For those who don't relise I was told this was a running driving van that was usable and clearly its not we relised shes been sat for a very long time. The van is genuinely a very solid chassis and it wasn't alot of money but never the less it was not what I was told it was so its going to go to a new home to someone to restore.
Just came across your channel and thought it might be interesting especially seeing an old V8 Ambulance. And then have just seen that you have just said that you are now going to get rid of it. If everyone gave up as quickly as you there would be no RUclips. You said there is only 8 left on the road which makes it rare and you have given up on it before you have even started. And you say that the person who sold it to you was dishonest so now you are going to fob it off to someone else. Keep it work on it turn it into a nice camper. I am really sorry but your friend Andy has no enthusiasm at all and clearly just can not be arsed with it. Disappointed in every meaning of the word.
@@richardnewman8983 I understand what your saying but I have 2 other full on projects and I was after somthing simple to do and I won't be fobing it off to someone whoever want's to buy it will be well aware of what it's like.
Hi Sheldon, I worked on that era of Sherpa when they were new. Most of the V8 specific mechanical parts are taken straight out of the same year 3.5 litre V8 Land / Range Rovers parts bin, and Austin Rover for the rest. I don't recall a unique bonnet for the V8. You just need one from a 300 Series Freight Rover, which is a much wider bodyshell than the smaller 200 Series model . That pipework on the heads is an air injection emission system. When new, there would be a belt driven air pump that constantly blows air into the exhaust ports to continue burning up any unburnt fuel as it goes down the exhaust manifolds. You can remove it, you'll need to braze up the holes in those pipe nuts to avoid air leaks. They are the same as a standard cylinder head, just threaded for the metal pipes. From memory, those male nut fittings are standard brake, or fuel pipe gland nuts, if any are missing. It will splutter if you haven't got all the crankcase breather system connected, as will any air leaks from worn rubber hoses. Check the Stromberg diaphragms for pinholes or splits, and modern E fuels can make them go porous and lose vacuum.. The second battery should just be for all the extra ambulance ancillaries in use when stood at an incident and reliability, not to make it 24 volts. That extra pipework on the heater is/ was, probably a second heater for the ambulance body conversion. Check the diff pinion bearing and seal too, they're prone to wear, but an easy fix. That headboard should illuminate, get it sign written/ stickered up with "Mum and Sheldon", but it can't be in red if it's illuminated facing the front. 🤣
@johngibson3837 They're built like a Tonka Toy and were very popular in all manner of civil authority rolls. The MOD ran a lot of Freight Rover / Austin-Rover stuff back then too, we had a repair contract, so we saw a lot of them.
Luckily for JR being the boss of Ewing oil meant he could afford to run a V8 Freight Rover as his cash in hand weekend catering van, when he was selling food poisoning in a lay-by along the A303. It looks like it hasn’t run though since he was shot for not paying for a stolen Honda generator he got from some 🥧🔑’s The body of JR was never found so it could be why the interior is full of flies, so check under the seat before spraying Febreze.
Sheldon, where do you find these happy chaps that you continually work with? Lucas, David and now this guy! Is there a talent agency you get them from ? Anyway , great video, you put your own special spin on your material . Keep up the good work .😂
My late father was a Paramedic and I do remember the LDV V8 he had in his station. Being a car obsessed youngster I was fascinated with the noise of the big Rover mill. 'His' was manual gearbox and had a quaife LSD, 1994 model from memory. Apparently sub 10mpg and 110mph was common on blue light runs. I got a few runs in it and it certainly could shift. Made quite the impression on me, My username is a direct reference to those memories. I'm now a Paramedic too although it's all Merc V6 diesels these days...Oh and I do have my own Rover V8 powered TVR Chimaera which is as close as i'll get.
Hate where is the hate? So if you disagree with someone it’s Hate is it, can’t you think for yourself are you lining up following the wokie mantra, by the way can you define what exactly hate is? I suppose we’ve all committed a non crime hate crime now, will the old bill be knocking on doors I wonder!
it also says the mileage was turned back over 40k miles in 2017 and having it only done 80k in 2012 and now it reads 81k in the video I don't think that's accurate unless it has been sitting since 2012 or 13
As a new driver (when test is passed) the insurance would be astronomical, thats if you could even find any company offering insurance. That said, I had sherpa's back in the 1980's and really loved them. I'm in my 70's now so too old to dabble in restoration. Good luck on whatever you decide to do with the old girl.
@oilburner225 Your never too old, I'm 73 and spent most of yesterday underneath my 1968 Rover P6B I'm restoring. It is in a garage although not heated which isn't a good idea anyway, it's better than working outside, especially this time of the year.
@@tonypacke6954 Thanks for the inspiration Tony. As it happens I'm working on my 1960 Morris Minor, I don't have a garage and sometimes it's just too cold and windy to be outside. All the best with your P6B, these are lovely cars though getting rarer these days.
I completely disagree with Andrew's assessment Sheldon. Your channel is called Classic Britain for a reason. How likely are you to find and buy a classic British van that doesn't need work on it? You've managed to find one with a solid chassis that just happens to need some cosmetic and engine work...Every car on this channel has been that way! And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact, it's why we all come on here and watch your videos. Keep it mate, do it like you originally intended to and don't be influenced by people like Andrew who don't seem to understand or appreciate what you do, where your passion lies and what your channel is about. Personally, I look forward to you taking this project forward and using and enjoying it for the purpose you bought it for in the first place. Mick
Many years ago my dad bought a Sherpa van, i think it was a R reg. It had a straight 4 N/A engine, 2 front seats and that was it. After some work we had 2 single seats in the front, 2 singles behind with added windows, 2 benches at the rear which turned into a bed and me, my parents and my sister went on lots of holidays over the years in it. The drivers seat laid flat along with the seat behind and my dad slept there, i had a stool Infront of the other second row set and slept there, my mum and sister had the double bed in the back. Cooking, sleeping and traveling was really good in there, the only downsides were no bathroom, toilet, insulation and ventilation. 4 people sleeping in that van with the windows closed meant the insides of the walls were a bit wet in the morning. But the important thing is we went places and had some really good times. 😀 Id love to own that van, but i think it's something else by now.
