Hi to all. Im trying to find out if the runabout models from 2003 had a galvanised chassis or not. I know that there was a limited option on these models to keep the cost down, and a restricted colour choice but cant seem to find out about the chassis finish. Perhaps you runabout owners could help me out. Thanks in advance. Jeepy

Hi

I have a 4/4 Runabout built 2004 and yes, it has a galvanised chassis. It also has all-alloy bodywork, stainless bulkhead, and new-style hood in everflex (this is worth looking for IMO).

It has the black-top Focus zetec 1.8 engine and the V5 just says it's a 4/4. It is basically a standard-trim 4/4 with no options, so the differences are:

- fixed range of colours (red, white, blue, green, and later, silver)
- painted wires (as standard on 4/4, no option to change)
- vinyl trim and dash
- basic black synthetic carpets (do the job)
- no side louvres on bonnet and 12 on top (this was standard on 4/4s but but most had more when ordered, with the runabout you couldn't spec the extra louvres)
- union jack badges with "Runabout" logo on the bonnets
- no door handles, no tread rubbers
- early ones had bumpers, later had overriders only

Mine is the later silver (a Jaguar colour) with overriders, and now has stainless wires, leather upholstery (reclining, heated seats), door pockets, Motolita wheel, walnut dash, round mirrors, and clear indicators. The original owner had a Librands short/quick change gear lever (only for the Focus Zetec) fitted which is brilliant and well worth having. I've also fitted AVOs and a Librands full exhaust system and I just think of it as a nice 4/4.

Which one are you looking at?

Cheers
Nigel

Hi thanks for sharing that info with me nigel. Im thinking of looking at a 2003 runabout. I believe that it is very standard. I can live with all the things that you have pointed out. I see it as a blank canvas that i can start to modify as i go along to suit my own tastes. The interior spec will be luxury to me. In the past i have removed most of the carpets, etc to get at the flooring and sill boards, and have run them in this fashion much like the lightweight rodsters now. Did I set a trend? I must admit that i would like to see more louvres. And maybe lose the full width bumper at the front. Did this model come with a heated windscreen?
Regards Jeepy

Mine has a heated windscreen. Tere are no heaer ducts to the screenm and by law there must be a way to demist the screen so it has a heating element, controlled by a switch on the dashboard.

As the standard 4/4 spec doesn't include louvres (they are extra), this is no great loss unless you really prefer the appearance. They are not needed for cooling with this engine, and just let water into the underbonnet area. Some owners of the 1,8 zetec engine complain about rainwater (or wash water) getting on the HT leads in the gap between the camshaft covers - this just doesn't happen with mine!

Nigel

But the louvres are the essence of the trad. I just like the look.

Thanks for that nigel. I am going to view the car as I havent heard anything to put me off. I agree with you john the louvres finish the car off, but they can be added later if need be. I had a 1970 4/4 that didnt have louvres and it used to stand out from the crowd for just that reason. Thanks guys as usual this is the place to find the answers.

Mine was in the 2009 calendar - May - and nobody commented on the lack of louvres.

I'm sure someone like Vintage Sheet Metal at Malvern could add more louvres, but that would require a repaint of the bonnet too.