Where abouts in Lancs/Cumbria are you based? I'd happily come and have a look and take some measurements and check the ride height over the xmas holidays when I'm up seeing my folks in Rossendale if that helps? I've rebuilt a couple of 2cvs (very similar mechanicals) and know my way around them well.acadianecoffeevan wrote:Hi, thanks for all the responses. Well as to whether it feels dangerous driving it, the handling generally has a bit of a wild side anyway, regardless of weight...it's a strange thing to drive, it's fun though when you get used to it. When I had it overloaded, it seemed to stabilise it a bit on windy days, as normally it will blow around in the wind (not a great feeling on the motorway...yes I take it on the M6!)
Basically I just needed a solution to allow me to hold extra weight, so I can carry my stocks and supplies without worrying that the van is overloaded and putting pressure on the components. A trailer may be the most viable solution, but having tried out a wooden 5"x3" trailer...I noticed quite a bit of drag and it struggled when driving up a tiny gradient. Which is annoying because I'm running the business in Lancashire/Cumbria...so it's quite hilly....that's why I was considering whether it would be possible/worth it to modify the van to hold more weight
Oh the coffee machine is quite a beast, but with the coffee machine and me in the van driving it still is around over 100kg under its maximum load capacity...but this, according to my mechanic is treading fine, due to the age. Do you think this is true?
As for it's age - as long as it's solid, I see no reason why loading it still under it's weight limit would pose any sort of problem at all. I presume the engine is in good tune (They are slow and not great on hills - 2nd gear, foot to the boards, ensure the engine sounds like it's going to explode is the way to do it..)
Basically, don't worry too much about the components, they're tough old beasts underneath and will take all manner of abuse - after all, the vehicle they are originally based on was designed to carry sheep, eggs and farmers across ploughed fields..