Just the next installment of the resto thread. Finally sorted the rear tailgate hinges, somehow the springs were in the wrong way round, once sorted and a bit of elbow grease and a long lever tool made they are now superb! Done some wiring of USB sockets, heated seats radio and extra dials all fed via an ancillary equipment fuse box which only comes live when the ignition is active. All switches wired and in, all sound deadening fitted and insulation and foil to roof and sides. Fuel tank finally painted gloss black and fitted in place, had to cut the straps for removal, then re-weld so a bit worrying tightening them up today thought they might go PING! Also painted a set of the black handles in the upper body colour but, once fitted they just didn't look right so have a set to sell and now looking for chrome ones. Really its a shame but, having spent so much cannot really justify anything but, satisfaction now.
Lots done this week so far, heater cables installed (still no connection for the diverter valve underneath), heated seat wiring and ancillary fuse box finished, almost finished the dash and wiring in all the switches and dials, painted the black plastic bits to match the Mango green and fully refurbed the speedo pod, removed the front window ready to start the headliner. I am thinking that once the dash is fully fitted I would like to test the electrics, I have the gearbox in and the starter connected so if I connect a battery I should be able to check almost everything except the ignition system (no engine) and the charge light. Can anybody see any pitfalls of trying this?
Yes, bit mind the loose ends. I wouldn't give the starter more than a cursory blip either, it probably likes to be under load to limit it's speed.
Good call I don't have lots of lose ends but, certainly the ones that go to the engine are going nowhere at the moment.
I'm in the same condition and have doing the same a week ago after rebuilding mine. Nothing went pop.
Thanks its appreciated, as you know its lots of time and effort to complete a resto on these vans. The biggest thing I have learnt about is that everything takes a lot longer then you think and even the easier jobs never turn out to be quick or easy. I'm hoping the inside will buck my trend!
The next load of pictures from last week: Done a few more jobs this last fortnight, got the headlining in, the sides were okay but, the top rear was difficult, a few disappointing areas but, the good think is they will be covered by the top locker. The engine bay covers and insulation fitted easily and looks superb 32 mm of proper sound deadening with a thermal heat shield plus silent coat on the upside of the engine compartment (I'm thinking the engine will be almost silent ha! ha!). Got the cargo floor insulation fitted, my own version (2mm 4mm closed cell foam sandwiched between 2 layers of 2mm radiator foil) looks quite good and should cover all the bases as far as loss through conduction and radiation as well as being waterproof and rot proof. Got a chap coming to fit the windows this next week with top quality rubbers and chrome inserts should look immense.
Done a few more bits this week, had the windows fitted, sorted the floor and trial fitted the SJH interior. also finished and tested the electrics (see mech tech as had issues with indicators and fog light). But, its starting to take shape can get the cards fitted and then start on the interior electrics, heater, bed etc etc etc Maybe I need to clean the windows first!
Been busy last month lots of little jobs and some big ones done. Just finished and filled up the brake system, finished the split charge install and carpeted the seat boxes., front bumper mounts fitted and aligned okay. Mostly finished the 240v hook up just an extra socket to install. Partly done the 12v leisure electrics and the propex heater install holes drilled and wiring in. Its starting to come together now quite quickly. Sound system to fit to dash coming fast, then dash top and hand rail, test the heated seats then front seat install. Still got some wiring tidying up to do too. Looking at fitting the warm air ducting for the propex but, still not sure of the routing would really like a duct to the front too, need to check if I could fit one in the back of the interior units or maybe via the underneath. Don't want to connect into the heat exchanger ducts as thats all finished now, so need to get the thinking cap on!
looking very good! Your interior is not too dissimilar to ours; we have a cupboard where the fridge goes and a little side unit at the back. Volkswares R n R bed frame?
Yes Volkwares, seems very sturdy, quite impressed with its operation and quality and love the SJH Joinery interior absolutely top notch work, fits perfectly. It will be a shame to cut a massive hole in the top to fit the sink/hob unit which is on its way for Christmas!
We didn't fit a sink or hob for that very reason, we didn't want to spoil the woodwork! I'll definitely go to Scott when we need an interior for the westy, that's for sure!
Just the latest few pics of the work done, been sorting the propex, leisure battery side, testing the hook up and mounting the fuel filter. also sorted the Battery cut off switches more than one aid anti theft! I know already ordered a new set of vents the idea to paint them didn't work well at all (as I thought but, I gave it a go). Also fitted the butty bit accelerator rod, what a great bit of kit, a few quid but, worth it. Surface the floor with a final sheet of 3 mm birch ply as a finisher Next work on Friday, will entail sorting the heater levers, fitting the fridge, smev sink/hob, connecting the gas and fitting an external gas feed for a cooker/grill in the awning or a BBQ and measuring up for a new set of Delilahs rear cushions, front seats to fit and test the heaters, door panels to fit the speakers to and then fit to the bus. So lots to do but, I definitely am getting there. I will over the next two weeks reunite the engine with bus for the first time in 3 years! Yippeee!
Just finished the electrics today, charger is charging, fridge is working on 12v and 24ov sink/hob is fitted and gas/water connected and all working and after changing the fuse on the propex it now seems to work however, still to give a good cycle through yet as no real time to do today. All interior lights front and rear fitted and working from doors front and rear switch on the dash.
Just finished the next lot of stuff, sorted all the electrics, 12 and 240v all works. Done the door and rear panels except slider, done the sun visors, front grill, and front seats all seems to be going okay at the moment. Very near reuniting bitsy with its engine!
That said, Struggling at the moment with both the reversing light and brake lights neither work but the lamps are okay. I have only put one switch in the master cylinder and maybe should have put 2 as the wiring diagram says!
One should be fine, I only have one wired up. And another 2 plugging holes. Reverse lights - have you checked the switch itself? There isn't much else to go wrong. Looking very smart I must say.
