1989 Bedford Rascal from UK and Ireland - Comments

Fan belt slackens easily and has been replaced a couple of times.

Heating has never worked except with heating switch and fan switch both on full. Also you have to drive a LONG way before it even starts to heat up at all.

Back brake pads needed replacing at 80,000 miles. Front pads have just been replaced at 100,000 miles (30 pounds inc. labour).

Handbrake cable snapped at 90,000 miles. (32 pounds inc. labour).

Radiator bust at about 90,000 miles (I think it was 60-80 pounds for a reconditioned one inc. labour).

Exhaust had a hole in it (rust) again at about 90,000 miles. Cost about 25 pounds to replace the section.

Back wiper and cigarette lighter have never worked.

RUST is a problem, the wheel arches are about to fall off at the moment!

This van is seriously slow, but it's so reliable and I love it.OK, a few things have gone wrong, but the parts have been so inexpensive.

It's perfect for carrying small loads;I am a keyboards player. I shouldn't be saying this, but a few weeks ago I got 10 or 11 hitchers in it and it didn't seem to do it any harm!

Last night it failed to start for the first time ever;I found this website whilst checking out other cars & vans ;now after reading other rascal comments I think I'll try and get it fixed!I just think it needs a new carburettor;if that's the case I'll replace the terribly rusty wheel arches and hey presto, the phoenix will arise!

Do you know of a good online source for parts for the Bedford rascal or Suzuki carry?

Kenneth Winter

USA.

Hi. I recently bought a 1989 Danbury. It's in gr8 condition, but the brakes are awful. I've bled the brakes and put new pads on. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks - Luke, 17.

Dear Kenneth

www.bedfordrascal.com is a great place to get Rascal parts!

I just checked it myself and thought, 'It's just what all we rascal owners need!'

My cream '89 van is brilliant. Having owned it for four years, I'm now servicing the cylinder head and block. It just hit a hundred and twenty though and was getting a bit sluggish, although it would still hit seventy... well, just.

I shall keep you all posted!

I am wondering if anyone has bull bars, back seats and alloy wheels for my Bedford Rascal. I love my van, but it needs tidying and more seats. Tel 01656-783222 if you have any of theses parts or know where I can get some. Thanks - Byron.

Hiya all you Rascals out there.

Just bought a Rascal with a blown head gasket. Got told it would have a cracked head. Decided to just renew the gasket and see what happens; a bit of a fiddly job, but no problem to me and my mate.

The total cost, including two gallon oil and antifreeze, was around 50 quid. And I am now up and running.

GAZ.

Hi everyone, I've had a Rascal for four years and I love it. The only problems I've had is starting when damp and I had to replace a water pump. I actually transported an 800lb generator in it, didn't go very fast and the tires flattened out a bit, well more than a bit, but I did get where I was going. I'm considering buying a Danbury camper, does anyone have opinions? I keep thinking it's just too small. I'd appreciate comments from some Danbury owners. Please email me at nbccngll@aol.com Thanks.

With reference to the person whose van would not start and who suspected the carb was at fault, I too suffered from the same problem. A mechanic friend took the carb apart to clean it and installed a new in-line fuel filter. The new gasket set cost a fair few quid, considering. Although the van now started it did not idle. Anyway, cutting a boring story short, it turned out that there is a switch within the carb that was U/S (unserviceable). A new switch later and my clown van was up and running properly again, much to the disappointment of the lads on site. Apparently it is common practice for these switches to go after about 100,000 miles. I hope this note will save someone a few pounds.

Hi Rascal fans.

I've had my white 1989 for about three years now. She's been really good. Always reliable and, best of all, a good little work horse. The only thing is now I have a starting problem when she's been left overnight. I've changed all the obvious things like battery, starter, points, leads, dizzy cap, rotor arm, etc, etc. When she does finally kick-in she's great for the day. Any advice out there to help me on my way? Many thanks.

I don't own a rascal (though after reading all your comments I'm considering it!), but my thoughts on it not starting after an overnight stop sounds like a fuel pump problem. If it's worn, the fuel can drain back into the tank overnight and then it takes a long time to prime in the morning. Once primed, it'll be fine again. Until left stopped for a while...

Can anyone tell me what alloys will fit a rascal or what the pcd is. you can mail direct at rhaldron?aol.com (change? to @)

Cheers rob.

I, m doing a head gasket on my rascal, could anyone tell me where the timing marks are please.

I am having a problem getting an oil pump for my little Rascal camper van. Does anyone have any ideas?

My dad was the proud owner of a lovely little Rascal for a number of years. He bought it (cough cough) about 12th hand, and it was a little cracker.

We were both really sad when our 'little toaster' threw a fit and blew the head gasket! :' (

R.I.P Toastervan!

www.bedfordrascal.com

I know the answer to the poor starting problem, contact me on 01249 721350 or e-mail tim@bedfordrascal.com and I will explain it.