Restore or break

[Jonnyb416]

Ok here goes, here are some pics of the van I have bought..... 1983 Diesel hightop. Only paid a few hundred punds for a very rusty bus!!

http://s1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa440/jonnyb416/

Thought I would share with anyone interested in voicing their opinion and/or willing to provide some help with the enormity of my new project.

I bought this hoping I could restore, however, if this is not possible I am sure I will have fun breaking it (whilst learning a long the way) and then in the future buying another one. I could either sell the parts I manage to save or use them on my next project.

It also came with all bumpers, grills, badges, lights, seats, door cards ands loads more.

Original colour was a 'pea' green, not sure what its called but I would like to return to that colour.

Underneath seems pretty solid from what I can see.

Anyway look forward to what people have to say.

Cheers, Jon.

[dingdangdoo]

I would go the restore route my self.You would just have to re-do the bodged parts.

[Jonnyb416]

I would go the restore route my self.You would just have to re-do the bodged parts.

That is my prefared route trouble is I cannot weld yet but learning slowly.

[choplee]

I've deffo seen worse wagons driving around...

[Jonnyb416]

I've deffo seen worse wagons driving around...

Nice to know that mate Well not really nice to know but you know what I mean Been slightly worried about it being an 83 bus and certain limited parts but I am learning all the time.

[choplee]

Old buses will always have some parts that are hard to get hold of and then making those parts expensive ,but there's always a way around the issue..Sometimes it just takes abit of time to sort out...

[jamesc76]

You restored anything before ???

[Jonnyb416]

You restored anything before ???

Did a mini when I was 16 but didn't undertake any welding just grinding and filling. Certain I can do some cutting back and removing rust but will probably pay a welder for most stuff.

[Jonnyb416]

In no rush and realise I will probably need to pay a welder for most work. Not worried about engine or interior just whether the welding will cost too much to be worth doing.
Does anybody have an idea how much a welder may charge to undertake certain jobs or for a daily rate?

Cheers Jon.

[uniB]

Go on... get it restored!

Get yourself a mig welder, you might not be able to weld now but you'll get reasonable at it after a while and you'll certainly be able to weld by the time you've done!

[Plasticman]

well its had some iffy work done, never helps to leave part welded stuff to fester, the work that looks to be needed is the usual, but to do it Right needs a bit of experience.
was it Really cheeeeeeeap?
mike

[jimpainter]

Restore it. There are too many being cut up. At the end of the day you have to think will they end up going the same way as splits/bays. The prices only seem to rising at the min. Could be a sound investment.

[Jonnyb416]

well its had some iffy work done, never helps to leave part welded stuff to fester, the work that looks to be needed is the usual, but to do it Right needs a bit of experience.
was it Really cheeeeeeeap?
mike

Just £500! It is a shame about the state the new panels have been left in, what would you advise to do there? I thought to drill/brush off the surface rust then prime. I have got some vactan, would you say to brush that on to protect until its welded in proper.

Understand what you mean about needing experience. After a long while of practising welding I figured I could maybe do small bits such as the step (which I didn't take a pic of) or maybe around the window repairs.

Cheers for the help, Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Restore it. There are too many being cut up. At the end of the day you have to think will they end up going the same way as splits/bays. The prices only seem to rising at the min. Could be a sound investment.

Like your thinking that they should only rise in value. I only hope to make in into a good solid van that should last many years of camping in. And if it does rise in value then its a bonus. I will get some quotes for the work and hopefully get cracking soon. Thanks for the advice Jon.

[Jonnyb416]

Go on... get it restored!

Get yourself a mig welder, you might not be able to weld now but you'll get reasonable at it after a while and you'll certainly be able to weld by the time you've done!

Then buy another, start again and do it properly

Lent a welder off my mates Dad to practice with, I can have it for as long as I need. Thinking about having some lessons too.