Locations?

Dolomite · 2016-01-12 12:22:34

Hi all!

I just joined as I am planning on converting a discupert for a 5 week euro road trip for my honeymoon.

I am just starting to research it so there may be a few questions! Ideally I would like to see and chat with someone with one so I can appreciate what I am taking on...

I am based near Skipton n. Yorkshire, I am happy to travel if there's anyone willing to show me their conversion.

Cheers

Ben

Tiree · 2016-01-12 12:35:40

Welcome Ben!

Not sure if we have other Yorkshire bods on here or not but bring on your questions and we'll do our best!

I'm in Glasgow and my van's only partly converted. Fully insulated and lovingly carpeted doors, walls etc and a good vinyl floor. I like to stay under the radar so no windows. No fixed furniture as such but it's a cosy space even during Scottish winters.

Are you planning a full camper conversion?

Welcome again!

Dolomite · 2016-01-12 12:56:38

Thanks for the prompt welcome!

I am undecided on the type of conversion - originally I was just going to put in a bed platform with some storage underneath, it has become apparent my wife had slightly different ideas! so we are thinking at the most:

-Have the bed platform convert to seating
-Have a sink + water storage
-Some form of lighting and power for phones tablets etc

This is why I'd like a chat with someone who can give me an idea of what is possible with no practical experience and limited budget!

Firstly I suppose I'd like advice on buying - the less we spend on one the more we have for fun, food & beer money so I was thinking around the £1500 mark which seems to get quite a lot of van! so whats the catch? Why does it cost so little for one with under 100K + MOT?

Thanks again!

goody33 · 2016-01-12 13:15:05

Hi Ben,

I too am at the start of converting my Scudo and was unsure what to do.
After chatting with a few people on here, I now think I know what I want.
I use my van for work, so everything has to be removable, so I have gone for a Lycksele sofa bed from Ikea and a removable cooker and sink pod.
Taxi doors with windows are next on the agenda, as well as some Altro safety flooring. I also want to soundproof and carpet the ply on the sides. Some plastic side mouldings from a taxi wouldn't go amiss either.

Whether you go for a permanent camper conversion or a removable one, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Phil.

Tiree · 2016-01-12 13:18:55

Dolomite wrote:

so whats the catch? Why does it cost so little for one with under 100K + MOT?

I'm not sure to be honest.

I paid £1450 3 years ago for a 56 plate Dispatch 2.0HDi (120k) and to this day I still feel it was a bargain.

You'll want to make sure the timing belt is sorted out no later than every 70k IMO. If the seller doesn't have the documentation to show it's been done recently, then you should figure getting it done into the cost.

Other than that I'm not aware of any particular catches or downsides to these vans. Mine's been v reliable and the money I've spent outwith the conversion has all been on wear & tear items: tyres, exhaust, brakes etc.

They generally don't rust and the HDi I have has decent efficiency.

There are some minor annoyances worth mentioning. The locks are badly designed and on a second hand van you'll almost certainly find that one or some don't work. Door handles and catches can be lightweight too and the sliding side doors do not, will not and cannot ever be made to sit flush with all other parts of the van!

But for a camper project I reckon they're great value.

Dolomite · 2016-01-12 13:44:01

Phil - thanks for the info, I have considered this type of removable conversion

which brings up another thing; insurance how far can I go without having to have the faf of changing use etc...?

Admin - niggles don't bother me at all - im not precious about that stuff, so long as it will be reliable and return reasonable mpg.

I have no preference of engine yet, I believe there are 2 types? the earlier 1.9 and a hdi. is there much in the mpg/reputation?

I want some windows - ideally both side and rear but this doesn't seem to exist? so I could find one with rear or side windows and then replace the relevant doors with taxi doors if I can find colour match etc. or getting a taxi and blank some windows off.

My thinking is that taxis have had the worst type of miles compared to a van is this reasonable?

goody33 · 2016-01-12 14:58:14

The reason I went for the removable interior was partially down to keeping the insurance simple i.e no permanent addition to the van.

As far as engine and mpg are concerned, I have the 2.0 jtd, which I presume is the same as the hdi and I have just returned 215 miles to £20, with the fuel costing £1.01.9, so whatever that is to the gallon, as I can't be bothered to work it out!

