1973 Sheldon High Top Camper

I won't!

I am!

 

Just a thought, could it be that these are because the bus is an "early late"? Seems there are a few things unique to '73 lates... a quick Google image search for 1973 bay brings up quite a few with the plain early arches. Maybe there are just lots of mongrels out there.

 

late rear, bumpers front panel, everything else is late, just noticed the early arches

 

The units have been made later by an owner most like ,they are not devon ones.

 

Went for a jaunt today. Here it is in the wild. Keep meaning to put the hubcaps back on, but sort of like it as-is. Also enjoying the primer and fade, although I ought to get some paint on it this summer.


Seat covers still scruffy but at least now reasonably clean. Comfy enough!

 

Haven't updated this thread in a while but there's been stuff going on. The bus has now had a good engine service with new fuel lines and a few other bits and bobs and is running really well. Had a bit of a nightmare sorting a misfire which turned out to be a duff new spark plug... oh well. Been learning lots anyway!

Anyway I'm feeling particularly awesome today having taken the bus out for its first decent run - a 200 mile round trip - and it behaved impeccably, cruised easy at 60 (would have done 70 on the flat but I was taking it easy), ran cool, pulled up hills pretty well was generally a pleasure to drive. Took a good load on the way back with ease too. Saw two other bays and a split on the road too...

The destination today was the National Vintage Communications Fair (http://www.nvcf.org.uk/). Got a few nice bits of old audio equipment, and my dad bought me a new radio for the bus. It's a Schaub Lorenz "Touring Europa". Keeping it German.



I can't believe it's taken this long to get it out of the city, but I wanted to make sure the bus was mechanically sound before taking the family camping (a breakdown with toddlers is not particularly appealing) and it's been a busy few months. The trip today was enough to make me confident that all is well and we're finally going camping next weekend. Shakedown completed, maiden voyage planned.

The previous owner called the bus "Ernie" (she had a car called "Bert"), but a new name came to me today - "Miles". What do you think?

 

That is a good name as good as any other name.

 

Im glad its all running sweet and your getting out and about

 

This is the Miles I had in mind (must fix the stereo):


I'm looking forward to doing lots of these:


But at the end of the day, it's a Devon:

 

Had another day on Miles today (still not sure if that's his name, or even if he's a he or a she). Progress not as quick as I'd like but as we're going away in it this weekend I thought I'd better make sure there's at least somewhere for us all to sleep.



Happy girl! Glad that she's starting to bond with the camper. The Mrs was pleased to see it becoming a practical family bus too, and impressed with how well the cab bunk works.

I bought the bunk from NLAVW. Great service, but it was a bit fiddly to fit. The instructions were OK but could have been clearer - some trial and error required which is a bit scary when you're drilling holes in the bus... front brackets needed to be bent to fit properly, anyway in the end it worked out well but fitting took pretty much all morning what with one thing and another. Worth it though.

Also sorted out the two loose batteries in the engine bay - used a strap for the leisure battery and found an unused threaded insert on the r/h side that I managed to improvise a clamp for. Now I can go round corners and over speed bumps without worrying about them sliding all over the place!

A few other bits and bobs done. Stuck down some loose trim and door seals, and fixed the non-working interior lights. Not managed to have a proper look at the leisure electrics or gas yet so we'll be camping with a trangia and a coolbox. Found a loose wire near the relays, wondering if it's been disconnected for a reason - need to run through it all and check it out.

Holidays here we come.

 

Great read

 

Finally made it out camping! Lovely weekend in Dorset, can recommend Burnbake campsite near Studland Bay. Bus didn't miss a beat. This is why I bought it!



Stayed with a some family and friends, in total 3 bays including the 2 very nice early bays belonging to my brother in law and his friend, good guys who both felt that my bus was a goodun and a bit of a bargain given what I paid for it. Very encouraging and nice to get a second opinion, especially as it was an impulse buy (the first I'd seen) although I'd looked at and rejected quite a few T25s...



A good nights sleep (could see the stars through the high top windows) followed by a good cup of coffee. Still need to check out the hob in the bus - have bought some new gas hose and will sort it out for the next trip. The mrs was pleased that it worked well as a family bus - eldest (5) had the cab bunk and youngest (20 months) slept on the floor where he couldn't fall out. Happy campers.



Met up with my dad at Studland. His is the Mitsubishi Frankia coachbuilt. He's talking about selling it and getting something newer.



The boy's new phrase is "drive camper van" although it comes out as one word, a bit more like "drycampvan"



Heading home



Waiting for the ferry from Studland to Sandbanks.



Can't wait for the next one!

 

Good to see another Sheldon getting put to good use. You planning on going to any club meets? We could form a gang of two!

 

Have to see how I get on, but Dubs in the Forest was mentioned at the weekend.

 

We went last year and were hoping to go again this year, but I think it's sold out already!

 

That's that decided.

 

Good pics mate, happy families!

 

More miles. Running sweet. Filled it up with junk at the car boot. Seemed the right thing to do.



Believe it or not I found a pair of hubcaps at the boot for a fiver each. Fate! Polished and fitted them that afternoon - also finally got round to trying out my luxurious ebay.de lambswool seat covers. Wunderschön und sehr comfortable! Pics to follow.

 

Great pictures, happy times