I Rebuilt A £325 Van Nobody Wanted

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Regarding the mileage of the van… it’s had new clocks put in it at some point, which accounts for all the discrepancies. True mileage of the van is about 110k, but clocks are showing 49k (this is what appears on the MOT as the inspectors just enter whatever the clocks show on the day). ‘New’ engine has 78k miles. So a bit of a patchwork, but all kind of makes sense. Copart did list this van as having a mileage discrepancy when I bought it, but didn’t bother me as I was always keeping it for myself 👍🏻

[@Richoncars78]

Did you do a car vertical check on it lol

[@julianlord2697]

You did that Wheeler Dealer thing where your time has no value.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

@ incredibly difficult to price and keep track of my time because I’m making a video and running a business at the same time

[@Richoncars78]

@@julianlord2697 if he was selling it then yeah, but I guess he is gonna use van as his personal so his time is irrelevant. Big respect to Nino from where he has come from til now. I remember the mini on the car park.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

@LogitechXibanga I sold it

[@trippy_boxer_dog2170]

this channel is a breath of fresh air when it comes to making videos that is not all about million pound supercars...honestly mate! wicked video!

[@maverick4220]

100% most channels like this start off like this and then they go supercars only. Which is why this is one of my top 5 car channels.

[@Richard57072]

I totally agree, there are so many hyper cars now it’s boring. They do nothing for me. Loving the content on this channel. 👍

[@terrywilkins5266]

I've unsubscribed from exotic car restorations like MA. They seem to have unlimited funds. I prefer Nino, Tasty Classics and, Vice grip garage.

[@johnmcgerty9320]

@@terrywilkins5266 same

[@Richard57072]

@@terrywilkins5266 yep, same here. Shmmmeeee150 used to be a car spotter, now people are subscribing to see HIS car collection, paid for by the channel!! The irony.

[@aziki001]

Finally. My favourite car youtuber has blessed us with a new video.

[@NowsNu]

Yeah ! Btw, for an instance I thought you was gonna say 'my favorite car' -)

[@WhiteWolfArkis]

Booking MOT one day before, with engine not even in the car, is diabolical. :D

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

😅

[@graemebeveridge5111]

Thought the same. A bold move. 🤣

[@samharrison5299]

Its actually a good move as it makes you panic and actually get on with the work…. Yes i have done it

[@LBCosmicConcerns]

I never was into british youtube channels until I found Tasty classics and you. Nice!

[@thomasfrancis5747]

And 6D Diesels if you can understand the accents.

[@stanradu-andrei4020]

Honestly, this is the best video you have ever made and I have followed your videos from the beginning. lmao a few times. Good job! It shows the effort you put into it

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Great video mate. Absolutely love your channel and watching it has re-awoken my real interest in cars. Until late last year, I was the owner of a 23 plate SUV. And I'd been the owner of a new car every 2 years...ticking over the PCP. But watching you (and, I'll admit a couple of other channels) I felt a deep desire to own a car I invested my time in - not just my money. Renault now have their car back and I'm the proud owner of a 14 year old Mini Cooper. In my ownership I've replaced most of the cooling system and tomorrow I'm doing my first timing chain job. It is most definitely not economically viable- and I love it. Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for the great content.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

That's great to hear. It's very satisfying keeping these cars around. Good luck with the Mini 🤝

[@davidlang3625]

Brilliant bit of work Nino. And not forgetting Tim. Kudos also to the ebayer who sold the engine. Good to see that there are still honest sellers around.

[@sleepysnoot8881]

Change the plastic dipstick to an upgraded one ASAP. I have a Renault engine with the plastic dipstick as well and had broken on me and stuck inside the SUMP. The parts shop told me a lot of taxi drivers with Renault engines have issues with the plastic dipstick stuck inside as well. I ordered an upgraded one with wire inside it mind you - same length.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks for the heads-up. Going to order one now!

[@KipKippax]

You've progressed so well since I first started watching you out on the street . I really don't think in a few years there will be anything you can't do . And you are so easy to watch ..thanks again.....