I like the engine in mine. It is quiet for a diesel van and is quite pokey. I have just driven from Wolverhampton to Manchester and back. It is the first real run I have done in the van and I must say I am very happy with how the van drives.

My van is a 03 plate with 113,000 on the clock and it has just cost me £600. There is some bodywork that needs doing, but I have been quoted in the region of £200 to sort it out, so all in all not a bad price, I think.

Dolomite · 2016-01-12 15:50:32

just done a quick online calculator - 49.8 mpg, thats better than I would expect

Tiree · 2016-01-12 15:59:39

Yep - mine generally works out at between 45-50mpg.

Under 10p/mile at the moment.

And yes the 2.0JTD and 2.0HDi are the same engine.

I've never driven the 1.9d. It's often cited as being a bit sluggish - but on the other hand it's devoid of many of the complications of the HDi.

If you like to tinker then it might suit you. If you're more tempted by a bit of power under your foot then the 2.0 might be the way to go.

Dolomite · 2016-01-12 16:42:36

I am certainly not a tinkerer, I tried it with a few classics but apparently Its not for me! so the HDi it is..

does it matter which manufacturer you go for? French or Italian?

I know the engine is the same but I expect there are some differences?

Also ive seen a scrap specialist on ebay but would it be relatively easy to find replacement colour matched doors etc. (for extra windows)

Thanks so much for your help! I'll have more questions when I have one - got to sell my car first.... I don't suppose anyone wants a Volvo c70 t5 do they?

Casper · 2016-01-12 17:34:45

I have the 1.9. 35-40 is my averages. I am 37.8mpg average on 10 fill ups so far. My 2000 van with 180k cost me £800. It had a good service history and timing belt just done with a full MOT. As for performance. Its not fast. I did 90mph going down a large hill. It will struggle to get 85 and that is when empty but i also am about to start a conversion to take it over to mainland europe and the way i see it, Im on holiday so whats the hurry. I take it with your username you are heading over to North Italy area. I would give two days for that trip. Did it on a motorbike and even having the speed using it you miss so much. Just plan your journey well to not me all motorways.

Power in the back. Look for spit charger system. This will cost from 25 quid up and you have a spare/leisure battery in the back what can be charged when driving along. I will be taking lights, Radio, Power sockets from mine and phones and tablets i will be putting in USB sockets. You have seen the two USB things you get for car cigarette lighters. Couple of them up the back will be fine. Just remember to unplug things when not driving as they will drain your battery. Some split chargers will take power from main battery when the leisure one has died so if that is your route then read up on them. Another option in just a battery in the back but also a charger. If using camp sights you can get a power hook up for a couple of euros a night. Take one of there with you....

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-pre … it-p347366

That is just an example. You can get cheaper and smaller. Handy for battery charger and any other stuff like hair dryer or whatever other luxury the wife wants. Remember, your van is only 6'7" long in the back so if you are tall remember this when building your bed.

Casper · 2016-01-12 17:43:11

Oh and this may cost you £15 but the site is dedicated to camper self builds and all the legal bumph you will need to know if you intent to change the tax class to camper

http://sbmcc.co.uk/forum/

I was going to change mine but this it just an entry level van for us. If we like then i will be moving on to a larger van to build so not bothering with the sink. Sink, cooker and window is the legal requirements for a camper. The cooker can be replaced for microwave but all you need to know is on that site.

Advantages is cheaper on some toll roads, ferrys and i think your tax and insurance is also cheaper. Oh and if not used to a van. Legally you can only do 50mph on country roads and 60 on the motorway. You will need to look into the law for other country's. A camper can do 60 and 70 in the UK.

Tiree · 2016-01-12 17:56:39

Power in the back - I currently have one of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-Heavy- … SwNSxVeoad

On a single charge it'll happily charge my tech items for a week as well as run two sets of USB lights:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-400WARM-LE … nne0I1sfIw

Love those things!

It also doubles as a jump starter (tested, worked), compressor, inspection lamp etc.

If you run it flat - one night on a mains hookup should be enough to top it up.