I recently returned a 400 panel van to the road after a ten year tenure as a hedge. It took five years on and off to get it decent again. You'll get a lot of Clarksonophiles joyfully telling you that LDVs are shite if my experience is anything to go by.
I used to drive these. The majority of the V8’s had a 5sp box. On a blue light run you’d be lucky to get 7mpg with around 12 on a run. BUT it would see off a vw golf gti from a standing start to around 60mph!! The bracket on the roof is for air horns (siren). The electronic ignition was usually “Luminition” It’s also a demountable rear body!! If you’re thinking of a diesel transplant, you wouldn’t go far wrong with a BMW M57 out of an X5 with the 8sp auto box
I have a Sherpa pickup 1983 model, 1800 Diesel, no rust, never replaced anything in the gearbox or suspension, I did replace the pistons, overall, a very good vehicle. If you want to go diesel a Rover 300 tdi is the answer a fantastic engine - no electronics- no problems
Your mechanic is correct it’s not a financially sound investment BUT it does made the best kind of RUclips content, even if you went only as far as an MoT and then sold it.
2 cups of tea and burger and flies please Nice one sheldon
2 месяца назад+2
Congratulations. It's a fantastic find and has great potential to be converted into whatever you want to make it. I bet it will be a blast to drive. I'm disappointed you are going to flip it. You won't find anything that interesting again.
I had a Convoy with a Rover 3.5 V8 fitted. It had been converted to LPG and went like a rocket. Only issue was that it wouldn't pass the emissions part of the MOT when running on petrol, so the tester simply changed the fuel type to LPG to avoid any future issue.
I used to drive one of these except mine had a 2 litre O series engine. It was hard work, very slow, and drank like a fish. But great at off road events like horse races, never got stuck.
Great project ! I have seen those same rear tail lights on some of the old 1980's Layland double decker busses and these vans were built by Layland/DAF back in the mid 1980's to the mid 1990's... so that would explain why they thought it was a great idea to use the same big tail lights from their busses !
I had this model Sherpa ambulance which I converted into a campe in 1999. It was the old 400 series model and mine was 1992 vintage with a peugeot 2.5 Diesel engine. It made a great camper which we kept and ran for 8 years. Not the most comfortable vehicle to ride in with beam front axle on leaf springs and the brakes were poor until I fitted new flexible pipes. Mine was the LWB version so I had lots of room to play with. . After 5 years use putting on 60K miles I had to fit a replacement 2nd hand engine. This had only done 35k miles and ran really well. The original needed a replacement head but which it was more sensible and not much more expensive to just swap the whole engine,, especially as it was such low mileage.. I sold it in 2008 and I knew it was still in regular use in 2021 when the then owner sold it on again..The bodywork was in really good condition too.
Yes, I find it totally amazing that someone who loves cars so much is still unable to legally drive one. As for the van, I think it could be up and running fairly easily but as others have mentioned, the cost of petrol alone would be off putting. Maybe it’s good for a bit of content while you get it to the state that it can be sold. But I even wonder if you can make a profit with the cost of parts unless your mate is putting in all this time for free.
@daveshongkongchinachannel They're pretty bulletproof, easy to work on, and parts aren't too expensive. The Freight Rover 200 and 300 series vans were basically built from the parts bin components of Land Rover and Austin Rover, so parts shouldn't be too hard to find. That one is based on the 300 series, the bigger / wider of the two body shapes, That's got the same 3.5 engine as fitted in many 1980s Land Rover 110 Defender, and Range Rover models.
@@brianwhittington5086 The main issue is Sheldon - There was the fire truck that had so much potential and he had all kinds of ideas for and that ended up going and rightly so - far too impractical to keep. Then the Hillman Estate which actually could have been useful. Then there’s the various P6s that we “if only” cars that just ended up being left out in the rain and moved on. And, as I mentioned, the most ridiculous thing of all is he doesn’t even get his driving licence. It’s his life and that’s the way he is and we all have our quirks but it can be frustrating to watch him keep making the same mistakes and not thinking things through. He also gets generous offers of help from others like the TR8 guy who actually follows through with his projects and he must now be felt let down now that P6 is also going to be moved on to someone else. Don’t want to come across as being offensive and perhaps I’m alone in my perspective but just commenting on how it looks to me. For this van in partcular, it would be easy to get it roadworthy as you said. Why not do that and use it for a couple of overnight trips and as he said, save money on hotels. He could then sell it on once he’s at least given it a go.
@@daveshongkongchinachannel As a qualified vehicle insurance engineer, repairer, and assessor, for many years, I agree with your frustration ! I was buying, running, and selling on P6s, probably 40-45 of them from being a teenager. I would have those V8s apart in my sleep, and worked at multi franchised main dealers, and on specialist restorations, so it's easy to offer the advice of repairing just about anything you can drive or tow, on or off road. It's a shame he gives up on them far too quickly, because with a bit of time and patience, he could be making more than he has. I agree about the airfield fire bowser, totally unsuitable for a camper as it was built for that specialist duty.
