We've Joined Up....

[Snowmark]

After searching for about 8 months we've finally taken the plunge and acquired ourselves an '87 Autosleeper - we have no idea if we've bought well or made a terrible mistake but, as this is going to be our holidays for the next 10 years, the renovations are starting in earnest.
Apologies if I ask questions that have been answered a thousand times - please bear with me.

The interior is completely original but the carpeting and upholstery need to be redone - I intend to strip it out myself and thought it would be a good opportunity to replace the rock wool insulation.....
Question 1) What is the best material to insulate the van with?
Question 2) Should I protect the interior of the doors, panels etc? If so, what's the stuff called?

Instalment 1 in an ongoing, rambling and probably infuriating Series - I appreciate your patience

[Plasticman]

well hello. first thing before you touch it is to post up a few pickies as is, info is in wiki ^^^^ under computers, well worth doing as it will us to help you loads,
then join the club as such and also put your appx location in your sig
mm

[Ralf85]

Welcome to the forum.

[Winchweight]

Welcome to the forum.

Don't use rock wool whatever you do, it will absorb your exhaled moisture and cooking steam, condense it against the metal and act as a sponge, rotting the van panels from the inside.

Look at the stuff in the link below, it's a self adhesive foil back foam you stick inside the panels. Then fill the void with a non-absorbent media - Kingspan for example (I'm using foam pipe lagging tubes - cheap and easy). Once this is done, be sure to add a vapour barrier of polythene sheet held with 3M double sided foam tape to stop the moisture getting in. Any bare metal will cause condensation = rust, so consider carpeting the exposed surfaces - MVM stretch carpet works a treat and then also carpet the panels themselves. You might need longer panel clips but these are readily available off eBay etc. The foam can be used in the doors etc as its lightweight and easy to apply, but thin enough not to get in the way or mechanisms etc. There are other foams too, even Tescos cheap gym mates can be cut up to do the same!

When carpeting use high temp contact adhesive spray as you will be surprises how warm your panels will get in direct sunshine and you don't want the carpet peeling off.

Your van will look great in no time, just be aware of moisture.

http://www.megavanmats.com/apps/webstor ... ow/5404136" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ghost123uk]

Welcome to club 80-90

Apologies if I ask questions that have been answered a thousand times - please bear with me.

Don't worry about that ^^^ - it's not that sort of forum

Have you found our "wiki" section yet, it's full of lots of useful info. Link near the top left hand side of every page on here

Are you a "camp in the woods with mates" type, or a "proper" campsite with mains hook up, picket fencing and a shop type

[moggymorgan]

hi and welcome. you will find a wealth of knowledge amomong the members here so ask away. have fun and enjoy your new van

[Ant-t]

Welcome! There are a few threads on replacing the carpet lining, i did mine fairly recently and its easy enough once you get the hang of the material. I used the stretch fabric from megavanmats as above, good luck with it

[New Kentish Campers]

Welcome

Good choice of van type too. As said, pictures are good for everyone to see.

[Snowmark]

Huge thanks for all the replies, welcomes and advice - we really appreciate them.

Here's my first attempt at uploading pictures - just some of the exterior until I get some time in the van tomorrow.




I've discovered the Wiki Section (it ended up being a very late night as I read articles that meant very little to me but were strangely compelling!). Hugely impatient and just want to get started on the interior so that we can head out on the road.

I've tried to add my location etc to my signature - not sure if it has worked. we are in Christchurch in Dorset - any recommendations for garages, upholsterers etc gratefully received.

[Snowmark]

Are you a "camp in the woods with mates" type, or a "proper" campsite with mains hook up, picket fencing and a shop type [/quote]

ghost123uk - We aim to be 'Camp in the woods' but as the kids are still young (4 and 2) I think the first couple of years may involve electric hook-ups (not sure if picket fencing is enough to contain them, maybe electric fence?? )

As yet, the whole Leisure Battery/Hook Up is a mystery to us - we literally are learning things every day. The van has a hook up and a leisure battery (and a propex heater, fridge, electric water pump, zig unit etc........) and we know little or nothing about all of them - I can see another late night with me and the Wiki Section.

[DaveyP2004]

You may also find my VW T25 Autosleeper Info website useful.
Especially this page:
http://autosleeper.vwt25camper.info/htm ... r_vht.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Contains info about your model of van and near the bottom of the page is a download of the Autosleeper Owners Manual that contains info on how the camping equipment works etc.

Downloads page also contains separate manuals for fridge, heaters etc.
Cheers,
Dave
(http://www.autosleeper.vwT25camper.info" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

[scottbott]

hello,good choice of van

[Snowmark]

Dave - huge thanks for the links, I hadn't any idea there was a specific site for Auto Sleepers.
It appears that there are lots more late nights of reading this coming week