Dolomite wrote:

does it matter which manufacturer you go for? French or Italian?
I know the engine is the same but I expect there are some differences?

Not absolutely sure but I think most of the differences are purely cosmetic - most notably the grill / bumpers etc.

Dolomite wrote:

Also ive seen a scrap specialist on ebay but would it be relatively easy to find replacement colour matched doors etc. (for extra windows)

Depends what colour you buy! White vans and black E7 taxis are v common - everything else is probably relatively few & far between.

T

vaz2121 · 2016-01-13 03:42:08

Hi Dolomite Welcome.. I'll go along with everything that's been said.... You need to find your own camper comfort zone, As Casper says sbmcc is good place to start, check out as many build/project sites as you can, steal and add your own ideas, that's the beauty of a self build .... you build to a level you want/need/have money for at time..

http://www.trafic-amenage.com/forum/vie … php?t=4415

Our van has the DW8 1.9 non turbo fitted and so far over about last 4,000 mls avg 38mpg (inc, Loaded,toured highlands N islands, towing 750KG motorcycle trailer)......... beggars cant be choosers, that's what was in it....... It seems that HDI's are for the courier type work and DW8's are for around town Donkey work. Our van seems to run about 500rpm more for a given speed compared to our (DW8) 306, although that's a bit of a guess as van has no rev counter

All the vans are the same just badge engineering..... All built at Sevel Nord - Lieu-Saint-Amand near Valenciennes, from what I've read (Scudo petrol only has FIAT engine)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citro%C3%ABn_Jumpy

As for changing Taxation class I'd say dependent on what level of spend and fitting out you've done............ If it complies with being a Motor caravan ETC it may just be worth doing, come time to sell it seems that if it's registered as such or you have a a good bit invested in your conversion, It does make a good difference to your return.
Insurance can be funny I've come across van policies that state "fire damage from cooking inside vehicle would not be covered".... just something to keep in mind as well as what was said about speed limits ETC

My 2 pence worth.... There under rated vans, yet to find one with real rust problems , DW8's cruise nicely @ 55/65 after that feel as though (for me) not just so relaxed, HDI's can suffer niggly (electrical) problems with age (Don't we all), I'm looking to darken down the rear door glass more (to 20% ?) and Personally, Glass in the N/S sliding door is the only one I'd bother with to make life easier (Ex caravan window/port hole), Insulate the floor as well, Enjoy

If you wish I'll take/upload some photos if it ever stops raining

Cheers.........

Last edited by vaz2121 (2016-01-13 13:38:36)

Tiree · 2016-01-13 15:27:34

vaz2121 wrote:

Insulate the floor as well, Enjoy

Definitely. My ceiling is also very well insulated and I believe it helps a lot.

Dolomite · 2016-01-15 13:08:50

Sorry for late reply, have been away for a few days

again thanks for all the info - plenty to get me started!

admin - I love the battery charger thing as a power source - great idea... what kind of load do you put it under? will it do a week with 2 phones + ipad + lighting??

I am also interested on a proper leisure battery but not looked into it yet..

I have seen a minibus with tinted rear windows, will look at it tomorrow. It looks like it is all fitted out with inside trim - would this be an issue? might be better insulated?

This brings me onto another question; where do I start, like literally! to fit units/bed/anything into the van what do I do? screw into the framework to attach wooden cross pieces to then attach all else to? I will look into it, but everyone's been so friendly here I though maybe someone could give me an idea...

Ben

goody33 · 2016-01-15 13:55:58

Hi Ben,

As far as fixing everything in, I can only comment on what I did with my VW T4.
It had a rock and roll bed and full length kitchen unit fitted. I did all the work myself, but had a lot of advice from professional fitters.

The company I had the bed from, Streamline Beds, recommended that 12mm ply flooring be put down under the bed. The bed then was attached through the vans floor using spreader plates and bolted from underneath.

The kitchen units were attached to the 12mm ply floor, the walls framework and batons attached between the framework, behind the carpeted plyboard, so there was the least chance it would come unattached in the event of a accident.

How far you go really depends on how permanent you want the interior to be.
The above example was a permanent camper conversion.
Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea. Do keep in mind that the interior of a T4 is a bit bigger.
The floor area of the scudo is roughly 50cm shorter and about 30cm narrower.

