinda like it in some strange way. way to much money on your hands tho  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on August 28, 2009, 09:54:51 am
oh no, the wife has just seen me looking at the pictures of a tractor on the internet.

I think she would have been happier if it was porn..................


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: chop456 on August 28, 2009, 12:39:43 pm
Nice!  Congrats.

My wife's grandfather had a 1948 Ferguson (painted powder blue).  Almost killed myself with it dragging tree stumps out of the woods.  It was about 50 years old at the time and still dangerous in the hands of an idiot.  ;D

Any photos Chop?

None that I'm aware of offhand, but I'll ask the wife.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 28, 2009, 01:10:55 pm
i kinda like it in some strange way. way to much money on your hands tho  :D

Kev, that's because I don't waste it on Mk3 Astras!   ;)

Invest wisely young Skywalker, in solidly engineered vehicles that people will always have a need for. The Commer cost £320 in 2001 and has tripled in value in that time. The Fergie was £730 and IMO is better than money in the bank, if it's looked after will only go up.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 28, 2009, 01:11:48 pm
Nice!  Congrats.

My wife's grandfather had a 1948 Ferguson (painted powder blue).  Almost killed myself with it dragging tree stumps out of the woods.  It was about 50 years old at the time and still dangerous in the hands of an idiot.  ;D

Any photos Chop?

None that I'm aware of offhand, but I'll ask the wife.

Cool!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on August 30, 2009, 04:22:56 pm
i kinda like it in some strange way. way to much money on your hands tho  :D

Kev, that's because I don't waste it on Mk3 Astras!   ;)

Invest wisely young Skywalker, in solidly engineered vehicles that people will always have a need for. The Commer cost £320 in 2001 and has tripled in value in that time. The Fergie was £730 and IMO is better than money in the bank, if it's looked after will only go up.

a fool and his money are easily parted - hence i bought my 8th mk3 Astra  ::)

there both pritty things and Fergie reminds me of the war for some strange reason


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ade on September 07, 2009, 09:55:35 pm
Nice looking Fergie Andy. At lot better looking than my Father-in-Law's pair of Fergies.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on September 07, 2009, 10:02:18 pm
... pair of Fergies.


Can't believe I'm the first...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/shakespeares_sister/shakes3/fandb.png)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 07, 2009, 10:29:13 pm
Nice looking Fergie Andy. At lot better looking than my Father-in-Law's pair of Fergies.


Maybe mate, but I would absolutely kill for the set of headlights on the rusty one!

Less so the pair of headlights on the rusty one in Smokie's photos.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ade on September 07, 2009, 10:39:31 pm
The rusty one is the younger of the pair (1956 diesel), the other is a very early 1947 (serial no. TE 926) petrol (Continental Z120).

Ade


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on September 07, 2009, 11:57:59 pm
Jeepers, that's an early one.  :) Serial numbers started at 1 in 1946 and went up to 517651 when peoduction neded in 1956. So it's the 926th they made.

Mines is 38594, it's a 1948 TEA built as a petrol only engine, but had a period TVO conversion fitted at some time so runs on central heating burning oil blended with petrol (cheaper!).

Do you know the serial number of the diesel? It'll start TEF... I guess it's probably one of the very last they made before the 35 was introduced.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on September 08, 2009, 01:12:25 am
... pair of Fergies.


Can't believe I'm the first...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/shakespeares_sister/shakes3/fandb.png)

One of these >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on September 08, 2009, 01:15:58 am
... pair of Fergies.


Can't believe I'm the first...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/shakespeares_sister/shakes3/fandb.png)

Kev's new bird? or is that still a secret?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on September 08, 2009, 04:52:05 pm
I still get calls on a regular basis for engine parts for these tractors.
I can still get most of the internal engine parts for the gas or diesel.

Andy, you know far too much about these.
I would suggest some sort of hobby.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Ade on September 08, 2009, 09:36:32 pm
Do you know the serial number of the diesel? It'll start TEF... I guess it's probably one of the very last they made before the 35 was introduced.
Serial number for the diesel is TEF 505845.

Ade


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on September 09, 2009, 12:26:00 am
Banana Loader found.... and I dont think its a Banana Loader. Will peep through the hedge next time I am passing.
How odd does that sound ???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Leftie on September 09, 2009, 01:38:15 am
Seems we gone off thread here, but who cares?

Great to see those fergie pics including the sets of 'lungs' on the non metalic versions.

I used to drive a red 35 from the age of 12 progressing to a 65 at 14 and then a Fordson at 16 on my uncle's farm in the Black Mountains.

Prefered the 35 and if I can get a small farm/smallholding (yes we are thinking about it) I will get one.

Went to a Ploughing Match on BH, for this you really want a pair of 'Shires', hard work but satisfying and creates a need for rare BBQ steak. Trouble is, not very efficient speed wise.

This method of ploughing also helps the veg's and the roses ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 01, 2009, 04:59:18 pm
Look at this ad - from the New York Times of March 24 1912! It is amazing to look at how many companies were using Commers. And why didn’t these companies buy American trucks? In 1912, there were 461 registered truck brands in America. One of the greatest coincidences, in light of future developments is the fact that the Dodge Motor Company used Commers!

(http://www.commer.org.nz/Commer_Connections/EarlyAdverts_files/1912NYTCommeradvert.jpg)

I just find this quite amazing for the times. Do truck manufacturers give seven year guarantees today?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on October 01, 2009, 10:41:46 pm
And did Dodge progress on to using dilapidated grey farm implements too?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2009, 01:49:37 pm
Good old Swede mason....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GGc7KcvqtE


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: powermite on December 24, 2009, 10:12:46 am
thi is all you'll ever need Andy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/POSSIBLY-THE-ONLY-ONE-LIKE-THIS-IN-THE-WORLD_W0QQitemZ230404955785QQcategoryZ122195QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m8QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DMW%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D36%26po%3DLCA%26ps%3D4


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 24, 2009, 11:26:16 am
Wow PM, that's totally fantastic! I used to go to school in the exact Duple coach, the interior's the same and everything. I can still hear Geoff the driver telling us to "sit down you little c**ts". The  only difference was ours was based on a Bedford chassis and it had a rather classy pre-selector gearbox.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 24, 2009, 11:28:02 am
Oh and merry christmas one and all from The Commer  :angel:



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on December 24, 2009, 10:27:22 pm
Andy - great pic, does the tractor come with white wall tyres as standard?

As for the commer, think you may have to adapt it for next year so we can watch the football at Le Mans.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on December 30, 2009, 10:01:51 pm
A new additional one for Andy, would keep Rex on his toes.  ;D

Looks good as well.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 01, 2010, 11:49:03 pm
1st of March.  3 months and a bit to go.  Must be time to resurrect the now annual debate, particularly with all this talk of Cityrama buses on the "One for Mr Z - Which film" thread and the banter on the "Le Mans Popemobile" thread.  So where is the goddess of Commers and how is she?  And what excuses will the ne'er do well Mr Z have before he finally caves in after much swearing, threats, grazed knuckles and whisky chasers, before passing a fiver under the counter at Honest John's MOT emporium this year, to enable the old girl to once again grace the roads to La Sarthe in June as is her inalienable right?  ;D

MG Mark     


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 01, 2010, 11:54:16 pm
Well Mark, funny you should mention this.  :) She's in poor shape to be honest  :( but as soon as the WX takes a turn for the better then I fully intend tpo get her up and running and ready for the annual trek south. I really missed her at LM lat year. So providing I can get some spare time in between bi-weekly weekends in Holland, my trip to Barbados for the cricket, a business trip to South Africa, taking the pigs to slaughter, making sausages, and attending various other social and work engegements, I should have the old rascal up and running toute suite...

oh wait...  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 02, 2010, 12:04:56 am
I am delighted to see such optimism (if tinged slightly already by advance pessimism), as will the MGA to hear such news - she does get so excited by the thought of a reunion after their night together outside Marham Mess.  And I do appreciate the need to fit around the more routine and mundane things in life, but do sincerely hope that she will not be pressed into service to take pigs to slaughter. 

I am, however, slightly concerned by the "oh wait" sign off, as if presaging either the arrival of the Mr Hyde side of the character predicting dire woes and curses, or that you have discovered some ill-founded, bizarre, never-been-heard-of-before malady that afflicts her through wanton neglect?  Keep the faith and you know that she will repay you handsomely with tales of derring-do in travelling to La Sarthe and back, assisted as required by others (cue Lara).......

MG Mark         


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 02, 2010, 12:41:58 am
Thanks for the encouragement, and best regards to the A, she's a game old bird, so here's to a reunion in June.

I hadn't though about using the Commer to take the swine off for the chop, but what a good idea. I'd have to carefully remove the family of weasels who've taken residence under the bed. Three French partridges have been sleeping on the roof during the cold weather too and they've pecked some of the Hammerite paint off the screen peak which appears to have sent them insane. It's a right old menagery round here I can tell you.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 02, 2010, 10:55:20 pm
So, once again it appears that she hasn't been tucked up for the winter, safe from wildlife and vermin, in a "car cocoon".  And once again she will rise gamely to the challenge, even if you do seem to regard her as some 2CV equivalent to take "les cochons au marche"....  I predict a slight, but very discernible, red glow form the ignition lamp before you turn the key to attempt that first start of the year in the vain hope of avoiding the dreaded "click" of the starter solenoid, heralding a sub-optimal battery overcomin the demand form the coil to produce a spark as well as cranking the starter.  And that if you recharge it beforehand, the number of duff cells will outnumber the ones actually taking a charge. 

I have to say the MGA, game old bird that she is, outwitted me this year.  After treating her to a full front suspension rebuild, I was repaid for my diligence and care, not with with not the usual scenario above because the start was achieved beautifully, but after the first turn of the wheel off the drive and demanding throttle response, the rev limiter appeared at a mere 2000rpm, masquerading as a lazy SU fuel pump tick....
 
And I'd have a go at those gallic birds if I were you - I appreciate that they may be "origin francais", but don't they realise that an original screen peak is probably worth a mint?  Particularly with the period paint accesorization?

MG Mark       


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Russ on March 09, 2010, 03:00:17 am
I just logged on for the first time in about 3 years..... and I can't believe this thread is still going and still on the front page!!! I never did quite understand what it was about in the first place!!

Good effort guys and gals!!   ;D

..oh and won't be there this year.... I'm 11,000 miles away.

Laters...  :P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Pig-Pen on March 10, 2010, 01:12:33 am
Enough of all this florid banter... Is the Commer riding shotgun with the Bedford this June?
I hope she is.... that will slow all the flash fcukers down a bit!!

Zarse... a response is needed as bookings and plans need to be made!

PP


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 10, 2010, 10:38:24 pm
Enough of all this florid banter... Is the Commer riding shotgun with the Bedford this June?

I am trusting that this indicates the intent, even if it does get turned into reality at the eleventh hour....
 
...but as soon as the WX takes a turn for the better then I fully intend tpo get her up and running and ready for the annual trek south. I really missed her at LM lat year.... I should have the old rascal up and running toute suite...

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on March 16, 2010, 10:16:57 pm

Has Mr Zarse Started work on the Commer, just needs some girls hi on pot, wearing only their Afgan coats...and job done.




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 16, 2010, 03:21:15 am
A moth has gone by with no post to this thread. Surely with June fast aproaching it is time for an u date from Andy as to condition for this year trek.
 Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 17, 2010, 12:40:48 pm
(http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Animals/Butterflies/Black_moth.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 26, 2010, 08:51:33 pm
Andy - Any update on the Commer?

She must be due her cup of tea and for you to plump up her cushion, waking her gently from her winter rest and ready for that nice guy at the MOT centre.

Well?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 26, 2010, 09:55:29 pm
Andy - Any update on the Commer?

She must be due her cup of tea and for you to plump up cushion, waking her gently from her winter rest and ready for that nice guy at the MOT centre.

Well?

An update is needed, particularly as the Popemobile appears to now be road legal....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on April 26, 2010, 11:05:03 pm
Having spent the weekend at Mansion du Zarse, I can confirm the Commer is still there.

She smells musty, and looks a little rusty, but nothing that a little t-cut on the hammerite wouldn't correct.

I believe Andy was intending on getting started on Sunday and Monday, but someone called Jack appeared to have put pay to that - especially if my head was anything to go by.....



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 28, 2010, 12:10:27 am
Sounds like the usual annual crisis, clatter of bits, and cursing is brewing nicely.  Then a last-minute whisky and spanner session, and the old girl will be fettled and ready then....

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on April 28, 2010, 04:12:55 pm
Sounds like the usual annual crisis, clatter of bits, and cursing is brewing nicely.  Then a last-minute whisky and spanner session, and the old girl will be fettled and ready then....

MG Mark 

I can just picture the scene.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 28, 2010, 06:55:41 pm
Sounds like the usual annual crisis, clatter of bits, and cursing is brewing nicely.  Then a last-minute whisky and spanner session, and the old girl will be fettled and ready then....

MG Mark 

I can just picture the scene.

It won't be a pretty one....and moral support may well be needed to help the chap through the trauma....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 28, 2010, 11:26:50 pm
I will be making a full official statement in due course. Things are not quite as straighforward as a clean and polish...  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 29, 2010, 08:04:04 pm
When I was a teenager I once wrote to Jim’ll Fix It to ask Jim whether he could fix it for me to flog Joan Bakewell around the BBC2 studios, but for some reason my letter was never acknowledged. Fantasy is an odd business, if only in the sense that it rarely gets fulfilled. When you put your numbers down on the Euromillions lottery ticket you are not playing silly ego-games with yourself. That McLaren F1 and a Porsche Turbo for the missus are what you might call potential realities. I remember when my brother packed his bag in the Eighties and went off to sea, well, we never knew when he’d be back again. When he finally did show up nearly a year later it was approximately 4.48pm on a Saturday afternoon. He flung the door open just as my old granddad was studying the teleprinter. I was dumbstruck, yet the old boy just says “Shut it will ya, I’ve got two draws already!” I mean, how deep can you sink? No, a real fantasy involves so much more than realisable things. It’s the twisted dreams that are really the straightest.

So if and when that fairy Godmother ever appears to me I will make the following request. “I want unlimited access to the past and the future where and when I choose”. This is what true fantasy is all about and presents unlimited possibilities. Imagine the reaction of Cro-Magnon man to the brusque arrival of me and the Gimp in the Commer. Even better, imagine their delight after they’d thankfully shoved a flint axe through the Gimp’s leather helmet to stop his daft racket. But before I take you on a cosmic tour, I’d better reiterate I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the Commer, mainly because you can never love a vehicle properly if you know sod all about the way it functions. So every now and then you get the feeling that this lump of metal you’re working under is just being plain awkward, when really it’s you who is being plain dumb. I mean, you can’t argue with that Pirsig fellow when he says the big burst in modern mans’ bladder is that he can’t see much further than his own windscreen. And so it is, the nearside rear brake shoes are contaminated by fluid leaking from the slave cylinder which I repaired about six years ago. And I can neither get new seals or the ghastly little tool needed to extract the bastards, nor indeed the enthusiasm to do much about it except dream. So frankly, I have nothing left but my fantasy of time travel.