It's a Wadham Stringer's M.I.A.B bodied (Multi interchangable ambulance body) possibly ex Hampshire ambulance service going on the BK in the reg number,DVLA says it's a 3500cc motor,I worked at Wadham Stringers for 20 years,started as an apprentice in 1978 so possibly worked on that one either cab or saloon finishing it? there's a facebook forum for ex employees of Wadham Stringers which might be helpful too you.
@@morini500dave automatic the ones I saw at burfields were manual V8 with air rear suspension Why has it got a British telecom yellow bulkhead Have you come across that before The one's I saw were all white inside and out
@morini500dave low stock of correct chassis cabs in white Unsold yellow V8 automatic? Did you ever come across this at wadhams Or were they always white to start with From what I saw at wadhams it was a lot of work converting them (my guess 6 weeks) Did you ever come across the wrong colour base unit Every one I saw at wadhams was white
Hope you have fun with it. I drove them in anger and as an Ambulance they were awful! Terrible breaks, steering was atrocious, they were even worse than the Chevrolet Tri-Stars that we had for a very short time!
Interesting mix of bits that V8, pre SD1 rocker covers, Range Rover timing cover and water pump. It's got rhe mid cycle block with the larger valley strengthening webs but still has the fourteen bolt heads (the outer four tend to create uneven pressure on the head gasket resulting in blowing into the valley, hence they were removed on the late block/heads when the cross bolt mains were introduced). I suspect it's not a 3.9, these were all fuel injected, there is an ID on the side of the block which will reveal all. As for the pipe to the exhaust, Rover did use an air injection setup in the US to meet emissions
He took the dizzy cap off at the start, could it not have got knocked? I instantly thought timing the way it was firing against the starter! He'd have it turning the wrong way the way it sounded ha ha
One thing i know and that is never trust a seller😳, this would be cool to make into a camper but it would take so much money time and effort. Being v8 it will drink fuel, maybe look into a smiley face transit? They are good vans😎
@andrewhuxley4634 same with a smiley they dont have electronics and if the cambelt snaps it justs bends the pushrods - no internal damage. My dads smiley has only broken down once because of the cambelt.
Early 90s I worked for wadham stringer Burfields bridge Portsmouth The site now is still functioning and owned by Adams morey As a commercial vehicle repairer Anyway back to the the point I worked there in the crash repair shop The workshop nextdoor was the ambulance building shop And remember New freight rover 400 V8 manual with air rear suspension All lined up waiting for conversion I was 19/20 at the time Wish I took pictures now Not sure is they were called freight rover or LDV Might have been LDV Same front as the one in this video and square headlights I know for a while they just changed the name but kept the same front then later slope headlights different front Id love the engine and box (if manual) In a 400 twin wheel panel van With a sliding driver's door So when you give it the beans round a Left hand bend you get chucked out the door 😂
I think your friend is right many years ago was into ex Ambulances converting to campers and selling them I do not belive the mileage it will have been round the clock usually well maintained by the local Authority and sold off when they have the funds to replace mine were mainly Bedfords including a J type which was a cardiac unit I was told it was three litre bough as seen non runner turned out to be a 5.9 litre petrol and it's fuel consumption was seven mile per gallon anyway good luck with your quest best regards Andy Allen.
Subbed, interested to see what you do with this. I have fond memories as a boy of a family friends ex bomb squad V8 sherpa which was converted into a basic camper / day van. Fuel consumption was horrific 😅
You are right there! Accumulating lots of old junk isnt going to help Sheldon pass his test.............................At 15mpg better not be wanting to go far in that Sherpa................lol
@@classic_britain just read you don't have a driving license? If you pass your test you won't be able to afford insurance on a V8 Thought I'd seen you drive car's? I had lot's of cars without a driving license But I was 16
@classic_britain I had a Sherpa about 40 years ago, and feel if you choose to spend £5-6k to sort that out and convert into a camper, you will be VERY disappointed..........lol
This body was sold in Germany as a DAF (former Dutch vehicle brand). Would have never worked for you as a camper van because it's a dually and therefore low geared for carrying a lot of weight. Best regards, luck, wisdom and health in particular.
@@classic_britain yes I’ve watched them both and buying things like that on a whimsical dream is always going to end bad but never mind I’m sure there’s a borderline scrap VW van out there just waiting for you
Project looks amazing,,, afraid i got my owner 1999 transit with 80s box bodged on ,,, Wanna make box demountable to give me a flat bed transit... No cash tho but got barn workshop near Weston-super-Mare,,, Message if yer intrested in bonnet restoration,,, or if your buyer needs help but you should keep it ,,, Very good content ❤
I am from Jersey . I seem to recall the States of Jersey buying some of these in the mid to late 80s..Probably on the back of the repeat orders by the Jersey Post Office who had contracts to buy normal Sherpas for postal work. Always remember the first Sherpa V8 ambulance I saw in action.. it was going to attend an accident... the accident that the previous one that had been sent out to attend but overturned and ended up on its side not far from the hospital... I reckon top heavy and insufficient anti roll control around the back end....
It would be a good project for someone with lots of time to fix her about sitting that long it would need alot of parts , would move it on and find something easier to build
Brother worked at a garage in the 70s and they had a transit tow truck with a Essex V6 in it that thing went like stink looking back on it scary when you think about it!!!
😮get rid of the air injection, timming is out, the plug leads are touching each other & the engine, the water system on the Rover V8 is very important 👌 good luck 👍
Think you need to think about buying anything, this is a complete lemon. To fix stuff like this you need a garage/ workshop tools and skills. The running costs of this would be very very high, never mind the repairs and then the cost of fitting it out as a camper. Would love to see you and this channel advance. Your priorities must be to get a job to finance repairs and parts and tools and number one PASS YOUR TEST.
