Where to begin

[gc636]

Hello, first post, but long time lurker for gems of knowledge!

I have had my T25 panel van for a fair while now, long enough to be happy with the reliability and comfortable with its quirks! I am now looking to gradually (emphasis on the gradual!) restore her bit by bit. I was wondering if the forum has any suggestions regarding which order is best, to avoid having to re-do work?

over the next few years i intend to:

- repair the few areas affected by rust
- repair a few dents (she was a working van)
- replace entire exhaust system ( a job that looks tantilisingly similar in price to a second hand subaru??? - trying to talk myself out of opening that can of subaru engine worms. - my only current engine fault stems from holes in the exhaust system, although it does burn oil
- respray (same colour, just fresh paint),
- interior fitting with simple but sturdy R=R bed/units, etc.
- window and door seals replaced
- possibly fit power steering if i end up using it as a day to day vehicle.
- other cosmetic simplicities; eg indicators, mirrors, etc.


effectively it seems like i will be slowly working my way through JustKampers inventory as each pay check comes through, which i dont mind seeing as she is a 'forever van'... but i am looking for some advice on where to start and which order to procede to ensure a thorogh job over a long timefram (want to do lots of other jobs as i go eg: waxoil, etc..)

any help would be appreciated, i know you guys know your stuff and have done it all before!

cheers,

George.

[ghost123uk]

I would say your list looks in the right order

Except don't worry so much about the exhaust. Even with the breaking studs possibility, which with the correct techniques can be minimised, a decent complete Stainless system can be found for less than £500 or a normal one for less than £300. A Scuby conversion will set you back between £2K and £4K depending on how much of the work you do yourself.

Oh and note that most folk say avoid JK on most stuff. Their quality is often very lacking. For oily bits use = These folk top quality and top service

Oh, and Hi by the way

[gc636]

Thanks for that, good to know im not too far off course... reading more about other's performance/MPG i think i have managed to stumble on a decent 1.9 as standard so i think i will be going down the stainless exhaust and a good service route. especially still being a shade under 25 the insurance on a scoob engine will likely be as much as the conversion!

Will take heed regarding JK, was mainly interested in using them for cosmetic/trim components; eg: rubber seals, panels, etc. do you reckon the quality of that kind of stuff is alright?

thanks again

[ghost123uk]

Thanks for that, good to know im not too far off course... reading more about other's performance/MPG i think i have managed to stumble on a decent 1.9 as standard so i think i will be going down the stainless exhaust and a good service route.

I have recently had a "VW Speed Shop" stainless system fitted. I liked it because the J pipes have been designed so they are all the same length so the system is balanced. It cost just over £500 incl fitting and I am very pleased with it. Thread about it HERE Link to supplier HERE

Will take heed regarding JK, was mainly interested in using them for cosmetic/trim components; eg: rubber seals, panels, etc. do you reckon the quality of that kind of stuff is alright?

Even for those parts JK can be a lottery. I don't use them for anything after being disappointed more than once (rear bumper, bumper end caps, panels) I will let others comment on the best place to get panels, I hear A H Schofields are good (HERE) also look at VW Heritage for trim, window seals etc (HERE) they have a good reputation.

[bradders89]

By lessons ive lernt get it mechanicly sound first then the rest after. I spent nearly £8000 gettin a van to look stunning only for the motor to let go. Its good to have your pride and joy looking sweet but when its sat on the hard sholder it dont matter how good it looks when rusty wrecks pi$$ past you!

[kevtherev]

Allways choose a quality supplier.
Brickwerks or VW is first port of call.

Buy cheap buy twice.
Putting the body right should be done by someone who knows how these old vans are stiched together.
The rest is nuts and bolts.
I have spent several thousand pounds on restoring the our fabulous camper.
Money I do not expect a return on
Just a continuing of the smiles

[Ian Hulley]

I have spent several thousand pounds on restoring the our fabulous camper.
Money I do not expect a return on
Just a continuing of the smiles

And there endeth the lesson.

Do what YOU want to do, buy the very best parts you can afford, forget the shiney wheels and engine conversions until you have a solid, mechanically strong van. Above all else get out there and enjoy yourself.

See you around.

Ian

[VAN with a PLAN]

My exhaust was blowing badly from a number of the flanges/gaskets. I sorted it very cheaply:

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=83821

[Cruz]

http://www.volkswagenemporium.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for anything window seal releated after VW as they sell genuine seals (cab door seals from brickwerks though)

[CovKid]

I'm fairly sure the question was what to tackle first, not who to buy it from. Not knocking the suggestions as they're good ones, but it needs a more practical approach.

My suggestion is tackle those jobs that won't keep you off the road and leave anything that might until you can do without the van. Start on brakes, suspension, (safety stuff) then work your way up to cosmetics. That way you'll still get the enjoyment out of things without seeing it off the road and possibly lose interest.

[gc636]

Hi again, thanks for all the advice! i have been extremely busy since i last posted, so coming back to a few more gems was a nice surprise. I like the idea of working my way round the brakes/suspension/etc. continual reading at other threads on here is pretty inspirational as to what can be done and how (hundred quid roller-respray being one of them). I know i'll doubtless make many mistakes, but the mistakes everybody else has made sure does help me avoid some of them!

the van doesnt appear to have any bubbling, however i have adopted the metalmick8y school of thought; ie: i presume that the van is on the verge of disintegration, haha, seriously though i reckon its capable of holding on for a good couple of years yet. so on that basis i am looking at the following order:

-engine service
-exhaust
-mechanics
-engine overhaul
-bodywork resto
-respray (re-roller...)
-interior

good. now for the hard part.....