Bleary eyed I set off in the Commer down the A23 departing from Newhaven on the cosmic ferry and onto the roads of medieval France, thence to Agincourt. Henry V polishes his Bedford CA Dormobile the night before battle. I shade my eyes from the glint of the falling sun sparkling from the Solvol tin.
“Jesus” I exclaim, “I didn’t know they were so old?”
Henry says nothing.
“Got any rear brake seals and an extractor tool for a 1969 Commer mate?”
Still Henry says nothing.
“Look mate” I persist, “If you were engaged upon a track across the highways of the past and future and infinite dimensions and that, you might appreciate the difficulty in pulling up sharp without new brake seals. I fancy a chat with W O Bentley tomorrow so can you help me?”   
Henry pauses from his polishing and suggests I try the local Peugeot Talbot dealers. Funny guy. The search continues.

Next stop 1066. Harold pulls the arrow from his eye and burst into laughter at my metal companion. Funny, I think, that’s how everyone used to react in the 21st century too. John the Baptist isn’t much help either. “Sorry Guv” he says, “but if you were subject to Roman imperialism you’d realise spares are hard to come by too. Fiat Iveco have monopolised the market round here.”

I get no dice from Attilla the Hun, sat inside the kitchenette of his Ford Transit Mk1 coachbuilt. He just grins through the window (syphilis has not yet caused him to grimace) and draws up a large grolly from his flaring nostrils to spit green up the Commer’s flanks. “We want no American Chrysler rubbish round here man” he booms, his voice charged with the tones of super-ego. “And tell Clarkson he was right about SUVs”. It’s obvious this demigod has a set a brake seals but that he has little intention of helping me out. I try one last approach. “Hey dude, this was designed before Chrysler took over Rootes in ‘65”. But Attila is already silhouetted against the sunset of time long gone. Now I believe all I was told about the 2 litre Pinto fitted to those Transits.

Location Carthage. Hannibal stands next to an Austin FJ. “You didn’t believe all that crap about elephants did you? Look son, let’s set the record straight. It was a pure and simple case of over the Alps we go and all BMC light commercials are sh*t ‘ot. Me and the boys, we did it all by pure machinery. We weren’t interested in speed, just as long as we did it all before winter set in. As it was, that didn’t quite work out, but er… we brought along Bradex Easistart”.

Tsar Nicholas and Rasputin chug past in a Russian GAZelle Cargo. I rub my chin – must be one of the earlier Transit MkII copies. Who was it wrote revolutions improve the quality of a country’s industry? Perhaps Lenin never drove a Mercedes Sprinter?

Enough. As dusk falls on some millennium or other (a cosmic piss in the wind in the no-time of infinity) I decide if I’m ever going to get them seals fixed I’m gonna have to get them via a more surreal experience. “One is always nearer by not keeping still” (what a dumb quote). Time to witness creation itself, seals or no seals.

I drive down the icicle linking Earth to the Universe. Warm galactic winds caress my face, the no-breeze of space. I’m drawn into the blue argon of a quasar as the entrance of the pod draws open. A new taste of wet energy enables a thought-sensory light-ray to beam in search of brake seals. I sense a void ahead. Three thousand blinks should see me there. Immersed in quarks I blindly drift into the nucleus of a pink cloud. Optical pain races out as the cornea winces at the acid fumes. Oceans of aqueous humour pour outwards forming a star trail of exhaust fumes and electron particles. They grind through my optic nerves. Assassinating the suns and moons of existence, blindness cheats the eye of reflections and the lid is placed on the dustbin dreams of life. I am welcomed into the no-being of blackness. Madness cheats me of a solution. My plot is destroyed. There are no seals; there is no God.

Having doffed both cosmic and surreal garments I stand naked as before. Let me reiterate, the essence of everyday fantasy is that it’s potentially realisable – so it ain’t worth a w**k. Don’t dream about a fantasy, just go out and pawn your mum’s passport. If you want a real Naked Lunch, what can I suggest? Perhaps I better try Halfords?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Steve on April 29, 2010, 08:57:07 pm
Andy, look out of the window. Do you see a yellow van with two nice men in white coats? Please go with them; they are your friends and no harm will come to you. You just need some rest.

Stunning bit of prose by the way!

Stunning


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2010, 12:06:48 am
And only today, journeying between Bristol and High Wycombe did I spy an Austin J2 Paralanian bowling along the M4 at a steady, if unspectacular, 50mph and lovely she looked too.

But things are never quite as straightforward as a clean and polish with the Commer.  Stunning prose indeed, which if I interpret it correctly, means that you are simply in the early depressive stages of the hate side of the relationship, having found that the immortal Commer, hitherto ignored, now needs a bit of work to the rear brakes.  Hard though the parts may be to find, they will be out there somewhere - search and ye shall find....

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 30, 2010, 12:42:25 am
Andy, look out of the window. Do you see a yellow van with two nice men in white coats? Please go with them; they are your friends and no harm will come to you. You just need some rest.

Stunning bit of prose by the way!

Stunning


Ahhh - Buzby - (http://www.lightstraw.co.uk/ate/tec/dodge/te_kuu612x_320.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 30, 2010, 06:56:23 am
And only today, journeying between Bristol and High Wycombe did I spy an Austin J2 Paralanian bowling along the M4 at a steady, if unspectacular, 50mph and lovely she looked too.

But things are never quite as straightforward as a clean and polish with the Commer.  Stunning prose indeed, which if I interpret it correctly, means that you are simply in the early depressive stages of the hate side of the relationship, having found that the immortal Commer, hitherto ignored, now needs a bit of work to the rear brakes.  Hard though the parts may be to find, they will be out there somewhere - search and ye shall find....
MG Mark 

Hi Mark,
           As an aside: On my way home from work as I pulled onto the highway I was beside a beautiful Red MGA with cream wire wheels thundering along at 110kph fortunately so was the trailer it was on  ;D The thunder was coming from the Chevy pick up ::) I'll get my hat
 Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 30, 2010, 12:10:08 pm
Andy, have you tried these people - http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/parts.html (http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/parts.html)

Quote
PowerTrack Ltd is a leading supplier of Lockheed, Girling and Dunlop brake parts for classic car and commercial vehicles 1935 -1980.

We are a supplier of rare and hard to find brake spares for mainly British vehicles, we can also help with parts for European vehicles fitted with Lockheed Girling or Dunlop braking systems [Saab, Volvo, Maserati, etc.]

We are one of the largest stockists of obsolete & classic brake parts in the UK.

Our mail-order service supplies leading restorers, motor vehicle manufacturers, classic car clubs and enthusiasts throughout the world.

All your enquiries are important to us, however, due to the fact that we cater for so many different vehicles, we do not produce lists or catalogues. We will, of course, be happy to quote you for your specific vehicle requirements.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2010, 09:10:47 pm
And only today, journeying between Bristol and High Wycombe did I spy an Austin J2 Paralanian bowling along the M4 at a steady, if unspectacular, 50mph and lovely she looked too.
 
Hi Mark,
           As an aside: On my way home from work as I pulled onto the highway I was beside a beautiful Red MGA with cream wire wheels thundering along at 110kph fortunately so was the trailer it was on  ;D The thunder was coming from the Chevy pick up ::) I'll get my hat
 Phil

Lovely - and nice to hear that the sound of thunder moved your soul as it should - but a shame that the four-pot was on a trailer and not providing the backing track on the road!

MG Mark   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on April 30, 2010, 10:37:17 pm

Hard though the parts may be to find, they will be out there somewhere - search and ye shall find....

MG Mark 

They're probably in some farmer's shed over here.  Classic vehicles of all descriptions all over the place, and Andy, IIRC you put something on here a fair while back about Commers in NZ so if the parts are indeed anywhere they may be on this side of the world. 

Aside from that I am, as always, in awe of your literary abilities and command of the English language.

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 15, 2010, 08:34:13 pm

The MGA achieved the annual health ticket today  ;D ;D ;D
So, how's the searching for bits going..... ??? ??? ???

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 02, 2010, 02:30:48 pm

The MGA achieved the annual health ticket today  ;D ;D ;D
So, how's the searching for bits going..... ??? ??? ???

MG Mark


Ooops i missed this post... probably too busy searching for bits.

Happily I have all the bits needed to do the repairs. Regretably the only thing I have found by poking around underneath her is advanced tinworm on the forward lower valance attaching to the chassis rails. A definite MOT fail... so unfortunately it looks like a no-show for the Commer this year. I'm going to plug it up with underseal and have a crack at the test but he'd have to be an idiot not to spot the mahoosive holes in the metal.

And after the work I've put in it's pretty disappoining for me. So I've taken my old Subaru Forester off SORN and got her back on the road. Oh well better luck next year...  >:( :(






Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Robspot on June 02, 2010, 03:45:22 pm
Happily I have all the bits needed to do the repairs. Regretably the only thing I have found by poking around underneath her is advanced tinworm on the forward lower valance attaching to the chassis rails. A definite MOT fail... so unfortunately it looks like a no-show for the Commer this year. I'm going to plug it up with underseal and have a crack at the test but he'd have to be an idiot not to spot the mahoosive holes in the metal.

And after the work I've put in it's pretty disappoining for me. So I've taken my old Subaru Forester off SORN and got her back on the road. Oh well better luck next year...  >:( :(

Haven't you met Rex's mate? He does a fine line in dodgy MOT certificates high quality MOT inspections and certifications  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 02, 2010, 04:31:45 pm
They're not allowed to have a poke about are they? Surely undeerseal, newspapers, old socks, and dried weetabix will win the day?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 02, 2010, 04:33:23 pm
They're not allowed to have a poke about are they? Surely undeerseal, newspapers, old socks, and dried weetabix will win the day?

I thought that what those biscuits tins, you get at Christmas, were for.

I should know, I have brought a few cars made up completly of them!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on June 02, 2010, 04:42:16 pm
Another example of forward planning from Team Zarse ::)

Same as the T-Shirts we were all promised.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 02, 2010, 05:12:59 pm
Who on earth promised T-shirts?  We have struggled to even sort our own t-shirts, let alone anyone elses!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 02, 2010, 05:21:22 pm
Another example of forward planning from Team Zarse ::)

Same as the T-Shirts we were all promised.

Bob I was also "planning" on bring you a pair of home grown pork chops for your BBQ but it looks like that will fall through too  >:(

PS and I spoke to my butcher and there's only enough home cured bacon for us so you'll have to do without again!  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 02, 2010, 05:34:26 pm
I have a very big hammer, and a chopping knife if you need a hand with those chops Andy - so they're a little small - they'll be fine!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 02, 2010, 07:36:51 pm
I've got plenty of chops for team zarse but none left for bob!


PS Bob any chance of borrowing your nice gas BBQ?  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on June 02, 2010, 09:44:02 pm
Looks like you have pixxed on your chips there Bob, now nothing to eat at all.

I sure you will fall back in to the fold before the big event, chin up and take a few packed lunches - just in case.  ;D

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 03, 2010, 10:29:52 am
Andy,

Good news on getting the bits.  Metal exhaust repair tape over the tinworm and underseal over the top is the answer. 

Then the Commer shall ride again to Le Mans........

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 03, 2010, 11:33:27 am
I agree with mark - I had a VW Beetle in my younger years - that thing was patched up with everything from newspaper covered in fibreglass, to exhaust tape, and chemical metal......

I'm sure we can fashion SOMETHING to get it through?? :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 06, 2010, 10:41:02 pm
So Andy, was the guy at the MOT centre - deaf, dumb and blind.

Did the Commer pass the MOT?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 07, 2010, 04:34:55 pm
So Andy, was the guy at the MOT centre - deaf, dumb and blind.

Did the Commer pass the MOT?

No. I ended up taking the bloody dog to the vets to have his met and two veg stitched back on after running through some barbed wire lying in a field. That used up half the day and what with work and having rellies staying has meant I've not had time...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on June 07, 2010, 06:44:13 pm
Well, hope the dog is ok, you have to get your priorities right.

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on June 07, 2010, 09:45:54 pm
So Andy, was the guy at the MOT centre - deaf, dumb and blind.

Did the Commer pass the MOT?

No. I ended up taking the bloody dog to the vets to have his met and two veg stitched back on after running through some barbed wire lying in a field. That used up half the day and what with work and having rellies staying has meant I've not had time...

Excuses excuses.  You've got your priorities all wrong.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on August 04, 2010, 11:26:44 am
Wow - really had to use the search for this posting and boy! did it need a good dust down!!!

What is the update Andy?

But the real reason for this posting is - a good program on Radio 4 (sit up straight when up listen to it on Radio 4)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kwf9y

Its got a good bit on the Commer, and Andy don't moan about your only Commer, this guy has 20!

have fun all


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 04, 2010, 05:49:11 pm
Wow - really had to use the search for this posting and boy! did it need a good dust down!!!

What is the update Andy?

But the real reason for this posting is - a good program on Radio 4 (sit up straight when up listen to it on Radio 4)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kwf9y

Its got a good bit on the Commer, and Andy don't moan about your only Commer, this guy has 20!

have fun all

I know him Neil!  :D I've bought bits off him and I'm supplying him with a brand new heater for his detector van!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on November 08, 2010, 09:12:36 am
Cant believe that had slipped back to page 4!

Should Mr Zarse ever find a need to replace the coolmer, then maybe he would like to consider one of these?

http://speedhunters.com/archive/2010/11/07/gallery-gt-gt-japanese-vanning-madness.aspx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on November 09, 2010, 01:08:54 pm
It's funny I was following a commer the other day in glorious White really nice vans actually


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 10, 2010, 05:52:56 am
I  see the JOTD thread has finally exceeded the Commer replacement thread in number of posts.
However unlike this our favorite irreverant thread the JOTD thread has numerous repeats of old jokes we have read before while here every post is a unique expression of the spirit of CA.
 Long may the Commer survive.
 Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2010, 10:38:40 am
Commer news...  :(

http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5124


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 10, 2010, 11:08:00 am
Commer news...  :(

http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5124

Just read the above,  :'(

so;

 :(   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yh2InVsFag&feature=fvst   :(

it's even got a pic of a very young Andy Z


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on November 10, 2010, 01:43:42 pm
You Bastard Zarse. I've read about Cads like you. You've had your fun and now you cast the Old Girl aside.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on November 10, 2010, 03:27:42 pm
How much are these worth?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on November 10, 2010, 03:40:32 pm
So after 7 years and many thousands of posts, it really is time for a modern commer replacement!