It would probably help you a lot and give you a bit of encouragement if your Mechanic friend could speak to you a little bit more and give you some encouragement. He definitely is a man of few words..
I would have pulled out the V8, which is still worth good money to someone, convert to a transit diesel which is what they fitted to to the 400, after the terrible Peugeot engine, that bonnets repairable, and if its good underneath, then will be a good van. I must say you do come across as a giver upper! Have a bit of backbone , or just buy something for 15K!
Potential bonnet restoration? If yer in intrested? ive been helping my mate mate Dereks with his mk1 transit camper,, After years in vehicle welding including work in dericks body shop and many live in vehicles im back shot bike frames at argos racing cycles,,, Weve shot blasted an brazed repair as needed vehicle panels including mk1 transit bonnet wings etc
Im sure that used to be at the bottom of Nantgarw hill just of the A470 selling food, if so i remember the lass who used to drive it and the noise it made. Give you a few quid for the gearbox if your breaking it.
I would suggest this is a 3.5 v8 because as far as I know the 3.9 only came as efi not on carbs, also the 3.9 had a single multi ribbed auxiliary drive belt unlike your engine which has old style fan belts. I have a 3.9 in my landrover discovery1. However, I could be wrong👍
Plastic blocks on the woodwork- they'll come off really easily most likely - they're quite handy.You might want the option yourself if you're refitting the van - if you have shelves or cupboards going in, a bit of strengthening can be handy and they're really small & easy to fit. You don't want the van to start rattling and they'd be ideal. Can you get some like those fitted if you did want to use them? 15 years of grime isn't appealing. The low storage might be the best place for a calor gas bottle. The storage space that gas bottles go in needs vents to allow for any leaks to escape without risking of inhalation - using a low space for gas that sinks does make sense- like the nearside rear hatch right at the back. I don't think you'll like this idea. Leave it as a food van on the outside - even replace the stickers. you'll have fewer problems staying the night in public car parks. You could even get an apron & hat so you could pretend you're about to start serving food and deny staying overnight in places!
Put a peugeot diesel in it that way it will be in keeping with the classic theme becouse peugeot engines were put in these i know becouse i had one an old fibreglass bodied post office walk thru van and i travelled all over Europe in it 23 yrs ago
Make sure it hasn't got some sort of kill switch DIY immobilizer that disables the fuel pump or screws with the ignition. Pity it is 1987. It won't be MOT free for another three years and then you won't need to worry about emissions. On that note, think carefully before putting another engine in it because that cancels your entitlement to free tax and no MOT!
For those who don't relise I was told this was a running driving van that was usable and clearly its not we relised shes been sat for a very long time.
The van is genuinely a very solid chassis and it wasn't alot of money but never the less it was not what I was told it was so its going to go to a new home to someone to restore.
Makes a change to dealing in hot & cold bodies.
Never trust people who are trying to sell stuff!
Just came across your channel and thought it might be interesting especially seeing an old V8 Ambulance. And then have just seen that you have just said that you are now going to get rid of it. If everyone gave up as quickly as you there would be no RUclips. You said there is only 8 left on the road which makes it rare and you have given up on it before you have even started.
And you say that the person who sold it to you was dishonest so now you are going to fob it off to someone else.
Keep it work on it turn it into a nice camper. I am really sorry but your friend Andy has no enthusiasm at all and clearly just can not be arsed with it.
Disappointed in every meaning of the word.
@@richardnewman8983 I understand what your saying but I have 2 other full on projects and I was after somthing simple to do and I won't be fobing it off to someone whoever want's to buy it will be well aware of what it's like.
@@DoubleDsinthedrivingseat Sadly I am two trusting
Hi Sheldon, I worked on that era of Sherpa when they were new. Most of the V8 specific mechanical parts are taken straight out of the same year 3.5 litre V8 Land / Range Rovers parts bin, and Austin Rover for the rest. I don't recall a unique bonnet for the V8. You just need one from a 300 Series Freight Rover, which is a much wider bodyshell than the smaller 200 Series model . That pipework on the heads is an air injection emission system. When new, there would be a belt driven air pump that constantly blows air into the exhaust ports to continue burning up any unburnt fuel as it goes down the exhaust manifolds. You can remove it, you'll need to braze up the holes in those pipe nuts to avoid air leaks. They are the same as a standard cylinder head, just threaded for the metal pipes. From memory, those male nut fittings are standard brake, or fuel pipe gland nuts, if any are missing. It will splutter if you haven't got all the crankcase breather system connected, as will any air leaks from worn rubber hoses. Check the Stromberg diaphragms for pinholes or splits, and modern E fuels can make them go porous and lose vacuum.. The second battery should just be for all the extra ambulance ancillaries in use when stood at an incident and reliability, not to make it 24 volts. That extra pipework on the heater is/ was, probably a second heater for the ambulance body conversion. Check the diff pinion bearing and seal too, they're prone to wear, but an easy fix. That headboard should illuminate, get it sign written/ stickered up with "Mum and Sheldon", but it can't be in red if it's illuminated facing the front. 🤣
Aye baby Sherpa baby bonnet big Sherpa big bonnet (it's a 300 not a.200)
@johngibson3837 They're built like a Tonka Toy and were very popular in all manner of civil authority rolls. The MOD ran a lot of Freight Rover / Austin-Rover stuff back then too, we had a repair contract, so we saw a lot of them.
@@brianwhittington5086hey up Brian that's because most gov agency's bought from there country's products
Great advice!
It's fucked
Luckily for JR being the boss of Ewing oil meant he could afford to run a V8 Freight Rover as his cash in hand weekend catering van, when he was selling food poisoning in a lay-by along the A303.
