SELF BUILD

[howie]

Brother in law has just bought a ex authority disabilty bus and we plan to convert it into a camper. 52 reg Renault 2.2 l.w.b. that will replace his Autosleeper Amythyst. Laid off work for over a 12 month now so needed to sell the Autosleeper to raise some much needed cash with enough left over to buy and convert this new van. Cost £1700 at auction and looks in pretty good shape both bodywise and mechanics, and with a fully lined interior, plus windows, roof lights and rear 12v system already installed all the hard work is already sorted.

Looking forward to this latest project and have included a few pics with updates to follow as work progresses.

[nowtelse2do]

Looks a nice van Howie, and half the work done.

Dave

[Mel B]

Ooooo ... I'm jealous! :D

 

When I did our ambulance conversion a good few years ago I just loved it ... I would love to do another but hubby says no. :-(

 

Maybe when I leave work ..... ;-)

[howie]

nowtelse2do - 2010-09-27 6:50 PM

Looks a nice van Howie, and half the work done.

Dave

Just noticed the toilet roll up on the left hand side Dave, so another 'job' off the list.

[howie]

Mel B - 2010-09-27 7:04 PM

 

Ooooo ... I'm jealous! :D

 

When I did our ambulance conversion a good few years ago I just loved it ... I would love to do another but hubby says no. :-(

 

Maybe when I leave work ..... ;-)

Soul mates Mel. Bought some beautiful vans in our time, but the one's i've self built had not only blood sweat and tears, but heart and soul built in as well. First up is a big open L shaped front lounge, and I can't wait .

[flicka]

:D :D :D :D Looks good from the photo's.

Good luck with the project , Howie.

Do envy you as like Mel, we started in 1969 by converting a Bedford CA Ambulance,

Aluminium skin on a greenheart timber frame (can you still get that ?) a formed Fibreglass inner lining & 18mm Marine Ply floor.

only 1500 cc petrol but had 210,000 on the clock when I sold it.

Then we converted a Bedford CF Luton Box van (ex Snap-on Tools).

Happy times & memories.

At least with the self-build, you know what to do if anything plays-up.

[602]

Hi,

 

Both me and my mate each spent one afternoon a week driving the local Stroke Club minibus. One day,when my mate was driving, bus full of stoke victims in various stages of recovery, one passenger stood up prior to getting off the bus. He lost his balance, and fell head first between the seats, legs kicking in the air. He couldn't help himself, and none of the passengers were able to help, and my mate is only a little bloke. OK, it wasn't funny at the time .....

 

Log onto http://sbmcc.co.uk/forum/ which is the discussion group for the Self Build Motor Caravan Club. I think you can read the discussions, and you used to get 20 odd free mails before they made you join.

 

Haynes do a workshop manual type book called BUILD YOUR OWN MOTOR CARAVAN. Lots of useful information. There are plenty on Ebay.

 

602

[flicka]

Howie

You might find this helpful, as well.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Your-Motorcaravan-John-Wickersham/dp/1844252213

 

[602]

Hi,

 

Yeah, thats the book. Probably the same price as those on Ebay, but Amazon send it post free.

 

Three months to Xmas, it would make a nice prezzy for the man who has everything else ..... provoke a few day-dreams on Boxing Day.

 

602

[howie]

Thanks for the info and sites guys, always comes in handy if we run into any problems, which no doubt we shall. Not a lot happening at the moment as the van has gone in for a full service, mot, timing belt and general checkover. No major problems reported, which is welcome news as buying from auction always comes with that element of risk and should have the van back by Friday. You mentioned that 'formed inner lining' Flicka. Does give a nice finish to the interior and easy to work with too, but a hard and unforgiving surface that will need insulation. Nothing behind it, so thinking of expanding foam injected with carpeting to finish the outside.

The van also has 8 single glazed windows to the rear and loss of heat plus condensation is going to be a problem. Heavy lined curtains tracked top and bottom seems the easiest option here, but always open to suggestions or other ways to combat this. Front passenger seat and spare wheel (both missing when he bought it) have both been obtained from a local commercial breakers yard and the search is now on for the bed cushions, something we need before starting on the bed base. Easy enough if ordering new 'ready made', but a lot of satisfaction working to a tight budget and seeing what 'bargains' are out there so e.bay and caravan breakers next and will let you know how we get on.

[flicka]

Hi Howie

Regarding the inner liner, I think you will not notice any difference between it & a normal interior except colder without insulation.

How to tackle that depending on how the liner is fitted, if sectional with beadings, you may be able to ease them away from the Van wall / roof & insert something like this.

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10617653&ecamp=trf-005&CAWELAID=408161277

 

Or if you find the liner is still too hard, see Wall liner carpet on here:-

http://www.magnummotorhomes.co.uk/view_category.asp?catID=48

But I don't think you would not need to do the whole area, just those where you are in contact with.

 

IMHO Using expanded foam would be my last option.

Also could consider using self adhesive Velco for Curtain lower edge fixing.

That would hold them closer to the side wall.