Kev, it don't think you buy commers with money, they are like heirlooms and passed down thru the generations. 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2010, 03:46:12 pm
Whilst we're having a bad day for Commers, here's a lovely 1961 PA torched by vandals in Telford. Senseless a**eholes.

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t309/panky_2007/1283018403.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 10, 2010, 04:07:28 pm
How much are these worth?

Kev - it you look at the commer forum, someone put a vauxhall cavalier engine in one of these - nudge nudge  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on November 10, 2010, 04:11:40 pm
How much are these worth?

Kev - it you look at the commer forum, someone put a vauxhall cavalier engine in one of these - nudge nudge  ;)
Which cavalier engine? The seh?xe or c20let?

Hmm turbo powered commer sounds interesting :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2010, 04:25:26 pm
Commer news...  :(

http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5124

Just read the above,  :'(

so;

 :(   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yh2InVsFag&feature=fvst   :(

it's even got a pic of a very young Andy Z

Commer music is it Neil?

Try this, strangely enough from New Zealand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EIwoOXam74


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 10, 2010, 05:29:17 pm
Well, it had to happen one day. All I can say is that Mr Z needs to remember that the Curse of the Commer will come to pass.......In the meantime, while he retains his mental faculties (such as they are) and is capable of normal bodily functions, I think it behoves Mr Z to expand on his rationale for casting her aside, and in line with the thread title, provide some guidance as to the parameters for a replacement.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on November 10, 2010, 11:24:39 pm
You ****ing rotter. She'll have you.

Out of interest, what does it need for a ticket?

My wife's gonna kill me.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 11, 2010, 08:54:57 am
I knew I was going to be jeered at for selling her but I reckon it's time for someone new to have their fun in her and get her back on top form.

As to the eponymous "Modern Commer Replacement", well, all will be revealed in due course. All I can say now is that you probably won't like it!  >:D

Hugh... don't do it! But if you do, so far as I know not too much needed for an MOT as long as you take it somewhere reasonable who understands old vehicles. The back brakes need doing and a leaky back axle needs looking at. However, it needs work making it habitable so every spring weekend will be taken up doing carpentry and I hope Mrs Phamism is a dab hand with the sewing machine. Ideally you need to keep her under cover too.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on November 11, 2010, 09:09:08 am
How tall is the old dear? Over 7 ft 6 is a no - go for me.

But, yes, Mrs Phamism would kill me, no matter how I spun it.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 11, 2010, 11:04:15 am
How tall is the old dear? Over 7 ft 6 is a no - go for me.

But, yes, Mrs Phamism would kill me, no matter how I spun it.

Yes it's under 7ft 6! However Mrs Phamism will love it. They all fall for her charms eventually. It's so easy to spin her a nice yarn about day trips and picnics in sunlit countryside. My ex-wife believed it... to start with...  :D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 11, 2010, 11:11:15 am
Anyone remember this TV detector van I posted on here earlier. Such as in the old advert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NmdUcmLFkw&feature=related

The last survivor was like this...

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_0311.jpg)

but now it's like this

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_8606.jpg)

(http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l26/martinmaltas_2006/IMG_8608.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on November 11, 2010, 11:31:33 am
WOW! That was one hell of a restoration job, and what a fantastic end result. How many hours of hard work went into that?

BTW Andy, don't sell it to Hugh. If I know him he only wants it to blow it up ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 12, 2010, 01:09:10 am
Andy - I know the commer is going, but has the Gimp moved on as well with a new career?

http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/show/Gimp/220.aspx



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on February 02, 2011, 02:34:09 pm
Saw this, and reminded me of fallen colleagues    :-\

(http://www.retro-shop.eu/images/art%20clos.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 02, 2011, 04:25:18 pm
I have just scanned back over the last posts since Mr Z's dastardly plan to sell the Commer was uncovered, and the forum thread where she was advertised for sale.  I may have miossed something somewhere, but I cannot detect any emotional closure in terms of news of an actual sale, nor of what the intended "eponymous Modern Commer Replacement" referred to by him "to be revealed in due course that we probably won't like" actually will be or now is.

So what's going on Mr Z?  Has she goen to a new home where she will be cossetted and cared for, or is the poor old girl still languishing, unloved, outside your place?

MG Mark



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on February 02, 2011, 08:04:02 pm

So what's going on Mr Z?  Has she goen to a new home where she will be cossetted and cared for, or is the poor old girl still languishing, unloved, outside your place?

MG Mark


She was still languishing outside his place when I was there a couple of weeks back.  Not unloved however... I gave her a hug when nobody was looking.   :angel:

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on February 02, 2011, 09:11:51 pm

  Not unloved however... I gave her a hug when nobody was looking.   :angel:

Dx

 :) :) :) :) :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 02, 2011, 09:20:39 pm
So what's going on Mr Z?  Has she goen to a new home where she will be cossetted and cared for, or is the poor old girl still languishing, unloved, outside your place?
MG Mark
She was still languishing outside his place when I was there a couple of weeks back.  Not unloved however... I gave her a hug when nobody was looking.   :angel:
Dx

Bless you  :) At least she knows that there are those who appreciate her.  I hope that Mr Z is along soon to explain either his heartless attitude or to confirm that he is about to lavish sufficent care and attention to resurrect her in his usual slap-dash, last-minute.com fashion before Le mans this year. 

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on February 02, 2011, 09:38:26 pm
The run up to LM will not be the same, without the will she make it/won't she make it saga of the dear old commer. :'(
End of an era  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 03, 2011, 12:41:58 am
Whilst technically still for sale, she is never unloved... just unlooked after  :-[

I guess I advertised her at the wrong time, just before the snow and ice struck, then it was crimbo, so no takers. So the song remains the same, although who knows what will happen if the spring comes early and the sun gets on her back once more. Who knows, maybe something wonderful will happen and she'll return to her beloved Sarthe once more.  Or maybe a troupe of travelling unicyclists will buy her for a tour of Uzbekistan?

Or maybe the wrecker's torch awaits...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 03, 2011, 03:14:25 pm
Whilst technically still for sale, she is never unloved... just unlooked after  :-[

I guess I advertised her at the wrong time, just before the snow and ice struck, then it was crimbo, so no takers. So the song remains the same, although who knows what will happen if the spring comes early and the sun gets on her back once more. Who knows, maybe something wonderful will happen and she'll return to her beloved Sarthe once more.  Or maybe a troupe of travelling unicyclists will buy her for a tour of Uzbekistan?

Or maybe the wrecker's torch awaits...

So, reading between the lines:

"Whilst technically for sale" = In your heart (if you have one) you don't really want to sell her

"If spring comes early and the sun gets on her back once more" = your heart (if you have one) will pump guilt to your brain when you see old Sol's rays glinting off her tarnished chrome; the sun is out today, so I bet that process has started if you can bear to cast a glance in her direction.

"maybe something wonderful will happen" = you will get off your ar*e and do the requisite work needed to return her to the road

"or the wrecker's torch awaits" = when your whisky intake overcomes any last vestige of guilt at being so horrid.

 ;D ;)

MG Mark



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 03, 2011, 11:39:13 pm
Bah! Mark you've seen straight through me! :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on February 08, 2011, 03:04:01 pm
I seem to be seeing a white one most mornings on my travels to work and i thought Neil had bought it at first but no its someone who looks like him.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on February 08, 2011, 06:04:09 pm
kev, there's one very close to Bill Smith Bikes on the A51 in Chester, or what's left of her.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2011, 10:01:22 am
kev, there's one very close to Bill Smith Bikes on the A51 in Chester, or what's left of her.
Jules, what's the back axle like?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on February 09, 2011, 10:12:33 am
the bottom third of the girl is hidden behind a wall, I will have a walk past at the weekend and survey.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 09, 2011, 06:04:51 pm
the bottom third of the girl is hidden behind a wall, I will have a walk past at the weekend and survey.

Back axle, rear springs, oh and fuel tank if you can see it!! :) Maybe worth speaking to the (presumably insane) owner.

PS take some pics and post on here, always nice to see.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on February 09, 2011, 07:14:50 pm
the bottom third of the girl is hidden behind a wall, I will have a walk past at the weekend and survey.

Back axle, rear springs, oh and fuel tank if you can see it!! :) Maybe worth speaking to the (presumably insane) owner.

PS take some pics and post on here, always nice to see.

which other vehicle back axle can u use?

can't belive they were only used in the Commer.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on February 13, 2011, 07:23:59 pm
Mr Z missed a trick here - could have been a TV star...

http://www.hattrick.co.uk/hattrick-international/int_shows/show-detail/?show_id=70


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Doris on February 13, 2011, 11:49:48 pm
Except that instead of saying, "I think the clutch cable's broken.", Mr Z would more likely launch into a stream of profanity so vile it wouldn't be allowed on air and they'd have to stop recording for the day.    ;D

Dx


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 14, 2011, 02:35:51 pm
Expect that instead of saying, "I think the clutch cable's broken.", Mr Z would more likely launch into a stream of profanity so vile it wouldn't be allowed on air and they'd have to stop recording for the day.    ;D

Dx

A one-off Le Mans special of "One Man and his Campervan" involving Mr Z would be a particularly interesting programme.  I do, however, suspect that you may be correct about the likely ensuing torrent of vulgar blasphemy.  Moreover, I would assess the chance of seeing Mr Z "immerse himself in the idyllic places camper van living allows him to reach, befriending the locals and cooking some great local food along the way" as being slight (at best), at least in the way that the series producer originally intended.  Nonetheless, it has great potential to be highly entertaining, although perhaps more suited to Channel 4 than to BBC2.... ;) ;D

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on February 14, 2011, 06:08:45 pm
That bloke looks mental if you ask me. All that grubbing around in fields looking for stuff for his salad. The producers have missed a trick, he should have been visiting various council estates across these beautiful British Isles, and getting a kebab in after 8 purple tins. And there's salad with a kebab if he wants to be really anal about it. Never mind "I think the clutch cables broken" Doris, it would be "which f*****g sh**y a***d f*****g t*****s have nicked my f*****g wheels again?" He'd be comfortable with that.
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on February 14, 2011, 07:15:30 pm
That bloke looks mental if you ask me. All that grubbing around in fields looking for stuff for his salad. The producers have missed a trick, he should have been visiting various council estates across these beautiful British Isles, and getting a kebab in after 8 purple tins. And there's salad with a kebab if he wants to be really anal about it. Never mind "I think the clutch cables broken" Doris, it would be "which f*****g sh**y a***d f*****g t*****s have nicked my f*****g wheels again?" He'd be comfortable with that.
H

That sounds alot like 'my big fat gypsy wedding', the program that has lifted the lid on the easy going travelling folk of Ireland.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 14, 2011, 11:01:07 pm
...he should have been visiting various council estates across these beautiful British Isles, and getting a kebab in after 8 purple tins. And there's salad with a kebab if he wants to be really anal about it. Never mind "I think the clutch cables broken" Doris, it would be "which f*****g sh**y a***d f*****g t*****s have nicked my f*****g wheels again?" He'd be comfortable with that.
H

H,

I can appreciate the comfortable ambience that the locations you mention would bring, and the kebabs, and the 8 purple tins of extra strength, and even the salad as an optional extra.  But, I am struggling slightly to picture the quality wheels with which Mr Z might adorn the glorious Commer, such that even Liverpool's finest F1 pit crew might be tempted.  They don't normally move unless you're talking 20" alloys and even smart new embellishers http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commer-Van-PB-New-Old-Stock-Wheel-Trims-x-4-/330528673396?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf50b4e74 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Commer-Van-PB-New-Old-Stock-Wheel-Trims-x-4-/330528673396?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf50b4e74) hiding pressed steel wheels shod with 15" Linglong Ditchfinder remoulds are probably not going to do the trick.....   

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on February 15, 2011, 02:29:40 pm
Mark! What the hell is a "Linglong Ditchfinder"? It sounds like some ungodly cross between a chinaman and a bogsnorkler. Or maybe an oriental bootleg of a film about the English Civil War starring Vincent Price. Surely they can't be tyres.
Were they a standard fitment? (and in the seventies, did proud owners highlight the writing on the sidewalls with a white wax crayon? -before smoking the crayon...)
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 15, 2011, 11:42:11 pm
H,

You are your usual perceptive self - budget tyres and, indeed, a most ungodly cross, similar to its stablemate, the Nankang Treehugger.  But, in these trying and difficult modern times, where are Dunlop, Avon, Uniroyal and the like when a chap needs a good, old-fashioned, 4J 15" tyre?  Making modern low profile stuff, I suppose.  No good for the classic gentleman at all, who can only turn to such dreadful modern accessories to preserve the graceful lines intended by the designer, namely those of a skinny tyre with a minimal contact patch lost in a huge wheel arch.  

You will be pleased to know that 70's wax crayon, favoured by the home customiser as THE way to make cheap tyres look like Dunlops, is still around:
http://www.myerstiresupply.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=429&info=Myers-White-Tire-Marking-Crayon (http://www.myerstiresupply.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=429&info=Myers-White-Tire-Marking-Crayon)          

Of course, you could smoke the crayon when you realise that the product of your careful handiwork is actually a bit sh*t...........but they've taken the lead out of it now.  Tippex was much better anyway; at least you could sniff that while painting the letters before they took all the interesting recreational substances out of it.  The absence of such handy period accessories as that below also makes it really tricky for the safety conscious classic car driver these days too.....you simply don't get this level of thought put into your average fag lighter these days..

(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/autosnap.jpg)    

MG Mark  



 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on February 16, 2011, 12:33:10 am
I like that that device has a universal joint...  8) 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 16, 2011, 03:23:33 am
I've deleted, tidied up and reposted below. WiFi in Antigua ain't what it ought to be, Juju is in the wire and de jumby stole the megabites.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on February 16, 2011, 09:35:31 am
To be continued?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on February 16, 2011, 09:20:00 pm
To be continued?

I truly hope so

 ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 17, 2011, 01:36:12 am
To be continued?
I truly hope so
 ;D

Likewise, perhaps there is a loose connection to the possible lack of tyre grip, of smoking crayons, or of the dangers of lighting a spliff behind the wheel without the benefit of an "Autosnap" fitted, but otherwise I'm having a little difficulty seeing the connection.....maybe there has been too much rum....but then, of course, that is the joy of the wanderings of this thread.

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on February 17, 2011, 12:00:45 pm
I love the Autosnap (and the fact that it's "fully automatic"!).
It doesn't look small, and I'd imagine you'd have to make a choice between having a passenger onboard or the Autosnap. Neither is it cheap, - £8-19 and six in 1970 would not have been far off the average weekly wage. I suppose a man has got to have his tabs when he's driving. Do you reckon that once lit, the machine fired them at the drivers cakehole? It doesn't look straightforward to me, health and safety wouldn't be happy, but then again, they never are.