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

I appreciate that!

[@armedessential]

I think this might be my favourite restoration now, very satisfying to watch and looking like a pro doing it, you show improvement in your skill with every video that you upload well done

[@MrTimsvids]

Quality video mate, getting better and better, keep em coming, all the best!

[@martinfarley2026]

hi i repair a few of theses vans and its worth replacing the anti roll bar bushes they go hard and will cause a horrid clonk which is very annoying and not easy to find , i like you determination and your good commentary

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Good to know, thanks

[@sparkyhobo3844]

I've owed 7 of these platform vans ( various engines). They are great value, and drive well. Series 2 like yours are also made better than the 2014 onwards. As others have said, 100 % absolutely spend 1/2 and hour cleaning and resealing the scuttle panel with tiger seal ( or other bonded window sealer) as the water ingress corrodes the injectors in the head!! I've had to have one drilled out, and it can often scrap the van. As you've renewed so much else, it should be a cracking van for many miles now, just go gentle on the gearbox ( more revs, less torque in higher gears, as they are delicate, but fine when treated with respect / knowledge. Loving the channel , keep it up!

[@martynm.449]

What a top bloke Tim is. Giving up his evening to help out.

[@bernardcromarty485]

I used to have a Renault Laguna II, which had the same hazard flasher switch. Mine failed (wouldn't switch off), so I changed it. Upon dismantling the faulty one to satisfy my curiosity, my ghast was totally flabbered when I found that the mechanism was pretty much identical to that of a retractable ballpoint pen!! Great video - so glad you ended up with a useful, fairly cheap van! It's really a Renault Trafic badged as Vauxhall (as you'll already know!).

[@StephenButlerOne]

Me too, a 2004 estate car. 1.9dci, in Dinamica spec, not the most exciting car but had probably the the most comfortable seats and the softest real half leather seats I've owned. Took me and the family touring around Europe first tents. Then static caravans, finally apartments and dental flats, for about 7 summers on the run. Some great memories with the wife and kids when they was younger. Me and the wife went alone around Europe, dropped the rear seats and a double inflatable mattress fit back there. Disposable BBQ cooler with meat, and a crate of ale. And it was a rolling emergency hotel. We slept in some amazing places. Lay-bys in the Alps were up there. BBQing and a few beers looking over some of the best views. Good sleep and off again to find a cafe for breakfast. My back couldn't do it today.

[@melwebb8485]

Nino in twenty plus years time, there will be some new you tuber who will say I enlisted Nino's help in fixing my car, Nino knows everything. Another great video.👍👍

[@Mandylove999]

If you are keeping the van then you have made a good choice, i used to favour merc vans but switched over to the euro style vans and haven’t looked back, i still have my mk2 Trafic ( vivaro ) and also have a mk3 LWB Trafic converted into a camper, great vehicles that don’t seem to rust like others do

[@ImranOO7]

Brilliant, love this. “Opened door, closed door”!

[@AndyMac48]

Came across your channel by chance Nino and I must say it’s been both informative and enjoyable to watch. It’s great to see someone, who by their own admission is learning as they go along, not be put off by making mistakes and through hard work and perseverance reaching a satisfactory outcome. Thanks for your efforts.

[@zebadayusw901]

Mate, you’ve come such a long way in such a short time, so proud of you, your channel is amazing.

[@mikes747]

Always love seeing my old Chelmsford homeland in these videos! Been living in Norfolk for 14 years now and sometimes miss the madness!

[@David-z4y2c]

Congratulations, not only have you learned new skills, you also have a fully functional van of which you can be proud. Well done for the shout out for Torque Monkey, super to see that support. I'm keen to see what you work on next, it really is a pleasure to share your triumphs, as well as the occasional disaster...! 👏👏👏

[@ericprice3225]

I think the final total cost is very good as those new parts should mean it will be trouble free for years. You’ve got yourself a good daily, and if you get a trailer on it then you won’t have to worry about trying to fix any more new projects in hotel car parks (not that I don’t enjoy watching those). I really enjoy your channel and I hope you stick with the same sort of realistic projects.

