Mummymelly Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Hi all we are complete newbies to the world of motor homes! We've sort of inherited a compass 460 drifter 6 berth which is a non runner & requires some work which we would like to do but have no idea where to start! So I'm hoping that the very knowledgable people on here maybe able to help! The problems it has are as follows: Water has got in above the kitchen area and basically ruined the top section of units and I think it's gone into part of the ceiling area. The walls seem fine not spongy or smell of damp. Where do we start to look for parts/repair items/manual? There are only 4 seat belts but is a 6 berth so can you fit more seat belts and where to look for this? A side trim (at the very bottom on the external wall) has come away and the wood does appear to be rotten under Neath so hence the nails will not go back in. Is this replaceable? A side window plastic cover has got a crack /hole in it. The internal part is fine no leaks or cracks. Is that a replaceable thing? And finally a door for the gas bottle cupboard (external door) is missing due to vandals/theft are these replaceable? I don't know where to look for supplies and can only find quite modern part to repair not parts for this age of vehicle (1996) The engine,bodywork is in excellent condition with low mileage it's covered in green algae? So will need a damn good scrub! Any adice what to use to clean would be great too! We really feel this camper needs bringing back to life again and put to use with a family which is what it's intended for! Thank for reading this and we look forward to any advice in anticipation! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Hi and welcome to the forum Can't help on your questions, but there will be plenty who can. Just one word of advice, It helps people to point you in the right direction if you give details of your location. You can then be given pointers to who may have spares etc in your area. Do keep checking on your post, as some poor people have to waork during the day! so will get more responnse in the evening, though at the moment things are quiet on here as many on away in there vans PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mummymelly Posted June 23, 2014 Author Share Posted June 23, 2014 P Jay thanks for reply! Good point about location! Im in the midlands to any one who can help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 MMM has a regular feature for vintage vans so I would buy the latest copy and see if there is a contact email address for advice on vintage vans. If not I'd email Rachel Stothert at MMM [rachels@warnersgroup.co.uk] and ask if she can put you in touch with anyone from MMM who specialises in classics. You could offer to write articles to keep MMM up to date on progress! From what you say, I wonder if the cost of putting the van right could be more than the van will ever be worth. Go on the internet and search prices for similar vans. I reckon somewhere from £10k down to £5k for one in good nick. Best structure your expectations now. Much will depend on how bad the damp problem is because rectification takes time and money. As you've already worked out, there is a whole list of things you need to think about. However, many people like classic vans especially if there is an emotional link with the vehicle. Take one step at a time and who knows ... Have you looked at this site? I've no idea about it's background but it might give you hope that classics can be restored. www.classic-campers.co.uk You need to work out your budget as to how much time and effort and money you are prepared to put into your project. If you have limited time, it could take you a couple of years to diy it. Look at what you can buy for the amount of money that's already in good nick. That will help you set some parameters about what you are trying to do. Sorry to depress your hopes and if I am telling you what you already know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 Well, it is not exactly 'vintage' it is just old. The Classic camper Club has a rolling 25 years for elligable vehicles. Some of these people may be able to help with parts and or advice:- Charles and Son in Poole, Dorset; http://www.charlesandson.co.uk/ Autovan Services: Wimborne Dorset: http://www.autovan.co.uk/repairs.html C.A.K. Tanks ( probably parts only ) www.caktanks.co.uk ( Gas locker and similar doors usually come as a frame which you need to infill with sheet material ) O'Leary near Hull: http://www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk/ Magnums, Grimsby: http://www.magnummotorhomes.co.uk/ You do not say if you are a competent DIYer or if you have money to pay people to do some of the work but I hope the above links may be of help. Harvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin1 Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 I would start with the damp first. Ask a professional at a Dealer or maybe there's a local mobile person who can give the van a through damp test to see what the damage is with that and an approximate price to cure that. Unfortunately, damp doesn't always show itself through staining, soft walls etc so other areas may be affected too. Plastic windows can be replaced or repaired so would be worth a call to those companies mentioned. I'd also think that the exterior sides panels of the van could also be repaired by a good workshop although if the wood beneath is rotten, this would need replacement too. As for cleaning products, there are many types and everyone has their favourite brands. Personally, I've used Autoglym products for many years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mummymelly Posted June 24, 2014 Author Share Posted June 24, 2014 Wow thank you all for your helpful advice! Some homework for me to be getting on with! Really appreciate the above replies ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Mummymelly - 2014-06-24 10:57 PM Wow thank you all for your helpful advice! Some homework for me to be getting on with! Really appreciate the above replies ;-) Welcome to the forum..............How are your DIY skills? ;-)..................It sounds like your van has been sat for quite a while?...........So will require some effort and money to get back on the road, as people have said you need to find out how bad the damp is. That said you also need to check out the state of the tyres, as they'll probably need replacing if over 5 years old regardless of tread :-| .............Also the timing belt, do you know when this was last changed?............. Best of luck..............Old campers are cool B-)....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 Before getting in deep, check or get someone who understands vehicles to check the underside of the vehicle. There is no point putting right rot in the body work if the chassis is a pile of rust. At that age some of the seatbelt arrangements were to say the least dodgy. Fitting additional ones belts is a very specialist are. The fixings have to be able to stand loading of around two tons. Be aware that the van may be close to its permitted maximum weight before any kit or people get in. Suggest you beg borrow or steel a decent reference book such as John Wickershams Motorcaravan Manual published by Haynes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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