FS Alistair's 1970 Westy SO70 Campmobile - San Lorenzo, Cali

[aogrady]

Carl sounds like a god :mrgreen:

When I saw the damage I thought it would be a complete replacement of the wing.
Sounds like you are moving along nicely with the work and extra bits you have planned

Thanks for the comments, yeah, I thought it was a new one, but Carl said it could be fixed, and he did.

Fingers crossed the "Gods" are looking down on me - money wise that is!! :worship:

Cheers,

Alistair

 

[aogrady]

Hi!

Got the camper back at the weekend from Carl @ Beetlebank. Now you all remember how bent and twisted the old arch was? Here's a reminder.....

Well, here it is all fixed, original metal, bar one slit and re-weld to help reshape, just good old fashioned proper metalwork, something Carl is quite adept at. I would hazard a guess that most bodywork shops would just whack a new arch one and fill, so I was pleased that the original arch was repaired correctly, a new arch would be quicker no doubt, but i think this is a testament of Carl's standard of metalwork. The inside is as smooth as the outside, not dents hiding lots of filler, just proper straight

Bare metalled, painted in stock L87 Pearle White, as i had Carl get me enough paint to do the whole van as and when i got more work done. Though as always, there is a slight difference to the new versus old, as most of my OG painted panels do seem to have faded a little differently to the others, but the arch repair is very straight inside and out, and far better pre loose wheel. I'll get him to do a full machine cut and polish, he offered to let me use his polisher, but I think I leave it the the professional, I'll end up making a mess of the paint I'm sure. When he isn't busy doing the next resto, I'll leave it with him.

I'll also like to say that Carl has done all this metalwork and paint free of charge, due to the wheel issue mentioned earlier in the thread, this has been very well received by myself and i am very grateful for the additional time and effect Carl has spent sorting this out since the problems first arose. I can't fault the way he has approached this, good customer service indeed.

Additionally, whilst this was being done, Carl fitted the new brake drum, shoes, flexi's, cylinders etc to the front end, new fluid and bled through, remove, cleaned and re built the rear drums, split pins, rebuilt the adjusters which were seized, adjusted all up etc.

Also I also asked if he could check the tappets, as i had somewhat neglected doing this for a while. Most of them were to loose, some at 9 thou, the no 3 exhaust too tight at -0.002, I will be keeping a eye on this one, as i think this may have been a little tight last time they were done.

I have tweeked the ignition timing, and reset to a similar setting that i had before. I suspect that as the valves have changed over the last year or so, i have somewhat compensated this by adjusting the ignition timing. This has resulted in the engine running noticably quieter, not that it was noisy at all before the tappets were done, and runs smoother, which the flat spot mostly done. I hope that the fitting of the Weber 34 ICT's and stainless exhaust will also make a improvement in the overall running.

Whilst I was in the mood, some nice old school green coloured Classic blend 20/50W engine oil in, a new set of plugs fitted too. Polished up and fitted the hub caps to the 3 wheels with all the clips, only to find out when i got home, i had lost one. Crap pattern ones, different edge to some of the caps, only certain one fit certain wheels, I am sure some of the clips may be bent, but they are still crap these hubcaps......Quite fancy some grey commercial style ones, or the old skool KDF wagen cog style in grey....

Also fitted a retro brown and cream fly door blind, streamer type thing, like your Gran used to have on the back door! This'll do instead of a sliding door curtain. I have some plans for new curtains, but not seen anything i fancy yet.

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[Dirty Harry]

Top work and service from Carl @ Beetlebank, looking very good Alistair 8)

 

[aogrady]

Top work and service from Carl @ Beetlebank, looking very good Alistair 8)

Cheers DH!

Very happy with the bodywork, and running sweeter than ever, and brakes 100%, funnilly enough, the slight drag on the front drum wasn't enough for the MOT man to notice anything, and this was done only a month or so ago.

Will be looking to do the underneath of the bus next, try to remove the flaky og underseal, and key the surface prior to colour matched Rustoleum for the wheel tubs and bellypans etc, and new seam sealer in all areas, followed by clear waxoil on top or similar, well, that's the plan anyway, if I stop using it all the time it'll happen!!

