Late 90s / 01/02 For Transits - WHY??

Cunning Plan · July 14, 2010, 03:20:17 AM

Do they all have a section of metal under the front headlight cut off?

I thought it may be to repair the horn for the MOT if otherwise it is hard to get to / bumper etc needs to be removed - so easier to grind off that metal, but it isn't always on the same side of the Transit.

I notice as I do a lot of miles now and when you see them go past you on an A road, it is hard not to notice and wonder why - they all seem to have it.. Anyone know why?

I am betting PhilO knows of some random reason

art b · July 14, 2010, 03:29:07 AM

being a ford it probably just fell off.....

Roadkill · July 14, 2010, 04:00:30 AM

Quoting: Cunning Plan

Do they all have a section of metal under the front headlight cut off?

I'd always assumed it was a plastic trim piece - hence broke off after minor impact / stone chip . . . .

Cunning Plan · July 14, 2010, 04:50:24 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

I'd always assumed it was a plastic trim piece - hence broke off after minor impact / stone chip . . . .

No, it's deffiantly metal..

It's this model:

Although, when searching for that picture, a few with extended bumpers to cover that section showed up - which may be the plastic ones..?

Roadkill · July 14, 2010, 05:24:36 AM

Dunno.

I'll have to go up to one and give it a "tap" next time I see one . . .

philoldsmobile · July 14, 2010, 08:21:48 AM

i've only delt with the later shape transit, so dont know for sure, but are you talking about the piece that fits under the head light and carries the grille? as far as i'm aware thats plastic, and yes, you do often see them broken off.

that vent under the mirror looks like its been added afterwards.

Cunning Plan · July 14, 2010, 09:52:18 AM

This bit:

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Is plastic??

philoldsmobile · July 14, 2010, 12:56:47 PM

yup, pretty sure that bit is plastic, its part of the grille moulding.

philoldsmobile · July 14, 2010, 01:02:13 PM

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mk-5-Transit-'Smiley-Front'Grill-Frame_W0QQitemZ110558057231QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=ae1641061220a0aad376e676fff07378#ht_563wt_934\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mk-5-Transit-'Smiley-Front'Grill-Frame_W0QQitemZ110558057231QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=ae1641061220a0aad376e676fff07378#ht_563wt_934

art b · July 14, 2010, 02:32:03 PM

you lot need to get out more.....

Cunning Plan · July 14, 2010, 02:49:21 PM

Let me just jot that down in my notepad to remember when I am Eddie Stobart spotting next on the M42

Andy · July 14, 2010, 03:35:45 PM

Next time you happen to be following a transit, look out for the roof rack with the spiral bit of metal. That's something our company made for Ford. Each one hand made using a blow torch and a jig by my dad, so there's another little something you can jot down in your notebook CP

Cunning Plan · July 15, 2010, 03:06:24 AM

Ha! Random!

Another road-related question is - who is the guy who stands lost hub-caps up against walls / trees / round-a-bouts etc so people can see them if they know they have lost one???? Who does that?!

Roadkill · July 15, 2010, 03:23:45 AM

Quoting: Cunning Plan

Another road-related question is - who is the guy who stands lost hub-caps up against walls / trees / round-a-bouts etc so people can see them if they know they have lost one???? Who does that?!

Pixies I tells ya ! - Pixies !!

Roadkill · July 15, 2010, 03:25:13 AM

Quoting: philoldsmobile

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mk-5-Transit-'Smiley-Front'Grill-Frame_W0QQitemZ110558057231QQcmdZViewItem?rvr_id=&rvr_id=&cguid=ae1641061220a0aad376e676fff07378#ht_563wt_934

Doesn't say the material, there . . but it looks plastic . . .

art b · July 15, 2010, 05:54:06 AM

Cunning Plan

Quoting: Cunning Plan

Another road-related question is - who is the guy who stands lost hub-caps up against walls / trees / round-a-bouts etc so people can see them if they know they have lost one???? Who does that?!

my money is on martyn.....

Cunning Plan · July 15, 2010, 06:01:59 AM

Quoting: Roadkill

Doesn't say the material, there . . but it looks plastic . . .

Point and match to RK.

They all must have hit something or it is easier to replace bulbs / fix horn by cutting it off than taking it off - they all look like clean cuts rather than accident smashes..

Quoting: art b

my money is on martyn.....

ROFL

Andy · July 15, 2010, 08:12:18 AM

Quoting: art b

my money is on martyn...

Can't be him, they always look filfthy, and that just would do!

ETA...

This thread is effing annoying... now I can't help but notice how many 2000 era transits are driving around. Before, they would've just gone by and I wouldn't have given a toss, now I'm looking for a poxy little bit of plastic! WTF?!

Cunning Plan · July 15, 2010, 08:49:10 AM

Quoting: Andy

This thread is effing annoying... now I can't help but notice how many 2000 era transits are driving around. Before, they would've just gone by and I wouldn't have given a toss, now I'm looking for a poxy little bit of plastic! WTF?!

mauhahahaha!!!

It's one of those things when you do a lot of driving, you notice and wonder why - I think people who don't care about cars wouldn't notice though..

It's just like - have you ever noticed the Iveco 7.5 ton van has an issue with the front lights?

You probably won't notice at the moment as it's lighter and people don't really have their lights on - but when it gets darker - look out for these trucks and you will notice the headlights vibrate and wobble as the truck is moving along! Looks like they are driving over loads of speed-bumps fast - but they are just on a normal road. They ALL do it! What a design flaw

philoldsmobile · July 15, 2010, 01:04:40 PM

i'd noticed that, its bloody annoying.. i'd guess the lugs that locate the headlights are too thin / small and crack or break eventually...

Andy · July 15, 2010, 06:34:54 PM

Saw my first broken one tonight! Now I am full of rage at the fact I can pass one without looking FFS!

Cunning Plan · July 16, 2010, 03:06:30 AM

Quoting: Andy

Saw my first broken one tonight! Now I am full of rage at the fact I can pass one without looking FFS!

Welcome to the fold. We call ourselves 'the carnerdos' (PhilO is leader). Welcome brother.

Your first time can always be a little weird and violating, but you will learn to love and embrase.

Roadkill · July 16, 2010, 03:31:17 AM

Quoting: Cunning Plan

Your first time can always be a little weird and violating, but you will learn to love and embrase

philoldsmobile · July 16, 2010, 08:23:04 AM

why do I have horrifying flashbacks to meatspin?

that was just vierd and violating....

Andy · July 16, 2010, 08:31:39 AM

Quoting: Cunning Plan

Your first time can always be a little weird and violating, but you will learn to love and embrase.

Now one for the Alpha geek... just scrolling through PH and they have their SOTW, this time its a 156... Why on the front grill where it 'vees' in the middle are there four slots? Any reason? 4 tow hook holes?