What shall I do first? - pics of rust and quote 1

[LittleMissSunshine]

Thanks Patrick - I would need to save hard for that - and it would eat into my funds for leisure in the van. However, will set my mind on getting some quotes.

Thanks

[Ralf85]

That's it Helen. Once all the safety bits have been checked, get out and drive/explore. Get the bodywork repaired when you can afford it. Happy camping.

Patrick

[LittleMissSunshine]

Will keep you posted - I have no choice but to park it outside on my drive, would you recommend a cover for it?

[Ralf85]

Just Kampers do a cover, which might help, but I will leave it to others to advise on that topic.

[chuckle-bus-tom]

The best option for winter protection is to keep using the van regularly, but wash salt build ups off. I don't think they do covers for skip-lids, but the covers end up trapping moisture under them when used for long periods anyway. Countless other threads arguing this out!

Brickwerks is the specialist garage in your neck of the woods. Best in't business. Byeckkythump. http://www.brickwerks.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Plasticman]

that must be Hackney distance its a minimum 2 hr drive each way,
mm

[chuckle-bus-tom]

2 hours driving is 2 miles here!

There is the Campershack in Grantham too. Worth the trip to either for proper job done.

[Plasticman]

yuk, traffic really that slow?
mm

[chuckle-bus-tom]

Only since some pillock decided an Olympic village was a good idea.

[Plasticman]

Ok I know its a bit of thread drift but yes I forgot the olympic fiasco, does the counrty or you or I actually benefit from it or is it all politics and vested interest, heard about the mandarin lanes and the like..
glad I dont live anywhere near..though the m25 is 2 1/2 hrs away at night
mm

[LittleMissSunshine]

Thanks for the tip off - also, off topic but I am so glad all the chaos is staying within an hour of London - makes it easy to miss it!!!!

[kevtherev]

use the search ...I found this for you, when I searched "high top cover"

http://www.specialisedcovers.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .. cost about £280

or in my opinion wax is the best cover...
worst thing is a cover, wrecks paint promotes damp loving mould

best wax for cold weather protection... are
Autoglym Hi Def
Collinite 915 Marque D'Elegance
Nattys White & Blue
RaceGlaze 55
Swissvax Divine, Mystery, BoS and Concourso
Victoria Concours

All applied ONCE then just wash after use

Allways use a HARD wax first , followed with a soft wax.
this will give all winter long paint protection.
As long as detergent is not used and a good quality shampoo is, then the protection is as good as a cover.

[LittleMissSunshine]

Thanks for the tips!

I have had my first quote today from Guisborough car body Centre

http://www.guisboroughcarbodycentre.co.uk/

He had a really good look and has estimated £2000 to £2200 including labour and VAT.

He said he would replace 3 or 4 wheel arches and be able to repair all the rest and make good. This price would include respray and graphics. He would also fix/replace the 2 damaged seals on the join with hi top.

He said work would take 2-3 weeks and recommended the spring time, after all road salt has gone and weather dry. He would need 4 weeks notice.

[kaminokid]

We tried a cover last winter, but tried to carry on using the van. It was a nightmare having to take it off and put it back on everytime, took all the fun away !! so we sold it.

At Vanfest we bought some Autoglym Hi Def spent a whole day washing, drying, t cut, put the polish on and then buffed....god our shoulders hurt!.........but we are soooo impressed, the dirt just rubs off with a microfibre cloth and so far the body work is holding up well....the water just runs off so it drys off really quickly. Gonna do it all again at the beginning of the summer minus the t cut and then again at the end and thats our protection sorted..
Good luck and enjoy the van
ema
x

[chuckle-bus-tom]

He had a really good look and has estimated £2000 to £2200 including labour and VAT.

He said he would replace 3 or 4 wheel arches and be able to repair all the rest and make good. This price would include respray and graphics. He would also fix/replace the 2 damaged seals on the join with hi top.

Get all of that in writing and signed by both yourself and the garage because that is an amazing price. Once the old stuff is cut/dug/sanded out it may be way more work than estimated. A signed agreement would be very handy if such a case arose!