 

Good luck

[Mel B]

I'd suggest using carpeting on all the sides otherwise you'll end up with a cold surface which will create condensation. When I did my ambulance conversion that's what I did and we didn't have a problem.

 

Just had a rummage and found some photos of when I did the conversion ... no giggling! :D

[Mel B]

OMG!!!!! I've just realised I've bought a £37k 'ambulance' !!!!! 8-) ;-)

[bob b]

It would appear that you've gone 'full circle' Mel.

On the matter of using expanded foam in the cavities, wouldn't that just trap any moisture that will naturally get in ?

[flicka]

bob b - 2010-09-30 11:14 PM

It would appear that you've gone 'full circle' Mel.

On the matter of using expanded foam in the cavities, wouldn't that just trap any moisture that will naturally get in ?

YES, but then I guess anything will to some extent. Any warmth on a cold steel surface will cause some condensation.

[howie]

Loved those pictures Mel. Not quite Bob's 'full circle', but the resemblance between that first camper and your current (£37k ambulance) van is uncanny. *-)

There will be full wall/ceiling carpeting on this self build, and not sure why there should be such reluctance to using expanding foam as a way of insulation. Used it before and worked a treat Flicka, but any reason it should not be used would be welcome. BinL. is out pricing foam and materials today at a local factory outlet, and i'm watching golf, so here's a picture of the van, complete with fluorescent panels. Slight damage to the offside sill, but that apart the van's in really good nick and removing those panels is high on the agenda. Pulling up on a Caravan Club site with these attached would be 'interesting' to say the least, so again, any suggestions on how to remove them and the residue left behind would be welcome. Thanks.

[bob b]

If those chequered stripes are 'stuck-on' vinyl Howie, I've heard if you can 'lift' a corner, you can then use WD40 to squirt and lift....if you get my drift !

[flicka]

Hi Howie

I've always had concerns regarding the using expanding foam insulation in confined areas, after feeling quite ill on one occasion when not really in a confined space.

 

See link for H&S Data Sheet, especially regarding the fumes given off.

 

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/pdfs/19/p4762019.pdf

 

I also have concerns where used close to a cooker, water heater/boiler or other heat source.

 

But I don't dispute it's insulation properties.

If your BinL is comfortable about using it, best he is aware of the H&S aspects.

But, personnally I would look for alternative products.

[602]

Hi,

 

I have oft pondered about insulating the roof panel of my old Land Rover (aluminium) with this stuff.

 

http://www.spray-insulation.co.uk/narrow_boat_insulation.htm

 

602

[teflon2]

Usual H&S waste paper. Use common sense, as to using near cooker etc its quite difficult to burn the stuff under normal use also if you are worried there is one made that is used for fire stopping in buildings. Use disposeable one piece coverall goggles and gloves leave the doors and windows open you should be O.K. Have used the stuff for years before retirement and had no ill efects. John 8-)

[skyrider]

i used to have a s111 land rover and we used rubber backed carpet to cover all the roof and we used evo stick and didnt have a problem with it no condensation or the carpet coming away :-D

[LordThornber]

howie - 2010-10-02 11:43 AM

Pulling up on a Caravan Club site with these attached would be 'interesting' to say the least

 

I'd be straight round to the Warden, and report you for such an unsightly vehicle and for the fact that it would interfering with my holiday experience.

 

It's people like you that are are dragging my Club into the gutter.

 

Disgusted of Blackburn

 

Martyn :D

[Guest pelmetman]

This motorhome conversion business looks like dangerous stuff Mel?..........................as you must bashed your head quite bad as the bandage your wearing is soaked in blood 8-)

(lol) (lol)

[Mel B]

Who said it was a bandage ... I had red hair then you know!!! :D

[howie]

teflon2 - 2010-10-03 8:14 PM

 

Usual H&S waste paper. Use common sense, as to using near cooker etc its quite difficult to burn the stuff under normal use also if you are worried there is one made that is used for fire stopping in buildings. Use disposeable one piece coverall goggles and gloves leave the doors and windows open you should be O.K. Have used the stuff for years before retirement and had no ill efects. John 8-)

Read and appreciate all views on the use of expanding foam, but tend to go along with John here. Seen this stuff used in a variety of ways over the years, and 'common sense' applied, anticipate no problems re. van insulation. Such a easy and straightforward way of solving the problem, and with the carpeting added should be more than adequate. Still looking at ways to remove those vinyl stick on's and a local firm suggested that rather than remove them they could overlay them with another ( same colour as the van's paintwork ) and include a design more in keeping with a campervan. Not entirely happy with that, but does have it's merits, and as there are plans for some sort of design, then it could kill two birds with one stone. Leaving that to 'Ollie' my brother in law who's having difficulty finding suitable cushions for the settee/beds. Thanks to Mel we've got two leads to go on of full sets from caravans. One at £90 and the other at £100, which sounds a bargain and something to follow up on, so once this is sorted we can start on the bedbase. Insulation first though and i'll post on some pics once we get going.