Gunter - 69' Adventurewagen conversion + Dodge & crewcab projects

[cubeupholstery]

Hi All, we have been going for almost 5 years now and at our current address at The Ropewalk Industrial Estate, Ilkeston for 2 years. Cheers, Tina.

 

[thejones's]

Gotta say, cube did a fantastic job - even doing a little more than asked for no extra charge! Managed to dig her out of hibernation today. Fitted the curtain rails, bit of a clean and blast around the block. Still have to hang the curtains - perfect Sunday job for tomorrow.

Fitted the seats today - few crappy iPhone pics, but here's how they look:

 

[thejones's]

Well, nothing serious, but had a minor crash today whilst pottering out of the farm we were staying at.

Damage was minor and as our bus is patina (ish), it kind of looks like its always been there. Still, the quarter of a turn of play in the steering, didn't help so the steering box is going to be sorted ASAP...

Wing mirror ended up on my lap, next to the rear view mirror...still, no one was hurt and kids didn't notice as they were still bickering! A friendly and somewhat piss taking 4x4 driver pulled us out within 5 minutes (piss taking much deserved mind!)

 

[aogrady]

Sorry to hear of your bump, at least you and the family were ok. A few patina bumper bits and you'll be back to normal again.

Alistair

 

[thejones's]

cheers fella.

Sorry to hear of your bump, at least you and the family were ok. A few patina bumper bits and you'll be back to normal again.

Alistair

 

[dubscum]

D'oh! Glad everyone is ok. All adds to the charm

 

[dubbedup67]

Seriously nice bus you've got there dude.
Shame about The accident,but at least you and your family are all ok. Plus it's gained a bit of patina.

Really like your headliner too? Where did you get the rug from?
n those lights are pretty clean too.

 

[68_early_bay]

Bugger :? At least you're all ok

 

[geordie]

Sorry to hear about your accident!

at least your all ok

I'm sure you will soon have you fantastic bus
back in shape in no time

I love the front seat I have been thing of doing it for
Some time!

thanks for the info

 

[thejones's]

Well, used the bus a few more times since the bump and managed to keep it out of the greenery...Took it for its MOT and it PASSED WITH NO ADVISORIES :shock:

Although I didn't want to do it, also changed the lights to UK spec using the reverse lights as indicators and one of the two wires for the lights as the brake wire... took a couple of pics at its new garage...

 

[thejones's]

Seriously nice bus you've got there dude.
Shame about The accident,but at least you and your family are all ok. Plus it's gained a bit of patina.

Really like your headliner too? Where did you get the rug from?
n those lights are pretty clean too.

Cheers. Roof lining was an unwanted roll off eBay. Lights were from towsure.

 

[thejones's]

Still enjoying the bus, family all love it we're away in it as often as we can be - and the Kids finally named him - Gunter - after the penguins off Adventure Time. We used the bus for our summer holiday to the South of France last year and after having to start our holiday 3 days late, and on a freshly rebuilt engine (18 miles on it when we left) we covered a shade over 2000 miles. This is the day before we were due to leave:



Saw this on the way home. Semi abandoned. Left a note with the owners friend...


Whilst the engine was being rebuilt (due to cam drive rivet failure) out we converted to twinport using 2nd hand bits we got from Tatton park, new crank, cam and rings and a used carb. Upped the compression slightly and a bigger carb and its a very noticable improvment over the singleport. Made a tailpipe up for him too;



More recently, we've faced a dilemma over what to do with Gunter. we're expecting our 3rd child so do we make do and sleep in the awning or import a Jurgans Autovilla from South Africa. Luckily this turned up so Gunter's staying and adapting slightly to suit our needs. the Jurgans itch will have to wait...



The plan is to adapt the roof to accomodate a bunk and find a small trailer to take the extra baby stuff and awning...Cant wait, although im not looking forward to cutting the roof...

 

[thejones's]

Well aft a nightmareish day on the m6 for a trip to midland earlybay for the roof, its home and plonked on top. Lots of work ahead...will update as we go

The roofs in good order and the windout windows etc work a treat. needs a little TLC to the roof light but thats about it. Going to do a bit of measuring tomorrow to make sure its going to work out as i hope.

 

[mike202]

Nice van, I can't believe you got that new roof into your garage!

I'm sure that roof space will give you the extra space you need, for a few years anyway.

 

[thejones's]

Not much done yet. Removed the windows from the roof prior to a light sand and mop. Not planning on painting the roof as it matches the worn look of our camper.

Did a trial fit to see how much room our lad would have in the planned roof bunk - please to say enough for a good few years. Temporarily fitted a 12mm ply base and 50mm mattress and he has stacks of room. He was a little reluctant to be squeezed through the window apature, but once in there, loved it...

 

[thejones's]

Nice van, I can't believe you got that new roof into your garage!

I'm sure that roof space will give you the extra space you need, for a few years anyway.

I'm going to have to increase the height of the garage doors and move the strip lights as there very close to the roof light...hoping for it to last until he's old enough to go in his own little tent - which his mom said he can't do until he's 12!

 

[thejones's]

Started the conversion today with the roof cut. Went the jigsaw route rather than grinder, purely to cut down on the mess - felt odd pulling the roof section off! The removed section is going to be a white board in my sons room eventually - couldn't throw it away! I'll let the pics to the talking...

Before;

During;

After;

Managed 10 mins on flatting the boat before the heavens opened and called a halt to the proceedings!

Just ordered the adhesive to attach the roof, going with Sikaflex 221 - same stuff modern windscreens are bonded in with. Still need to run extra cables, reinforce the sides of the roof and make our minds up whether to insulate the boat or not...

 

[Myvanway]

Nice patina on the roof, the AW hightop is cool and makes the van more practical. 8)

 

[StuF]

Hightops for the win!
They are THE bus for 2015! 8) 8) 8)

 

[thejones's]

Nice patina on the roof, the AW hightop is cool and makes the van more practical. 8)

Cheers - shame to hide it, but this is the most practical way for us to keep our bus.