New User (with questions!)

[CovKid]

Also worth noting that the 80/90 WIKI is often incredibly comprehensive and on the whole assumes the reader has very limited skills/knowledge.

[300CE]

I don't doubt that, meggles, and am very grateful for the advice. I've only owned a vehicle for about a week and I've already learned a lot. Though just the basics, of course.

I couldn't find a Riverside Autos in Plumstead. Do they have a website?

Here you go:

http://www.mot-charlton.co.uk/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[J-Lo]

Thanks. Can anyone say whether £50 an hour on labour is a reasonable figure?

[George22]

Just checked recent Campershack bill and they charged £40 an hour

Can you make it out of London? Campershack are definitely a good bet if you can make it as far as Grantham (and I'm fairly sure they'll give you a lift to the station and a cup of tea)

Andrew's knowledge of T25s is immense!

[DevonAid]

Just wanted to give a SE London 'hello'.
I've generally tinkered with the mechanical bits on 'Norma' myself, of course with the massive assistance of this most excellent forum and its top class members. After a recent failed attempt to get a local bodyshop to even quote for bodywork repairs, can't recommend them much!
General advice is take the forum's advice, including which garages to use.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[J-Lo]

I've got 'Hans' booked in with East Dulwich Campers. I'll pass on a review of the service.

In future I hope to be able to take care of more minor maintenance myself, but first off, he needs the help of a professional.

[Fudgy666]

I've got 'Hans' booked in with East Dulwich Campers. I'll pass on a review of the service.

That'd be useful, that's my local VW garage so it'd be nice to know what they are like.

Fingers crossed they get you sorted and back out on the road soon

[J-Lo]

I've got 'Hans' booked in with East Dulwich Campers. I'll pass on a review of the service.

That'd be useful, that's my local VW garage so it'd be nice to know what they are like.

Fingers crossed they get you sorted and back out on the road soon

Hi. I've just had the camper back. It's difficult to say that I'm 'pleased' with the work, because a lot of it was essential work that you can't notice from looking at the van, or from the inside. But I'm told it was all necessary. They weren't great on comms, and nearly didn't return it in time, but I would probably use them again. My invoice is attached if people are interested in what they charge for what.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9kYMR ... sp=sharing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[getunder]

Just a few observations on postings on this topic.
First of all welcome , its a great life.
WD 40 is useful for freeing up parts and has its uses but it very quickly evaporates and is a transient lubricant and does not compare with proper oil.
3 in 1 oil is for sale as a spray.
My first van was murder to get into reverse and first gear was only slightly better. Got underneath and watched while wife tried the gearstick.
Soon spotted that it needed more throw to operate . Lubricated all sliding and moving parts with grease and slightly loosened the tubing clamp in the centre of the long gear operating rod and rotated it slowly with a mole wrench until I obtained more throw by trial and error and it worked . Before doing so marked original position with a black ink marker in case I had to t return it to as it was. Worked instantly and perfectly and after suffering for a whole year just sat in the cab putting it into and out of reverse gear for sheer pleasure. One of the most satisfying "repairs" I have ever done.
Hope it works for any sufferers.
At 28 years old had my first welding to my van at front bottom of rear wheel arch. The other side due next MOT. Previous owner had bodged it with filler. Try a magnet Most vehicles would have succumbed long ago to rust . Filler is a legitimate tool for body work repairs used as its name suggests but not as a substitute for metal so your magnet may not stick everywhere.
Garage labour anything between £40 and £50 is a reasonable range . I pay £45 upped from £40 recently out in the sticks ( i.e. not in London) and am with that.

[Stefvan]

That's a hefty bill, but I can guarantee you'll be glad you paid it because you most likely won't spend the first day of your camping holiday in the back of an RAC low loader !
Good luck with your van !

Stefvan

[wxm1873]

£120 for oil change

£50 to lubricate and clean a door!

Like others have suggested look at wiki , search YouTube and join a local club
I understand that you may not be mechanically minded but try doing the basic stuff yourself
I'm sure you'd pay less for a oil change at a local non specialist garage

[Ant-t]

Yes it looks like they've carried out a lot of work for you, some you could have probably done yourself to reduce the bill, they could have advised you to carry it out rather than charge ie screen wash. Cleaning up the sliding door for £50 +vat for example is interesting but not sure how "necessary" that is. Also interesting is their choice of engine oil which most on here probably wouldn't use.

[Fudgy666]

I've got 'Hans' booked in with East Dulwich Campers. I'll pass on a review of the service.

That'd be useful, that's my local VW garage so it'd be nice to know what they are like.

Fingers crossed they get you sorted and back out on the road soon

Hi. I've just had the camper back. It's difficult to say that I'm 'pleased' with the work, because a lot of it was essential work that you can't notice from looking at the van, or from the inside. But I'm told it was all necessary. They weren't great on comms, and nearly didn't return it in time, but I would probably use them again. My invoice is attached if people are interested in what they charge for what.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9kYMR ... sp=sharing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers loads for the info and actually sharing the invoice.

Like others have already said, with a little notice, and very little research you should be able to do a few of the jobs yourself next time. Especially the regular service items.

Getting the bill back from ANY garage is seldom good news

Now time to go enjoy owning a van and use it !!!!!!

[Ant-t]

Yeah agree with that, the bills should reduce as your knowledge increases should you wish to head down that route but it's now time to enjoy your van

[wxm1873]

I know it's mostly bay owners , I went when I had a latebay and found it really helpful

http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads ... ing.52782/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;