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[creationblue]

Glad it all turned out well mate 8)

Just

 

[Airtime]

That's looking really good again! 8)

 

[aogrady]

Hi,

Thanks all! Rustoleum next hopefully, when the weather gets better! :roll: :lol:

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[aogrady]

Hi,

OK, decided to take out the interior for a few reasons - I wanted to see what the metalwork was like, and repaint if needed, secondly, i wanted to fit a new floor as i knew the old westy floor was lifted where it had been a little damp at some stage in it's life, i want to replace all the floor, and fit a new top level floor, i was in 2 minds to fit tiles, laminate, carpet, decided for a change, for some nice retro cork tiles, nice and warm, soft underfoot, easy to replace when damaged, at least that's the plan. They are a nice warm light brown which will go well with the early wood colour and the mustard material

I will replace the main underfloor plywood, and the old westy floor, measure the thickness and do it the same thickness with the cork tiles, as i am not sure if the overall thickness is important when it comes to fitting the furniture back?

I also have plans to replace the westy sink unit with a gas hob and sink, so want to run extra pipework for gas etc. I am also keen to fix a external BBQ gas point somewhere too, and of course, fit the recent group buy Propex heater.

I am also looking to install some LED strip lighting and change the posistion of the inverter to under the buddy seat with the Propex, if it will fit. Otherwise fit the propex under the rock and roll bed. I will fit some additional woodwork to the inside of the bed front door, i dont wany to start hacking holes into the OG woodwork - I'm having to "man up" to even think about curtting holes in the floor to fit the Propex! :lol: Need to work out where to put the gas bottle. I think a 907 Campingaz will fit under the bed or buddy seat, i have a larger calor gas one, but even the smallest is too big i think, unless i cut a recess in the underside of the buddy seat lid allowing the bottle to sit inside the seat a little......

What follows are pictures of the current state of the flooring, I have yet to wash it out and hoover up, just gave it a quick brush out. The entire floor is 100% solid and rust free - though in the areas where the microbus seats normally fit, there is rust and flaky paint, I don;t think it has holed, see for yourself. Not too sure what to do, I reckon, hoover out the loose flakes, and just fill the are with a waxoil or similar rust proofer, I have a small amount of Ankor Wax, so may thin this and pour into the holes where the seat bolts go.

Interestly, the wooden floor doesn't extend all the way under the bed, as you can see a "tide mark" where the bed fits on the westy floor, and the cleaner are the other side of the mark line. The rear of the westy bed is supported on two small squares of wood. Depending on what wood is available, I may extend further under the bed, whether this will aid soundproofing or not is to be seen.

Additionally, I would like to replace all the wooden panelling with new. I really fancy a high gloss stained piano like finish, though i think I may be pushing my woodworking ability's on this :?:
I may look into refacing or replacing with a Formica laminate. I would like to replace the westy cabinet laminate, the back of the wardrobe has suffered from splitting due to water ingress and the laminate has split off and is missing on the back end

When I remove the wooden side panelling, I am keen the replace the original style fibreglass stuff or whatever it is, is it wise to fit thick polystyrene sheeting in here for insulation? I may some some bitumen or rubber backing lead flashing type stuff to aid as sound deadening before the polystyrene? Your opinions on this?

This is inside the bellypan are where the westy drainage goes throught the floor, it is surface rust only, but a darker area looks like a hole, but isn't.

Anyway, that's enough for the moment!

Cheers,

Alistair

 

[Dirty Harry]

Hi Alistair,

No hidden treasures under the floor :mrgreen:
Your doing a proper quality job there mate!

Cheers, Harry

 

[lard]

Hi - I also lifted my floor to replace it a while back - always a slight nervous moment to see what the underneath is like :shock: - glad to see yours is looking solid,

Will be interested to see how you get on with removing your OG protection underneath - I've (thankfully!) also got old flaking stuff and want to replace this just not sure what to use and how to do it so will follow your lead

 

[moler]

I like what you've done with your Westy, very nice 8)

I fell your pain re the wheel off, I had the same thing happen to me on the split, although I was doing 70mph :shock: I think we were very lucky.

