Ha van value opinions

[paulhumphries]

I've realised that I've more projects that running vehicles and need to get organised.
I've got two lock-up garages away from home as well as free access to a yard for long term storage but always have the problem moving parts about between them.
Normally I have an old Volvo or similar large tow car and simply use a trailer.
Problem is I'm now early retired on very low income (health grounds so unable to get another job to suppliment my "hobby") so cann't afford to run such a large car just as a "parts hauler" anymore.
Our current, main familly car, (Chrysler Neon - free from father in law as worthless when he came to px !) isn't suitable so I've decided a small classic van would be idea. I should add to be used but not abused and worked to death.
I've weighed up all the options and although not initially my first choice a HA van would seem ideal.
I'll be honest and say a Morris 1000, Anglia, MKI Escort, A35, etc were all considered - until saw how much they are now worth
The more I read the better a HA appeals so the search is now on.
I don't mind some work but don't want a 100% restoration case - I've too many of those already awaiting attention.
What would be perfect is a bascially sound, but scruffy and tired, van that has failed MOT and needs something like sills replacing.
At the moment it's just an idea but unless I win Lottery I can seriously see a HA van ending up in my drive soon.

I've been looking around but vans for sale seem rare so it's difficult to get a decent indication of the going rates.

As everybody else I'd prefer tax exempt which I expect bumps the price up. At worse at least pre 1976 to avoid emmisions test at MOT time (my previous car (1990 VW Golf) ended up being scrapped because impossible
to pass without serious spending despite low mileage, good condition and brand new carb !).

Realistically how much should I expect to pay for a good HA van project ?
What aspects of the van are death points? You know - the items that experienced people walk away from as they are either too expensive or difficult to repair.

Thanks.

Paul Humphries,
Stoke-on-Trent,
Staffs.

[lambaj]

Hi Paul

Tricky one this. I bought my wife a long term project a few years ago - an HA that sat in a garage for 15 years after its driver lost his license. Thats an early 80's van, and that needs a lot doing. Chassis rails are the biggest problem, but I'm happy to weld so its not a show stopper. Front wings are poor, but I have some 2nd hand ones and the roof gutter channels have the occasional hole. That will be a complete *&^&% to repair, but its got to be done, so I'll have a good go.
Mechanically there is nothing of any great complexity. The rubber parts of the suspension are very hard to locate, front wishbine bushes are super rare and if gone may present a problem. As all the running gear is HA, then 2nd hand bits for service items are not too shabby. Later models have chevette based engine. Box is common to HA and later chevette.
Rear springs are uprated over saloon. There were 3 payload ranges I think, the most common seems to be the HA110. The HA130 had an extra anti-roll bar on the front. HA130s will give a hard ride if not loaded.....
Most bits rust (its a viva!) but the wifes HA is surprisingly good body wise, as mentioned, just the wings and the bottoms of the doors. Sills, wheel arches, floor pan, rear doors, inner wings are all still good (Phew!)
Don't forget the HA vans all had low compression engines that ran on 2* petrol, and boy do you know it. SSSLLLOOOOWWW!! The post office commisioned specials are even worse with resticted output, they have trouble moving empty! The post office engines have different cam and carb, I think to basically stop the odd wreckless post office driver blowing the engines up, as basically it won't rev. Try to avoid an ex PO van is my suggestion.
Of course, any OHV engine will drop straight in, so you could find a later 1256 from an HC or Chevette and give the old girl a wake up. Naturally, me being me, I have plans for the wifes van......

Interiors are basic at best. Rubber mats, low back seats etc. Floor pan is common, so again you can improve comfort with HA sourced seats etc.
Doors are different to the saloon, shorter and taller, and the front screen is also different.

There are a limited number of vans with disc brakes on the front. Rare is the word, so you will probably end up with drums. You can change the drums to discs with stub axles from later vivas and a master cylinder change. Also there are a few different brake systems, some girling, some lucas, single circuits, double circuits etc. Parts are usually findable with a hard look.

Cant think of much else. Costs are hard to say, I would recon similar values to the saloons would be a good starting point. Lets face it, when was the last time you saw and HA van on the road.......

Good luck

Tony (HA21)