It looks like it hasn’t run though since he was shot for not paying for a stolen Honda generator he got from some 🥧🔑’s
The body of JR was never found so it could be why the interior is full of flies, so check under the seat before spraying Febreze.
That was from South Wales originally used to be Junes snack bar used to be parked up at the bottom of Trefforest ind estate in the early 2000s
Sheldon, where do you find these happy chaps that you continually work with? Lucas, David and now this guy! Is there a talent agency you get them from ? Anyway , great video, you put your own special spin on your material . Keep up the good work .😂
I worked in an LDV dealership when your van was new. You won't go wrong with that pal. nice project and already looks great
My late father was a Paramedic and I do remember the LDV V8 he had in his station. Being a car obsessed youngster I was fascinated with the noise of the big Rover mill. 'His' was manual gearbox and had a quaife LSD, 1994 model from memory. Apparently sub 10mpg and 110mph was common on blue light runs. I got a few runs in it and it certainly could shift. Made quite the impression on me, My username is a direct reference to those memories. I'm now a Paramedic too although it's all Merc V6 diesels these days...Oh and I do have my own Rover V8 powered TVR Chimaera which is as close as i'll get.
Hahaha cool great story have a look at the new video I posted about it oh and don't forget to subscribe!
He bought another lemon !
That's why it's yellow under the bonnet.......!!!!!!
That’s a rare beast and very sought after with the rover v8 heart - save that baby!
The vehicle checker app says it's a 3.5, Freight Rover Sherpa 350 CC. Ignore all the hate... It's a decent project.. it'll turn out to be a great van
Hate where is the hate? So if you disagree with someone it’s Hate is it, can’t you think for yourself are you lining up following the wokie mantra, by the way can you define what exactly hate is? I suppose we’ve all committed a non crime hate crime now, will the old bill be knocking on doors I wonder!
it also says the mileage was turned back over 40k miles in 2017 and having it only done 80k in 2012 and now it reads 81k in the video I don't think that's accurate unless it has been sitting since 2012 or 13
Excellent video really enjoyed it there's nothing wrong buying a bit of junk from time to time that's what makes the video so good
Except it's not junk. It just needs some love. You get out of things what you put into them.
As a new driver (when test is passed) the insurance would be astronomical, thats if you could even find any company offering insurance. That said, I had sherpa's back in the 1980's and really loved them. I'm in my 70's now so too old to dabble in restoration. Good luck on whatever you decide to do with the old girl.
@oilburner225 Your never too old, I'm 73 and spent most of yesterday underneath my 1968 Rover P6B I'm restoring. It is in a garage although not heated which isn't a good idea anyway, it's better than working outside, especially this time of the year.
@@tonypacke6954 Thanks for the inspiration Tony. As it happens I'm working on my 1960 Morris Minor, I don't have a garage and sometimes it's just too cold and windy to be outside. All the best with your P6B, these are lovely cars though getting rarer these days.
I completely disagree with Andrew's assessment Sheldon. Your channel is called Classic Britain for a reason. How likely are you to find and buy a classic British van that doesn't need work on it? You've managed to find one with a solid chassis that just happens to need some cosmetic and engine work...Every car on this channel has been that way! And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, in fact, it's why we all come on here and watch your videos. Keep it mate, do it like you originally intended to and don't be influenced by people like Andrew who don't seem to understand or appreciate what you do, where your passion lies and what your channel is about. Personally, I look forward to you taking this project forward and using and enjoying it for the purpose you bought it for in the first place.
Mick
My Wife as a paramedic drove a LDV V8 back in the day, she said it made a great noise on a blue light call out.
Good buy, don’t worry about the negative comments, most are sat at home wanking, do whatever pleases you, I enjoy the videos
how dare you Sir
Sounds like two plug leads have been mixed up
You never fail to amaze me Sheldon,
Many years ago my dad bought a Sherpa van, i think it was a R reg.
It had a straight 4 N/A engine, 2 front seats and that was it.
After some work we had 2 single seats in the front, 2 singles behind with added windows, 2 benches at the rear which turned into a bed and me, my parents and my sister went on lots of holidays over the years in it.
The drivers seat laid flat along with the seat behind and my dad slept there, i had a stool Infront of the other second row set and slept there, my mum and sister had the double bed in the back.
Cooking, sleeping and traveling was really good in there, the only downsides were no bathroom, toilet, insulation and ventilation. 4 people sleeping in that van with the windows closed meant the insides of the walls were a bit wet in the morning.
But the important thing is we went places and had some really good times. 😀
Id love to own that van, but i think it's something else by now.
No hate mate. But stop buying shite and get a licence. Its sad that u love cars so much but cant properly enjoy them..
See the newset video
I think you’ve struck gold. Loved the Sherpa’s.
I recently returned a 400 panel van to the road after a ten year tenure as a hedge. It took five years on and off to get it decent again. You'll get a lot of Clarksonophiles joyfully telling you that LDVs are shite if my experience is anything to go by.
Well Clarkson doesn’t really like anything that’s not a VW!
I used to drive these. The majority of the V8’s had a 5sp box. On a blue light run you’d be lucky to get 7mpg with around 12 on a run. BUT it would see off a vw golf gti from a standing start to around 60mph!!
The bracket on the roof is for air horns (siren). The electronic ignition was usually “Luminition”
It’s also a demountable rear body!!
If you’re thinking of a diesel transplant, you wouldn’t go far wrong with a BMW M57 out of an X5 with the 8sp auto box
I have a Sherpa pickup 1983 model, 1800 Diesel, no rust, never replaced anything in the gearbox or suspension, I did replace the pistons, overall, a very good vehicle. If you want to go diesel a Rover 300 tdi is the answer a fantastic engine - no electronics- no problems
Your mechanic is correct it’s not a financially sound investment BUT it does made the best kind of RUclips content, even if you went only as far as an MoT and then sold it.