Andy, I reckon something very strange happens to driving attitudes between the latitudes of 10 and 23 degs North, - often very dangerous, but usually in slow motion. I hauled a bloke out of his truck once, while it was busy sinking into a bog, and all he was worried about was keeping his joint dry. He had his winkle out at the time, I think he'd been trying to take a leak out the door when he lost it. Mind you, I've just got back from a spell in Dagestan, and there wasn't a lot of slow motion going on on the roads there....

H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 19, 2011, 11:27:05 am
H,

I would hope for that money it would fire it directly at the target, or at the very least offer it in a gentlemanly fashion on an extending arm to save the driver having to reach for it.  Strangely, it's not an accessory that I recall seeing in the shops, alongside the pinstriping kits, Paddy Hopkirk slot-on rally headrests, clip on wiper aerofoils or, indeed, the likes of these astonishingly attractive speakers.....
   
(http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr76/markwilliamsmga/Pipe_Organ_Speakers.jpg)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on February 19, 2011, 11:43:37 am
Is it just me, or does that description put one in mind of another plastic organ style consumer product?

 8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on February 19, 2011, 12:36:20 pm
and...Fran?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on February 19, 2011, 02:11:44 pm
Is it just me, or does that description put one in mind of another plastic organ style consumer product?

 8)


It's just you Fran



honest  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 21, 2011, 09:27:41 pm
Serendipidy-doo-dah man!

I'm currently residing on the tropical island of Antigua. I'd been for a haircut from my friend Milo AKA Colin "The Cuts" Williams and on the way home had called in at the Rose End Bar for a pint or two of Redstripe with my old pal LesRoy the Gravedigger.

At Christmas my mate Paul had sent LesRoy some clothes over from Hartlepool and I'd been tasked with finding out how Peacock's finest were standing up to tropical life. When he's not digging last resting places LesRoy works as an "odd-job man" at the local mortuary. What being an oddjob man at a mortuary in the Lesser Antilles involves I've never had the stomach to ask, but it was clear tonight LesRoy was bringing some of his work home with him. Perhaps there'd been a leakage from one of the customers or something, but whatever it was, it was all down the front of his Hartlepool Utd shirt. And on his hands too, I noticed, as he clamped my pinkies in his vicelike grip. Anyway we had a very jolly hour, LesRoy told me about dealing with the putrifed remains of some African fishermen who's been found on the wrong side of the pond basted in the filthy bilge water of their fishing boat for three months. Heady stuff, and the smell of embalming fluid hung heavy on his breath.

When I got back to home I thought I should probably wash my hands before preparing the evening's snap. I know nobody bothers washing hands at Le Mans, but it seemed only right to give them a quick rinse before I prepared a Valentine's supper of boiled ox tongue and goat water stew. Stood at the sink, I heard the sound of a light truck losing control on the steep hill and glanced up in time to see 400 breeze blocks become airborne, loosely attached to a KIA light commercial. Overloaded by a multiple of two, the poor driver had lost control when the wretched vehicle jumped out of first gear and in an act of total futility that would have even brought a smile to the lips of miserable Henri Pescarolo, he'd tried to take the racing line on the 90 degree left. I could see he wasn't going to make it, mainly on account of being four feet in the air. It was at this point, to quote Hoffnung, that he met the barrel coming the other way...

The truck rolled onto it's side spilling it's contents, as it smashed over a boulder. I could see the cab was flattened on the offside. The hapless driver made good his involunatary escape by using his head to push out the windscreen. He was flung across the road and landed in a cloud of dust on his back. It's hard to know what's going on in the mind of a man who's upside down in the air being chased by a lorry load of breeze blocks, but his facial features appeared to profess a degree of puzzlement. A once-magnificent spliff was still dangling from his bleeding bottom lip, but apart from a few scrapes he was pretty much okay. Initially I'd no idea whether there was anyone trapped in the crushed cab and was unsure whether to call an ambulance or just cut out the middleman and get Lesroy up here sharpish. Fortunately it was a left hand drive truck and nobody else was involved so I turned the engine off, which had the happy additional benefit of silencing the awful dubstep he was listening to, I think it was a Rodigan mash-up rather like this.  Indeed I'm fairly sure the guy in the natty red jacket at (51 seconds) is our driver. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQdIiEUFtqk

There being no other injuries, I thought it encumbent of me to take a few holiday snaps, oh and check out what rubber he was running... inspection confirmed my initial thoughts; the man is an idiot. He had mixed a Roadian with a Goodwear on the front axle and the back was shod with Long March from the Qingdao Odyking Tyre Company, the other side with Shandong Wanda Boto-X, which as we all know, is a recipe for disaster.

(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/andyzarse/ahpics1107.jpg)


On the phone to the truck's owner. "It wasn't my fault boss, I did it like you told me..."

(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/andyzarse/ahpics1106.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on February 21, 2011, 11:13:30 pm
...oh and check out what rubber he was running... inspection confirmed my initial thoughts; the man is an idiot. He had mixed a Roadian with a Goodwear on the front axle and the back was shod with Long March from the Qingdao Odyking Tyre Company, the other side with Shandong Wanda Boto-X, which as we all know, is a recipe for disaster....

My goodness Carruthers, the outcome is hardly surprising with that lethal cocktail.  I suppose that the spare (if, indeed one was being carried at the time) was shod with a part-worn Wangling Crossply?  Looking at the scene from the pictures, I suspect that the Kia will probably get pressed back into service soon, complete with a full frontal natural ventilation system - which is more than could be said for most of the breeze blocks.....

MG Mark       


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 04, 2011, 11:47:45 pm
I love the Autosnap (and the fact that it's "fully automatic"!).
If it wasn't fully automatic it would, I assume, be at least semi-automatic. Then they'd have to call it the Semisnap.

When I was fourteen I had to go to the doctors with semi snap. I'd recently taken up smoking as a hobby, and co-incidentally, other less wholesome activities too.

The odd thing about that truck crash is an american pal turned up to see the wreck. We arranged to go out to dinner and he asked if he could bring along a friend, who he said was "into racing cars and sh*t". Sure, i said. The friend turned out to be Lawrence Tomlinson, who won GT2 in the little Panoz and is boss of Ginetta and Zytec. We had a very jolly evening in a Dutch restaurant and then he dropped us home. So I got a lift back with a LM class winner. Which was nice.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on March 22, 2011, 05:48:11 pm
Andy,

Had a slow drive past at the weekend and there's no rear axle, infact no wheels. There is a whole section of  timber running round the Commer, so I guess the owner is hidding some top secret "skunk works" development work on the chassis. It is on the side of the A51 you know ;) ;D

Jules


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 23, 2011, 10:02:57 am
Thanks for looking Jules!

I've got someone coming to look at the Commer tomorrow  :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 23, 2011, 12:51:16 pm
Thanks for looking Jules!

I've got someone coming to look at the Commer tomorrow  :(

No     Don't do it Andy     :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on March 23, 2011, 01:41:42 pm
Don't do it Andy. Selling the Alfa was the second biggest mistake of my life and I'm now once again dragging another back from the brink to fill the void. Think long and hard before you let it go!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on March 23, 2011, 01:52:06 pm
Please keep the commer! It's a legend, a Le Mans Monument! I was planning to give it a mention in the next CA guide


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 23, 2011, 08:10:26 pm
Don't do it Andy. Selling the Alfa was the second biggest mistake of my life and I'm now once again dragging another back from the brink to fill the void. Think long and hard before you let it go!

Wot he said.  Plus, unless you're that hard up for readies, where's the need? It's not as though you spend lavishly on her anyway, so disposable income won't increase one iota.  The only plus side would be further activity on the thread to a) match the thread title bring as to what modern crap you would get to replace her b) berate you for selling her c) discuss, in graphic detail, the horrific revenge that the Curse of the Commer will visit upon your frail, weak body and mind.     

MG Mark       


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on March 23, 2011, 08:21:31 pm
How about forming a "preservation group" to buy and keep the old girl?

Surely there are enough CA members who'd cough up some readies to buy, restore/maintain and then run the Commer?

Being a comparative noob it may be that this has been suggested before, but not in any posts I've seen. Apology if it had been suggested previously.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on March 23, 2011, 09:07:20 pm
I did suggest to Jo about buying her, and got threatened with divorce papers. :(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on March 24, 2011, 09:46:11 am
How about forming a "preservation group" to buy and keep the old girl?

Surely there are enough CA members who'd cough up some readies to buy, restore/maintain and then run the Commer?

Being a comparative noob it may be that this has been suggested before, but not in any posts I've seen. Apology if it had been suggested previously.

I would donate to keep her in the family for sure, and put in some restoration work to boot. Don't ask me to drive it from Northumberland to Le Sarthe though (and this, I suspect is the reason for Andy selling up- its damn slow).


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 24, 2011, 10:47:07 am
How about forming a "preservation group" to buy and keep the old girl?

Surely there are enough CA members who'd cough up some readies to buy, restore/maintain and then run the Commer?

Being a comparative noob it may be that this has been suggested before, but not in any posts I've seen. Apology if it had been suggested previously.

I would donate to keep her in the family for sure, and put in some restoration work to boot. Don't ask me to drive it from Northumberland to Le Sarthe though (and this, I suspect is the reason for Andy selling up- its damn slow).

Great idea, keep it in the family.

as for slow. Andy must have seen this on Commer van forum -

http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=766 (http://66.129.69.181/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=766)

a Commer with a Vauxhall engine - (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/trail71/phone1037.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 24, 2011, 05:07:50 pm
thats brilliant :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 24, 2011, 07:54:31 pm
He said he'll let me know at the weekened...

I appreciate the sentiments chaps, I dug her out and washed her off and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't at least a twinge of nostalgia for Le Mans past. Terrible things have happened in and around her... but there's a lot needs doing to her, and I think I'd still rather she went to a good home. :(

The other compication is that my girlfriend (Dutch, met her at a DfH meet in Holland in 09! ;) ) wants a classic car when she moves to England later in the year. So whilst she's happy to do up the Commer, it's starting to get ridiculous with a classic bike, (and hopefully a modern bike later in the year) a classic tractor, a classic camper and a classic car! You can't have it all I suppose.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Snoring Rhino on March 24, 2011, 09:21:33 pm

The other compication is that my girlfriend (Dutch, met her at a DfH meet in Holland in 09! ;) ) wants a classic car when she moves to England later in the year. So whilst she's happy to do up the Commer, it's starting to get ridiculous with a classic bike, (and hopefully a modern bike later in the year) a classic tractor, a classic camper and a classic car! You can't have it all I suppose.
[/quote]
Are we to assume the mystery girlfriend is a "classic" as well???


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 24, 2011, 10:46:11 pm
He said he'll let me know at the weekened...

I appreciate the sentiments chaps, I dug her out and washed her off and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't at least a twinge of nostalgia for Le Mans past. Terrible things have happened in and around her... but there's a lot needs doing to her, and I think I'd still rather she went to a good home. :(

The other compication is that my girlfriend (Dutch, met her at a DfH meet in Holland in 09! ;) ) wants a classic car when she moves to England later in the year. So whilst she's happy to do up the Commer, it's starting to get ridiculous with a classic bike, (and hopefully a modern bike later in the year) a classic tractor, a classic camper and a classic car!
You can't have it all I suppose.

Yes you can!

Still a way to go, we have 9 vehicles and a twin axle trailer in the house hold. So you have no excuse  ;D

Wish I had spare space for it up here.

Best luck anyway.

Hang on, just had a thought, did not John Stevens want a vechicle to park close to his house to annoy his neighbour?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: MIKE C (Liverpool Boys) on March 25, 2011, 06:54:12 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 25, 2011, 07:52:56 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.

Ahhh,thats where it is.

Oh poo, I already reported it stolen with the Rozzers (again)  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on March 25, 2011, 08:11:12 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.

Ahhh,thats where it is.

Oh poo, I already reported it stolen with the Rozzers (again)  ;)

And the insurance company?  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 26, 2011, 05:50:13 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.

Ahhh,thats where it is.

Oh poo, I already reported it stolen with the Rozzers (again)  ;)

And the insurance company?  ;)

 ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 26, 2011, 05:52:34 pm
Andy - update on the motor please


And saw one of these on the M1 nr Sheffield today, looked good and the driver waved and smiled as I waved as i went past. Wot  a friendly bunch there Commer drivers are

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2516075501_df940fd354.jpg)
not the actual one, can't drive and take pics u know  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 05, 2011, 12:58:34 am
Weeks to go are getting few.  What is going on?  Has the glorious Commer gone to pastures new?  Has she been reprieved? Will we hear tell of the traditional last minute gasp "mate's MOT" and the subsequent pleasure of the tale of trials and tribulations of getting her to Le Mans?  And back?  We need to know......

MG Mark   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: amazing 1 on May 05, 2011, 04:23:08 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.

well run some gas through it, i would suggest you hook it to a blender and make a test run of Margaritas !
you know,just in case.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 05, 2011, 05:22:04 pm
Neil your jenny is still in my garage since last year.

well run some gas through it, i would suggest you hook it to a blender and make a test run of Margaritas !
you know,just in case.

Randy - great idea, may work on that in few weeks.

Mind you it will be not as good as the Sandy's Sebring one!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 06, 2011, 02:41:22 pm
Weeks to go are getting few.  What is going on?  Has the glorious Commer gone to pastures new?  Has she been reprieved? Will we hear tell of the traditional last minute gasp "mate's MOT" and the subsequent pleasure of the tale of trials and tribulations of getting her to Le Mans?  And back?  We need to know......

MG Mark   

Sadly Mark it's a definite no go this year for the old girl.

She's still sat here sunning herself. A very nice gay couple came up from Brighton for a look but were horrified with the state of the decor.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 08, 2011, 10:50:32 pm
Weeks to go are getting few.  What is going on?  Has the glorious Commer gone to pastures new?  Has she been reprieved? Will we hear tell of the traditional last minute gasp "mate's MOT" and the subsequent pleasure of the tale of trials and tribulations of getting her to Le Mans?  And back?  We need to know......
MG Mark   
Sadly Mark it's a definite no go this year for the old girl.
She's still sat here sunning herself. A very nice gay couple came up from Brighton for a look but were horrified with the state of the decor.

Glad to hear that she is, at least, still occupying a place on your turf, and that any prospective owner is being put off, either by the mechanical state or the interior.  Long may it remain so..... 

MG Mark     


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on June 05, 2011, 10:56:17 am

Not been on this board for a while but something reminded me of this thread and I thought you all ought to see it.
I think it would make a fine modern comma replacement!


http://www.robgray.com/graynomad/wothahellizat/wot1/index.php


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on August 11, 2011, 06:11:42 am


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2516075501_df940fd354.jpg)
not the actual one, can't drive and take pics u know  ;)
[/quote]

Pinched Neils picture :D I saw one of these on my drive home from Mosport on Sunday. Followed by a RED MGA  ;D
While at the track a white Frog eye Sprite was in the vintage race. Not going as fast as Gary took me on a ride around the lanes of France but having a good time.
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 29, 2012, 11:13:08 pm
This topic (which has provided bags of entertainment since its inception) has languished for months :(.  With only 2 weeks to go to the trail out there starting, I suspect that Zarse was hoping that it might remain that way - no chance :). 

