I recall taking our van to Absolute VW at Castle Dinnington back in 2009 to get a quote. I was with the wife as the owner of the company discussed how they would strip the van down removing the engine, pop top roof and interior before placing the van on a rotisserie so as to shot blast the chassis and repair any sections that blasting showed up. The quote included fitting new rear wheel arches and the new cab doors as well as complete front arches with steps that I had already purchased. The quote also included repairing the lower section of the sliding door followed by a full respray. It was nice how the owner told us he was soon to be married, after which we were quoted £43,000 to do all the work. I carried on discussing what work that they would be doing exactly, acting really interested. As we finally drove off after telling the owner I would be in touch, the wife went berserk at me asking if I was stupid continuing to talk about having any work done there when the price was so high. I explained I had no interest in having our van restored there as I knew I could have bought a restored samba van for less at that time, but didn't want the owner of the garage to know he had shocked me to the core. We ended up having our van sorted at a unit in Chesterfield where the new front wheel arches/steps were fitted, the new cab doors were fitted, the rear arches were replaced and the bottom of the sliding door repaired. The pop top roof was removed and the van was fully resprayed changing the colour from blue and white to red and white. The chassis was checked and found to be okay so it was left alone. The total cost was around £3000 and the van is still in use today.
@Sick Boy I still remember reading your blog and thinking how mad you were. It was seven years ago since I bumped into you at Fellows. Good luck with what comes after the Sick Bay.
I was kinda hoping that you might have a re think. But there ya go. I cant get to Techy this April but Ill always remember when you and your smashing sick bay were generally perked within a few yards of me and my noisy set up. Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,,hope youll still visit
As much as I'd "lost the love" with my bus I was sad to see it go but really pleased that the new owners intended on keeping the paintwork. They still contact me from time to time, they've fitted a pair of Webbers and are enjoying camping trips away and the looks and comments that they get.
I respect and grant it’s up to the owner what they do…..but…..there aren’t that many iconic vans (for me these include Sick Bay, Flag Bus, Zed’s early tin top, @Fruitcake rolling advert for toking herb, the Landmarks…). Mine isn’t particularly rare, or iconic..,.and changing it wouldn’t have any impact on anyone else. But I guess talk is cheap when you don’t own an iconic bus and live with the compromises. Just a bit sad really.
Was having a quiet moment of reflection after watching the Sick Bay disappear forever and now feeling even more nostalgic after reading all the comments from the lovely people in TLB.
What the battle plan now? What’s next, if anything? If it helps I’d rather know it’s going somewhere where someone is willing to invest in it rather than let it rot on a driveway. I hope someone knows how rare the NSU wheels are!!
Yes it helps a lot to know that it is going to have a lot of money invested in it. And it's fair comment to say that I also ripped the heart out of it and changed it to how I wanted it. The new owner listened politely to my comments about the changes, particularly about the wheels, but as you say, it's his van now and his choice.
As one of the first ripper outers I still think only masochists and those that love to tinker for tinkering sake would keep a stock engine over a well converted Subaru. Mines been in nearly 15 years….only had to service it and had a corroded earth that stopped the battery charging. I don’t do the miles many people do, have to say….but I’ve not once gone near it with feeler guages etc etc.
So, realistically, you only own a VW shell and running gear, not a complete Vw? You know? If push came to shove?
I'd rip the heart out of mine for a scooby engine in a heartbeat if I thought I could install it easily!
Yes. I don’t think you got what I meant. Just going on the use of ***** In my defence, you only have to look at my replies on the word association game, to see my mind may be more cryptic than yours. Stop thinking you know best. We all think different! Thanks.
Soggzy It’s just a post about the op feeling nostalgic Which some of us feel when we sell our vans I know I did no rattling of cages .
Mate, your “I’m cleverer than you” Marmitee doesn’t wash with me (or many others) on here. Wind your neck in or do one. It’s really that simple. Thanks
I wish I’d have been in a position to buy this van, it was probably my favourite van on the forum. You did a good job on it J!