2 cups of tea and burger and flies please
Nice one sheldon
Congratulations. It's a fantastic find and has great potential to be converted into whatever you want to make it. I bet it will be a blast to drive. I'm disappointed you are going to flip it. You won't find anything that interesting again.
Thanks!
@@PeteCswampy Thank you so much Pete that's really kind!
Pete!!!! Get to the chopper 😂😂👍
I had a Convoy with a Rover 3.5 V8 fitted. It had been converted to LPG and went like a rocket.
Only issue was that it wouldn't pass the emissions part of the MOT when running on petrol, so the tester simply changed the fuel type to LPG to avoid any future issue.
500 flies can't be wrong.... it's shite.
Watched this to the end. I admire your tenacity’s
So many negative comments. Bloody shut up and let the lad do his thing! 🤷
Sounds like you've a great mum, get her a nurses uniform
Really?
I used to drive one of these except mine had a 2 litre O series engine. It was hard work, very slow, and drank like a fish. But great at off road events like horse races, never got stuck.
Don't you just love Andrew's enthusiasm for the old girl 😂
I had a Sherpa back in the 70’s , petrol 4 cylinder , 1800 cc I think , I couldn’t fault it , never let me down
Great project !
I have seen those same rear tail lights on some of the old 1980's Layland double decker busses and these vans were built by Layland/DAF back in the mid 1980's to the mid 1990's... so that would explain why they thought it was a great idea to use the same big tail lights from their busses !
It needs a lot of work but has potential to be a proper shagging waggon!
There's space for an orgy 😂
I had this model Sherpa ambulance which I converted into a campe in 1999. It was the old 400 series model and mine was 1992 vintage with a peugeot 2.5 Diesel engine. It made a great camper which we kept and ran for 8 years. Not the most comfortable vehicle to ride in with beam front axle on leaf springs and the brakes were poor until I fitted new flexible pipes. Mine was the LWB version so I had lots of room to play with. . After 5 years use putting on 60K miles I had to fit a replacement 2nd hand engine. This had only done 35k miles and ran really well. The original needed a replacement head but which it was more sensible and not much more expensive to just swap the whole engine,, especially as it was such low mileage.. I sold it in 2008 and I knew it was still in regular use in 2021 when the then owner sold it on again..The bodywork was in really good condition too.
Why?? Surely it's best to get that rover sorted and get your driving licence so you can actually drive them
Yes, I find it totally amazing that someone who loves cars so much is still unable to legally drive one. As for the van, I think it could be up and running fairly easily but as others have mentioned, the cost of petrol alone would be off putting. Maybe it’s good for a bit of content while you get it to the state that it can be sold. But I even wonder if you can make a profit with the cost of parts unless your mate is putting in all this time for free.
@daveshongkongchinachannel They're pretty bulletproof, easy to work on, and parts aren't too expensive. The Freight Rover 200 and 300 series vans were basically built from the parts bin components of Land Rover and Austin Rover, so parts shouldn't be too hard to find. That one is based on the 300 series, the bigger / wider of the two body shapes, That's got the same 3.5 engine as fitted in many 1980s Land Rover 110 Defender, and Range Rover models.
@@brianwhittington5086 The main issue is Sheldon - There was the fire truck that had so much potential and he had all kinds of ideas for and that ended up going and rightly so - far too impractical to keep. Then the Hillman Estate which actually could have been useful. Then there’s the various P6s that we “if only” cars that just ended up being left out in the rain and moved on. And, as I mentioned, the most ridiculous thing of all is he doesn’t even get his driving licence. It’s his life and that’s the way he is and we all have our quirks but it can be frustrating to watch him keep making the same mistakes and not thinking things through. He also gets generous offers of help from others like the TR8 guy who actually follows through with his projects and he must now be felt let down now that P6 is also going to be moved on to someone else. Don’t want to come across as being offensive and perhaps I’m alone in my perspective but just commenting on how it looks to me.
For this van in partcular, it would be easy to get it roadworthy as you said. Why not do that and use it for a couple of overnight trips and as he said, save money on hotels. He could then sell it on once he’s at least given it a go.
@@daveshongkongchinachannel I think that's an honest and reasonable post.
@@daveshongkongchinachannel As a qualified vehicle insurance engineer, repairer, and assessor, for many years, I agree with your frustration ! I was buying, running, and selling on P6s, probably 40-45 of them from being a teenager. I would have those V8s apart in my sleep, and worked at multi franchised main dealers, and on specialist restorations, so it's easy to offer the advice of repairing just about anything you can drive or tow, on or off road. It's a shame he gives up on them far too quickly, because with a bit of time and patience, he could be making more than he has. I agree about the airfield fire bowser, totally unsuitable for a camper as it was built for that specialist duty.
If a Sherpa was good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for Sheldon.
Any more where you found that one 😂 be cool camper van definitely 🎉
It's a Wadham Stringer's M.I.A.B bodied (Multi interchangable ambulance body) possibly ex Hampshire ambulance service going on the BK in the reg number,DVLA says it's a 3500cc motor,I worked at Wadham Stringers for 20 years,started as an apprentice in 1978 so possibly worked on that one either cab or saloon finishing it? there's a facebook forum for ex employees of Wadham Stringers which might be helpful too you.
@@morini500dave automatic the ones I saw at burfields were manual V8 with air rear suspension
Why has it got a British telecom yellow bulkhead
Have you come across that before
The one's I saw were all white inside and out
@ the vehicle came as a cab chassis,the yellow could have been there before the cab was reassigned then the exterior painted white?
