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Thread: Camper Conversion - completed

  1. #1
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    Camper Conversion - completed

    I know most people on here like a good build thread so thought I'd post mine up, it's a VW T5 I and some professionals including friends have almost completed the conversion on.

    I bought it like this.


    Last edited by DiXoN; 2nd April 2017 at 11:52.

  2. #2
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    First I bought some captain seats with built in swivels.



    Then set about stripping and cleaning the van out.








  3. #3
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    Next I took the bulk head brackets out, they were welded to the body and a right pain, A friend has a garage so I took it down there to remove them after taking off the trim





    Had the windows fitted buy Lakeland windscreens in Kendal, they do a good job, 3 were cut out and one is fake over the panel as the kitchen is fitted behind it.



    Bought some new genuine VW Sportline wheels, I prefer the older looking wheels.

    Last edited by DiXoN; 8th March 2017 at 00:48.

  4. #4
    I'm watching this with great interest as I have a plan along (vaguely) similar lines.

    R
    Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.

  5. #5
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    Went back to my mates garage to fit some uprated and lowered springs and stick the wheels on





    Picked up the newly upholstered seats and bed





    Had the floor cut out by a converter mate and then fitted it.







    Last edited by DiXoN; 10th March 2017 at 00:21.

  6. #6
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    Next I sound deadened and insulated the rear of the van


















  7. #7
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    Fitted the front seats to the original bases, a bit tricky but some drilling through the original strengthening and they were in.



    Cut and fitted the altro flooring, it hard wearing which is a must with rock n roll beds











    Id also had a friend who's an auto electrician fit first fix electrics for 12v, 240v and solar.

  8. #8
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    I sent the van off to Halifax to get a pop top fitted and the bumpers colour coded, in the meantime it was unit building week.

    The dining room and pool table became a makeshift workshop.







    Once all the bits were sorted I had to knock on this edging trim, it took us hours.









    We then picked the van up from Custom Campers 😃


  9. #9
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    Now back to building units







    The pink hammer belongs to the girlfriend, she has her own tools.



    We had a break whilst we went to a converter friend who we helped carpet the van.










  10. #10
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    Back to building units









    I tried the fridge for size.


  11. #11
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    Back down to my converter friends house to help me fit the awning



    Back home again to fit the unit









    The second fit electrics were finished too.

  12. #12
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    This is fascinating!

  13. #13
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    Smart bed fitting time, its the evolution model with 5 point recliner. This was Sunday am down my converter friends house, I had a bad cold but it needed doing.






    Back home to fit the overhead locker and side shelf, plus phase 3 and the last stage of wiring.


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    We ordered some widow blind pods from van shades. They needed carpeting and fitting. The dining room looks less cluttered these days too.



    Fitted the seat cushions whilst I worked myself up to the blinds



    Went back down my friends to fit the bed boards front and rear.






    I had an Eberspacher night heater fitted underneath but wanted them to cut through when the unit was in and here it is.


  15. #15
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    Started on the window blinds, the one above the unit was wrong so had to swap it, its being fitted this weekend.














    These blinds are thermal and blackout.

  16. #16
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    And that's it so far. I have the blind to carpet and fit this weekend along with some Sportline side bars, the unit has to come out to do the blind.
    Next will be a tobar and bike rack then fit the solar to the pop top. We stayed in the van for the first time last weekend at a local VW show, it works well so far.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by ralphy View Post
    I'm watching this with great interest as I have a plan along (vaguely) similar lines.

    R
    You'll not have to wait long Ralphy I'm almost done. Everyone loves a build thread, usually yours lol.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    This is fascinating!

    Thanks, it was also very stressful 😃

  18. #18
    I'm loving this thread, what a blinder of a job.

    Amazing.
    Last edited by Kiki Picasso; 8th March 2017 at 00:57.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kiki Picasso View Post
    I'm loving this thread, what a blinder of a job.

    Amazing.
    Thanks, still a bit to do but at least I can sleep in it.

  20. #20
    Master reggie747's Avatar
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    What an amazing job you're doing there. I totally admire your commitment and desire.

  21. #21
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    That's brilliant! Wish I had the skill to even imagine doing something like that!

  22. #22
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Thanks for documenting this so well.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  23. #23
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    What a great result, looks fantastic. I have just bought a Kombi myself which will be more of a day van but may become a scamper in the future. That said I don't have the bottle or skill to attempt it myself.

    They are great vehicles.

