Hi all,
I think it's about time I shared my van' conversion over here as well ........ I'm not really into a full blown camper, kitchen sink gas cooker night storage heaters and what not, just a 'weekender' is what I'm looking for. So, without further a due ....... copied from the 'other' site, hope it helps new members here decide what they need, what's not required and how to do it basically
I know there's lots of build threads around, but everybody has a different way of doing things, and how you intend to use your van maybe different than other people. And of course there's always the cost implications ........ I chose to do mine on a budget, which doesn't necessarily mean on the cheap, but to spend my money wisely ......... big investments in the important things like the auxiliary power and electrics. Other stuff you just seek alternatives, and try and save as much as possible on stuff not really necessary.
As I have been gathering information these last couple of years, after having purchased my second T4, I thought I had better start a build thread as some of this information may be invaluable to some. My experiences, good and bad ( and screw-ups ) will also be included. Some may learn from my mistakes. I apologise in advance for some of my ramblings, and the many many pictures.
A quick explanation .... I had at the time a 1.9TD, great runner, solid, but no 'oompth' if you know what I mean.
That was about the time I joined this great Forum. And become part of something that would take over my life ........ for the better I may add
After reading just about everything I could get my hands on, I quickly realised ( and it made great sense to me ) that the 2.5 Turbo Diesel 5 cylinder was the one for me. So my search begin. As I'm in Jersey in the Channel Islands this could be difficult. But I was prepared to travel for the right vehicle. So I carried on plodding around Jersey in my 1.9TD with my head full of ideas, and a stack of money waiting to be spent !
Then one fine day ....... I saw her !
I made contact with the seller, and agreed to view the van that evening after work. He wanted waaaaayyyyyy too much cash for her. So I told him I'd sleep on it. SLEEP ....... not on your life. I didn't get any sleep as I was so afraid that he would sell her the following day. So the following day I went for another viewing and we went for a spin. I was smitten the difference was amazing. It didn't even drive like a van, these are comparable to some fine cars.
So the haggling began ...... it went on for a while ( as you do ) he just wouldn't budge ........ then I flashed the cash ! never fails that one
The price and terms were agreed, I was now the proud owner of a SWB 2003 2.5TDi 88BHP factory standard ( but we can always do something about that later ...... as I'd learned from reading posts on this forum ).
Here's what she looked like when I first went to view her the first evening >>
And a couple of days later after all the red tape had been taken care of. Parked up next to my 1.9D >>
The interior pretty much the same dull boring grey as my 1.9TD. First thing I got to do is get rid of the awful steering wheel >>
A few days driving around around in 'Lulu', a well suited name I thought. I had a smile from ear to ear. Most of my mates and work colleagues agreed she was a beauty ...... but why the 'wallpaper' !? Seeing the picture again, reminds me of why they used to say that.
And besides, flowers are for girls ! >>
Looking inside told me I had a lot of work to do >>
I didn't rate his woodworking skills too much, but as a surfer, I know he would probably prefer to hit the waves. So it would all have to come out >>
The all important 2.5TDi - all in great shape, no records of anything though ! ...... why are people so bad at keeping records !?
It's good practise to type a purchase agreement, I've been doing this for years with second hand cars and motorbikes. If they refuse to sign it, they may have something to hide ....... just walk away. >>
She also came with some very posh 18" alloys ..... Porsche I was told at the time ...... later found out they're not >>
First phase of the operation was to swap out all my recent purchases from my 1.9D, my creature comforts such as bucket seats, Momo sports steering wheel, the DRL type headlights I would do that another time. I was like a proud dad that particular day with my two siblings >>
In order for my Momo steering wheel and boss to function correctly ( ie, indicator cancelling ), I cut a piece off an aluminium pipe and glued it onto the original indicator cancelling tab that was too short. >>
This close up shows the indicator cancelling tab in the OFF position ( the little white tab to the right ) >>
This close up shows the tab sticking out ( indicator ON ) so when you straighten the steering wheel back up, the tab on the steering boss makes contact with that, and cancels your indicator, pretty straight forward really. >>
And the extended cancelling tab on the steering wheel boss >>
As I had the intention of installing some electrics in my doors, I wasn't going to leave my door bellows behind ..... not at 15 quid a piece ! >>
The smaller of the two ends goes between the two body panels, and come out underneath where the fuse box is located >>
Then the fatter end 'plugs' into the door. >>
My bucket seats in, and most of the 'fire wood' removed. >>
I dread to think what I could find behind those panels ! >>
Well, she's insulated ...... it's that horrid stuff they used to use in the building game. You don't want to be breathing this stuff in, or even let it make contact with your skin. Nothing worse than fiberglass dust in your lungs ! >>
After donning my breathing mask, I continued the demolition ( quite satisfying actually ). Well, this stuff was all over the place.
Must of been warm as toast in here ! >>
Behind all the loft insulation I found some ply panels glued to the metal van panels ! >>
Bit more cleaning up, and checking for rust. >>
And yet more of that god damn insulation in the roof. >>
He wasn't shy in using glue either by the looks of things >>
OK, that's just about everything out, Bit more cleaning and close inspection of various body panels, and I can start thinking about my personal build >>
Loads more to follow boys n gals.