Just a note on the Rustoleum underneath, make sure you use stonechip under any forward facing surfaces, inner arches, crossmembers, etc, as it isn't that chip resistant

 

[aogrady]

Hi Alistair,

No hidden treasures under the floor :mrgreen:
Your doing a proper quality job there mate!

Cheers, Harry

Hi DH,

Yes, no treasures, but there was a cheque written by the previous owner in 1999 to a company, and gotten lose down the back!, aside from a carrier bag of muck, Coors Light bottle tops, that was it.

Cheers,

Alistair

 

[aogrady]

Hi - I also lifted my floor to replace it a while back - always a slight nervous moment to see what the underneath is like :shock: - glad to see yours is looking solid,

Will be interested to see how you get on with removing your OG protection underneath - I've (thankfully!) also got old flaking stuff and want to replace this just not sure what to use and how to do it so will follow your lead

Yeah, happy it's solid! Not looking forward to getting rid of the old underseal - mine is very thin and flaky, i reckon a fair amount could be shifted by a plastic scraper, once the bulk has been shifted, I'll see if thinners or suchlike on a old cloth may remove the rest, hopefully!
GThen i will key the area, and colour matched Pearle White rustoleum, and fresh seam sealer on all the joints, and as mentioned from Jet Rocket, a stonechip on top - which i will paint body colour too.

At least that's the plan :lol:

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[aogrady]

I like what you've done with your Westy, very nice 8)

I fell your pain re the wheel off, I had the same thing happen to me on the split, although I was doing 70mph :shock: I think we were very lucky.

Just a note on the Rustoleum underneath, make sure you use stonechip under any forward facing surfaces, inner arches, crossmembers, etc, as it isn't that chip resistant

Hi Moler!

70 :shock: That's bad news! I dont think mine does 70 :!: :lol: I agree, you were very very lucky!!

Thanks for the comments on the van too

Good point on the Rustoleum, i thought it may have been a tougher finish, will rustoleum, seam sealer, stonechip, and then body colour paint, or colour matched rustoleum again.

Cheers,

Alistair

 

[aogrady]

Hi,

OK, been cleaning up the floor, and was pleased with how it all came out, used some engine clean from autoglym and a stiff brush, and hosing the entire floor down and brushed it out, dried off, and it's probably the first time in 40 odd years it has seen the light. Actually the floor was surprisingly shiny!

Took some measurements of the hardboard floor, and the original westy laminate on top, just in case anyone needs to know?

My plans for the floor; sand and rust proof the area's where paint has flaked, followed by rustoleum, then heavy weight bitumin flashing on the floor area to act as a sound deadening, will also be a air and water tight seal from any water ingress onto the metal flooring, followed by a closed cell reflective layer for insulation, then ply, with the cork tiles on top. I intend to use sealer around all of edges, in a hope to stop any potential leaks from causing damage to the wood.
Just need some measurements to keep the overall thickness the same, though i am not too sure if a thicker flooring will affect the way the furniture goes back?

Was wondering what the purpose of these blanking plug is?

Unfortunately, the wardrobe has suffered more water damage than i was aware of. The laminate is all broken off, but was anyway, but as you can see from the photo's the bottom piece has come away. I am hoping i may be able to cut into the danaged are and replace the wood and secure in place, it may not be pretty from inside, but with a new laminate covering should look fine. I may source some mustard vinyl and retrim this small area instead of the westy wood.

More pictures when i strip the wooden side panels off, ready for sound proofing and insulation.

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[user 14192]

Hi Alistair,

Looking good; don't you just love Dry State imports?

As the floor will probably not see the light of day for another few decades, it is a very good idea to clear Waxoyl it before placing any covering over it, especially if you are sealing the edges on top.

Cheers, Carl.

 

[moler]

I like what you've done with your Westy, very nice 8)

I fell your pain re the wheel off, I had the same thing happen to me on the split, although I was doing 70mph :shock: I think we were very lucky.

Just a note on the Rustoleum underneath, make sure you use stonechip under any forward facing surfaces, inner arches, crossmembers, etc, as it isn't that chip resistant

Hi Moler!

70 :shock: That's bad news! I dont think mine does 70 :!: :lol: I agree, you were very very lucky!!

