Humber FV1600 - ARN 105-819 - Restoration moves forward.

[Dave Mills]

Have been moving slowly on the resto, but have managed to remove the Cabin in preperation for the next stage. Now that the cabin is removed i can start on the long job of restoring the chassis and running gear. Sourced a third cabin due to the fact that the other two are just non repairable due to rust. The third cab is in great condition apart from being slightly twisted so have it at the local panel shop to be straightened and they will cut and repair a little patch of rust in the roof whilst it is in their hands. Good to have mates in these trades

Cheers,

Dave.

[fv1620]

Dave great job going on there. What is between the inner & outer skins, is there any insulation?

[Dave Mills]

Thanks for the support Clive. There is insulation in the roof and rear of the cab, a layered plastic material, my intention is to replace this as the resto continues with a more modern version. My initial call is that this material held the moisture and maybe, just maybe, the rusting started from the inside out hence the roofs seem to be the first to go as it inhibited a good air flow to help dry out the cab. (I will take a few pics and post them later)

Have refurbished the rear cross member that the winch marries up with, it had been ripped by the winch cable; a common problem I think. It has been unbolted along with the tail end of the chassis, removed, repaired, rust treated and refitted. Small steps but every step is one step closer.

Cheers,

Dave.

[fv1620]

Dave that is a good point maybe about trapping the moisture.

As for the rear cross-member, on the Pig it is quite different of course but I was amazed that water could enter from the inside around the Warner socket but had nowhere to escape. None to wonderful for a vehicle that is meant to wade. The photo only shows about half the crud I got out of it.

Is there a similar problem on the 1601?

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Clive , thanks for the up date on KTB 112C, got to say it's lost a little of it's "Presence and Panache" after it's unlikley rebirth. Like the steps next to the tailgate, an item that should have been designed in originally.

Cab insulation is an Isoflex product that looks like a brittle corrugated plastic, without doubt the twin skin is it's own worst enemy in the battle against rust. I remember being told years agp that the insulating medium was caneite, if so the problem may well have been far worse.
Rich.

[Dave Mills]

Noticed the steps also Rich, as well as the grab handles each side of the tailgate. The tub to me looks like a signals version; are you aware of this version carrying the steps and grab handles? Or are they someone's great idea that we may pilfer.

They look fairly straight forward to reproduce for a couple of talented blokes and it will certainly solve the busing and de-busing dilemma of the Humber. Food for thought.

Still prefer the sedan body seeing that it was fitted already, what a hoot to be able to drive that around with the all round vision. I like you would have jumped at the opportunity to put it over the tracks we did at Champ Camp; would have surpassed the Stalwart.

Dave.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Dave, I have never seen the steps or grab handles before, so assume it was a mod by the owner.
Not much good for you or me, we would get hung up on them in the bush at Humber Camp 2015.
Rich.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Like I said earlier, this will be the best restored Humber of the world
Much, much better than new, Humber would have been proud to see this!

You do release that you wil have to trailer it to events in a closed trailer and display it on axle stands with mirrors underneat and keep waxing it and dusting it off, like they do on custom car shows. Wonder if it will attract scantily clad bikini babes

H.

[pauldavies]

Dave you have taken on a big resto and good work so far, I have it easy compared to you. Best of luck and keep those friends happy.
Paul