TURK
I think it's about time I shared my van' conversion over here as well ........ I'm not really into a full blown camper, kitchen sink gas cooker night storage heaters and what not, just a 'weekender' is what I'm looking for. So, without further a due ....... copied from the 'other' site, hope it helps new members here decide what they need, what's not required and how to do it basically
I know there's lots of build threads around, but everybody has a different way of doing things, and how you intend to use your van maybe different than other people. And of course there's always the cost implications ........ I chose to do mine on a budget, which doesn't necessarily mean on the cheap, but to spend my money wisely ......... big investments in the important things like the auxiliary power and electrics. Other stuff you just seek alternatives, and try and save as much as possible on stuff not really necessary.
As I have been gathering information these last couple of years, after having purchased my second T4, I thought I had better start a build thread as some of this information may be invaluable to some. My experiences, good and bad ( and screw-ups ) will also be included. Some may learn from my mistakes. I apologise in advance for some of my ramblings, and the many many pictures.
A quick explanation .... I had at the time a 1.9TD, great runner, solid, but no 'oompth' if you know what I mean.
That was about the time I joined this great Forum. And become part of something that would take over my life ........ for the better I may add
After reading just about everything I could get my hands on, I quickly realised ( and it made great sense to me ) that the 2.5 Turbo Diesel 5 cylinder was the one for me. So my search begin. As I'm in Jersey in the Channel Islands this could be difficult. But I was prepared to travel for the right vehicle. So I carried on plodding around Jersey in my 1.9TD with my head full of ideas, and a stack of money waiting to be spent !
Then one fine day ....... I saw her !
I made contact with the seller, and agreed to view the van that evening after work. He wanted waaaaayyyyyy too much cash for her. So I told him I'd sleep on it. SLEEP ....... not on your life. I didn't get any sleep as I was so afraid that he would sell her the following day. So the following day I went for another viewing and we went for a spin. I was smitten the difference was amazing. It didn't even drive like a van, these are comparable to some fine cars.
So the haggling began ...... it went on for a while ( as you do ) he just wouldn't budge ........ then I flashed the cash ! never fails that one
The price and terms were agreed, I was now the proud owner of a SWB 2003 2.5TDi 88BHP factory standard ( but we can always do something about that later ...... as I'd learned from reading posts on this forum ).
Here's what she looked like when I first went to view her the first evening >>
And a couple of days later after all the red tape had been taken care of. Parked up next to my 1.9D >>
The interior pretty much the same dull boring grey as my 1.9TD. First thing I got to do is get rid of the awful steering wheel >>
A few days driving around around in 'Lulu', a well suited name I thought. I had a smile from ear to ear. Most of my mates and work colleagues agreed she was a beauty ...... but why the 'wallpaper' !? Seeing the picture again, reminds me of why they used to say that.
And besides, flowers are for girls ! >>
Looking inside told me I had a lot of work to do >>
I didn't rate his woodworking skills too much, but as a surfer, I know he would probably prefer to hit the waves. So it would all have to come out >>
The all important 2.5TDi - all in great shape, no records of anything though ! ...... why are people so bad at keeping records !?
It's good practise to type a purchase agreement, I've been doing this for years with second hand cars and motorbikes. If they refuse to sign it, they may have something to hide ....... just walk away. >>
She also came with some very posh 18" alloys ..... Porsche I was told at the time ...... later found out they're not >>
First phase of the operation was to swap out all my recent purchases from my 1.9D, my creature comforts such as bucket seats, Momo sports steering wheel, the DRL type headlights I would do that another time. I was like a proud dad that particular day with my two siblings >>
In order for my Momo steering wheel and boss to function correctly ( ie, indicator cancelling ), I cut a piece off an aluminium pipe and glued it onto the original indicator cancelling tab that was too short. >>
This close up shows the indicator cancelling tab in the OFF position ( the little white tab to the right ) >>
This close up shows the tab sticking out ( indicator ON ) so when you straighten the steering wheel back up, the tab on the steering boss makes contact with that, and cancels your indicator, pretty straight forward really. >>
And the extended cancelling tab on the steering wheel boss >>
As I had the intention of installing some electrics in my doors, I wasn't going to leave my door bellows behind ..... not at 15 quid a piece ! >>
The smaller of the two ends goes between the two body panels, and come out underneath where the fuse box is located >>
Then the fatter end 'plugs' into the door. >>
My bucket seats in, and most of the 'fire wood' removed. >>
I dread to think what I could find behind those panels ! >>
Well, she's insulated ...... it's that horrid stuff they used to use in the building game. You don't want to be breathing this stuff in, or even let it make contact with your skin. Nothing worse than fiberglass dust in your lungs ! >>
After donning my breathing mask, I continued the demolition ( quite satisfying actually ). Well, this stuff was all over the place.
Must of been warm as toast in here ! >>
Behind all the loft insulation I found some ply panels glued to the metal van panels ! >>
Bit more cleaning up, and checking for rust. >>
And yet more of that god damn insulation in the roof. >>
He wasn't shy in using glue either by the looks of things >>
OK, that's just about everything out, Bit more cleaning and close inspection of various body panels, and I can start thinking about my personal build >>
Loads more to follow boys n gals.
TURK
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