My 75' Panel Restoration (my first bus!!!)

Had loads of bits down the back of my neck, and one in the ear! May wear a beanie under my mask.

 

I don't think you can't get better/suitable looking wheels than the std steelies. Anything modern makes you look like a wannabe *****-lapping yoof (IMHO).

 

The results of tonights welding course. Can't beat a well set up gas mig! The dark spots are just residue from the gas.

 

Beautiful weld, although easy enough on metal that thick.

 

Yeah, been welding 1mm steel with 0.6 wire, can get the same result with short runs ( fillet and stitching, not like below) Can anyone tell me if the rearmost out riggers are the same as the centre ones just without the jacking point?

 

No they are longer so they meet up with the sill. The ones with the jacking points on are about 2" shorter as the jacking point bridges the gap.

Nice run of weld by the way.
I made a small metal christmas tree when i was on my welding course.

 

lovely bit of welding that 8)

 

I'm thinking about the wiring in my van. I know it is possible to have a LB on the left battery pan, but unsure of how to wire it up. Is it best to use a split charge system? I was also thinking of having a site hookup installed as well. Can this be connected to charge the battery, run the interenal electrics (lights, audio equip etc) when hooked up? It's all new to me so I wanted to plan the wiring before fitting the interior (long way off I know!)

Just found this thread http://thelatebay.com/index.php?topic=6290.0.

This look like what I was after: http://www.towsure.com/product/Caravan_Mains_Electric_DIY_Installation_Kit Anyone used or installed one? Just wondering where you put the inlet socket?

Is there a different dash front panel available? I've seen them with a recessed DIN slot for the stereo.

 

My westy has a ZIG CF8 unit under the back seat with a Hookup socket mounted in the rear corner behind the wheelarch (previous owners fitment location not mine). The back of the socket is behind the leisure battery. Mounting the hookup socket under the van, or even in the engine compartment makes for a neater installation.

ZIG unit allows you to charge both batteries either with engine running or from hookup. It only cost me £30 from ebay too.
Wiring for it here:
http://thelatebay.com/index.php?topic=1188.0

That setup towsure sell in your link has the most important bits (RCD consumer unit and hookup socket) but it won't charge your leisure battery when on mains power. It'll just supply 240v to the sockets.

Split charge relay will allow both batteries to be charged as you are driving along but when the engine is switched off will separate the two so you can't run your starting battery flat by using your lights etc while camping.

Again, it won't allow the leisure battery to be charged from hookup power.

 

So can the hook up be combined with the zig? New to all this so clueless at the moment. Been taking the paint off my dash upper today while waiting for the washing machine to be delivered.

Anyone used one of these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Auto-Windshield-Mount-Electronic-FM-Radio-Antenna-/270902504091?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f130c2a9b

 

This is the look I am aiming for. You may have seen it in last months C&B. Hats off to the owners!

 

thats a nice look to aim for buddy, similar to what i am aiming for! nice welding there too, need to get me on a course!

 

Summery dude. 8)

 

Another good night at welding class. Been welding 1mm steel with 0.6mm wire again. Not blowing any holes either! Going to take my dash top in to fill in some holes and then grind it flat then prime ready for painting. It will be another tick off a very big list!

 

Looks simaler to the colour im going for

Nice happy bus that looks

 

Is it possible to connect up a Clarke welder to a size Y argoshield bottle? We have one at work with a reg that we don't use. Was going to buy it through the company to save renting one. Also, can I fit lap belts in the back with a R&R bed?

 

I've managed to weld up the rest of the dash top corner, just got to grind it flat. I brought home the bellow pans as well so I can make a start on them. Once I have enough cash to buy a welder I can crack on! Anyone going to Volksworld?

 

Well that's my welding course finished. How quick 8 weeks fly by. All I need now is a welder. Looking to get the dash top stripped and ground back this weekend. Will try and get some pics up.

 

Yep you can connect the boc bottle, you need an adapter pipe which is available of ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150765039835