Phil

Casper · 2016-01-15 15:08:12

You see pillars next to the seats and half way up the van. Either side if the sliding door i suppose. I will be putting straps of wood flush up the sides of these and after i lag the van i will screw in ply and carpet. Not sure how this the ply will be but the thickest i can get that will still bend slightly to the curve of the van. I will be doing the same with the roof as the taxi lining is quite hard to come by for a good one. Floor will also be 12mm and bench/bed will be attached to that. Oh, Behind the O/S wall ply will be an extra strip for attaching units.

Dolomite · 2016-01-18 09:15:52

Just wondering if theres any reason I wouldnt want a wheelchair conversion?

vaz2121 · 2016-01-18 21:22:38

Dolomite wrote:

Just wondering if theres any reason I wouldnt want a wheelchair conversion?

IMHO I don't see any reason why not if it's at right money/condition ..... BUT ! Theres allways a but, Most if not all I've seen are DW8's (non turbo) and then there's the cut out floor althought most I've seen have made use of the cut out floor............They don'tuse standard exhausts... just something to remember when time comes can be pricey to get a one off made..... However it's never been worked as a van, usually low milage, all glass and headlining done........

I think there's more going for a WAV than against ...........

Cheers

monkeynut · 2016-01-18 21:57:46

Mine is a WAV and i like it low mileage and you can get the cheaper than vans!, Also all carpeted lined and head lined plus you have allready got widows allround and extra storage space and no bulkhead or that silly 5 inch panel!
I will be changing mine back to springs from air sacks this spring

Cracking Engine the DW8

fit swivel seats/806/synergie/ulysees the best thing i have done to mine gives me the same space as the rear of my old T25

Last edited by monkeynut (2016-01-18 22:01:20)

Casper · 2016-01-18 22:46:53

monkeynut wrote:

Cracking Engine the DW8
fit swivel seats/806/synergie/ulysees the best thing i have done to mine gives me the same space as the rear of my old T25

Were they swivel as standard fit and a straight swap in teh van?

Dolomite · 2016-01-18 23:28:06

I'm 6ft tall and I thought maybe the lowered floor may help with head space, but may be annoying if there's too much of a slope?

I've seen a few so far, both a bit dodgy, probably won't go for either they were close and mini-bus style which I'd like, one had a broken odometer (pug) which shows 175000 among other milages! I've been told to go off the highest. So probably stay away but loved driving it.

I suppose I can always fill in the floor slope with ply if I want...

Casper · 2016-01-18 23:53:12

Think the taxi is called the E7 but they would all be high mileage. Mine is 180K and still strong. If it has a good service history i would not be to much bothered as long as its not smoking. I am looking a glass options as folk want sill money for a taxi door and i dont like the way it opens anyway. I can get one fitted for around 150 quid. I have doors with glass in my shed yet to fit. Got them out the scrap yard for 50 quid.

Think the broken odometer is a common fault. Quite a few mentioned this on ebay when i was looking. The other mileage you will see will no doubt be since last service or the likes. The plus side of that van is all the sides and roof are covered. All you have to do is take it off and on to insulate and not worry about ply and carpets looking neat. To much glass for me. Hate the idea of having it on the rear panels Plus one side (O/S) is getting units up the rear and along the top so would be half covered anyway.

Hell you need that panel for the large Passion Wagon stickers big_smile

vaz2121 · 2016-01-19 08:09:55

Casper wrote:

monkeynut wrote:
Cracking Engine the DW8
fit swivel seats/806/synergie/ulysees the best thing i have done to mine gives me the same space as the rear of my old T25
Were they swivel as standard fit and a straight swap in teh van?

Our 306 DW8 is now in the 200,000ml dept...... runs sweet as a nut with no more than regular/normal oil changes/service.... never needs water or oil between either

Swivel seats seem to be standard fitting to 806's ETC, A popular upgrade across Europe in vans/combi, Appears to be a straight swap or minimal fetling

Handy Little link.... WAV Conversion > http://blue-van.blogspot.co.uk/

Last edited by vaz2121 (2016-01-19 08:19:54)

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