@morini500dave low stock of correct chassis cabs in white
Unsold yellow V8 automatic?
Did you ever come across this at wadhams
Or were they always white to start with
From what I saw at wadhams it was a lot of work converting them (my guess 6 weeks)
Did you ever come across the wrong colour base unit
Every one I saw at wadhams was white
Hope you have fun with it.
I drove them in anger and as an Ambulance they were awful! Terrible breaks, steering was atrocious, they were even worse than the Chevrolet Tri-Stars that we had for a very short time!
Interesting mix of bits that V8, pre SD1 rocker covers, Range Rover timing cover and water pump. It's got rhe mid cycle block with the larger valley strengthening webs but still has the fourteen bolt heads (the outer four tend to create uneven pressure on the head gasket resulting in blowing into the valley, hence they were removed on the late block/heads when the cross bolt mains were introduced). I suspect it's not a 3.9, these were all fuel injected, there is an ID on the side of the block which will reveal all. As for the pipe to the exhaust, Rover did use an air injection setup in the US to meet emissions
Beautiful van ❤. Great video as always 👍
i think the timing is mad out/advanced too much its kicking back on the starter, also check the firing order .
Could be timing is out or sticky valves. It runs, but has a horrible miss !.🤔
He took the dizzy cap off at the start, could it not have got knocked? I instantly thought timing the way it was firing against the starter! He'd have it turning the wrong way the way it sounded ha ha
Odd that the engine bay is painted BT/AA yellow, both organisations ran a big fleet of Freight Rovers. Therefore wonder if the cab has been changed
The Wandering Turnip just turned his little Toyota into a stealth camper.
The wondering Toyota has just turned his turnip into a stealth vegetable 😂🥒
One thing i know and that is never trust a seller😳, this would be cool to make into a camper but it would take so much money time and effort. Being v8 it will drink fuel, maybe look into a smiley face transit? They are good vans😎
I’ve talking him into getting a vw t4 like mine no ecu no abs just simple 1.9D easy to maintain cheap to run
@andrewhuxley4634 same with a smiley they dont have electronics and if the cambelt snaps it justs bends the pushrods - no internal damage. My dads smiley has only broken down once because of the cambelt.
Early 90s I worked for wadham stringer
Burfields bridge Portsmouth
The site now is still functioning and owned by Adams morey
As a commercial vehicle repairer
Anyway back to the the point
I worked there in the crash repair shop
The workshop nextdoor was the ambulance building shop
And remember New freight rover 400 V8 manual with air rear suspension
All lined up waiting for conversion
I was 19/20 at the time
Wish I took pictures now
Not sure is they were called freight rover or LDV
Might have been LDV
Same front as the one in this video and square headlights
I know for a while they just changed the name but kept the same front then later slope headlights different front
Id love the engine and box (if manual)
In a 400 twin wheel panel van
With a sliding driver's door
So when you give it the beans round a Left hand bend you get chucked out the door 😂
thats the coolest oldie on YT
Thanks haha
I think your friend is right many years ago was into ex Ambulances converting to campers and selling them I do not belive the mileage it will have been round the clock usually well maintained by the local Authority and sold off when they have the funds to replace mine were mainly Bedfords including a J type which was a cardiac unit I was told it was three litre bough as seen non runner turned out to be a 5.9 litre petrol and it's fuel consumption was seven mile per gallon anyway good luck with your quest best regards Andy Allen.
Smith and Sniff peeked my interest here!
Subbed, interested to see what you do with this. I have fond memories as a boy of a family friends ex bomb squad V8 sherpa which was converted into a basic camper / day van. Fuel consumption was horrific 😅
Sheldon please stop buying more junk concentrate on your driving test
You are right there! Accumulating lots of old junk isnt going to help Sheldon pass his test.............................At 15mpg better not be wanting to go far in that Sherpa................lol
See the new video I posted
@@classic_britain just read you don't have a driving license?
If you pass your test you won't be able to afford insurance on a V8
Thought I'd seen you drive car's?
I had lot's of cars without a driving license
But I was 16
@classic_britain I had a Sherpa about 40 years ago, and feel if you choose to spend £5-6k to sort that out and convert into a camper, you will be VERY disappointed..........lol
Are you OK mate?...
This body was sold in Germany as a DAF (former Dutch vehicle brand). Would have never worked for you as a camper van because it's a dually and therefore low geared for carrying a lot of weight.
Best regards, luck, wisdom and health in particular.
Drove one as a Paramedic, went like stink, didn't stop well though, think the brakes got upgraded to make them safer for what we were doing 🙂
cool old freight rover looks like the distributor timing may be to far advanced !probably a 3.5 same as would have been in a land rover of the era
As for my opinion it is a special-version of the still british-make of the Leyland-van from the time before the fusion with DAF to LDV.
WHAT A GREAT VOICE
Her husband put a new fuel pump on it around 2006
Your mechanic is not terribly enthusiastic about your purchase is he?😀
No LOL
There is good reason there is only eight of them on the road!!!
This would be a good retirement project for someone!
These drove very well but by God they were thirsty!, the ford ambulance of the same era had the v6.
I’d like to bet this project will never happen, much like all your other projects.
Did you even watch the video? I sadi at the end I am not going to keep it plus i just put out a video saying why.
@@classic_britain yes I’ve watched them both and buying things like that on a whimsical dream is always going to end bad but never mind I’m sure there’s a borderline scrap VW van out there just waiting for you
Project looks amazing,,, afraid i got my owner 1999 transit with 80s box bodged on ,,,
Wanna make box demountable to give me a flat bed transit...
