Resto Recommendation In Hampshire

[SteveGTU]

Well I've had by van for eight years and think it's about time to do a resto !
Being a uk bus she suffers from rot everywhere so my plan was to get the underside sorted this season, then after Brighton Breeze do the Top, sounds easy eh.
Plan to do as much as possible myself and I do have a sprayer in mind.
Where do I start though ??
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

Its a chicken and egg situation, But generally start at the lowest point and work up, It does depend on your van and what needs doing?

Chassis cross members and cargo floor supports

so out riggers and jacking points

Sills

lower front panel inner and outer

front wheel arches complete (generally need a few of the inner arch panels too)

Rear wheel arches

Rear corners

bottom of the windscreen aperture

bottom of the side window apertures

Gutters

 

[SteveGTU]

Thanks Alex

Guess I'll being seeing you chaps with a chuffing great list 8)

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

I would recommend during Decemeber if you can, placing your order as you'll get 10% off.

If thats not possible do get in touch as we should be able to help out

 

[Graham L]

Get underneath it and do an accurate list of what needs replacing as certain parts are linked to other parts so there's no point in replacing one bit only to find something else attached to it needs replacing.

Also be warned that some rust etc will be hidden if it's bad, if the inner front valance has gone then there's a good likely hood that there's worse under the front panel as that area usually rots from the inside out due to water ingress.

There are plenty of good repair panels out there but there are also some very bad ones namely the ' klokenheim' black stuff, avoid these if you can as you spend more time making them fit then if you bought more expensive parts that do fit in the first place. As well as Heritage check out panels from Schofields, Autocraft eng and the klassic Fab ones sold by C&c. There are some really good repro panels being made.

Hope that helps and more than happy to have a look at it for you with regards to pointing you in the right direction

 

[SteveGTU]

Thanks Graham

I'll definatly catch up with you either at a show or come to yours as I like the French Slammer too, How much do Midland's do on a resto is it as much or little as is required.

 

[Graham L]

Hi Steve

Yes we can do as much or as little as you want, my bus is available to drive with French Slammer products on it so let me know if you want to pop up and have a drive

 

[neilswheels]

As you're in Hampshire, talk to Andy at Farnborough VW center. He's been doing busses for 20 odd years, and does alot of resto work,
http://www.thevwcentre.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just Kampers now have alot of panels made by a restortion company and are a really good fit, and are also in your neck of the woods.

 

[Marriedblonde]

Don't stick to local restoration companies in hampshire. I live local to you and my bus went to Stoke on trent to be restored. I know a few local people that are quite good but I still went and shipped my bus out to be done as I wanted the best job possible.

J.

 

[SteveGTU]

Cheers chaps, I'll check em out.
J we really need an update on your bus now fella, you going the red 9 route ?

 

[damo]

I had work done on my previous van by a chap called Paul Baker, who does both resto work and painting. Links to his websites below.

He is not cheap, but I think he did excellent work for me, and in fact a van featured in VW Camper & Commercial last September (Splitty called Hector) had also used his services.

I would definitely recommend him, and in fact he will shortly be making a few minor touch ups to my crew cab.

http://www.pbcm.co.uk/
http://www.paintbarn.co.uk/

Good luck.

 

[r73]

E's Autos - highly recommended.

 

[slow-lane-Matt]

My bus currently at Beetlelink, Aldershot

Will report back when I get it back.....

 

[r73]

My bus currently at Beetlelink, Aldershot

Will report back when I get it back.....

Good luck! :msn4: when you need more work done speak to Ian at E's and say Rob sent you ;-)