[@williamgreen5575]

I think it's amazing how far you come and how much you've learned. From working on the mini on jack stands in street! to a well equipped workshop with lift etc. It really gives us DIYers the confidence to have a go. Thank you.

[@dominicbasham5257]

Dunno how I stumbled over this youtube page but glad I did. A bit like you I knew very little about cars until ten years ago I bought a very torn out Mk1 golf gti and spent the following 10 years doing it! Great channel. Keep em coming

[@AdamaGibba-bv6eg]

I miss this channel and it's growing thanks everyone for keeping us going ❤

[@colinevans7134]

I love watching this guy , what you see is what you get and trying to figure it out along the way and why not, keep us entertained

[@Mickhanic-garage]

You are certainly determined and keen to learn.. The costs were looking bad as you listed it all but as you say, you have sorted everything and more and have a decent van now. The time pressure you put yourself in for the MOT was a big gamble but you know what, it paid off... Well done!!

[@willchalloner706]

Nino you’re a national treasure, don’t stop doing what you’re doing it’s fun to watch.

[@Adam2050]

Just had a gentlemen do the Timing belt KIT (Includes pump, at that stage of the video) on my dads 2011 Volvo V50 D3, parts were cheap, he was £390 all in, took him three hours ish with bleeding. I could of done the job myself with enough time and patience, but would of taken me probably close to three days in reality with the lack of knowledge. This guy was a pro, anyone needs his details he was a specialist who travels to you. He even did in storm Eowyn down the side of a building I have access to, gusts here in wales were up to 50-60mph, what a champ. I was quoted cheaper with a garage, but no way was it going to a chain garage where they could of stuck any old crap on it and done half a job. INA parts which Volvo belts are from and bobs your uncle. Happy camper.

[@thec5nut]

great video mate, i did the same thing too, except my van was a 2005 fiat decato 18 hightop long wheel base, cost me £300 from a scrap yard, and over the 4 years of ownership, i changed everything, full suspension front and rear, radiator, turbo, timing belt, injectors, autonator, battery, the list goes on, and after all of that, i still love it, i loved your video, keep up the great work, i also keep not economically cars back on the road with my channel too

[@ansomworld]

Open the door and close it again, that's where I've been going wrong! Good to have you back.

[@cheezmunsta4679]

My dad had one of these which he absolutely put through hell and the thing kept coming back for more, I think he eventually managed to sell it too. Had enormous respect for the vivaro ever since. Good work mate 👍

[@itsmephil2255]

To be fair, this van is so right for N.E.V. 😂😂😂 Its all gonna be good in the end Well done Nino 👏🏻

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, Phil

[@pauljeffries]

Brilliant video nino, well done with the work on the vivaro (finally) ........this channel and ben from tasty classics are my favorite car related channels, i met ben at shedfest last year, i actually purchased the cylinder head from the austin 1300 that he eventually scrapped lol, keep up the good work nino 👍👌

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks bud 🤝 I'm literally sitting here drinking from my Tasty Classics mug as I type

[@nanabrimpong3485]

​@@NotEconomicallyViablebro you need your own stand-up comedy show. You too funny 😂.

[@nanabrimpong3485]

​@@NotEconomicallyViableyou and the German couple LR Time on KZbin really need your show together.

[@telecomsuk]

Very entertaining video thanks. Local garages deemed my 63 reg 26,000mile Panda 4x4 as economically not viable due to a suspected failed DMF. I was quoted at least £800 plus vat for Labour and another £800 ish for parts. So I decided I would do it on the drive. Getting the gearbox out was “ interesting” to say the least. I’m about to put the gearbox back in, so far I have spent £340 on OEM parts inc DMF and clutch kit. £140 on consumables including engine oi/fillter for a service. Also about £300 on tools like second hand engine hoist, battery impact wrench and a couple of large sockets. I am almost to pop it back in but it’s so cold on the drive.