No cash tho but got barn workshop near Weston-super-Mare,,,
Message if yer intrested in bonnet restoration,,, or if your buyer needs help but you should keep it ,,,
Very good content ❤
The instrument cluster looks identical to the one found in the 1.3 Austin Rover Maestro's of that era...
I can see you living in it on the st, like Magggi Smith in The Lady in the van.
I am from Jersey . I seem to recall the States of Jersey buying some of these in the mid to late 80s..Probably on the back of the repeat orders by the Jersey Post Office who had contracts to buy normal Sherpas for postal work. Always remember the first Sherpa V8 ambulance I saw in action.. it was going to attend an accident... the accident that the previous one that had been sent out to attend but overturned and ended up on its side not far from the hospital... I reckon top heavy and insufficient anti roll control around the back end....
It would be a good project for someone with lots of time to fix her about sitting that long it would need alot of parts , would move it on and find something easier to build
I had a convoy based one around 2010 for a couple of years, 15mpg, it surprised a few cars in it's time.
Brother worked at a garage in the 70s and they had a transit tow truck with a Essex V6 in it that thing went like stink looking back on it scary when you think about it!!!
😮get rid of the air injection, timming is out, the plug leads are touching each other & the engine, the water system on the Rover V8 is very important 👌 good luck 👍
Think you need to think about buying anything, this is a complete lemon.
To fix stuff like this you need a garage/ workshop tools and skills.
The running costs of this would be very very high, never mind the repairs and then the cost of fitting it out as a camper.
Would love to see you and this channel advance.
Your priorities must be to get a job to finance repairs and parts and tools and number one PASS YOUR TEST.
It would probably help you a lot and give you a bit of encouragement if your Mechanic friend could speak to you a little bit more and give you some encouragement. He definitely is a man of few words..
I would have pulled out the V8, which is still worth good money to someone, convert to a transit diesel which is what they fitted to to the 400, after the terrible Peugeot engine, that bonnets repairable, and if its good underneath, then will be a good van. I must say you do come across as a giver upper! Have a bit of backbone , or just buy something for 15K!
Sadly the bonnet is not good underneath
Sheldon the minute I clapped eyes on it, I knew it was a banger or a tar boiler, you idiot 😂😂😂
Be cheaper to stay in ritz for week than pay the fuel in that to travel 100miles
Potential bonnet restoration? If yer in intrested?
ive been helping my mate mate Dereks with his mk1 transit camper,,
After years in vehicle welding including work in dericks body shop and many live in vehicles im back shot bike frames at argos racing cycles,,,
Weve shot blasted an brazed repair as needed vehicle panels including mk1 transit bonnet wings etc
Nah going to sell it
Should cheer the neighbours up in no time !!!😅
Love and Peace allways Fishburn Co Durham. Nice cam trails in the sky, 😥
I'd be keen to find out where the flies are coming from and get rid of it quick
The fabled LDV8!!!!
Why you selling it?? These are so simple to work on its about as basic engineering as it gets.
CHEERS from AUSTRALIA
Im sure that used to be at the bottom of Nantgarw hill just of the A470 selling food, if so i remember the lass who used to drive it and the noise it made.
Give you a few quid for the gearbox if your breaking it.
"I'll have to open a hat shop." Whatevs - you do you.
Australian market Sherpas in the mid 70s had the 4.4 litre V8 from the Leyland P76.
Thirsty girl for the UK with fuel prices nowadays. Might just be cheaper to go on the train.
Don’t be daft, when did you last travel by train? It’s extortionate!!!
Can't tell 100% but like most of the services motors you appear to have the stronger large groin block so that's a win
And for God sake chuck some zinc additive in when you change the oil !!!!!! The low compression v8s were strong but don't like modern oil much
I would suggest this is a 3.5 v8 because as far as I know the 3.9 only came as efi not on carbs, also the 3.9 had a single multi ribbed auxiliary drive belt unlike your engine which has old style fan belts. I have a 3.9 in my landrover discovery1. However, I could be wrong👍
Registered as a 3500 so sounds like you're right
I also live in cornwall. 👍
Could the body be Hanlon?. Hanlons were quite common in the 80's.
They don't rot like a transit either
Plastic blocks on the woodwork- they'll come off really easily most likely - they're quite handy.You might want the option yourself if you're refitting the van - if you have shelves or cupboards going in, a bit of strengthening can be handy and they're really small & easy to fit. You don't want the van to start rattling and they'd be ideal. Can you get some like those fitted if you did want to use them? 15 years of grime isn't appealing.
The low storage might be the best place for a calor gas bottle. The storage space that gas bottles go in needs vents to allow for any leaks to escape without risking of inhalation - using a low space for gas that sinks does make sense- like the nearside rear hatch right at the back.
I don't think you'll like this idea. Leave it as a food van on the outside - even replace the stickers. you'll have fewer problems staying the night in public car parks. You could even get an apron & hat so you could pretend you're about to start serving food and deny staying overnight in places!
Nothing wrong with a old ldv they are very underrated
That would be a cool camper conversion something differnt to the usual vws that rupe the scene
Put a peugeot diesel in it that way it will be in keeping with the classic theme becouse peugeot engines were put in these i know becouse i had one an old fibreglass bodied post office walk thru van and i travelled all over Europe in it 23 yrs ago
Had one of these ex police sherpas durham i belive . Engine out put it in a series landrover brill times lovely noise 😂
Make sure it hasn't got some sort of kill switch DIY immobilizer that disables the fuel pump or screws with the ignition. Pity it is 1987. It won't be MOT free for another three years and then you won't need to worry about emissions. On that note, think carefully before putting another engine in it because that cancels your entitlement to free tax and no MOT!