Not a single post from him on the subject since 6 May last year.  Except a sort of related one on 18 Jan this year saying "What's a Commer?" in response to the thread for the 80th race poster, apparently indicating that his renowned Christmas spirit had lingered on.  Callous b*stard >:(. 

So Mr Z what's going on?...... 

MG Mark

 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 29, 2012, 11:57:19 pm
Mark - funny - it was only today i realised i missed the stories of how Andy woke up the old  lady with a cup of tea and get her ready for the magical trip

Andy - up-date - please!

What is going on?



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on May 30, 2012, 12:02:09 am
We want the Commer ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on May 30, 2012, 12:06:06 am
All together now:

We want the Commer!   :)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 30, 2012, 08:55:01 am
The bastard has other fish to fry now  :'(


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Nordic on May 30, 2012, 09:16:38 am
The commer would have been perfect for a family holiday.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on May 30, 2012, 11:35:42 am
The bastard has other fish to fry now  :'(


Has he bought a chippy?

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on May 30, 2012, 09:01:32 pm
The bastard has other fish to fry now  :'(


Has he bought a chippy?

>Martini...LB
Indian?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 31, 2012, 01:16:29 am
The bastard has other fish to fry now  :'(

That may well be the case, but he still has other legacy responsibilities to fulfill.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 31, 2012, 09:19:33 am
The bastard has other fish to fry now  :'(
Has he bought a chippy?
>Martini...LB

Oh no, don't tell me we're going to go through all that "reserve a big space for a chippy on MB" shenanigans from a few years ago are we?  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on May 31, 2012, 09:45:08 am
Oh yes, whatever happened to Felix? I'm not certain but I thought I caught sight of him in Spa a few weeks ago ;)

What a let down he was, I ordered a Roe and chip supper from him but the bastard never turned up. If that was him in Spa, he's gone all "Continental", bloody Frites he's calling them now.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on May 31, 2012, 10:20:00 am
Oh yes, whatever happened to Felix? I'm not certain but I thought I caught sight of him in Spa a few weeks ago ;)

 ;D

(http://iwantthedamnjob.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Felix_the_Cat_laughing.png)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on May 31, 2012, 10:45:30 am
You are a one Mr. Pyro  ;)

Now then, dragging this thread kicking and screaming back on topic.....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEST-COMMER-CAMPER-VW-SURF-BLUE-/150826536131 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEST-COMMER-CAMPER-VW-SURF-BLUE-/150826536131)

Shame the top half isn't orange though  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2012, 04:30:58 pm
As she stands today, unloved and forgotten  :(



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 03, 2012, 04:38:45 pm
TBH I was expecting worse!

At least she isnt up to the armpits in wet grass.

F


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Mr. Rick on June 03, 2012, 04:47:19 pm
As she stands today, unloved and forgotten  :(

Not by us! Think we should start a restoration fund for such an iconic beauty. Also, I feel the ACO must be feeling very warm and self-congratulatory over this sad state of affairs given their loathing of one who has defaced their posters.

Time to put those Frenchies back where they belong, let us raise her from the ashes in a phoenixlike fashion and once more she shall become the scourge of the ACO's graphic design department.

Hurrah!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 03, 2012, 05:05:24 pm
As she stands today, unloved and forgotten  :(

(http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1195.0;attach=7289;image)



ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh -   :o    - in her unloved and forgot state, she has been drinking Meths and Paint strippers!!!!!!!!!


what a horrible Dad


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 03, 2012, 05:56:04 pm
Leigh Abbott popped round yesterday for a cup of tea and we thought we'd have a crack at making her run. So I shoved in a fresh battery and half a gallon of unleaded. A quick squirt of Bradex into the carb and this...


http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/andyzarse/?action=view&current=commervideo1.mp4


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on June 03, 2012, 07:40:25 pm
It's not to late...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 03, 2012, 08:50:24 pm
Leigh Abbott popped round yesterday for a cup of tea and we thought we'd have a crack at making her run. So I shoved in a fresh battery and half a gallon of unleaded. A quick squirt of Bradex into the carb and this...


http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb144/andyzarse/?action=view&current=commervideo1.mp4

yea - She is ALIVE!!!!!!

oh did i hear Andy say something about her on the clip?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on June 03, 2012, 09:25:58 pm
oh did i hear Andy say something about her oj the clip?

I definitely heard someone say "I love her"!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on June 04, 2012, 09:58:48 am
And that was definitely Andy. Get her to Le Mans!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 04, 2012, 11:32:37 am
Good to see the Grand Old Lady still has some life in her.
But will she ever venture to foreign parts again?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 05, 2012, 10:23:28 pm
So, despite looking forlorn and neglected, she runs and lives yet!!  Pleasing to see and hear that she has not gone into terminal decline. I look forward to discussing, doubtless over a beer or two next week, with her keeper how he needs to repent and invest some effort into bringing her back to her public.   

MG Mark   


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on June 06, 2012, 01:26:20 am
A quick squirt of Brads ex into the carb

 :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 06, 2012, 03:13:45 pm
A quick squirt of Brads ex into the carb

 :o

 ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on September 29, 2012, 06:09:25 pm
a nice sister for the old girl

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Wonderful-Ex-Royal-Navy-Ford-Thames-Ambulance-with-just-51-460-Miles-/280964114927?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item416ac429ef



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on October 01, 2012, 12:21:10 pm
Poor old Commer. Is no one going to take over the baton? She deserves so much more.

As mentioned elsewhere, I'm taking a year off from LM in 2013.

I have decided to replace my modern camper with something with more character- like the Commer. Hopefully my efforts might inspire Mr Zarse into getting the old girl back down to Le Sarthe in 2014?

It would look smashing parked next to my new project

(http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Dr_S/E933B013-51E9-4A57-A23F-0D7AF9A696D4-1375-000001C236BE6A72.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 01, 2012, 12:50:50 pm
You can have her if you like, for a nominal sum.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on October 01, 2012, 01:00:47 pm
You can have her if you like, for a nominal sum.

Alas I have too many projects on the go already.

Do you not fancy rebuilding her Andy. How about a little modernisation? I don't think it would to be too difficult to shoe horn the running gear out of something like a new Transit van. Imagine, lots of power,  6 gears, 35-40mpg, 80mph cruising, power steering and fancy disc brakes. All the reliability and comfort of a modern camper with oldskool charm and cool.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on October 01, 2012, 03:59:38 pm
Poor old Commer. Is no one going to take over the baton? She deserves so much more.

As mentioned elsewhere, I'm taking a year off from LM in 2013.

I have decided to replace my modern camper with something with more character- like the Commer. Hopefully my efforts might inspire Mr Zarse into getting the old girl back down to Le Sarthe in 2014?

It would look smashing parked next to my new project

(http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Dr_S/E933B013-51E9-4A57-A23F-0D7AF9A696D4-1375-000001C236BE6A72.jpg)


You're refurbishing a picnic table. Brilliant


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on October 01, 2012, 04:06:48 pm
I have decided to replace my modern camper with something with more character-

Is that the yellow peril?  If I hadnt experienced first hand the smell of burning as we thrashed back to Cherbourg I might have been tempted to make an offer!!

:)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on October 01, 2012, 04:39:42 pm
I have decided to replace my modern camper with something with more character-

Is that the yellow peril?  If I hadnt experienced first hand the smell of burning as we thrashed back to Cherbourg I might have been tempted to make an offer!!

:)

Shush woman. ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on October 01, 2012, 04:40:38 pm
[Shush woman. ::)

My silence can be bought pretty cheap.... but probably a bit late now!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on October 01, 2012, 11:59:19 pm
You can have her if you like, for a nominal sum.

The tired old rhetoric trotted out, which we have come to expect as a standard workshy response on such occasions.....so get the whisky out and give the grand old lady at least a little of the TLC that she so richly deserves, before she finally loses patience with this laggardly, shirking, foot-dragging approach of a slacker.  And because you know the alternative....   


MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on October 02, 2012, 06:40:32 am
I've been ill sir!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 12, 2012, 10:33:59 am
I am an ex-Commer owner.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on November 12, 2012, 10:57:10 am
I am an ex-Commer owner.

 :o

Idle in ownership, idle in explination. ::)

Come on, what, why and how? Tell us that it's gone to a loving home rather than foisted off to some Pikey who has bought it for his grand kids to burn out. And what shall take its place??


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on November 12, 2012, 12:22:09 pm
Here's someone who could be arsed It doesn't take a lot of effort really.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 12, 2012, 01:10:44 pm
I am an ex-Commer owner.

So does that make you a Full Stop now?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 12, 2012, 09:54:03 pm
Going away in suitably ghostly fashion...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 12, 2012, 11:39:49 pm
I am an ex-Commer owner.

So does that make you a Full Stop now?

 ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 13, 2012, 12:21:34 am
I don't recognise the shape or the reg no, despite the attempt to confuse with a dark, indistinct photgraph....unless...that is the grand old lady being subjected to the ignominy of a supposedly incognito departure loaded onto a trailer?  

So much for the post on Page 1 and subsequent threats of the curse of the Commer:
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D
In best Iain Paisley voice,  Never, Never, Never!!
The Commer is immortal, didn't you know?

But, if she has, indeed , been spirited away in the darkness from her ne'er do well now declared previous keeper, then aside from many pleasant memories, there is a question as yet unanswered (which takes us back to the start of 146 pages of the thread nearly 9 years ago, and still no 3 in the topics by views..) the modern Commer replacement is?.....

MG Mark

  


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 13, 2012, 12:59:14 am
Going away in suitably ghostly fashion...

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 13, 2012, 01:45:47 pm
Official Zarse press statement:


We announce herewith the immediate disposal of the vehicle known as The Commer.

The new registered keeper wishes too remain anonymous at this time and further questions will not be fielded.

Statement ends.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 13, 2012, 01:48:55 pm
I don't recognise the shape or the reg no, despite the attempt to confuse with a dark, indistinct photgraph....unless...that is the grand old lady being subjected to the ignominy of a supposedly incognito departure loaded onto a trailer?  

So much for the post on Page 1 and subsequent threats of the curse of the Commer:
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D
In best Iain Paisley voice,  Never, Never, Never!!
The Commer is immortal, didn't you know?

But, if she has, indeed , been spirited away in the darkness from her ne'er do well now declared previous keeper, then aside from many pleasant memories, there is a question as yet unanswered (which takes us back to the start of 146 pages of the thread nearly 9 years ago, and still no 3 in the topics by views..) the modern Commer replacement is?.....

MG Mark

You have quite a nerve, Sir, in light of your personal orders to destroy my beautiful and invincible VC10s.

You heartless swine!

(http://forum.keypublishing.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=107054&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1134737118)

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQwS0pO4LdLdQ4ZHtaPkyKsCUr3GuNELUwxa6gL6VS2tMfK9cFhZzIUalCNuw)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on November 13, 2012, 01:59:17 pm
.....my beautiful and invincible VC10s.

My dad used to drive those!!

:)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on November 13, 2012, 02:32:57 pm
Andy

When referring to the VC10 you should always include the word "noisy.

Many's the happy hour as a lad spent watching the BOAC VC10's [also BAC 1-11's, Tridents, Viscounts and the occasional DC8]


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on November 13, 2012, 06:49:44 pm

The new registered keeper wishes too remain anonymous at this time and further questions will not be fielded.


So we know them!

I suspect we might see the Commer again in a field in France.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 13, 2012, 11:25:24 pm
Trust me, dismantling the various representations of the "Queen of the Skies" in transport or AAR form was neither my choice, nor my recommendation, nor at my personal order.....nor was replacing it with Voyager....

So are we now looking for something like this to fill the void you have created?
http://www.motortopia.com/files/2/journal/4a29513c4ccde/IMG_0371.jpg (http://www.motortopia.com/files/2/journal/4a29513c4ccde/IMG_0371.jpg)
Or this?
http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2010/05/Caddycamper_01_1000-700x520.jpg (http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2010/05/Caddycamper_01_1000-700x520.jpg)

MG Mark 


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 13, 2012, 11:56:21 pm
Denials denials... I smell a rat! I guess it's more a case of "oops careful with that hand grenade!"

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_opS7ZcZqLsg/TEiUifLecFI/AAAAAAAAA3g/f8ybmpInscU/s1600/profiles_TWA-Boeing-707-hijacking-to-Dawson-Field-Amman-1264799831.jpeg)


The second of your links is very nice, the first is foul! No decision has yet been taken as to a modern Commer replacement. You will be first to learn but meantime suggestions welcomed.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 14, 2012, 04:07:20 am

The second of your links is very nice, the first is foul! No decision has yet been taken as to a modern Commer replacement. You will be first to learn but meantime suggestions welcomed.
[/quote]

FINALLY after 147 pages we get to the Modern Commer Replacement ..... or atleast the discussion is back on track  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 14, 2012, 10:52:33 pm
Denials denials... I smell a rat! I guess it's more a case of "oops careful with that hand grenade!"

The second of your links is very nice, the first is foul! No decision has yet been taken as to a modern Commer replacement. You will be first to learn but meantime suggestions welcomed.

That was nothing to do with us....There are currently three VC10 C1Ks still active, operational pretty much right to the end, with the final one going out of service in March 2013.  101 Sqn only recently having handed over duty on operations out to the east of UK to 216 Sqn's Tristars, another airframe soon to depart from service in 2014.  Mind you we're going to be buggered unless Voyager starts delivering. 

VC10s  XV106 and XV108 will be the next two to be, sadly, 'recycled' at Bruntingthorpe; the final airframe will be XR808, which is bound for the RAF Museum at Cosford for preservation.  XR808 is 101 Sqn's oldest airframe, delivered in July 1966 and around the middle of this year she had accumulated 43,655h and 12,255 landings, albeit I think that the most used "Speed Queen" we had accumulated around 80,000 hours before retirement!

Back on topic (which would seem to meet with Phil's approval...) an interesting combination...
http://carscaravans.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/vw-camper-conversion-being-towed-by-vw.html (http://carscaravans.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/vw-camper-conversion-being-towed-by-vw.html)

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LuxExpat on November 16, 2012, 01:59:48 pm
Andy

When referring to the VC10 you should always include the word "noisy.

Many's the happy hour as a lad spent watching the BOAC VC10's [also BAC 1-11's, Tridents, Viscounts and the occasional DC8]

Now it's trains you watch   ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: JDS on November 16, 2012, 02:37:54 pm
This has a certain charm about it ...

