I want a campervan

[Deleted member 12539]

The only 'van' I have ever had was a VW Caravelle, it could seat 7 when I got it (second hand) and I part modified it so there were a large stowage area at the back for a bed or cooking stuff. It towed a six berth caravan so it did not need converting for habitation. I sold it almost two years ago to realise my current motorhome..... but, I really want to have a go at converting a van into a campervan.

I have added a solar panel with split charger, LED lighting and now a corner unit with an additional CD/radio and yet more LEDs to the motorhome, however, I have to be aware that I am messing with £30,000 worth of van, so everything I have done is reversible. The motorhome can be put back to it's original set up, so I have held back from drilling massive holes or fixing screws where they could possibly be seen. I just think it would be great to fix something more permanent, to my design, in my campervan.

sadly I think I have reached my limit as to what can be further improved on/in the motorhome. I have included some pics of my latest couple of days work (in between employment).

The first photo is with the corner unit in situ and working.
The second photo is showing the back of the unit with the clear plastic box removed and CD/radio cabling, speaker and also the LED cables.
The third pic is a closer view of the unit, showing the plastic storage box that is pushed through the aperture to store CDs, and the final pic is with the corner unit removed showing the original seating area.
The strange thing I found was that the LEDs flash in time to the music when connected to the CD/radio speaker outputs! The louder the music/sound, the brighter the LEDs! So it is now the Disco corner.
The corner unit when connected, sits on top of a triangular cushion, and cannot move when the vehicle is in motion, due to its design.

 

[kimbowbill]

looks fab Dave, are you up for converting mine? dont suppose you know where i could get my hands on a rear bumper for mine do you?

 

[NicknClair]

You know I was in somewhat of a similar boat, but in the end we bought our 04 Kontiki and now if I get an itch for a project, I just put the word out that i'm bored and want something to do .
I am proud to say that I have had 4 personal owned self-builds under my belt, plus 3 project vans for selling on/friends. Bottom line, I bought my Kontiki because I always wanted one and to be truthfull @ 33 yrs, owning my very own MH, I still pinch myself at times as I still think i've borrowed it and have to give it back soon :rolleyes2:

I always treated by self-builds as a property ladder as such, build one and use it for a year and then sell on for a profit, move to the next ladder. In the meantime, I was making money on the other vans to add to the "Dream Van" fund.

Would I change anything...... No as I seem to always find things on the van to improve one way, but have other people's vans to work on too.

 

[oldish hippy]

You know I was in somewhat of a similar boat, but in the end we bought our 04 Kontiki and now if I get an itch for a project, I just put the word out that i'm bored and want something to do .
I am proud to say that I have had 4 personal owned self-builds under my belt, plus 3 project vans for selling on/friends. Bottom line, I bought my Kontiki because I always wanted one and to be truthfull @ 33 yrs, owning my very own MH, I still pinch myself at times as I still think i've borrowed it and have to give it back soon :rolleyes2:

I always treated by self-builds as a property ladder as such, build one and use it for a year and then sell on for a profit, move to the next ladder. In the meantime, I was making money on the other vans to add to the "Dream Van" fund.

Would I change anything...... No as I seem to always find things on the van to improve one way, but have other people's vans to work on too.

well might have to change mine so might go for self build so might pick your brains as you only down the road from me ? junct 23/24
i junc 21 if that ok with you

 

[kimbowbill]

You know I was in somewhat of a similar boat, but in the end we bought our 04 Kontiki and now if I get an itch for a project, I just put the word out that i'm bored and want something to do .
I am proud to say that I have had 4 personal owned self-builds under my belt, plus 3 project vans for selling on/friends. Bottom line, I bought my Kontiki because I always wanted one and to be truthfull @ 33 yrs, owning my very own MH, I still pinch myself at times as I still think i've borrowed it and have to give it back soon :rolleyes2:

I always treated by self-builds as a property ladder as such, build one and use it for a year and then sell on for a profit, move to the next ladder. In the meantime, I was making money on the other vans to add to the "Dream Van" fund.

Would I change anything...... No as I seem to always find things on the van to improve one way, but have other people's vans to work on too.

pity your a million miles away, i need some work doing on mine, in fact you could bring ya tools to the buxworth meet and do it there, simples :cheers:

 

[NicknClair]

well might have to change mine so might go for self build so might pick your brains as you only down the road from me ? junct 23/24
i junc 21 if that ok with you

You are more than welcome for any info

 

[Deleted member 12539]

looks fab Dave, are you up for converting mine? dont suppose you know where i could get my hands on a rear bumper for mine do you?

Are you fixing your Monarch Jen?
I don't mind helping out if I can, but I start work again on Monday, so finding time to do it could be a problem.
Will see you on saturday night anyway ? (at the chinese restaurant.:tongue

 

[Deleted member 12539]

I am proud to say that I have had 4 personal owned self-builds under my belt, plus 3 project vans for selling on/friends. Bottom line, I bought my Kontiki because I always wanted one and to be truthfull @ 33 yrs, owning my very own MH, I still pinch myself at times as I still think i've borrowed it and have to give it back soon :rolleyes2:

Would I change anything...... No as I seem to always find things on the van to improve one way, but have other people's vans to work on too.

I have a twin brother who lives in Swansea, he has converted a few vans too ,and I think it is his influence that has encouraged me to want to 'convert'. He started off finishing a part conversion and sold it for a small profit in order to buy a newer, bigger vehicle and then trawled the internet for unwanted caravans so that he could transfer the innards to his vans. I have seen some of his conversions and reckon I could do it too.

 

[NicknClair]

pity your a million miles away, i need some work doing on mine, in fact you could bring ya tools to the buxworth meet and do it there, simples :cheers:

Tools will be in the back, BUT good luck in convincing Clair in allowing me to work :raofl:

Not only that, looking at the amount of people and possible alcohol involved, I'm thinking that I may not be safe with tools in my hand