Thanks for the comments on the van too

Good point on the Rustoleum, i thought it may have been a tougher finish, will rustoleum, seam sealer, stonechip, and then body colour paint, or colour matched rustoleum again.

Cheers,

Alistair

We where in the fast lane (the other 2 lanes were coned off) about 10 at night. With the van being so low the wheel jammed under the arch and held the van up, by some incredible luck I managed to weave through the cones before coming to rest on the hard shoudler!! I shudder to think what might have happened if we were standard height :shock:

Rustoelum doesn't like seam sealer, it doesn't dry when painted directly of top, I used high build primer as an intermediate coat. I used it in this order, rust killer (you won't need this ), rust inhibiting primer, seam sealer, Rust inhibiting primer again, high build primer over where the seam sealer is, stonechip, then 2-3 coats of rustoleum. Although I have to say that I won't be using this on the crewcab, I'm gonna be using epoxy primer and topcoat.

 

[aogrady]

Hi,

Progress has been slow, not getting much dome because of work and poor weather, anyway, so far has sound deadened and insulated one side of the van, just the other side, and sliding door and tailgate. Will be sound deadening the front doors too, maybe also under the seats and above the engine.

I used this for sound deadening, which has considerable reduced the hollow sound when you tap on the outside of the bodywork:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/flashing-tape-225mm-x-10m/72438" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I heated it up with a heat gun and applied to the area, inc the bracing, also the area above the wheel arch. A double layer would improve things further no doubt, but as you cant access the area where the spare wheel fits as this is double skinned, the outer panel may still drum a little, i may apply some to this area, as it may well help still.

The old fibreglass insulation was quite thin, at above 20mm, so i took this out and refitted with new insulation at about 200mm! had to compress a little. This is what i used:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=11127503&fh_view_size=150&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;{9372016}%2fcategories%3C{9372050}%2fcategories%3C{9372230}&isSearch=false&icamp=HP_nom3

I had to open up the packaging, as was far too thick at around 400mm, so went twice as far. I bought one roll the previous week, which was on offer, at about £.60, Homebase have it for £11, anyway, went back fior one more roll just in case, found they are selling a triple pack for £3!! Bargain, so now have more than i need, will chuck the rest up in the loft, even though there is loads up there, or perhaps just Freecycle it.

Finally, i have covered the area with this:

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10617653&fh_location=//catalog01/en_GB/categories%3C" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;{9372016}/categories%3C{9372050}/categories%3C{9372230}/specificationsProductType=thermal_foil

I have refitted the original knackered wood back in place, as to be honest i am gonna struggle to replace it with the poor weather, as i have to work outside cutting wood, it isn't gonna happen in the rain. Especially as it needs varnishing or staining etc, and i would like to replace the roof also.

At least i will finish the sound deadening and insulation where i want it, and I'll get the propex fitted, and the new gas hob and sink when i decide what ti go for, the Waeco CR50 fridge will have to wait for another day!

I will treat the few areas of paint on the floor, and refit the old westy floor, if i can get a break in the weather, i have some 6mm ply to use for this, and cork tiles on top. Though the height may be a few mm poss 3mm higher, i am not sure if this will be hassle when re-fitting everything.

Cheers!

Alistair

 

[creationblue]

Good pictorials Ali, hope to strip mine out over the winter and replace the headlining and side panels, watching with interest.

Just

 

[aogrady]

Good pictorials Ali, hope to strip mine out over the winter and replace the headlining and side panels, watching with interest.

Just

Cheers! You know we like pictures!

I dont have anywhere to work on the van but outside, and i hate the cold, I think just a quick refit of my old interior, fit the propex - have been looking at your install for inspiration, I would really like to get the new floor cut and fitted, along with the cork tiles, but weather dependant, and Linda works weekends, so i only have a few hours towards late pm over a weekend to do anything, as baby Isla to young to leave while Daddy plays with the camper, anyway, i enjoy having a little time on our own, she can help when she is older, but quite a way from that!

And i think this weekend is rain.......

Remembered i have some woodstain i used on the wooden sides on my radio flyer - may use this on the original panels to brighten things up for the time being.

Cheers,

Alistair