(http://jomsurf.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ghostbuster-car1.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 18, 2012, 12:09:40 am
Andy - now you have discarded, rejected or even "cull the sick member of the herd" (very small herd) or even dumped her after many years of service, or eliminated her, or  orobliterate (To do away with completely so as to leave no trace) or kill the old girl.

a small way of redeem yourself, a Le Mans tractor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9yHl24QynOM

and I know you have a tractor

who's got an engine for you  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on November 18, 2012, 02:10:04 am
Neil Tha's not a tractor..... This is a tractor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7kJF-LjosU&feature=fvwrel

 ;D

Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 19, 2012, 11:34:38 pm
Tractors??? Stick ot four pots with turbochargers (if you must) please.... If you're going to cite the use of multiple V-12s, then there really are a strictly limited number of proper answers......

1) 16 singletons... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6c3v9iihgw&feature=fvwrel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6c3v9iihgw&feature=fvwrel) in an increasing free for all....

2)  Classic "4 in one"....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Gh2DfPkP4&feature=fvwrel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Gh2DfPkP4&feature=fvwrel) a great favourite....

3)  Or, as of about 7 weeks ago in NZ, the first public display of "2 in one" since the loss of the UK example in 1996......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-I4hZah_Pc&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-I4hZah_Pc&feature=related)

MG Mark



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 23, 2012, 04:06:26 am
It's a strange but true fact the undercarriage legs for this lovely new NZ Mozzie were kept in my garage for a short period of time prior to dispatch down under.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 23, 2012, 09:24:36 pm
It's a strange but true fact the undercarriage legs for this lovely new NZ Mozzie were kept in my garage for a short period of time prior to dispatch down under.

I won't ask how that came about.....well done for a positive contribution - lovely to see it back in the air

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 24, 2012, 09:44:05 pm
It's a strange but true fact the undercarriage legs for this lovely new NZ Mozzie were kept in my garage for a short period of time prior to dispatch down under.

I won't ask how that came about.....well done for a positive contribution - lovely to see it back in the air

MG Mark

Nothing sinister! A Kiwi mate (also known to Doris, and by the way he swears a great deal) is mates with the bloke who built it. He popped round the house and asked,
"Can I fackin leave this fackin sh*t in your fackin garage for a few fackin weeks just til I can shift the fackin sh*t to Dubai?" I said of course he fackin... I mean of course he could. "Ahh mate, you're a fackin star.  It's for me fackin mate he's building a fackin Mos-fackin-squito! Fack fack fack etc".

He had a Gypsy Major Ic in our fourth bedroom for several years. I quite liked it.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on November 26, 2012, 10:39:42 pm
As Uncle Roger always used to say, "Aaahhh, De Havilland".....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on November 27, 2012, 12:25:43 pm
I think I'm correct in saying that I've never had a Kiwis undercarriage in my garage.

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nickliv on November 27, 2012, 09:12:18 pm
I almost put my undercarriage in a kiwis garage once.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on January 10, 2013, 03:34:31 pm
replace the commer with this maybe  ::)


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-HY-CAMPER-VAN-/321051353161?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ac026e049#ht_1065wt_1172


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Fran on January 10, 2013, 04:51:59 pm
Lovely bit of wood panelling!

F


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Jules G on January 10, 2013, 05:16:46 pm
Fantastic find Kev, apart from the decor. IIRC some Brits were in one a few years ago parked up on the outside of the circuit.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Simes on February 17, 2013, 06:48:49 pm
I'm not on here that often these days but when something I find reminds me of this thread I've got to share it!

(http://www.abload.de/img/7phiymxkxglq2hund.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on February 18, 2013, 10:20:41 pm
That is a few hundred thousand pounds worth! A bit more than the £320 I paid for the Commer!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: CamKrist on February 19, 2013, 11:22:15 am
Similar subject was being discussed at yahoo answers last week. I can post the link if needed.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on February 19, 2013, 09:54:24 pm
I wonder if that lovely hunk is "external rickety ladder" or sumptuous internal spiral access stair?

Looks the biz for LM though, but needs hot and cold running waitresses to keep up its luxury ambience...


No, even the mighty Midget couldn't pull that onto the ferry up a shiny steel ramp.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on February 20, 2013, 11:21:26 am
I had a slightly less posh version of the above set up about 16 years ago. I got bored of tents and tent hangovers (bright sun at six AM with a splitting head is crap) and B&Bs were a tad expensive. A friend in the trade found us a lovely Cheltenham caravan from the mid sixties. Really posh it was, oak panelling and everything. A friend retrimmed the seating using a discarded green leather chesterfield and we found a few oil paintings for the walls. A set of crystal decanters and some posh wall lamps had it looking like the Dorchester Club within a week. We did two seasons of historic racing with it before selling it on. It was a heavy beast and the only thing that would pull it was my '64 Merc 300SE Fintail. Fuel bills finished it in the end, you were lucky to get 16mpg even without the van on the back!

I remember going to Donnington one year to camp at some race meeting and my mate had bought smoking jackets, cravats, cig holders and brylcreem with him. Pillock. ::)

I'd love to have it now for the Classic. The Merc went to Bristol and a pikey bought the van for his kids to vandalise.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: clkgtrlm1 on April 26, 2013, 10:19:37 am
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/199133/



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on April 26, 2013, 02:42:44 pm
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page/199133/



reminds me of the Italian job


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 29, 2013, 02:04:47 pm
OK the Commer has gone to pastures greener

So Andy may I suggest this, totally perfect for driving around Le Mans,

has a great drinks holder

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C341401#

(http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/any/3192831.jpg) (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/any/3192839.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 29, 2013, 02:35:39 pm
Hmmm I think the tiller sterring would make me giddy...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 30, 2013, 12:22:28 am
Hmmm I think the tiller sterring would make me giddy...

Didn't seem to affect driving the immortal Commer, although any giddiness might have derived from the scale of prior human replenishment/sustainment, rather than play in the steering box....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 30, 2013, 10:50:46 am
The steering in the Commer allowed for delayed motor-neurone responses. You only thought you were steering, in reality she was doing all the work behind the scenes and all she asked in return was for her pinions to be greased (Mrs).

The late onset of spring has found me in a particularly wistful mood, and I am beginning to miss her far more than I thought I would. All kinds of funny little things remind me of her. The scent of wild honeysuckle rendolent of the many country byways we'd meanadered down on a warm summer's eve. The sprinkling of dried mouse sh*t I found in my garden shed are just like the one's in the sugar bowl in her pantry. I spent many happy hours sat in the back picking them out with a fag dangling from my bottom lip.

A fool, as they say, and his Commer are easily parted.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on April 30, 2013, 12:11:50 pm
Well do something about it Zarse you commitment shy fop. This whole thread is about replacing the poor thing, yet here we are years later yet still no replacement, just talk (I don't suppose you work for the government do you?).

Now start taking this serious and find a replacement before I come down there and leave some ancient fusty relic on your driveway for you.

Si (spending a pleasant morning making the casings for the Landy's camper conversion).


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on May 01, 2013, 12:42:05 am
The steering in the Commer allowed for delayed motor-neurone responses. You only thought you were steering, in reality she was doing all the work behind the scenes and all she asked in return was for her pinions to be greased (Mrs).

The late onset of spring has found me in a particularly wistful mood, and I am beginning to miss her far more than I thought I would. All kinds of funny little things remind me of her. The scent of wild honeysuckle rendolent of the many country byways we'd meanadered down on a warm summer's eve. The sprinkling of dried mouse sh*t I found in my garden shed are just like the one's in the sugar bowl in her pantry. I spent many happy hours sat in the back picking them out with a fag dangling from my bottom lip.

A fool, as they say, and his Commer are easily parted.

Aaahhh - now that's more like it.....Si has, perhaps, provided a concise assessment of the product of the last 149 thread pages, and a clue to how assuage any guilt by shaking you into the right actions to reinstate that "lovin feeling".....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 08, 2013, 11:42:36 am
I am actively in the market for a nice Austin Maxi...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: JDS on May 08, 2013, 12:47:13 pm
I am actively in the market for a nice Austin Maxi...
Was there ever a nice Maxi?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on May 08, 2013, 02:13:27 pm
Was there ever a nasty one? The Mighty Maxi is one of my all time favourites. I love the bouncy ride and plywood dash, but mainly the whining whistling transmission noise of the badly-machined drive pinion.

Five doors, five speed gearbox, five seats, five stars!  and five miles between breakdowns

70's motoring heaven!

If this bit of leg and a Maxi doesn't stiffen the winkle of any true red blooded man then you're dead.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Brad Zarse on May 08, 2013, 04:02:10 pm
and suddenly the signature line of your profile, all makes sense again......  >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on May 08, 2013, 05:07:43 pm
Pretty girl, sitting in the usual position awaiting the recover truck......
I jest, as my trusty BMC stallion has never failed to deliver me to those green fields of France. And I don't see why your BL youngster should be any different if serviced properly. More chance of getting to Le Mans in the Maxi than in a Trevor (ducks for cover).


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 09, 2013, 11:22:01 am
Andy - the forever hippie

I now know why u want one, its great road holding and its ability to pull the fairer sex

(http://www.rockmine.com/lennonauto/LennonMaxi.jpg)

put that guitar and Piano down and go and get one - "MAN"  8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on July 01, 2013, 09:31:23 pm
Spotted in full working order in south west Scotland...

(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s637/Mike206sp1/80afb8af-bbb0-49b8-892b-a67e5603c442_zps16f24d58.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Mike206sp1/media/80afb8af-bbb0-49b8-892b-a67e5603c442_zps16f24d58.jpg.html)

(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s637/Mike206sp1/c3a717e9-7efa-4985-bd24-be907afc55a1_zpsfc820fcf.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Mike206sp1/media/c3a717e9-7efa-4985-bd24-be907afc55a1_zpsfc820fcf.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on August 21, 2013, 04:00:18 pm
Andy

Perfect replacement for you or for Jnr,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1981-DODGE-COMMER-SPACEVAN-GENUINE-BT-ENGINEER-VAN-/281153456264?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item41760d4888

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1981-DODGE-COMMER-SPACEVAN-GENUINE-BT-ENGINEER-VAN-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/QQ0AAMXQyfFR8~FI/$(KGrHqR,!ogFHwEiU0SrBR8+FIrK1!~~60_12.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on August 21, 2013, 08:37:09 pm
Why is it yellow and not rust brown ;D

and a Weber carburettor :o


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on August 22, 2013, 10:58:01 am
Now that really is something! Thanks Neil.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on August 23, 2013, 01:34:40 pm
£2,000 at the moment and just over 2 days to go.

Go on, Andy, you know you want to  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on October 10, 2013, 11:07:18 pm
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=221295620135

Apologies for the lack of picture from me  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on October 11, 2013, 12:54:50 pm
How about this one... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1966-COMMER-CAMPERVAN-JENNINGS-COACHBUILT-FROM-NEW-/271292085065?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item3f2a44b349 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1966-COMMER-CAMPERVAN-JENNINGS-COACHBUILT-FROM-NEW-/271292085065?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item3f2a44b349)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1966-COMMER-CAMPERVAN-JENNINGS-COACHBUILT-FROM-NEW-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/X3sAAOxy86RSUSF3/$T2eC16N,!zMFIc4wgVOMBSUSF2Glfw~~60_12.JPG)

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=221295620135

Apologies for the lack of picture from me  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 24, 2013, 03:48:40 pm
Mr Andy Z - or can we call U "DAD"

As you all grown up now and have a family to look after and protect, may I suggest you move up from a Commer to a Karrier - and with plenty of space for the toys and its big enough to take your lads toys as well

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KARRIER-GREEN-CREAM/321253858386?_trksid=p1.m2286&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D340%26meid%3D2929896915695304467%26pid%3D100069%26prg%3D1183%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D301018601721%26%26clkid%3D2929898408632722199&_qi=RTM1342312

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/KARRIER-GREEN-CREAM-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/454AAOxyXDhSioHt/$_12.JPG)   (http://i.ebayimg.com/t/KARRIER-GREEN-CREAM-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/7d0AAOxygj5SioIF/$_12.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on December 04, 2013, 07:24:57 am
It's actually a LWB Commer BF badged as a Karrier... And £5k seems far too much money for it. Do you know who Maggy Ferguson was, and how the poor woman came to be making engines?

Still if you think 5 grand is a lot for a Commer, try £1.8 million... That's what the Ecurrie one just sold for

http://fortyonesix.com/news/1716/ecurie-ecosse-transporter-journ


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: BigH on December 04, 2013, 02:11:27 pm
Holy shinola! Those prices are right up there, I'd bet my best pair of socks that the seller might stretch to a Top Deck Shandy or two just to celebrate.
Wonder if the buyer wants a Mark 2 to complete the set?
Classics seem to be selling well these days, although I hardly ever see any of the buggers on the road. Maybe they're being used for dogging and I should get out a bit more.
H


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on January 20, 2014, 10:47:16 pm
Andy Z

New year, new ideas, as your now a family man, how about this  :)

(http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/9241/tnftrans2dg4.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on January 21, 2014, 09:57:12 pm
Isn't that the back of a moggy 1000? Going to Sunday school when I was about eight I had my fingers trapped in the door of one of those, did not say anything because I was too shy and possibly too scared, did not loose any fingernails so it cannot have been too bad...

Still a bit like that I suppose... shy I mean.

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 01, 2014, 08:38:59 pm
This looks like an easy fixer-upper.  Click through image to eBay listing.



(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Citroen-2cv-Camionette-AUTOGLASS-GLACAUTO-new-pics-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/FmMAAOxyni9TBSFY/$_12.JPG)(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Citroen-2cv-Camionette-AUTOGLASS-GLACAUTO-new-pics-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/3ecAAOxy-WxTBSME/$_12.JPG)
 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-2cv-Camionette-AUTOGLASS-GLACAUTO-new-pics-/261406041823?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cdd03a6df[/url)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 05, 2014, 11:31:33 pm
£510 and it still didn't meet the reserve.......I did particularly enjoy the description, updates and answers to questions:

1)  I am not trying to put any pressure on anyone, but if the reserve isn't met, i will relist it once I have received it early next week but the reserve may go higher as i would have been able to assess the car myself!

2)  The car will be delivered to me early next week and NOT this weekend!!! I would understand if you want to retract your bid!!!

3)   THE CHASSIS DOES NOT NEED REPLACING BUT THE FRONT AXLE WILL!!!  THAT WHY THE FRONT END LOOKS LOW ON THE PICTURES

I really fail to see why it didn't meet the reserve.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 06, 2014, 01:33:13 pm
Front end looks low... almost certainly because knife edges or spring tension rods have rusted through. Seller is a numpty.


