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Main Section => Welcome to our virtual Pub Meeting ... => Topic started by: Jepster on April 13, 2020, 10:20:37 AM

Title: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Jepster on April 13, 2020, 10:20:37 AM
Not sure how many Harvey Frost Cranes are still in circulation, and how many have been taken apart!
I acquired one a few years ago which had languished in the garage, so Lockdown has provided the opportunity for a strip down, as a prelude to a rebuild.
In essence it looks okay. The winding mechanism was well greased and looks fine, although the structure needs a lot of TLC, blasting powder coating etc. I've not mullered too much taking it apart, aside from two Pins which are steel with a cast 'tap head'.
I don't have the stabilising Triangle, but would assume this could be fabricated.
It would be really useful if anyone could point me towards a manual, so I can set it up properly at rebuild time.
And before you ask, I have no photographs, couldn't load them anyway!

I'm not sure what I'll do with it when its done, but its like Everest, I've done it because its there! (I didn't manage to do Everest though!)

Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: oilstain on April 13, 2020, 10:53:10 AM
Like this?
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Bradfordseries2 on April 13, 2020, 11:18:51 AM
I've got one too, I believe it to be complete, but like you I don't have a manual/instruction sheet to work out how it all fits together!

I'm planning on fitting mine to my 1971 88" hard top. I plan to restore it using a new chassis and fit a truck cab. I would like to make it look like an old garage tow-truck but in as new condition. It's definitely a retirement project!!
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Bradfordseries2 on April 13, 2020, 11:31:14 AM
A few pics I have collected of fitted cranes!
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: oilstain on April 13, 2020, 11:43:44 AM
I think it looks nice fitted with a cut down/fabricated roof like this M.E. version :big_idea
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Wittsend on April 13, 2020, 11:58:24 AM
Some clearer scanned Harvey Frost brochures ....
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Tom on April 13, 2020, 02:58:44 PM
If you need any detailed photos or want to have a look at one, I have one here  :cheers
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Jepster on April 13, 2020, 07:14:42 PM
Thats what I have, although currently Brown not Red, though some paint remains!
I have the Orange User guide, and if there are any manuals for the internals for the winch, that would be helpful. Its got a flat plate clutch which seems to wind on when you turn the crank, which if I'm honest I don't fully understand. I guess a bit of tinkering when all the internal grease has been removed!
You seem to have the spacing Triangle Bradfordseries2, do you have one Tom, as I could maybe borrow that to get one fabricated?
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Ian59 on April 15, 2020, 01:40:59 PM
I know this may be obvious to most but just thought I would state that there were different versions for the long and short wheel base Land Rovers.
If you are putting one into an 88 then you need to make sure you have the correct short version!

LWB versions seem to be far more common as I presume most wreckers were based on LWB Land Rovers for towing stability and load.

My old '59 SWB which perpetually awaits restoration was a wrecker for a village garage for most of its life. I remember tracking down a SWB version of the HF crane about 12 years ago, but it took me a while because most of the ones I came across were for the LWB.

Regards,
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Tom on April 15, 2020, 04:38:40 PM
Hi Eddie. Yes, it's a complete good one here. Youd be most welcome to borrow the triangle piece to get it copied should that help  :cheers
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Sheepman on April 15, 2020, 04:44:23 PM
Good wood motor circuit has one on their Series 2 truck may be worth checking with them
https://www.goodwood.com/business/corporate-experiences/track-days/goodwood-off-road-experience/
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Jepster on April 16, 2020, 06:42:37 AM
For Clarity, I believe mine is the LWB one, but actually made for inboard fitting with a canted Boom support, so that the tailgate could be closed. I think it had been used on a forward control. Absolutely no use for me in my SWB, but at the moment it's something to do restoring it. Might be able to rig it for Displays etc.
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Ian59 on April 17, 2020, 12:42:20 PM
Hi Jepster,

With a bit of fabrication, its not that difficult to turn a LWB one into a SWB one as the difference is just in the tubing/frame. The working parts are common between the two.
As long as you have a SWB one to get the measurements from it would be easy to fab up.

Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Tom on April 17, 2020, 01:43:22 PM
The one I have here is a genuine SWB one so easy to get measurements should you want them  :cheers
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Monstercake on April 18, 2020, 09:20:43 PM
Hi all
Whilst on the subject of Harvey frost cranes is there a way to date them by the serial number?

Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Jepster on April 19, 2020, 11:00:45 AM
I'll have a look at the Plates I've taken off, I think one of them is dated, that may give a guide if we have a few numbers.
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Monstercake on April 19, 2020, 04:50:21 PM
Thanks Jepster

If you have a dated plate that would maybe give an idea, the one I have on a swb has the serial number 70, I’d noticed the pic posted by bradfordseries2 has a 2 digit number?

Anyway good luck with your own project and thanks again for the reply
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Landygary on April 20, 2020, 06:05:43 PM
I also have a harvey frost to go in my series 1 lwb wrecker
Think the a frame is there and original if measurements are needed
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Ian59 on May 04, 2020, 10:39:15 AM
From memory i'm pretty sure that the serial number contains two digits that correspond to the year it was made

Im sure that mine has /66 on it to denote 1966

I'd probably have a photo of it somewhere
Title: Re: Harvey Frost Crane
Post by: Dutch109Diesel on March 28, 2023, 04:43:57 PM
I have two cranes, both lwb versions and will be used on a series 2 with lightweight body and one will be turned in to a towboy on a rover axle. Anyone knows what I need to fit them and use them? I am thinking about a accessory box using the tailgate as it takes a axe and a shovel.