The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

Happy to do that but not sure it would help.  I know nothing about diesel plumbing at all.

I will post some pics as a starting point.  Will be tomorrow evening though.

So they had the part for 3 days but didn't bother checking it?

Sounds like the type of service I often get.  It's only in recent years I have resorted to paying to get work done.  It is rarely done when they say it will be though.  I must look a soft touch or it's how they treat everyone.

I have no experience of them myself but as you say, the amount of problems people have with the electronics and engine management does put me off.  But to be fair, I feel the same about any other make of modern vehicle.

I see they can be remapped to 150bhp and would certainly make for a good drive.  My own TD has more than enough power for me though.  Age and fuel prices have reduced me to squeezing the most out of every gallon these days.

Almost any soap based stuff will work.

Always used washing up liquid on m/c goggles and visors.

Most effective was to smear all over then rinse under running tap.  Not so practical on van windows of course.  Trick is to leave a smear free film on the glass.

Plenty of expensive branded options.  Muc-Off and the even better named "CatCrap" are supposed to be very good.  But shaving foam or washing up liquid are always to hand and a fraction of the price.

Bear in mind though that some rubber suckers for internal blinds won't take to any of these coatings.  I now just leave the corners untreated just like the proverbial nautical window cleaner.

Should have got the earlier model with factory fitted side door vent-o-matic. 

Those spinners can drive you mad!  Don't know if you can get them with an off button or if you could dampen the paneling around them.  Bearable while driving but can drive you to extreme measures if you are trying to sleep and the wind gets up.

Looking seriously into condensation, like insulation and spinning vents, can also drive you mad!

Lining like Casper suggests will help a lot.  You are reducing the cold surfaces for air borne moisture to condense. 

But that moisture, about two liters per human per 24hrs I think (don't know about dogs), is still in the air. I will surely just concentrate moisture as condensation on other perhaps hidden cold surfaces.  It has to go somewhere until there is some sort of equilibrium between internal and external temperatures and humidity.  Unless anyone can tell me different?

Despite that I think anything to reduce cold surfaces will be good but bear in mind if you expect high levels, and don't get chance to air it out often enough, soft fabric liner can get damp and musty very quickly.

I have been wondering about neoprene wetsuit type material?

Like insulation, it's far more complex than I realised.  In the long run adequate ventilation is I think the only real remedy.  Trouble is wet weather, gear, dogs, etc so often come with colder weather.  Just when you don't want to let any warm air out.

Thanks for the suggestions all.  As all seems ok when warmed up I think I will live with it for now and see how it goes.  It's just a bit embarrassing when starting from cold in a crowded area.

I can understand your need for an early night after all that climbing Ricko.  Having always had problems getting off to sleep I am often still gazing out the windows to 2 or 3 in the morning myself.  It's surprising how few nights are truly dark in the summer.  Especially as you get further north.

Well my scepticism about these things has been cured.

After arriving at the remote Stour Head lighthouse after driving through heavy rain I left my lights on.  It was an hour or so before I noticed.

I was so concerned about it starting in the morning that in my panic I forgot to put in the immobiliser code before I cranked it a few times.  This finished it of and there was no way it was going to start.

There was a few tourists arriving and a sandwich van which I hoped might have a genny so I rummaged around to find my charger and jump leads.

As I walked toward the sandwich van to ask about a charge or jump start a man I had noticed watching me earlier called me over.  He had one of these emergency starting charger things and was quite keen to test it.

It started the van instantly.

I am definitely going to treat myself to one although there are mixed reviews about their performance after storage unused for extended periods.

With the multiple charging options available though I think I would make enough use of it charging phones, batteries, etc. to keep it in good condition.

Like having another leisure battery but with the ability to start the van.

1999 and I am pleased to be without central locking thanks.  I can also just about still mange to wind down a window unaided too. 
Anyway, with a stereo like that, even with two of them, you can hardly knock it.    Mine came with a Kenwood KDC-3047 but only standard speakers which can't handle it. 

Any recommendations for decent three way co-ax door speakers?  Nothing too exotic (read expensive) but no Lidl specials please.

Anyway... off to do battle with the reported record midge invasion.  And/or the weather by the looks of it.  If you see my antique Expert along Scotlands NW coast over the next week or so, come and say hello.

That'll be some heavy wire to somehow get through through to the cab.   I will stick with disconnection on longer stops.

"Central locking"!?!

What is this magic of which you speak?  You will be telling me next that windows can go up and down without any visible winding.

Just reminded me though, I don't know my radio code but despite quite a few disconnections, I have never needed one.

An electrical ignoramus myself but I thought I would pass this on...

I recently had a chat about fitting an uprated alternator with an auto electrician.  He suggested that, at least in my own case, the charging efficiency and duration wouldn't be affected as even the standard alternator puts out far more than required for the limited (primitive) system of a 1999 van.  The charge rate is limited to protect the battery and more power available would just be surplus.

The basic electrics and lack of computer "aids" was a big point in going for as old a van as I did.  Making a point of finding the most isolated places to camp as I can, the last thing I need is a flat starter battery.

I have even taped up my courtesy light switches in the door jambs and yes they are converted to leds.  I am still paranoid after anything more than an overnight stop though.  I can't walk very far, usually out of signal, and I doubt the RAC would come to some of the places I get anyway.

Nice job C, whens lift off?

A few posts here may give some pointers:-

http://dispatchexpertscudo.org.uk/forum … php?id=191