3)   THE CHASSIS DOES NOT NEED REPLACING BUT THE FRONT AXLE WILL!!!  THAT WHY THE FRONT END LOOKS LOW ON THE PICTURES



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 15, 2014, 10:54:35 am
Another eBay 'fixer-upper'

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360880501624?clk_rvr_id=602401163105&afsrc=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360880501624?clk_rvr_id=602401163105&afsrc=1)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Ford-Escort-mk1-van-/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/gPgAAOxyrM5TIMoO/$_58.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on March 16, 2014, 11:01:08 pm
Another eBay 'fixer-upper'

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360880501624?clk_rvr_id=602401163105&afsrc=1 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360880501624?clk_rvr_id=602401163105&afsrc=1)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Ford-Escort-mk1-van-/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/gPgAAOxyrM5TIMoO/$_58.JPG)

That passenger side window wiper looks fairly solid  :P


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on March 17, 2014, 10:49:38 pm
.......That passenger side window wiper looks fairly solid  :P
The close ups are so funny, its that "air-conditioned" there's not a panel you couldn't put your fist through

The back axle worth £200, and the rest is scrap, or just plain missing


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on March 17, 2014, 11:00:19 pm
How about this?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bi9PaQSIYAE0F3B.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 18, 2014, 11:08:00 am
Oh yes! And I hope that miniature radial engine actually works!

How about this?

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bi9PaQSIYAE0F3B.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 23, 2014, 12:54:27 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on March 23, 2014, 01:01:57 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

 :o excited face...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on March 23, 2014, 01:19:15 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

After more than 10 years and more than 2.200 posts - is there finally a Modern Commer Replacement?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 23, 2014, 04:32:45 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

After more than 10 years and more than 2.200 posts - is there finally a Modern Commer Replacement?

Werner - Andy is such a tease  ;D




Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on March 23, 2014, 07:01:41 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)
Stand by, stand by
After more than 10 years and more than 2.200 posts - is there finally a Modern Commer Replacement?
Werner - Andy is such a tease  ;D

My goodness - over 10 years since the first post - hasn't the time has flown by....finally got my arse on gear and pulled the engine out of the MGA this afternoon to get it off to the machinists next week (little end bearing knock and reduced oil pressure after many years of exuberant use since the last rebuild). All being well, it should be back in and working in time for Le Mans (this year...).

Look forward to the impending announcement - the content of which could vary at one extreme of "here's this year's poster with a Commer" to the other of "I've just bought the Commer back".  Anything is possible....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on March 24, 2014, 12:20:59 am
I almost thought I'd found the ideal replacement, but I can't see any for sale.

At least the Haynes Manual is still available

(http://www.liveforfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/tumblr_lieqt75dnF1qzkrfxo1_500-450x450.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on March 24, 2014, 10:45:10 am
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

(shuffles forward in chair) "Oh you tease you!"


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on March 24, 2014, 01:05:28 pm
He's not buying anything, it's just a pathetic attempt to resurrect a tired old thread that ran out of steam years ago. As Mark points out, it is now 10 years old, and that's 10 years, 151 pages and 2256 posts of mind numbing drivel and nonsense. For Gods sake if you're going to replace the thing get your finger out and spare us all from this infernal thread.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on March 24, 2014, 05:15:12 pm
Ah,but Bob.....if........ Mr.Zarse........... finds........ a.......... replacement.....it......will........continue......the......thread.........for ......many........years.........to........come!!! ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 24, 2014, 05:47:54 pm
But this thread is like an old ex-girlfriend who has gone to seed slightly. Nothing much to look at, but occasionally fun to hang out with.  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on March 26, 2014, 08:08:32 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

What is your definition of "quite shortly"? Come on, Andy!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on March 26, 2014, 10:07:22 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

What is your definition of "quite shortly"? Come on, Andy!

He's at it.....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on March 26, 2014, 10:48:51 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

What is your definition of "quite shortly"? Come on, Andy!

He's at it.....

Next weekend! (5th)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on March 27, 2014, 01:11:49 am
The SUSPENSE is killing me >:D :angel: ;D
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on March 27, 2014, 02:00:28 pm
OK - if we have to wait, guess time then

Guess 1 - as Andy is now a responsible Dad - GreenAndy

Guess 2 - Saw at MOT centre this morning, nice


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: JDS on April 01, 2014, 09:18:37 am
I know, I know ..... but I'm not tellin' ......  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 01, 2014, 09:20:42 am
I know, I know ..... but I'm not tellin' ......  ;D

Well if John knows, then can I offer Guess 3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qjCrzOzN30 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qjCrzOzN30)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on April 05, 2014, 10:39:10 am
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

What is your definition of "quite shortly"? Come on, Andy!

He's at it.....

Next weekend! (5th)

Big day has arrived...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 05, 2014, 01:54:04 pm
I will quite shortly have some news of an announcemental nature... :)

Stand by, stand by

What is your definition of "quite shortly"? Come on, Andy!

He's at it.....

Next weekend! (5th)

Big day has arrived...

I'm so excited      (http://rack.1.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA3LzA1LzZiL01vbnR5UHl0aG9uLmY1YWJhLmdpZgpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/b34cd2e8/c8c/Monty-Python.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on April 05, 2014, 03:41:39 pm
Come on, Andy!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on April 05, 2014, 09:10:52 pm
Come on, Andy!

Knew he was at it  ::)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 05, 2014, 09:50:27 pm
....tenterhooks.....

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on April 07, 2014, 10:34:50 am
Oh come the feck on Andy. The suspense!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on April 07, 2014, 02:27:56 pm
Andy, if Mark's hooks are tender, we really should be told.
I can't say that the wait is killing me, but it has produced an itch on my left buttock (though I suppose that could be something else).


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on April 07, 2014, 06:20:04 pm
Starting to look like "the announcemental news" was just a plot to keep the thread alive that little bit longer.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 08, 2014, 10:17:20 pm
BEHOLD! Behold the mighty modern Commer replacement


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on April 08, 2014, 11:23:28 pm
Nice shade of blue. Pity someones parked a Jeep and a caravan in front of it!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 09, 2014, 02:16:11 am
It's a Container Hotel...we can all stay ;D
Phil


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Canada Phil on April 09, 2014, 02:21:11 am
 217000 Plus views on 152 pages and you get a .........Caravan. Modern all the conveniences and comfort of home.
I bet it was "Her Indoors" idea. I can hear it now. Your not cooking Curry in the caravan  ;D
Phil
ps it looks very nice and i am completely envious.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: wishy on April 09, 2014, 07:38:06 am
And,you have even employed a driver to chauffeur you around in your splendid new caravan ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 09, 2014, 01:36:56 pm
So what's the next step?    A nice line in Wooden clothes pegs? Waylaying passers by with the question "Lucky Heather Sir"?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: landman on April 09, 2014, 01:56:48 pm
As a reformed caravanner I will resist cheap jibes about the obvious.

Instead I will offer my limited caravanning advise in return for use of the onboard facilities rather than having to queue for ages to take an early morning pee.

I trust the fridge will be brimming with beer and the kettle always on?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: smokie on April 09, 2014, 02:31:33 pm
Is this the end of an era, for this thread?

In the MB days I used to take a caravan, a tattier one than that. 'er indoorz was not happy as the caravan was becoming too knocked about by carrying excessive weight (bikes, flagpoles, gear etc). Massively preferred over a tent though by me.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: dryhen on April 09, 2014, 02:48:05 pm
Possibly heard on Wednesday pm 11th June -

" I have some tarmac left over from a job round the corner - does your bit of  Tetre Rouge campsite need resurfacing ? "


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on April 09, 2014, 03:38:07 pm
I bet it'll burn well  >:D

http://bit.ly/1oM5WM1 (http://bit.ly/1oM5WM1)

(http://thedailyllama.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/cfc.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 09, 2014, 07:37:31 pm
Go on, mock. Mock me to your hearts content. You will be laughing on the other side of your faces when I move into your area, pour old engine oil into your local river and break into your house to rifle through your underwear draw.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 09, 2014, 10:03:19 pm
Andy -

(http://media.giphy.com/media/H8zg5nlGWWQ7K/giphy.gif)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on April 12, 2014, 12:08:44 am
Dont be silly folks. Andy has bought the bloke................. The rest came with him


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Bob U on April 12, 2014, 10:18:26 pm
Dont be silly folks. Andy has bought the bloke................. The rest came with him
 The Bloke? I'm sure we can introduce you to "The Bloke" on Bleu Nord in June. If you care to join us on the Friday night he may well be be wearing his best party frock just for you.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on April 13, 2014, 01:51:39 am
Well I'm NOT going to pretend to be shocked   :o




OK I am

but I'm buggered if I'm going to be awed by it

It's just a low rent replacement for my old nemesis the C*****

Which will never pass my lips (or in this particular, gotta be particular, case keyboard) again in Zarse discussionship

Does it fit on a standard EU ACO campsite though?

We must be told


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on April 13, 2014, 11:55:00 am
Dont be silly folks. Andy has bought the bloke................. The rest came with him
 The Bloke? I'm sure we can introduce you to "The Bloke" on Bleu Nord in June. If you care to join us on the Friday night he may well be be wearing his best party frock just for you.

That "BLOKE" (Andy's Man Servant) - also has a weakness for Badgers


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 20, 2014, 09:39:04 pm
I'm probably missing sonething, but once the delivery bloke has driven his jeep away, how does it work? Where's the driving seat and steering wheel? And the engine?

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lorry on April 20, 2014, 10:57:50 pm
Welcome to the club ;D

What no motormover :o  but enclosed gas cylinders ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on April 21, 2014, 04:12:13 pm
I'm very happy you found Leigh again Andy, now where's the new Commer?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on April 24, 2014, 06:48:16 pm
Mark, there is no engine or steering wheel, although it does have a fully flushing lavatory, a separate shower room, central heating and a separate bedroom. All of these features are not things of which the poor old Commer could boast. On the other hand, the Modern Commer Replacement does not however have a vermin infestation, fleas and lice in the upholstery, terminal rot, a recalcitrant exhaust system, a wheezing 1725 engine, a Ship's Log of meritorious misdeamours as long as the N138 or a pleasantly winning human personality. So it's a mixed blessing in short; I do miss the Commer and her foibles terribly, but at the end of the day luxury wins out.



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lord Steve on April 24, 2014, 08:30:17 pm
Could this be the end of this message trail?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on April 24, 2014, 10:34:22 pm
It could be, on the basis that the Commer has, indeed, been replaced by something modern because the owner has gone soft  in his dotage.

However, it is in the top 3 of threads by posts and views. And I would rather like to hear how well it survives the trials and tribulations of a Le Mans trip. I suspect the fixtures and fittings may not be quite as robust as the Commer.......

MG Mark


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on April 25, 2014, 09:01:55 am
Could this be the end of this message trail?


Perhaps the new owner of the Commer could be directed to this thread, and we could follow the old girls restoration.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on May 03, 2014, 01:07:08 pm
Missed opportunity?

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10338317_782767111747199_5015219099285872499_n.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on May 08, 2014, 09:54:03 pm
another lost idea, and it even had is name on it

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RNGT8s9t20/UsnYtjsuxFI/AAAAAAACyRE/J3tTk7ZNd7Q/s1600/himsl+zep.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on May 09, 2014, 12:01:25 am
Surely a good tow vehicle for "the replacement"

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/261470566381

(http://i1309.photobucket.com/albums/s637/Mike206sp1/ABDE08A8-F369-41E6-912E-BAE1D66E69F4_zps3fqrj5ft.jpg) (http://s1309.photobucket.com/user/Mike206sp1/media/ABDE08A8-F369-41E6-912E-BAE1D66E69F4_zps3fqrj5ft.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on May 09, 2014, 12:05:29 am
another lost idea, and it even had is name on it

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RNGT8s9t20/UsnYtjsuxFI/AAAAAAACyRE/J3tTk7ZNd7Q/s1600/himsl+zep.jpg)

That is incredibly cool!!! Infact cool doesn't even come close!!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on May 19, 2014, 09:54:44 pm
another lost idea, and it even had is name on it

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RNGT8s9t20/UsnYtjsuxFI/AAAAAAACyRE/J3tTk7ZNd7Q/s1600/himsl+zep.jpg)

That is incredibly cool!!! Infact cool doesn't even come close!!!


COOOOOL???? That is one ugly Mo-Fo, what is up with you?

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on May 19, 2014, 09:56:34 pm
Missed opportunity?

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10338317_782767111747199_5015219099285872499_n.jpg)

This is beautiful except for the seriously Crxp colour and the underated suspension...

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mike(liverpool boys) on May 20, 2014, 05:48:09 pm
another lost idea, and it even had is name on it

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RNGT8s9t20/UsnYtjsuxFI/AAAAAAACyRE/J3tTk7ZNd7Q/s1600/himsl+zep.jpg)

That is incredibly cool!!! Infact cool doesn't even come close!!!



COOOOOL???? That is one ugly Mo-Fo, what is up with you?

>Martini...LB

There's something about it I find strangely attractive. Perhaps in gulf colours to liven it up a bit  8)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on August 23, 2014, 11:38:56 pm
Andy - I know Commer and Bedford - are like United & City Fans - lots of luv  ::)

but what about this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950-Bedford-OB-Motor-Home-/161395621565?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2593edbebd

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDU1WDY0MA==/z/A20AAOSwDk5T7cAw/$_12.JPG) (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDY3WDY0MA==/z/660AAOSwQItT7cAw/$_12.JPG)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on August 26, 2014, 05:35:35 pm
Andy - I know Commer and Bedford - are like United & City Fans - lots of luv  ::)

but what about this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950-Bedford-OB-Motor-Home-/161395621565?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2593edbebd

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDU1WDY0MA==/z/A20AAOSwDk5T7cAw/$_12.JPG) (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDY3WDY0MA==/z/660AAOSwQItT7cAw/$_12.JPG)



I was behind this on track at the Silverstone Classic a few weeks ago. And while we were only on a parade lap, it certainly wasn't hanging around. Nice, but I'd find better ways of spending £90k


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on August 26, 2014, 08:51:26 pm
What a stunner, even if a little expensive...

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on September 13, 2014, 06:56:36 pm
How about this, only 60 to £80,00.

http://grrc.goodwood.com/race/historic/race-transporters-cool


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 06, 2014, 03:36:39 pm
Been a bit quiet here, now Mr Z has is caravan  ::)

So here is one to consider - best of both worlds  ;D

And it even a Commer (big brother)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1966-Commer-Walk-Thru-Adventurer-Motor-Home/261647921261?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3Deca8de47c20d41d9a5d99fa936130a75%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D20140107092241%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D281488191386


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Martini...LB on November 06, 2014, 09:18:34 pm
That is an ugly son of a brick...

>Martini...LB


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on November 07, 2014, 10:37:15 am
I bet the "Carry on Camping" sticker is original equipment.