[@jonsayce7756]

Big round of applause and a big thanks on your behalf to Tim. What a great result!

[@LastChanceFossil]

One of my favourite car channels. Very relatable, good host/mechanic, awesome mix of cars.

[@DanielK-XKR]

Wow! Started 1st time after the rebuild. I was relieved and so pleased for you! Superb work. Yes you had some expert help from the Grease Monkey but still, a great achievement. Well done Sir!

[@Mark---]

Great video as always. Love your enthusiasm. Been watching since the Mini video. Best wishes for the future 🎉

[@Qwerty1235945]

Another superb video and hats off to the legend that is Tim.

[@donjohnson1416]

Since you are generally not a mechanic, you are an ANIMAL at taking on large crazy repairs! Love your channel and your guts.

[@MartinPettitt-vn6wk]

Brilliant job done nice to see a normal person fixing old cars and vans

[@TheOriginal_BigMac]

I've been missing your sound effects 😂

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

We're so back 😃

[@jtr159]

Brilliant video, Nino! Super proud to see your progress. You're really starting to catch your stride. Glad to see you win and it's satisfying to see a car get completed. In one video no less! I'm sure it took a while to make this video but as a viewer this is the best way to see a car get finished.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks, bud. Really appreciate that 🤝

[@6Martin]

Very enjoyable video. Entertaining, thank you. The fact it's NOT a Ferrari or Roller makes it even better. People can relate more to videos like this👍👍 been watching you from day 1: the Mini rebuild. That series was tremendous 🚙

[@TheFoolishboy9]

There's some funny business going on with the mileage if you look at the MOT history.

[@Falconhunter276]

It jumps from nearly 90k to 25k in 2020/21. Dodgy af but common.

[@james-3778]

By far my favourite Channel along with Tasty Classics. The kind of blokes you wanna bump into at the pub 🙌🏼

[@alanchurchill7305]

Just absolutely love your videos,your can do attitude pays off ,and you've got to be proud of what your achieving, you've ended up with a well sorted van which will give you good service,well done.

[@retirednavychief6983]

Congratulations on your work! You now have a van that will work for you for years to come, new skills to put to use, and even more confidence in your abilities!

[@rustysays]

Loving the channel mate, genuinely some of the best UK car content on KZbin at the moment. Keep up the cracking work 👍

[@CarlH.]

Great video Nino.. .....always entertaining and educational to watch i enjoyed it. Overall what it owes you isn't too bad it's perfectly usable and mechanically good.....and you'll get your money back by not having to hire vans in the future. Can't wait for the next one! 👍

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thanks bud. I've already put it to good use on a 200-mile trip to collect some metal! Just waiting for the Mrs to realise she can go mad on Facebook Marketplace buying stuff now haha

[@rbxrockettrio8650]

Weird no one wanted it for 150 doors looks alright and must be worth more as parts

[@marklivemore]

I know it's not your usual type of project but as is your way, you've managed to do an amazing job on the vehicle and made a fantastic and informative video to boot.....I hope the van proves both reliable (God knows you deserve that!) and useful and as ever, I look forward to more of your content!

[@GrantHarvey-tx9sl]

You really are an inspiration. You ploughed on even though you made mistakes & really didn't want to. Most would of just given up & weighed it in at the local scrapyard & the end result speaks for itself.Fair play 👍👍

[@e46dutch]

Love your channel, Nino. One thing that hit me from this one is how confident you are in front of the camera now.

[@NigelTalbot]

As others have said, can’t be watching all the u-tubers who progressed from vehicles that relate to me and now doing super cars; just not me. Keeping it real John and I’m an avid follower, keep up the good work. You’re the ‘vice grip garage’ of the UK!

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Well done, love your confidence, and your skill are increasing, having your own workshop helps, also having a Tim on hand helps, so big shout out to Tim. Always love the channel and laugh at the noises you make. Keep up the good work. Are you keeping the van as a shop vehicle?