  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by DiXoN View Post
    You'll not have to wait long Ralphy I'm almost done. Everyone loves a build thread, usually yours lol.
    ^hangsheadinshame^ I've set a deadline now to return to the Westy...

    More importantly, your build looks very well done and highly professional too. Those window shades are particularly nice, much more so than some others I'v seen.

    R
    Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.

  25. #25
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    The transformation is magical.

    My son in law has just bought a Mercedes van with the intention of doing a similar conversion - I am going to show him this so he has something to aspire to!

  26. #26
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    What a gripping read. Be very proud of this exacting change. Its truly fantastic and better than the top notch conversions. Thanks for sharing.

    If you're ever up in God's Country near Edinburgh gives a shout, it'd be great to see the thing in the flesh

    Did I read that she was called Doris?? Is she still??

    Jim

  27. #27
    That looks fantastic...I've got a Toyota Granvia that was converted by a specialist company a few years ago...yours puts mine to shame ! Have fun with it, all of the effort and stress will be worthwhile..I love my van

  28. #28
    Craftsman djjuk's Avatar
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    Outstanding. Would love one of those.

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by DiXoN View Post

    Had the floor cut out by a converter mate and then fitted it.


    Ahh, that's what those things are for. I've had some under the bed for years and always wondered what they were.

    What a fantastic project, I'd love this vehicle.

  30. #30
    Master Harry Smith's Avatar
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    So how much do you reckon you have saved by not buying a used Bilbo/Danbury or similar? I can see that the satisfaction in doing it and being able to spec it as you want may be as, or more important, than saving money but I was just wondering.

  31. #31
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    Excellent thread, I have a VW T5 day van, put bought it already converted, excellent pieces of kit.

  32. #32
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    Quote Originally Posted by Harry Smith View Post
    So how much do you reckon you have saved by not buying a used Bilbo/Danbury or similar? I can see that the satisfaction in doing it and being able to spec it as you want may be as, or more important, than saving money but I was just wondering.
    This ^^

    I too would like to do something like this but probably not a VW. Wouldn't mid a transit which I saw converted at the camper/caravan show NEC.

  33. #33
    Grand Master Rod's Avatar
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    Wow, that's a very impressive conversion I have to say.Amazing what can be done. Well done and have some great times in it .

  34. #34
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    hi op. that looks great.

    have a look at Kiravans door store for your sliding door.

  35. #35
    Craftsman Bluemoon7's Avatar
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    Fantastic amount of work gone into this and it looks fantastic. Can't wait to see the fully completed end product...

    Chris

  36. #36
    Grand Master Carlton-Browne's Avatar
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    That's a really sterling effort; thanks for posting.

  37. #37
    Master smalleyboy1's Avatar
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    Very impressive level of finish. You've clearly taken the time to do your research.

  38. #38
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Brilliant job and tempting, very tempting...

    Menno

  39. #39
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    Top job!

    We love our camper - great thing to do.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  40. #40
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    Fantastic transformation I'm in awe!

  41. #41
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    Quote Originally Posted by reggie747 View Post
    What an amazing job you're doing there. I totally admire your commitment and desire.
    Thanks, it took a few months to do but I like it.

    Quote Originally Posted by alex View Post
    That's brilliant! Wish I had the skill to even imagine doing something like that!
    I had a fair bit of help but got stuck in to most things apart from the pro stuff.

    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    Thanks for documenting this so well.
    I'm an avid picture taker lol, thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by StuS View Post
    What a great result, looks fantastic. I have just bought a Kombi myself which will be more of a day van but may become a scamper in the future. That said I don't have the bottle or skill to attempt it myself.

    They are great vehicles.
    I'm lucky to have the contacts I have, it's my second van so we knew what we wanted and how to sort it.

    Quote Originally Posted by ralphy View Post
    ^hangsheadinshame^ I've set a deadline now to return to the Westy...

    More importantly, your build looks very well done and highly professional too. Those window shades are particularly nice, much more so than some others I'v seen.

    R
    My friend is doing a T25 westy at the moment, he's currently doing a diesel conversion on it. The bond pods do look good, we were going to build some ourselves but we were runnng out of time. It's almost a flat pack camper but does look good thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    The transformation is magical.

    My son in law has just bought a Mercedes van with the intention of doing a similar conversion - I am going to show him this so he has something to aspire to!
    Thanks, it's good to get ideas and inspiration from looking at other builds.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jimmcb View Post
    What a gripping read. Be very proud of this exacting change. Its truly fantastic and better than the top notch conversions. Thanks for sharing.

