Proud new owner

Thanks to all for the nice comments, I love driving it and feel very lucky, also how I got it was an interesting story.
I am wondering about the disc brake conversion, does anyone do a kit? what are the costs and benefits, also what are your thoughts on proportioning valves?

nice looking ride and bike. welcome to the site.

Hi Moggy, I used the brackets sold by M1D ( a member here).  His brackets will include detailed instructions and a list of off the shelf parts you can get at any good parts supplier.  I don't remember total cost but they work great and not crashing is priceless. Great instructions and good results. No surprises.  I also recommend replacing every hydraulic item in the system especially the hard lines. They are 50 years old and brake fluid attracts moisture which creates rust.  First of all I'm worth it and secondly the van is worth it.  Happy Motoring

Nice van, I'm kinda partial to a white van! Welcome...does that winch move out of the way to get to the battery cover off?  Ditto on the tiny wheel, Mooneyes and others make 15" ones that should fit that same mount ya got....

My roof was rusty when I got it, a few rattle cans of gloss white Rustoleum will get you by, you can't see it that close from the street anyway, that's how I did mine....ditto on the brakes, mine are re-done originals, OK for local cruising, light hauling but go for the discs hauling bikes and a lot of highway driving, and watch these babies on wet roads, they will fish tail easy, even with the rear weight, I just smile and wave at everyone who passes me, no rush in a 50 year old!  BTW, my '64 has that same counterweight shown plus with a 3/4" plywood floor and interior paneling that adds at least another 100 pounds all the time and it seems solid riding, but I'm not jacked up and have a lighter 194 six up front and 26" diameter tires all around, 195R15/75 front, 215R15/70 rear, good combo.  Have? or get new shocks, Napa has exact replacements listed.  Lowe's carpet runner makes a nice cheap front floor mat, comes on a roll and is the perfect width. Get 6 feet! Psst...get a spare tire...(or is it out for the pics?) it mounts on the wall above the right rear wheel well, there should be a threaded hole on the rib for the tie down bolt.

BTW, I'm in my 60's too and like how you termed yourself as "caretaker" of this van!  I like to think that way too, I mean I can't see me driving this thing forever and want to restore/preserve it for the next owner if and when I decide its time with me is over....I doubt it will be scrapped at this point in its life.....good luck with it...

Welcome =Moggy-nice save on the van - WOW!! a Norton commando too- lucky u. 750cc id guess?or a later one =750cc?? Happy Vannin!!

Hows this for a weight, 3x3 foot 1" thick slab of pure american steel.

That would make a nice jig/welding/bang table !

Checked the rear brakes, the shoes and drums are new, however the shoes were on backwards with the large shoe to the front.
Fixed this, and although the rear can still lock up the overall braking is much more progressive and controllable.
The front shoes are on correctly.
As to the steering wheel the small one is usable if you don't turn it while stopped, if the van is moving it's not bad, a 15 1/2 would look and be. much better.
As to the gauges, it does have oil pressure, water temp and battery voltage but they are on a silly little wooden panel under the dash.
I am going to fabricate a cowl that will sit on top of the dash with these and a small tach, with the faces angled toward the driver

Moggy