Working on the FV1801A or Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4×4, CT, Austin Mk.1 AKA Austin Champ

[mkcoen]

Well once again I'm starting a thread on working on a new vehicle. Here's a list of prior threads in case you're interested in my personal brand of madness:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthr...ing-on-the-MKT

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthr...ing-on-the-M37

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthr...-On-The-M923A2

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthr...M561-Gama-Goat

https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?152882-Working-on-the-M1078-LMTV

This is a bit unusual for me as I've only had American made items before (even though the M37 was once Israeli and painted as such) and if I thought finding parts for the Gama Goat was tough I'm thinking that was a walk in the park compared to sourcing (and shipping) things for this. I don't actually have it in the shop yet but got the chance to snap a couple of pics today then I'll be picking it up on Monday.

Since I know everyone gets excited about pics I'll throw a couple out there.



It's a little rough around the edges but the price was right. Oh, and he threw this one in too



Alright, you got me. The second set of pics is the runner and the 1st set is the parts truck. I say "runner" as in it ran when parked a couple of years ago but has been stored inside since then. The only thing that isn't original (as far as I can tell) is they swapped the mechanical fuel pump for an electric one. I'd say that's an easy enough fix and there's a parts outfit in England that has new replacements but I'll probably be scared to death at the price of shipping.

Here's the Wiki link, in case like me, you'd never seen one before this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_Champ

I'll get some more pics once I get it home on Monday.

 

[M813rc]

I've ridden in them before, but never on this side of the Atlantic.
I only know of one other nearby in Texas (under restoration), and of one sighted at Mullins' show a few years back.

I think you are the only one in the club to have Rolls Royce power.

I have one of these (picture) left over from my childhood. Glad I kept those Dinkys through the years.

Cheers

 

[mkcoen]

Do you think a RR hood ornament would be out of place?

 

[M813rc]

Do you think a RR hood ornament would be out of place?

Cheers

 

[m38inmaine]

My brother had one of those, I'll check with him to see id he has anything left over.

 

[m715mike]

Do you think a RR hood ornament would be out of place?

I miss my old Rolls-powered British MV.
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?117888-My-old-Stolly


Mark, I’m sure you will enjoy this one, and I’m looking forward to following your progress in this thread!

 

[mkcoen]

I miss my old Rolls-powered British MV.
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?117888-My-old-Stolly
Mark, I’m sure you will enjoy this one, and I’m looking forward to following your progress in this thread!

This one should be easier to haul around to events than yours was.

 

[mkcoen]

Got both of the trucks home today. The "runner" was coated with a layer of oily dust. A quick shot with the pressure washer got it off the metal parts but I'm afraid it might have stained the canvas top. First impressions is that it's generally all there including about 1/2 of the pioneer tools. A couple of issues right off the top is that they swapped out the generator for an alternator. While it's got 2 batteries under the passenger seat I tend to doubt they replaced it with a 24v alternator so need to dig into that a bit before trying to start it. Lots of little metal tears in a lot of corners that'll need to be welded up. But the biggest concern now is figuring out what levers work what and how the starting sequence goes.



The "parts truck" is really just that - parts. Lots of missing stuff, goobered up stuff, rotted stuff, and ridiculous stuff. Dig the pig hood ornament for example.

 

[snowtrac nome]

Question, is Lucas waterproof electrical systems any more reliable than the ones used in Triumps?

 

[mkcoen]

I was researching the VIN on the "driver" and came across some interesting information. The Austin Champ Owners Club has a registry of vehicles and this one was recorded as belonging to Steve Hubbard of Yakima, WA. While I don't know Steve it just happens, like this Champ, that I moved to TX from Yakima, WA. Steve also posted on the site that this vehicle was in the 1995 movie Congo (which I can't remember seeing but will definitely have to now). If anyone in WA knows Steve I'd certainly like to make contact with him to get some more history on this truck. In the meantime I need to start researching the parts vehicle VIN. Maybe Jimmy Hoffa owned it at one time.

Turns out there are 4 or 5 Champs in Congo but only the one I have was driven while all the others were static displays including one painted up as a UN vehicle. It also turns out that mine was never tan (so couldn't be faded tan now) as the owner at that time stated it was the original Deep Bronze Green when he owned it.

 

[mkcoen]

Well the parts truck was not registered with the Champ Owner's Club so I supplied them with the VIN/Eng#s so they can add it. Also gave them my info so they can update the "driver" with new owner location.

I've been looking over the parts truck to see if there's anything I can use before "paying it forward." I swapped the dipsticks as they have Bakelite tops and the one on my truck had a chunk missing from it. I'll be swapping the hood prop rod and pulling the generator. The side inspection plates have been removed from the engine, the valve cover is loose, and there's a piston sitting on the passenger floorboard so I'm thinking it shouldn't be a real issue missing the generator.

 

[mkcoen]

Well if you ever wondered how car salesmen got there reputation here’s a prime example. On further inspection of the “runner’s” block it’s obviously cracked.

 

[m715mike]

Really, you don’t think that will buff out?



Ouch... I’m sorry someone would sell that to you without disclosing it. I hope the non-runner has a good block.

 

[mkcoen]

Really, you don’t think that will buff out?
Ouch... I’m sorry someone would sell that to you without disclosing it. I hope the non-runner has a good block.

A little paint would probably hide it pretty good. I had already promised the parts truck to someone else so hate to take that back. Plus the wife didn't want me putting any money into this so getting an engine rebuilt would really screw that up.

 

[BKubu]

What do you think you'll do about the crack if you are not going to rebuild it? JB weld? I have never used it, but I have heard that JB weld will seal it up and it lasts. Maybe others on the list have more experience with it, or other ideas.

 

[mkcoen]

What do you think you'll do about the crack if you are not going to rebuild it? JB weld? I have never used it, but I have heard that JB weld will seal it up and it lasts. Maybe others on the list have more experience with it, or other ideas.

I'm still going to try and start it. I need to drain the old fuel out of the tank but thinking of giving it a spin off a gas can once the batteries are charged. I'm already looking for a rebuild kit but that's going to have to come from England if one's available.

If it starts I might just go the JB route and drive it until it completely blows and worry about it then. My concern right now is if there's a bigger underlying issue. What caused the crack? Overheat issue? If so, what else down the line is damaged?

 

[NDT]

Typical freeze crack in the usual spot. May be more cracks as well. JB weld can patch it, but in all reality, the block is ruined.

 

[mkcoen]

Typical freeze crack in the usual spot.

Pretty much what I thought just concerned if it wasn't actually that. Yakima gets ****ed hot in the summer and ****ed cold in the winter. That’s why I hated going there from Ft Lewis. It was basically a mini NTC.

 

[big block 88]

Im not sure what those english boys put in their tea.... but man they hands down make the ugliest looking vehicles bar none.

but this monstrosity is so ugly its cool.

 

[mkcoen]

Im not sure what those english boys put in their tea.... but man they hands down make the ugliest looking vehicles bar none.

but this monstrosity is so ugly its cool.

It appears that many of the Austin owners on here are either current or former Gama Goat owners as well. It's something about being an oddball or so danged ugly they're cute (that's the only way I found a wife).