Here goes my savings...

[Smosh]

After buying the van last year, we've seen it become increasingly rusty, alarmingly quickly. I havent found anywhere locally to keep the van, so I'm biting the bullet to get it done professionally...

Started stripping my van out. It's booked to go to the garage Monday!









I was amazing how much difference just removing the "loose" stuff has made to performance! Also, I could hear my music again!

[Smosh]

Got some more done tonight, including getting the units into the attic.

Firstly got the RnR bed out, which gave me access to the leisure battery and... stuff?







Pulled off the switch panel, Im never going to be able to rewire this van!!!

Bye bye nasty wood...



Looks more like home kitchen construction than a van beneath



GOt the units out but it was into this attic they had to go!





Did it though!


Getting there...


Look how high it's riding; its got -50 springs too!

[Smosh]

Has anyone advice on how not to get screwed over by the bodyshop?

1) I've spoke to him and he seems alright; but we have nothing in writing. Would it be okay to send an email that outlines the areas I highlighted to him and the price he said he should be able to come in under- Photographing various points? Or is that a bit cheeky?

2) Can I ask to see the van after it has been grit blasted, to see the extent of work or again is that a bit off?

3) I was thinking of giving a list of parts suppliers to save them hunting? or Should I buy parts myself?

4) I admit I haven't search the forum for this yet but whilst asking questions: anyone recommend where to get panels from?

[Drucifer]

Yes it is best to give him an outline of what you want done, including photos is fine.
Never known anywhere refuse you a look at it once it has been blasted, is usually common to find the owner flat on the floor after fainting at the sight of the teabag I mean t25 before them.
Don't be shy just ask the guy questions.

[Ralf85]

Once it's blasted you will see the extent of the rust/holes that appear. So any estimate given before blasting will increase, once the true state of your van becomes apparent.
You will require photos of the work for your agreed value insurance (if that is what you're after), so your coachbuilder should be used to taking pictures all through the process.

[Cableguy]

Definately need it in writing. I've been stiffed even by members on here with crappy work.
Looking at your pride and joy part way though the work is the best bit!!
Can't imagine the chap would have a problem with that. Good opportunity to take some pics and keep him on his toes.

[Smosh]

Thanks for the responses. I'll put him a list of known areas that need repairs together, and then revise it when it has turned into a sieve!

[Smosh]

So, I went to see my van today to see how it is coming. Took a couple of pictures.








The good news is they feel it is not as rusty as they first thought. The seams have been blasted with a hand blaster. They are going to do any areas that have blown through with their bigger one and the front end like that.
I'm pleased, we will have a much more tidy looking van when it is finished. My only concern is that we have paid this money but we are just burying some of the rust. They have been honest with me, the seams had rust in the joints, they have blasted out what they can and protected them and will put filler back in but they are still going to be rusting underneath it all.

I'm feeling excited at the minute, but I would be lying if I said I wasnt worried? What are peoples opinions on this, do you think the rust is just going to come back through?

Cheers,

Josh

[lefty67]

Probably but read through metal mickeys threads and see what can be done to slow the process down. Will be easier to do now you have the interior out.

Is that a fitted kitchen you have in your van, looks to be carrying a lot of weight?

[Smosh]

The fitted units are "proper" units for vans, they are made with what seems like corregated cardboard. but yea, they appear to carry a lot of weight.

Yea, think it will be a look through and see. Might drop mm a post. He's a wonderful bloke!

[restoman]

You should be able to see behind lots of the seams with interior out
Any rust in there?
These vans rust from inside out. Usually seam rash means the rust has worked its way out
Its your call, but best to sort it out before any paint goes on, or it will be back to haunt you
I've got several examples of seam rash vans with panels unpicked here

[Smosh]

The van looks pretty solid on the inside to be honest. Anywhere they can see rust they are blasting it out, treating it and welding new metal in where needed, but they arent unpicking the seams.

[Plasticman]

Lets have some picks if stuff before its covered with filler or paint and sane goes for areas where ,new,metal is added then we can can better give an opinion if that's what you want
mm

[Smosh]

THanks in advance...

[Plasticman]

looks like you about caught it in time , got picks post blast pre paint ??
mm