Here goes nothing...

Discussion in 'Restorations' started by The Artful Bodger, Sep 23, 2014.

  1. Hi Im Steve im 20 from colchester and I think I may have let my self into something pretty bad and stressfull. (Never enjoyed doing things the easy way)...

    So I bought a late bay 79 bus being young dumb and full of... I jumped at the first one I saw I drove it so what was the problem? Well that was that everything was either fibre glased or filled... and it was done very well. But upon stripping down it turned into only what I can call a nightmare. The cargo floor was nakered all arches shot sills needed all round needs both rear corners battery trays gone front panel gone... what else. To me that spells a new van but a the time it was covered so well I didnt even notice. And I havent even started on the roof. Ok the roof is caput gutters all the way round gone rear side is rotten its just a mess. So a this point I thought I had made a big mistake. Dad told me not to buy it but I did ohhh. So anyway I thought what do I do cut my losses or go for it. Well I was £2500 in so thought I would plod on so my first purchase were some mint doors which cost a good price of £220 the pair very happy at that. Then I spoke to a great man called barry craske who sorted me out with a roof cut from america cut by john deichman the pair are top blokes and a great help. So now im stuck with a camper on a roll over jig a roof cut and me standing there saying where do I start? So I need help here... where do I start do I attempt roof or do I start on sills? Has anyone cut a roof off before. Photos to follow as im on phone.
    Please help folks :D
     
    art b, gman4175, Lasty and 7 others like this.
  2. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    put some pic's up so we can laugh at your pain.... i mean help - welcome anyway
     
  3. Silver

    Silver Needs points/will pay!

    But has it got a good engine?
     
  4. CollyP

    CollyP Moderator

    Howdy! :)

    Ps - I am of no use whatsoever but good luck. :)
     
  5. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Welcome Steve. A lot of us have been there mate. You will either learn to fix stuff or it will be one life's hard lessons.

    As Rick says. Pop up a few pics, wecan probably help somehow!
     
  6. if you're spot on with a mig, you could start at the top and work down, but if you're fairly new to welding, i'd do any unseen patches first to get my eye in....(bear in mind I'm no welder)
     
  7. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Always listen to your dad. :thumbsup:
    Never listen to your dad. :thumbsup:
    Both statements are sensible life advice, depending on your dad.

    If you haven't done this before, leave the roof for a while and get some practice in inside the engine bay or somewhere else where you won't mind your first efforts hiding.
     
    Dicky likes this.
  8. Welcome along, some good advice to be had here.... :)
     
  9. welcome aboard...:thumbsup:

    your not the 1st to learn about restos...:)
     
  10. :TTIWWP:
     
    The Artful Bodger likes this.
  11. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Welcome along, look forward to seeing this.
     
    The Artful Bodger likes this.
  12. Thanks guys I will give you all a free laugh tomorrow when I can get near a computer. First step then is to start low and subtle... now to put it to practice. :p
     
  13. Wish id got a camper when i wuz a yung un! good luck me bucko! Hope it all goes well and look forwrads to some in progress pics.
     
  14. As the others have said, start low and hidden and go from there. I had to tackle a roof repair and I put it off for ages as I knew it would need to look good as its pretty visible.
     
  15. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    this is fine advice from my dad.
     
    Barneyrubble likes this.
  16. I wish I'd listened to my Dad.
     
  17. bit late now :p
     
  18. hello good luck!:rolleyes:
     
  19. Good luck @The Artful Bodger ,loads of knowledge on here ,take a look at the restoration thread as well.
     
  20. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    It's tomorrow Dude! :thumbsup:
     
    Darren watson likes this.

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