    If you're ever up in God's Country near Edinburgh gives a shout, it'd be great to see the thing in the flesh

    Did I read that she was called Doris?? Is she still??

    Jim
    Thanks, we are doing the NC500 in may, so near yet so far. No not Doris but no name as yet.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ellietwed View Post
    That looks fantastic...I've got a Toyota Granvia that was converted by a specialist company a few years ago...yours puts mine to shame ! Have fun with it, all of the effort and stress will be worthwhile..I love my van
    Thanks and we will have fun with it, 4 years in the T4 which we enjoyed immensely. Enjoy yours too!

    Quote Originally Posted by djjuk View Post
    Outstanding. Would love one of those.
    They are great and worth it. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by chrisparker View Post
    Ahh, that's what those things are for. I've had some under the bed for years and always wondered what they were.

    What a fantastic project, I'd love this vehicle.
    That's all mine have been used for lol. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by Harry Smith View Post
    So how much do you reckon you have saved by not buying a used Bilbo/Danbury or similar? I can see that the satisfaction in doing it and being able to spec it as you want may be as, or more important, than saving money but I was just wondering.
    I've probably saved at least £5k doing it myself plus as you said it's exactly to my spec. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by Rod View Post
    Wow, that's a very impressive conversion I have to say.Amazing what can be done. Well done and have some great times in it .
    Will do and thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by johny View Post
    hi op. that looks great.

    have a look at Kiravans door store for your sliding door.
    A few friends have them in theirs, it could be a later addition if we need the space. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by Bluemoon7 View Post
    Fantastic amount of work gone into this and it looks fantastic. Can't wait to see the fully completed end product...

    Chris
    Thanks, not long now to finish, I'll add some more pics as I'm going and stick the dvla pics up to change type when it's done.

    Quote Originally Posted by Carlton-Browne View Post
    That's a really sterling effort; thanks for posting.
    Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by smalleyboy1 View Post
    Very impressive level of finish. You've clearly taken the time to do your research.
    It was a good year or so in the making, from planning to dong. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by thieuster View Post
    Brilliant job and tempting, very tempting...

    Menno
    Do it the trips away are worth it

    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    Top job!

    We love our camper - great thing to do.
    They are great, yours is nice too

    Quote Originally Posted by JonRA View Post
    Fantastic transformation I'm in awe!
    Thanks

  42. #42
    Master .olli.'s Avatar
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    Great conversion, I would love to do this one day, much more fun than buying one that has already been converted! thank you for the detailed thread, I really enjoyed going through it

  43. #43
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    Great to see how it's done, very tempted!

  44. #44
    Master
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    Is this still classed as a van? Do you need commercial insurance?

  45. #45
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    quote Dixon......a few friends have them in theirs, it could be a later addition if we need the space. Thanks

    your welcome.
    I find it very useful for hats and gloves etc.

  46. #46
    Master
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    Great thread thanks for sharing

  47. #47
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    Quote Originally Posted by .olli. View Post
    Great conversion, I would love to do this one day, much more fun than buying one that has already been converted! thank you for the detailed thread, I really enjoyed going through it
    I think I tried to do this one a bit too quick, waiting 10 weeks to get the pop top done meant I was waiting to do jobs that needed doing after the roof. I didn't enjoy it as much as my other one. I'd still recommend doing it though. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by westberks View Post
    Great to see how it's done, very tempted!
    Thanks and do it.

    Quote Originally Posted by sprite1275 View Post
    Is this still classed as a van? Do you need commercial insurance?
    It is classed as a van at the moment, I'll put it right in the next few weeks with the dvla though. My insurance insured it as a camper straight away but give 6months to convert it to a camper.

    Quote Originally Posted by johny View Post
    quote Dixon......a few friends have them in theirs, it could be a later addition if we need the space. Thanks

    your welcome.
    I find it very useful for hats and gloves etc.
    They look good too.

    Quote Originally Posted by bootneck View Post
    Great thread thanks for sharing
    Thanks.

  48. #48
    Master
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    I have so much respect for people like you who have the capabilities to do this.

    It would be beyond my widest dream.

    To top it all the VW looks fantastic and absolutely top drawer.

    scooter

  49. #49
    Master RABbit's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scooter View Post
    I have so much respect for people like you who have the capabilities to do this.
    I completely agree. Great job and well documented too, thanks for taking the time to post it.

  50. #50
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    Great job on the van

    Do you have an idea of what it's cost to get to this stage, not including the cost of the van?

    I've been contemplating a similar project, once I get the other 'projects' out of the way

    Cheers

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