Joined back in March when I finally got hold of a T25, I have learnt a huge amount from this forum and associated pages, asked some good and some stupid questions (usually under the influence of beer of sleep deprivation), and you have all been there to offer advice so for that I applaud you with a big big thank you.
The story:
I have never been materialistic or brand conscious in my life, I will wear and eat the cheap cheap, but all I have ever wanted is VW CAMPER, and it turned out an 85 holdsworth variety would be the beast.
So back in March my eldest said to me, daddy I want a campervan like peppa pig, damn right darling so do I, so that was enough for me and off I went.
Here she is, van is straight, original paint full service history running on 58k miles with all mots
Interior, excellent condition for age, but was not going to suit me as I needed seats with belts for the two sprogs!!
The gentleman I had the van off a total legend let me pick through a scrapper he had for interior parts. I managed to salvage R&R bed, front seats and interior units, most were rotten but came in handy for templates, I reused as mush as possible as it was light weight ply.
The strip out well under way. I removed the interior with painstaking care to preserve should it have been any use to others, no joy yet tho!!
So the aim is to do a complete resto in the next few years, bodywork, respray etc so wanted everything to be demountable, which meant making lined panels for everywhere. It was a lot of work doing the high top because of the angles and curves but worth it.
First pass at the new kitchen unit, had a cheap router and bits which was difficult, the bearings kept disintegrating and then drifted! Everything was made with a router and jig saw, I have plans for a small wood shop in the future but budget does not allow yet!! Would make it soooooo much easier though!
Second pass and much better but not perfect, I had to modify the first attempt as only had 2 sheets of oaky timber. Dry fit of the units and ready for lining and hardware.
Insulation, tinted windows and carpet lining. Few mistakes along the way but hey it's my first go!!!
Most cost effective solution was for me to line the wardrobes, makes the van very cosy!!
Engine bay raised, and new tyres going on. First time she has been inside since I had her!! Man life would be easy if I had good indoor space, at least I have a driveway!!
Kids strapped in for the maiden voyage!
End result
I have loved doing this, and people often comment on my commitment to projects and the final results, but I have to say the wife did the hardest job putting up with me working until 01:00 and looking after the kids and house for 3 months along with doses of chicken pox and teething! I kept telling her it would be worth it and it is, we have had two trips out this half term and it's awesome.
Pizza night on the first trip
Was wishful thinking Archie would stay up there so a kids bed guard does the trick, you would think it's made to measure. With the bed up top in case anyone is wondering, it's fixed but does not have the extension piece to make it a six footer, kids are small enough to fit up there at the moment and i will add in at a later date when they are bigger.
The soppy bit:
Guys and gals, thanks again, its been very hard going but well worth it, I love camping and now its even easier to get out and spend quality time with the family. There have been many times I wanted to break down and cry but you gotta keep going, you will always achieve, just take deep breaths and remember 'Keep your face to the sun so you cannot see the shadows'!!
Hope you enjoy the thread and hopefully catch up with some of you at the show scene etc.
Still to do:
Sliding door card
Front door cards
Electrical system
Install gas system and hob etc
Fridge panel (stumped on this one, I cannot get oaky stuff thin enough)
Overhead locker cabinet at the back, will also hide belt mounting.
Tint tailgate
Engine bay tool draw and bits and pieces
Head up to gasure to service and connect LPG conversion
Also discovered leaky fuel tank when brimmed, and went to fill washer reservoir up and it just poured straight out on the floor, any ideas???