VW Transporter Day Van Conversion
Discussion
This is how I left it the other day.
In my typically haphazard approach to jobs I decided a bit of artwork was needed, found an old scratch map and used the old roof fibreboard and unused window trim to tidy it up.
Then got on with a couple of quick jobs. The DRL's are very dim and they were mismatched so upgraded them to some CANBUS compatible LEDs, looks much better IMO.
Then fitted a battery cover that should have been plug and play but I was missing a plastic threadsert so couldn't use the screw provided. Found a rivnut and bonded it in place.
I then set about butchering a Caravelle rear threshold to fit my flooring. It's not a perfect fit but close enough.
I then decided I couldn't put off fitting the window in the sliding door anymore. Unfortunately the Sikaflex seems to be taking an age to set so this is how I left it this evening.
Managed to refit all the dash pieces I removed weeks ago, bit of trial and error remembering where everything went.
In my typically haphazard approach to jobs I decided a bit of artwork was needed, found an old scratch map and used the old roof fibreboard and unused window trim to tidy it up.
Then got on with a couple of quick jobs. The DRL's are very dim and they were mismatched so upgraded them to some CANBUS compatible LEDs, looks much better IMO.
Then fitted a battery cover that should have been plug and play but I was missing a plastic threadsert so couldn't use the screw provided. Found a rivnut and bonded it in place.
I then set about butchering a Caravelle rear threshold to fit my flooring. It's not a perfect fit but close enough.
I then decided I couldn't put off fitting the window in the sliding door anymore. Unfortunately the Sikaflex seems to be taking an age to set so this is how I left it this evening.
Managed to refit all the dash pieces I removed weeks ago, bit of trial and error remembering where everything went.
ChocolateFrog said:
Haha yes I am, REME so having access to the workshop can be quite handy.
I got it from ebay, free delivery and was £10 for a 10m x 225mm roll. Needs plenty of heat and doesn't stick well to filler or primer but used spray adhesive on those bits but other than that it works great. Just tapping on the panel and you can hear the difference, it's also not too heavy, around 2kg a roll I think.
I'm away with Mission Motorsport today learning how to vinyl wrap. Wonder what I could do with their very expensive printer.
If it's a vinyl wrap, contact www.gatorwraps.com. They wrap all kinds of crazy things and lettering decals. You might also want to check www.gatorprints.com.I got it from ebay, free delivery and was £10 for a 10m x 225mm roll. Needs plenty of heat and doesn't stick well to filler or primer but used spray adhesive on those bits but other than that it works great. Just tapping on the panel and you can hear the difference, it's also not too heavy, around 2kg a roll I think.
I'm away with Mission Motorsport today learning how to vinyl wrap. Wonder what I could do with their very expensive printer.
captain_beaky said:
I love a gratuitous labrador shot 
Will Doggins be allowed out for adventures in the van once complete??? If so you'll surely need to factor in some storage for all the towelling off / cleaning / drying apparatus that one needs on hand to eliminate the wet hound smell post walkies.
He's a German Shepherd, 6 months old, and yes he'll be coming along. Unfortunately the camera on my S5 is terrible and he comes out as a silhouette on most of the photos.Will Doggins be allowed out for adventures in the van once complete??? If so you'll surely need to factor in some storage for all the towelling off / cleaning / drying apparatus that one needs on hand to eliminate the wet hound smell post walkies.
Might have to upgrade to the S8 when it comes out.
No pictures today unfortunately but you're not missing much.
My brother gave me a hand bleeding the brakes and clutch as it was the last service item requiring attention. Used a pressure bleed kit for the first time, what a revelation! The old fluid looked well past it so worth doing.
Then sorted a few niggling jobs. Got the side step caravelle light wired up correctly, at the third time of asking. Also managed to align the front doors as they all drop even on nearly new models. A few penny washers and some fine tuning has everything lined up.
Started the wiring for the lighting, again with a little help, the light switches do what they should, which means the final panel is ready to go in.
Finally, I've almost finished the floor. Been working on tidying up the middle bit. Bought some PU resin and day glow powder to get creative. Had to jack the van up to get it close to level, hopefully it will come out ok.
To add a bit of time pressure, Car SOS style I've booked an Airbnb in Bordeaux starting next Sunday and intent to take the van. Unfortunately I'm on course all next week so will have Friday evening and Saturday to get Phase 1 somewhere near finished.
My brother gave me a hand bleeding the brakes and clutch as it was the last service item requiring attention. Used a pressure bleed kit for the first time, what a revelation! The old fluid looked well past it so worth doing.
Then sorted a few niggling jobs. Got the side step caravelle light wired up correctly, at the third time of asking. Also managed to align the front doors as they all drop even on nearly new models. A few penny washers and some fine tuning has everything lined up.
Started the wiring for the lighting, again with a little help, the light switches do what they should, which means the final panel is ready to go in.
Finally, I've almost finished the floor. Been working on tidying up the middle bit. Bought some PU resin and day glow powder to get creative. Had to jack the van up to get it close to level, hopefully it will come out ok.
To add a bit of time pressure, Car SOS style I've booked an Airbnb in Bordeaux starting next Sunday and intent to take the van. Unfortunately I'm on course all next week so will have Friday evening and Saturday to get Phase 1 somewhere near finished.
neilbauer said:
I saw a picture of the inside a thought it a pity that it had the basic builders steering wheel, but you've fixed it 
Couldn't justify the £550 or so for the latest gti wheel, which does look great, but this is so much nicer to use. It makes a massive difference to the driving experience, even if it is still just an old van. Long story short is I couldn't finish the van in time, but it's on the ferry anyway.
My brother and I were faffing about with the roof liner until midnight last night but couldn't get it to go in.
The problem was I've done it in one piece with spots, led strip and integrated tv mount, in 6mm ply. Manhandling that lot in the dark after a 14 hour day meant it didn't happen.
What was even more gutting was the fact we hooked everything up and it looked awesome, probably the bit I'm most happy with.
In the end I left it at home to fit another day. Will have to do without it and the B pillars for a while longer.
My brother and I were faffing about with the roof liner until midnight last night but couldn't get it to go in.
The problem was I've done it in one piece with spots, led strip and integrated tv mount, in 6mm ply. Manhandling that lot in the dark after a 14 hour day meant it didn't happen.
What was even more gutting was the fact we hooked everything up and it looked awesome, probably the bit I'm most happy with.
In the end I left it at home to fit another day. Will have to do without it and the B pillars for a while longer.
Had the first niggle today. Over the space of a few miles a rattle developed coming from the OSF suspension. With the noise deteriorating so quickly I assumed it was something coming loose rather than being worn.
With a 1000 miles of autoroute and motorway ahead I thought I best check it out so set about working on it in a French supermarket car park in 25 degrees plus, glamorous!
(I did both sides)
I stuck a spanner on everything I could reach including the sub frame and hub bolts, nothing seemed out of place. The only thing I did manage was to get another 16th of a turn on all the drop link bolts. Sceptically I put it back together and test drove it and would you know it the noise was gone.
The grease in the drop links was very hot so that may have been enough to create the play.
With a 1000 miles of autoroute and motorway ahead I thought I best check it out so set about working on it in a French supermarket car park in 25 degrees plus, glamorous!
(I did both sides)
I stuck a spanner on everything I could reach including the sub frame and hub bolts, nothing seemed out of place. The only thing I did manage was to get another 16th of a turn on all the drop link bolts. Sceptically I put it back together and test drove it and would you know it the noise was gone.
The grease in the drop links was very hot so that may have been enough to create the play.
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