[@oleksandr9353]

5 min but i know this is gonna be amazing content throughout. absolute pleasure to watch, thank you!

[@joshuadelavega9241]

Man, I hardly comment on videos but I have to say that I love your videos. You seem like a solid guy and your videos are really enjoyable. Makes my dream of learning to work on cars more attainable.

[@russwalker78]

Great stuff mate and good to see you back, dont stay away too long 😎 Looking forward to seeing this potential project you have lined up! hope all is well with the fam 👊

[@AndrewElliott-ux6oe]

Good Job. I own a Vauxhall Vivaro Campervan 2009 2.0 just short of 72000 miles. Great Van and has taken me across Europe. I am the 6th owner and after 2 years of ownership the gearbox packed up at 57000 miles. My mechanic said that the gearbox oil hadn't been changed as regularly as it should. Older Vivaros also suffered from rusted in injectors as a result of leaking scuttles and water collecting on the cylinder heads. I suffered a failed injector in Germany and managed to limp home just firing on 3 cylinders. I opted for replacement of all 4 injectors which had to be hydraulically removed, £1600, Injectors £210 each,

[@icba4907]

Check fuel filter for metal filings, the fuel pumps can eat themselves and if the filings reach the injectors it's game over for that engine. Check injection light is probably maf

[@AB-ob3lq]

Really good to see you tackling something as unwanted and unloved as this. Learnt new skills and you have a sorted van to use at the end of it. Top job!

[@jaz167]

Just reminding you there's no oil in it.

[@Loger01]

This video in particular was great. Very satisfying. I love when a project begins and ends in one video, but I appreciate that’s not always possible

[@mattlaptop5728]

Nice work - a real down to earth, real life repair, maintenance and restoration. Well done.

[@paultaylor9652]

I've been waiting for a long time from you matey, great to see you back. I guess parenthood takes its toll and time.

[@rmc5278]

The timing chain fitting was hilarious 😂 and Tim was kind enough not to tap on the crash bar when you first start it up 😂. These engines can be found in old alfa romeos 156's i sold one for £150 spares or repair because of the mot i was gutted when I found out but hey ho live and learn . Love the channel m8 thanks for the time and effort you are putting in 👋

[@garrenNangela]

Really enjoy your videos so nice to see someone with no knowledge or very little do such big jobs keep up your videos glad I found you

[@TheObnoxiousMrPug]

The body looks good from what I saw, so you had a solid base to start from with this rebuild. Of course it's still been a lot of work but now you have a proper van with a good engine and suspension. Nice job, hopefully it'll serve you well for quite some time.

[@hendrikkluever4108]

I enjoy your videos immensely. Great job

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Thank you

[@markb1487]

Over 100k views in 3 days..Wow...One of the best videos you've ever done...🇬🇧💯🇬🇧💯🇬🇧

[@tonymcloughlin4069]

Well done Nino you might say the money you spent on the van,but think positive how much you have saved having a garage doing it ,I only watch your channel and tasty classics ,when I was growing up some cars around me back in the 80s vw sirocco, rover sd, not even the tv programme wheeler dealers have done the cars I mentioned….thanks for making my day

[@jonathancharrington3410]

Absolutely brilliant that’s one well sorted van. You would struggle getting anything near that money you spent. Love your videos don’t change anything about them. ❤❤❤

[@markshelton4688]

Great video, I have a Renault Trafic same van basically… into the saved list just in case I need a new engine. Keep up the great work bossman..

[@fredg6118]

Loves keeping us on the edge of our seats and when he drops a video its class ! Well done fella

[@gavshan]

Such a good channel and video! Never saw the first vid then saw the views for the first one and can only assume the algorithm didn’t like it for some reason!

