'72 crossdresser microbus / '72 Westy

Cheers, we're getting there slowly not helped by working for myself and being very busy and going on summer holidays.

As per a couple of posts in the 'Mech Tech' section I had some teething issues but managed after some very helpful posts. This meant today I went on my first drive for a couple of months. Utterly loved it. The fronts still knocking itself to bits on the bump stops to the point my body became airborne a couple of times, but I'll get this sorted over the next week or so.

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get sorted in time to take my daughter out to her 5th party in it as The seat belts seem to have come with the wrong size bolts.

I took a quick photo when I got in though. I should have her tucked back in the garage tomorrow night.

 

Cut the front bump stops off

 

That's my plan, I've some HD shocks to go on at the same time. I'll probably drop the tyre size down a little too.

 

Read this out of context along side your avatar picture of two ample front bump stops...

 

I've not done much with this recently as we've been enjoying the last of the summer.

It's sprouted a little oil leak which is hopefully just from the Lhs rocker cover, but I'm yet to clean it off and give it a coat of looking at.

I also discovered how bad '83 Raleigh Burner's ride compared to modern BMX's.

 

After being tempted by the usability of a modern camper I eventually caved in and started looking.

To be honest I was shocked at how rotten all the T4's were which was further compounded by my bay being rock solid. In the end I knocked that idea on the head and ended up with a T5.



It's been great to have so far, we went to the beach last week and have been into the forest today. Further to this I used it for work travelling into London last week, which was great to use as a daytime base as I was on an external works contract - All things I wouldn't of ever done with the bay at this time of year. There's just the one downside I'm currently not facing up to and that's selling the bay.

 

Burn him!

 

All of this is weighing on my mind!

I think it's best not to bang on about how good T5s are on TLB as this is where you're likely to advertise your inferior van!

 

It's a totally different vehicle.

About 15 years ago I had an e30 M3 which is hailed by many as one of the best cars ever made. I now drive a diesel auto 3 series which is better in every way (quicker, more comfortable, more economical). It's not got any character, but it does the job effortlessly and is ten times better to live with on a daily basis. That's my way of justifying changing vans, essentially I hope it will give us more opportunities to get out with the kids and enjoy exploring with them.

I'm not set on selling the bay, I'm trying to find somewhere local to store it for a year or so whilst we've got building underway. I don't want to be in the same position fifteen years down the line as with the e30 M3 . . . I sold that for less than £6k

 

After a brief flirt with the T5 above and running a T6 Kombi as my car through work for a year I’ve bought the bus I always wanted.

It ticked the two definite requirements:
-Pop top Westy
-Orange

On top of that it’s in great condition, with just a few localised repairs required which should hopefully be taken care of shortly.

 

Nice bus (love the nose bleed stance)

 

I’ve never had a standard height one before. The look is certainly growing on me, but the hassle of a twenty minute process involving having to contort the garage door at various stages whilst trying to manoeuvre the van is wearing thin.

When I first got it I thought it was down on power, but quickly realised it’s due to the fact you can’t carry any speed through the bends so you’re constantly trying to get it back up to speed.

I will be lowering it, I’ve got some Transporterhaus adjustable spring plates for the rear and will probably just go with an adjuster welded in the front....... for now anyway.

 

Shame - but your van.

 

We got the lowering done on Monday.

Really pleased with the finished result. We kept it sensible and as such it handles really well and is so much more compliant.