I love this thread, definitely an inspiring read.
I intend to paint my bus myself, and my wife thinks i'm mad, but your bus is proof it can be done outside to a good standard with a tight budget.
The butty's linkage was the first bit I bought for my bus and it's the best purchase I've made so far - Your work is looking belting so far. Inspiring me to do some more! What did you paint your torsion arms with? they look spot on.