[@brianpaige4884]

Yep you ended up with a really good well priced van that you know has most of the parts done...and is going to last... definitely my favorite video

[@WEFLIPANYCAR]

I was wondering what happened to this one. Keep up the good work mate. Love the content ❤

[@ianpaulins7856]

You are one determined sob!!! Well done on a crackin video. Keep them coming 😊😊😊

[@russpayne6808]

Amazing! And educational - those front-strut top mountings should not use ball-races as they are not designed to take massively varying shunt-loads that the front suspension is going to give them. Taper bearings might just work in this set-up. Very basic "design fail".......

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Apparently these vans are very well known for doing that to their top mount bearings.

[@mikeanderson2730]

Always loved this channel. Perfect if you are a beginner and need to learn the do and don´ts quickly. Take it from me, and old used up mechanic, it´s never economically viable to rebuild and engine. Always get an used one to replace with. Only exceptions from that rule is if you have a matching numbers car, or a rare car like E-type, Boss Mustang, Adenauer etc. When you get an used engine, always -really always, take a compression test on the used part. Tells you how the engine is feeling, if it got the service it needed, if anything is too much worn and so on. If you don´t do that, you just might have bought yourself an boat anchor, not an engine. Oh, and about that bolt thing.. When you dismantle anything engine/gearbox/suspension etc, save all bolts! These bolts have a special classification, they are approved for vehicle use. Much stronger than ordinary bolts.

[@paulscarrepairs]

Fantastic job! Well done, as you say it’s not about Ferrari’s, Porsches & Rollers. This appeals to the man in the street. 😊

[@karlmansfield3537]

Great video I always have a vivaro and as I mobile mechanic I love messing with it. One small thing tho the bearing on the top mount looks like u put it wrong way round. The step in the bearing ment to be on the bottom or the bearing binds up. Keep up the great work

[@richietriangle7190]

Smashing job Nino. Looking forward to the next edition, to which you hinted at during the engine install.

[@williamwales6619]

Lo, good to have you back. Up to your arse in grief again.🤣. So if this is your works van no more jumping about in trains and hotels. Not a bad van for that kind of stuff. What about converting it for a camper van. All those lovely summer days with Mrs and bambino. Happy Dayz. 😊

[@Atochaf1]

I like your humble style with wry humor! More videos like this please! 😀

[@dgh0yt]

I loved your out-of-this-world narration leading up to the donut break!

[@darby1canardly]

That was better than a full length action movie. The suspense was killing me! Thought any moment you would have to give in and finally admit defeat. But no, just like that Top Gun chap, you triumphed in the end. Well done.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

Haha thanks bud 🤝

[@YT-mk2pz]

Thank you for making these videos Nino. You've inspired me to buy a little fixer upper for myself as soon as I have a bit more cash. I wish you'd have been around before I had my kids when I had more money to spare 😂

[@marcusvirgo5820]

Great work mate good to see you learning

[@Eyeballpaul90]

49k for the milage on the MOT sheet 😅 is that right. Nice video great to see another one kept on the road.

[@swaitsysg4415]

I spat my tea at the "cable cutting" flashback 😂 Genuinely love this channel. Yer some man Nino! 🤣

[@Holycurative9610]

I enjoyed the video and I'm glad you got a van because hire costs are crazy nowadays as the cost of towing or vehicle delivery so buy a dolly or a trailer. You should also look at making these videos into a series as one video a month or every few weeks will just not be enough on today's YT, you just get lost in the sea of car repair videos so weekly content is an absolute must.

[@lifeon16wheels86]

Nino your a ledge... Great fun watching every day standard vehicles getting repaired... You and tasty classics are my go to... Who cares about crashed rollers or porsches, yeah they're OK but I skip through those videos but watch yours from beginning to end. Roll on the new project being unveiled.

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

🤝

[@MattyZC113]

Fantastic! Great work! Hope Mrs NEV and baby NEV are both well.

[@michaelmccann4706]

That "Dance Break" @ 12:19!!.. Wow Nino, you should audition for the Chippendale's.....

[@NotEconomicallyViable]

It'll be my next KZbin channel

[@markclifton14]

Nino you done a stellar job getting this van back on the road . And at a reasonable price too great result. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