Coming up with a plan for my resto project!

Afternoon all,
Well, I finally got my bus home after the saga of knackering the auto gearbox when I drove it away from the vendor

Hello I'm new
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...o-I'm-new.93260/&share_type=t&link_source=app

Had gearbox reconditioned and all seems to be working well mechanically at the mo (although it somehow stalls occasionally when I try to start her up).

Now I’m trying to make a plan for the body as she’s a bit of a rusty one and has been filled and covered up quite a lot by the look of it. I’ve been over her today with a magnet and so have a better idea of where the filler is now. Not as much as I thought tbh.

A recommended body work guy near me has had a look and told me I need new doors, all new wheel arches and rear corners, above tailgate part. Told me we’ve caught roof in time, but I found some holes under the bubbled paint.

Offside corner, rear arch, above tailgate, bottoms of both doors are a terrible state. But not sure about rest, and would like to keep as much as I can.

I think this will be a rolling restoration for me as I can’t face it afford £15k to do it all in one properly.

I quite like the fact i can see original Sumatra green paint under chips, and wish I could take it back to that for a rat look?

Anyway, here are some pics. Really Grateful for any advice.

Rear corner issues







Rear roof/ above tailgate







Door probs (mainly inside and corner)











Sliding door window sill



Front




Rust holes around middle window sil opposite sliding door.



Front part of Offside rear wheel arch in a bad way











Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

But near side rear wheel arch doesn’t seem that bad to me




Also this strut on me pop top is completely jammed and so roof won’t open properly. Presumably I need to get it off so I can use more force to twist it free and oil it up.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

And this doesn’t bode well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Are you happy that the chassis etc would pass the MOT (and be safe) while you're "rolling"?

 

Yes, I think that's ok. It passed an MOT in March, and a couple of mechanics who were working on it after probs have said the chassis is in ok condition.

 

That does look flipping rough to be honest !

 

I didn't want to seem rude but I do hope you haven't spent too much on that.

That's how I expected the other chaps to be when he posted "End of the Road" thread!

 

The roof has not been caught in time. Beware the resto man reeling you in only to hack it to worthlessness then double/triple/10x the initial estimate. He may not care if you run out of cash half way through, he's earned his money whatever happens.

 

I can vouch for this being some people's business model

 

£9k - see link in first post.

 

Cheers. I didn't want to click that link in case it gave access to my bank account, personally identifiable information and mothers maiden name.

And also... £9k

 

Indeed.

 

I’m guessing that the underside isn’t that solid

 

Oh dear

 

Seller must have been happy with £9K!
This is one to sell at a loss and put down to experience, then find a better one with knowledge expensively gained. Sell for £5K only lost £4K - could be worse.

 

Would certainly be a "cleaner" way forward

 

Plus the gearbox refurb cost.
Seriously, you could spend a lot of money on that and end up with a pretty poor bus. Same money including whatever loss on a better one is the way to go.*

*I know Davidoft will be along to say the opposite because a canny restorer who was actually interested in restoring it with your interests at heart would buy a rear cut for £2k and solve many problems in one go etc. The problem is finding that skilfull restorer who is on your side.

 

Ive got a old Tintop from Nevada sat in the shed, I want £7k for it, its battered but solid. People want one up and running.