Hi all

[Patchwork.Hippie]

Hi all,

I've been a member a while but this is one of my first posts. We've got a 1970 bay that I'm in the process of converting to a hightop from a westfalia pop. We were aiming to try and keep it as original as possible but it has a 2l scooby engine in it so we will never get it back to factory so we plan on having a proper adventure wagon. It is currently sat empty on my drive after stripping everything out of it to get rid of the sad orange bits in the metal.

Lee & Vix and Bodhi Bus

 

[ozziedog]

Hiya Lee & Vix, I quite like the colour it is so do your very best to combat them orange termites. Chasing that stuff is almost a full time occupation for lots of us on here. As far as originality is concerned, there’s very few that have stood the rigours and are original, mines very much like Triggers broom as it was a panel then converted then I changed it and keep on changing it. Maybe start a rebuild thread of your own over in the gallery section. Do you think you’ll be out in it this season ? It’s very close right now and it’s already started for some.

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,,and,, a big big welcome too

 

[Patchwork.Hippie]

Hi Ozziedog,

I'm not too keen on the colour in all fairness. It will be getting painted sometime soon but unsure what colour as of yet. I was aiming for black with a white top but that could change, maybe grey with black top. I think I may start a thread as it means I can keep track of it. I've even kept the photos from the post that was on Facebook marketplace when I bought it in September. We're hoping to get out in it soon, albeit I think it will be a very basic interior to start off with and redo it during the year. During the winter I will sort the Engine and get that out so I can sort out everything underneath. The aim in theory is to go to Europe with it next year. Apparently it has been to a volks rally in Poland many moons ago.

Lee & Vix

 

[Patchwork.Hippie]

Also I'm still unsure of whether to scrape the floor with it or lift it a bit for more fun and adventures

 

[ozziedog]

I’ve done both, lowered but not scraping I’ve gone back to stock plus a little bit now and it rides sooooooo much bettererer. I convinced myself for years that it rode nice but it still bottomed out every so often. Riding higher gives you some decent commercial standard sidewalls which really helps with getting blown about on motorway lanes.. As for the interior, you’re possibly doing the best thing and seeing what you need before you fit it. Portable cookers are Ab Fab and don’t stink your van out and you can always have two if you feel the culinary excitement that much. I cook outside my van ‘ most ‘ of the time. The only downside is if it’s way too windy, the storage box gives you loads of wind protection but occasionally it’s just a bit stormy. By cooking outside, you’ll also keep moisture/ steam / condensation on pthe outside instead of in your van which is brilliant at trying to keep the rust down. Full width bed is also a nice thing. Everything else is just whatever you think you’ll need. Sink ? A lot of wasted space in my view but each to their own. Swill everything and wipe it, Chuck it in the dishwasher when I get home. Keep your Stella cold in a decent coolbox and everything else will work out fine .


Ozziedog,,,,,,, that’s how mine looked until recently

 

[dubselector]

I went grey with white top as it was all grey when I got it and hadnt seen a grey and white Early. No sooner had I had it painted I found the same colour combo had been done by one of Delilahs customers and was on their website - so much for originality!

 

[dubselector]

Still not sure 17s were the best choice

 

[fatgaz]

Heres mine once I renovated it.

 

[Patchwork.Hippie]

I’ve done both, lowered but not scraping I’ve gone back to stock plus a little bit now and it rides sooooooo much bettererer. I convinced myself for years that it rode nice but it still bottomed out every so often. Riding higher gives you some decent commercial standard sidewalls which really helps with getting blown about on motorway lanes.. As for the interior, you’re possibly doing the best thing and seeing what you need before you fit it. Portable cookers are Ab Fab and don’t stink your van out and you can always have two if you feel the culinary excitement that much. I cook outside my van ‘ most ‘ of the time. The only downside is if it’s way too windy, the storage box gives you loads of wind protection but occasionally it’s just a bit stormy. By cooking outside, you’ll also keep moisture/ steam / condensation on pthe outside instead of in your van which is brilliant at trying to keep the rust down. Full width bed is also a nice thing. Everything else is just whatever you think you’ll need. Sink ? A lot of wasted space in my view but each to their own. Swill everything and wipe it, Chuck it in the dishwasher when I get home. Keep your Stella cold in a decent coolbox and everything else will work out fine .
View attachment 5129

Ozziedog,,,,,,, that’s how mine looked until recently

I love the height of yours, I fancy some nobblies on mine as well. I need them mirrors in my life, I cant remember where we saw them first but they're seriously growing on me.

With having the Scooby engine in mine it occasionally scrapes on speed bumps which is not good. My first major panel replacement and I've already cut through the earth for the fuel pump.