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hi all,

has anyone had or contemplated a part conversion? I have a 10 year old Fiat Ducato which is in need of a few improvements but I don't have the necessary skills to undertake any of the work myself. Just wondered if anyone had been through this process or had any words of wisdom to share?

It may be worth joining and asking on here:

http://sbmcc.co.uk/forum/index.php?showforum=11

(..I think you get a few "free" posts before you need to subsribe..)

I did convert a Talbot many years ago...and it is something that can take a hell of a lot longer than you first envisage... 

Quote: Originally posted by blongs on 07/4/2010

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What sort of updating do you mean? Internal or base vehicle mechanical?

I have done a conversion before from an empty van to a camper with limited facilities.

I used the SBMCC resources for assistance.

I just sold my van to a guy who is going to move his conversion into my van as I had a 51 plate and his 95 reg model was starting to rust.

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Thanks  for that. It's the internals - It hasnt got a washroom so I would like to install that, there's plenty of room to fit it. The only other items would be new upholstery and window blinds. The electrics may need a look at too!

The base vehicle is sound, just under 60k on the clock, FSH and I've just had everything checked out.

 

IT sounds like a straight forward job to me all you have to remember is dont rush it and you can achieve anything i did my conversion last year and i think the big benefit is you can have what you want if you want a dayvan you can do it if you want a full blown motorhome you can do it . Being a carpenter helps but i would say that anyone with some diy knowledge can do a conversion to a good standard with a bit od planning and a bit of care.My conversion pics are on here do a search for conversion picture heavy it shows the conversion from panel van to dayvan/2 berth camper .

Please let us all know how you get on personally i would not subscribe to sbmcc i would buy the haynes manual on building your own motorhome , it gives good clear instruction .

Delboy

Quote: Originally posted by delboydriver on 07/4/2010

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IT sounds like a straight forward job to me all you have to remember is dont rush it and you can achieve anything i did my conversion last year and i think the big benefit is you can have what you want if you want a dayvan you can do it if you want a full blown motorhome you can do it . Being a carpenter helps but i would say that anyone with some diy knowledge can do a conversion to a good standard with a bit od planning and a bit of care.My conversion pics are on here do a search for conversion picture heavy it shows the conversion from panel van to dayvan/2 berth camper .

Please let us all know how you get on personally i would not subscribe to sbmcc i would buy the haynes manual on building your own motorhome , it gives good clear instruction .

Delboy

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 wow thanks Delboy, a bit of inspiration there! Sad thing is I wouldnt know one end of a screwdriver from another - well not exactly, but you get the gist of it

I certainly don't need to rush anyhing as I'm hoping to retire very soon......please, please, I'll do some more asking around, I've a few contacts in the motoring world so I'll do some more research before jumping into anything.

I suppose getting my head around exactly what I need, followed by what I would like, followed by 'in yer dreams girl', would be a good starting point!

I need a loo and a bed.

I want a washroom

and 'in my dreams' I want a comfy captains seat for the driver!

well that was easy enough

comfy drivers seat would be from a peugeot boxer , and the rest would come from o,learys they have massive stocks of old stock new equipt. Another thought for the bed go onto ebay and look at a rock and roll bed used mainly in vw campers but will fit other vans no wories.

Delboy

Thanks again, I've had a trawl through the O'Leary's site, just about everything there, as you said.

I know a very good joiner/carpenter who could do any woodwork required. In terms of the electrics, do I assume that a specialist caravan/auto electrician needs to undertake any work? The basics are in place of course but will need updating.

So, this weekend will be spent with pencil, pad and measuring tape!

no need for an auto lec buy the haynes build your own motorhome and min it you will find wiring diagrams they are easy to follow .

Hope this is some help to you.

Delboy