Relative newbie on here, currently mostly found lurking around the classified section... I'm trying to test drive as many different vans as possible, and I'm beginning to learn what feels right and what feels wrong to drive, but I'm still fumbling around in the dark somewhat when it comes to what to look for underneath in the way of dodgy welding and hidden rust etc. I've read Zed's buying guide (hugely useful I must say!), but it's the 'grey area' in the middle that I'm struggling with... what is possible and what is realistically not (financially speaking). So I'm hopefully going to see this tin top down near Eastleigh this week, and the owner has so far supplied these pictures: http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/scrooge95/library/ (hope this link works and that you can see something useful) Any input would be gratefully received if there is anything that leaps out at you before I go a-visiting. ...amd if anyone happens to be in the area and wants to come along....
Take a magnet a big one ,check everywhere ,what's under the grey paint and belly pans ,that's what I would be wondering
I'd be wary. There's not much to go on, but the outer belly pans don't look original(bit hard to see on my phone), which might mean someone's cut the old ones off, repaired what's underneath and used some generic cargo floor to replace them, or it might be that someone's used the generic cargo floor section to cover the rust holes in the old 'pans and knackered sills. That jacking point looks shot, which suggests the work under the 'pans hasn't been done.
Good luck , it is always worth taking some pictures or saying anything that concerns you on here just incas, I bought mine as a bargain , did well it was not the problem ...problem was got a new engine without seeking advice.....not he lads fault b it has never run worse and it appears lost a couple of valuable mods.... Always ask someone will help you ....not me unless it is advise of pimms drinking techniques good luck
Yeah, I did think it looked pretty bad. He described it as 'average condition' and it is very much reflected in the price (£6k) but don't want to open a huge can of worms if the underside is totalled. If there's belly pans in place, how can you be sure what is underneath though? Don't mind a bit of a project for that price (the front seats would have to go ) and some welding of sills, bubbling rust patches etc but.... eeek, this buying lark is a minefield! Any late bayers in Hampshire with a couple of hours to spare? Will provide pub supper (scampi in a basket and half a bitter shandy... how could anyone refuse??!) Thanks for all the help and opinion so far! Oh, the engine was apparently reconditioned 5000 miles ago, and it was resprayed 8 years ago.
Re. The sills, you can get a bit of a clue from looking at the rearmost section of the inner sills which isn't hidden by the belly pans. Typically, they'll be patches there. If there is, you can bet there will be holes under the pans.
I agree with brothernumberone,they aren't proper belly pans, some dodgy crusty looking stuff under there, thump them with your hand you'll probably hear lots of rust bouncing above. There's not much original inside either is there, have a good look and take loads of better pictures.
It was the lack of perfect interior that attracted me to be honest, I can do the inside restoration myself and make it my own at the same time... but I was hoping the outside (and especially the underneath) would be okay-ish for the price. Looks like a bust then, would you all agree? I'll still go for a look and a test drive, as it is all a learning curve in advance of 'the right one' (and take some better pics if I can) ... but leave well alone when it comes to handing over £6k do you think?
It just doesn't look honest from those few photos, it's not to say it's a terrible bus but it looks like it's got stuff hidden behind dodges. You don't want to end up doing all the same work that you'd do on something for half that price that was advertised as a resto!
Haven't arranged a time as the seller was out all day today. Thought I would go for a test drive anyway, even though the general concensus seems to be that I should leave well alone...
Wow, thank you very much. I'll PM you when I know... and if you are able, that would be very kind & most welcome
I have tought you well young Jedi, now you can go out in the world and help others as I have helped you x
Im not far either (Hayling ) watch out for @volkswombat , he travels naked apart from a fluorescent mankini which is 2 sizes to small
At least I won't have to lurk in dusky train stations looking out for someone with a newspaper under his arm, desperately trying to remember the reply to an obscure riddle that involves campervans...
I'll be easily recognisable as I'll have a rasher of bacon with Sir Clive Sinclairs face on, clutched between my buttocks.
Fantastic. I'll wear my best wonder woman outfit. I find the lasoo of truth is always handy when looking at prospective purchases