Just trying to prepare myself for the upcoming winter bare metal resto. My plan is to remove lights,windows,door handles,all seals and window scrapers,pop top off,interior strip except for dash,bumpers etc. I have a double garage and will be doing this in the garage,i will use the empty space to store all the parts neatly and labeled using zip lock bags etc. The engine will stay in. Once stripped it goes in for welding and then a proper spray job then i will be fitting sound/noise insulation. Basically I deliver the camper to them then go back to sea and fetch it then rebuild it. The questions are: 1.How long would it take to build it up again?I am on a 5 week on/off rotation so i could use the whole day and most evenings after the kids have crashed.I am technically capable and used to be motor mechanic 15 years ago. I have lots of tools etc. I will have a mate help me with removing fitting poptop (new tent) and windows.Could I do this job in 5 weeks without rushing it? 2.Any helpful tips would be appreciated ?
Hello Clive we managed it in 14 days and that was 2 of us and we squeezed in a spray job. The canvas is a days work we had to rebuild the frame as well that was rotten 5 weeks should be enough or at the very least usable. I didnt take my engine out either and we managed to squeeze in fiiting the new fuel lines changed points condenser brake master cylinders etc. The only problem is you keep finding other things that need fixing as you go!
Did you work the whole day or just after you finished work? Mechanically the camper is very good and it has been welded underneath already so that's not being touched. While its in for painting I will be cleaning and painting bits myself. I might take some bits to work too and do some work on them at sea.
I suppose just working on it at night its going to be a bit more time consuming. It will be close but i think you could do it. Are you doing the interior because that is something i didnt do i have no wood panels in my bus at the minute jsut a lot of metal!
I have the whole day to tinker and most evenings. I will have the camper booked in say for the beginning of November,should be ready by the summer!
A Resto in five weeks................in your dreams!!!!!!!!!! Don't bring it to the UK for a resto., the people in the Volks "scene" here (especially in Cornwall) are so laid back its like they never get out of bed!!! My Resto has been going on for 18 months now, 9 months of which was for the (beautiful) paint job. I know it will be a show winner, but there are times I feel like getting the vehicle transportation company to go and fetch it home for me. I would advise anyone contemplating a resto., to have a legal contract drawn up, with penalty clauses, for late payment or overdue project, signed by both parties, this would keep the owner and the workshop a little more focused. Tony
I have spoken to the guy who owns the shop,they had over 30 vehicles and a couple thousand m2 of floor. Lots of people working and doing stuff,its different in Sweden with promises,they always keep them. I met a few customers who had veteran cars in for restoration and asked them about the service,they told me i was in the right place.This guy has had 4 cars done here and is very happy with the work. these guys are not amateurs,proper professionals. Just hung around for a few hours to see how they work and the welding looks top notch. Saw some guy applying filler and it was thin! He said about 5 weeks so I can expect anything up to 6 weeks. I suppose it depends how many people are working on the camper at once? Oh and i am paying a big price to get this work done properly.