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8253742661_2ceac23638_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/dzmA8X)
Wilsons Motor Caravan Centre Advert 1964 (https://flic.kr/p/dzmA8X) by davidshrimpton60 (https://www.flickr.com/people/56252091@N03/), on Flickr


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on November 10, 2014, 03:23:21 pm
That is an ugly son of a brick...

>Martini...LB

No. It is superb.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 08, 2015, 06:51:41 pm
Here we are at Newhaven with the Modern Commer Replacement...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: pretzel on June 08, 2015, 09:24:01 pm
Class!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2015, 12:10:22 am
utter wonderfulness Andy

Almost wish I was providing my customary outriding service

Not as how you'd need my mucky handed service for this beauty

That is another truly classy beastie

See thee Turdsday  ;)

just a thought

should we bring paint for you or is Carrefour providing?


;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LangTall on June 09, 2015, 11:15:08 am
Nice Photoshop Andy.  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 09, 2015, 03:31:21 pm
Nice Photoshop Andy.  ;D

Oh dear Marius

Are you implying that the 'van might not be quite as well dressed as that?

Oh woe is me if that is the truth


I was so certain...


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 15, 2015, 12:15:13 pm
In the spirit of the Green Goddess and Mr Zarse's legendary pre race preparations, my trusty Merc made it to Le Mans and back for the seventh time in eleven years. It was still on the ramp at 9:30 on Wednesday night being reassembled before heading south at 4:30am the next morning.

(http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Dr_S/B35E2050-5281-4315-BB30-09694E37FB72_zpsrmc2fbvm.jpg) (http://s851.photobucket.com/user/Dr_S/media/B35E2050-5281-4315-BB30-09694E37FB72_zpsrmc2fbvm.jpg.html)

1289 mile round trip this year. Can't believe how quickly the years roll by.

(http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Dr_S/154AB3F3-F675-4A2E-A030-0416FC359FB5_zps1pqnbl4p.jpg) (http://s851.photobucket.com/user/Dr_S/media/154AB3F3-F675-4A2E-A030-0416FC359FB5_zps1pqnbl4p.jpg.html)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 15, 2015, 02:28:16 pm
any interior shots of the merc as it looks a great set up


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on November 11, 2015, 07:03:18 pm
not your old one is it Mr Z (yes I know its a different colour - but it could have been resprayed - or even just washed!)

as it in your old neck of the woods

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Commer-Wanderer-campervan-classic-vehicle-/262099240636?hash=item3d065506bc:g:5YUAAOSwYHxWIqwr

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/5YUAAOSwYHxWIqwr/$_57.JPG)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on December 08, 2015, 05:29:31 pm
That's lovely.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 13, 2016, 10:29:16 pm
Having pondered for some time over a suitable Modern Commer Replacement, I have decided to commence a new relationship. I am formally replacing the beautiful light commercial with something equally refined and well, downright proper. So I can today reveal I have decided to welcome a Rover to the Zarse family.

Please meet 552 EWW, a Rover 110 from 1963, complete with Weslake cylinder head sat atop a short stroke 2.6 litre straight six, it is a vehicle cut from the same cloth as the Commer. In short, it's a bit of class.

I'm off to the tobacconists first thing for a new pipe and a tin of St Bruno and once I've modified the wireless so it's got Blueteeth I'll be able to waft along in gentlemanly fashion listening to the melodies of its 6 pot engine and Weslake cylinder head overlaid with the soothing strains of The Cult...

She's not coming to LM this year, I think a period of courtship would be considered decourous and in any event I don't collect her until after we return. But next year... oh I have some plans next year  >:D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: mgmark on June 13, 2016, 10:59:21 pm
Aaah, a sweet resurrection of a classic and illustrious thread....at last, sense has been seen and a classic has come back to the Zarse fold. Very bank manager. Don't forget the flat cap and string backed gloves.

Some further accessory suggestions for car and owner might be in order.......an indication of whether a tow bar is already fitted, for the likes of a classic Paladin caravan would be helpful; one woul, after all, add to its wider utility?

Oh, and I do hope that the Commer's current keepers have been treating her well, such that she forgives your previous callous treatment of her and does not return to haunt...

MG Mark





Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Werner on June 13, 2016, 11:00:44 pm
Pictures of the Rover, please....


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 14, 2016, 12:16:22 am
I can offer a suitably 'matured' flat 'at if you so require Andy

Only one careful owner




(Yes I know the other one treated it disgracefully, but...)

Looking forrards to making Auntie's aquaintance


110 with Weslake head

nice


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: lofty on August 20, 2016, 01:51:27 pm
Andy modern replacement with unique style. I'm not sure where you dump the skirts when you arrive in Calais though. Great for water logged campsite. Orange obviously not your colour but hey cheap respray. Beat striking ferry workers. The only drawback may be waves!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Rhino on August 23, 2016, 09:56:15 pm
Special gimp edition.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: lofty on January 14, 2017, 09:22:50 pm
Same sh*t colour as my van Andy, but a respray would turn it into an epic motor.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2017, 05:19:56 pm
If it is ever desired to retire the venerable Commer (or restrict it to supporting historic race meetings) the modern equivalents may be at hand......... ;D

Well here we are again. As some know, and other's probably don't, the eponymous Modern Commer Replacement is actually older although equally antiquated as our old pal the Commer. And this year I decided it was time to travel down by classic car for the first time since 2008. So I have been fettling Mr Evans (or Horace to those to whom he has been formally introduced) our Rover 110 ready for the journey. He is in good spirits although the poor old chap probably doesn't know what is about to hit him.

Anyhow as part of the preparations, I thought I would take the precaution of having him MOTed prior to the off, just to be sure. It doesn't really matter as he was built in 1963 and does not legally require one. Or so I thought... I was advised the cut off date for not requiring a test is 1960.

Mr Evans failed. Or rather, I failed Mr Evans. So the race is now on to rebuild the excessively complicated system of rods, levers, clevis pins, ratchets and linkages which make up the infamous Rover P4 shepherd's crook" handbrake sytem. And also somehow bodge the clapped-out old window wipers to work sufficiently to pass the test.

Components have been dispatched from as far afield as Accrington and Dudley and are eagerly awaited. There's a tension in the air, a last minute will-he-or-won't-he frisson of exitement. I had forgotten the exquisite cruelty, self-abnegation you might say, in such a lacksadaisical approach to the requirements of Ministry. I'm loving every minute of the drama, I feel sure the Commer would approve.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 09, 2017, 05:24:56 pm
Evans above.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 09, 2017, 07:41:58 pm
Just like old times, the will he or won't he make it to Le Mans

Looking forward to seeing Mr Evans in the metal.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on June 10, 2017, 07:33:55 am
What happened to the old tenner poking out of the ashtray trick? So
often deployed to get the green goddess a pass.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 10, 2017, 10:36:54 am
What happened to the old tenner poking out of the ashtray trick? So
often deployed to get the green goddess a pass.
A combination of computerisation of the MOT system and the retirement of John the Ticket.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 10, 2017, 11:38:02 am
Just like old times, the will he or won't he make it to Le Mans

Looking forward to seeing Mr Evans in the metal.

No surprises there, usual lastminute.com  ;)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 13, 2017, 12:32:12 am
He looks a handsome old chap Mr Z

I believe you travel a day earlier than me so I will miss the pleasure of a genteel convoy to Mecca la Sarthe

Mayhap another year

I hope the repairs go well


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 13, 2017, 01:19:43 am
He looks a handsome old chap Mr Z

I believe you travel a day earlier than me so I will miss the pleasure of a genteel convoy to Mecca la Sarthe

Mayhap another year

I hope the repairs go well


Mecca? We ay playin binger!

Never mind, if things go badly for us you'll run into us at the roadside.

Safe journey old boy!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 13, 2017, 11:37:30 pm
Again?

quel horreur

I hope that is a jest dear fellow, but as you know, I go prepared

See you on the better side

;)

b


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 14, 2017, 12:31:57 am
Negotiations have been completed successfully and I have in my hand a piece of paper bearing the signature of Herr Hitler... or if not Herr Hitler someone else. Which will do for me.

We sail with the Tide, and other leading brands of detergent.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 14, 2017, 12:42:22 am
Fantastic news
Bon Voyage


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Perdu on June 14, 2017, 12:52:36 am
Now we have a Le Mans

Well done Mr Zarse, awfully well done sir



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on June 20, 2017, 04:40:45 pm
It was a pleasure to finally meet Mr Evans, or Horace as I am now allowed to call him.
What a fine handsome fellow he is!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 20, 2017, 05:51:30 pm
He was marvellous. Five pints of water, one of oil and an average of 18mpg. Providing we kept moving and had the roof open it wasn't even ridiculously hot.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: elanman on June 21, 2017, 02:36:34 pm
It was a pleasure and privilige to have a short ride in your most spendid Gentlemans Conveyance on Friday afternoon, saving us a hot walk to Beausejour, very much appreciated, thank you.  It also ticked a box for me in that I got to ride in a car flying a Stn Cdrs Pennant! Delighted you made it there and back with no more than would be considered entirely appropriate levels of maintenance.  The Elan (1968) must go to Le Mans next year in her 50th year!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 22, 2017, 12:49:31 am
It was a joy to meet Mr Horace Evans. A worthy successor i'd say (but what do I know). There really is something special about driving to, from and around Le Mans in a vehicle older than oneself.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on June 26, 2017, 08:50:40 am
It was a pleasure and privilige to have a short ride in your most spendid Gentlemans Conveyance on Friday afternoon, saving us a hot walk to Beausejour, very much appreciated, thank you.  It also ticked a box for me in that I got to ride in a car flying a Stn Cdrs Pennant! Delighted you made it there and back with no more than would be considered entirely appropriate levels of maintenance.  The Elan (1968) must go to Le Mans next year in her 50th year!
A pleasure Sir! Look forward to seeing the Lotus next year.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on March 20, 2019, 02:53:27 pm
This looks like the ideal vehicle for a trip to La Sarthe in June...
Currently £7800 on fleabay.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264246768877?ul_noapp=true (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264246768877?ul_noapp=true)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on March 21, 2019, 09:29:49 pm
I'd much rather this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-hy-van-camper-van-converted-prosecco-van-advertisement-vehicle/153420246779?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140328180637%26meid%3De95e5c7b0c3b452cb5149cd2fa8e17f5%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D264246768877%26itm%3D153420246779&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Barry on March 23, 2019, 02:00:15 am
That's rather spiffing!!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Landy_Jon on March 23, 2019, 10:57:29 am
Did someone say gin?
(https://i.postimg.cc/7hYMYTrJ/DSCF2924-1.jpg)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: nopanic - neil on June 23, 2019, 06:27:56 pm
Andy

about time u updated ur motor  ;D

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1967-Commer-Camper-Van-On-Air-Ride-PX-VW-splitscreen-t2/123786657311?hash=item1cd2427e1f:g:2F8AAOSwr01c795A

 (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/~icAAOSwmtJc795N/s-l1600.png)  (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2F8AAOSwr01c795A/s-l500.png)



Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: LuxExpat on June 24, 2019, 04:40:30 pm
I'd much rather this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-hy-van-camper-van-converted-prosecco-van-advertisement-vehicle/153420246779?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140328180637%26meid%3De95e5c7b0c3b452cb5149cd2fa8e17f5%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D264246768877%26itm%3D153420246779&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

This, with the favoured / updated Transit TD engine / 'box in it. EASY swap.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 24, 2019, 09:04:07 pm
Andy

about time u updated ur motor  ;D

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1967-Commer-Camper-Van-On-Air-Ride-PX-VW-splitscreen-t2/123786657311?hash=item1cd2427e1f:g:2F8AAOSwr01c795A

 (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/~icAAOSwmtJc795N/s-l1600.png)  (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2F8AAOSwr01c795A/s-l500.png)


I nearly posted that but thought its too hip for Andy


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 15, 2021, 10:12:30 am
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 15, 2021, 05:26:44 pm
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8

Now that's what I call a project ...... brakes next I hope?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: garyfrogeye on June 15, 2021, 05:34:38 pm
Friend of mine has just bought a Bedford CA dormobile and is fitting an MGB engine.


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on June 15, 2021, 06:35:46 pm
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8

Now that's what I call a project ...... brakes next I hope?

Yes he is currently doing that as we speak from what i've seen on other social media posts!


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Steve Pyro on June 16, 2021, 10:11:27 am
Then parachute  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on September 02, 2021, 03:44:59 pm
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8

There is a guy on Twitter with a blue Commer running a Ford 302 out of a Mustang. Everything else looks stock  ;D


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Kev_mk3 on September 02, 2021, 07:57:14 pm
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8

There is a guy on Twitter with a blue Commer running a Ford 302 out of a Mustang. Everything else looks stock  ;D

Do you have a twitter username at all?


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on September 03, 2021, 10:37:50 am
Someone has put a saab 2.3 turbo into a Commer............


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6oewhrOgj8

There is a guy on Twitter with a blue Commer running a Ford 302 out of a Mustang. Everything else looks stock  ;D


Do you have a twitter username at all?

Manfacility Metal Works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ9jXU4nwUg


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Andy Zarse on July 12, 2022, 11:15:18 am
I should have mentioned, this year’s race marked the 20th anniversary of the Commer’s inaugural trip to Le Mans.

I’m happy to report the Commer remains in the hands of the guy I sold it to and is partly restored. Currently tucked away under cover awaiting happier days.

Meanwhile here’s a great YouTube link to the V8 Commer above. Smokin’!

https://youtu.be/bxP7WiIUiMQ


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Grand_Fromage on September 02, 2023, 10:55:46 am
Annual thread bump for MCR

Not a Commer but a closely related Bedford van restoration by Trev of @TrevsBlog.

https://youtu.be/vuVRcRlTov0?si=oIdkl1RhJ4I7GAkQ (https://youtu.be/vuVRcRlTov0?si=oIdkl1RhJ4I7GAkQ)


Title: Re: Modern Commer Replacement
Post by: Lazy B'stard on December 07, 2023, 06:44:46 pm
I should have mentioned, this year’s race marked the 20th anniversary of the Commer’s inaugural trip to Le Mans.

I’m happy to report the Commer remains in the hands of the guy I sold it to and is partly restored. Currently tucked away under cover awaiting happier days.

Meanwhile here’s a great YouTube link to the V8 Commer above. Smokin’!

https://youtu.be/bxP7WiIUiMQ

Next June will be the 20th anniversary of our first trip down in the Merc Vito. The week before the race we took the bulkhead out, bought a bus seat from the scrap yard and bolted it to the floor. No seatbelts or windows in the back and six of us squeezed in. It was packed to the roof with crap and the back doors popped open on the M1 going over the bridge over the River Trent at 2am  ;D ;D

I remember passing the Commer on that hill just off the ring road on the way home. happy times

Glad to say she is still in my ownership and going well at 198,000 miles young.