Joined
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167 Posts
SORRY EVERYONE - SOME OF THE PICTURES IN THIS THREAD ARE MISSING, I'M VERY ANNOYED THAT I DIDN'T BACK UP AND TRUSTED AN ONLINE SERVICE.
I have tried to reinstate where possible.
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I thought I'd start a thread on the progress of converting my new van. I think it's going to be really slow as I spent all my money buying her and have to save for a big holiday next summer. Anyway, I'll update what I can and if anyone has any comments/advice etc, I'd really appreciate it.
So here's the van, it's a 1.9td on a Y plate (2001). I bought it yesterday and drove from Manchester to Bristol without any issue, although she doesn't seem too happy over 65mph. Anyway, 190 miles or so only used about £20 of diesel, so I'm very happy with that.
After collecting her, me and the gf were chatting about what to call her, because she's green Grotbags was suggested (after the 80's TV witch, google if it you're too young to remember). I tried and tried to find a different name but unfortunately Grotbags has stuck.
Anyway, the exterior is pretty much perfect, definitely nothing for immediate concern anyway. However the interior isn't quite as great. It's an ex carpenter's van so there's a lot of dust & debris. First thing was to take the lining off around the tailgate clasp. I was greeted with a sawdust cake covering quite a bit of surface rust around the clasp itself:
I also pulled up the floor matting, the floor is in really good condition paint wise, but here was old nails, screws, loads more sawdust and this rubbery black gunk that was sticking the floor mat down. I spent the afternoon today cleaning it and trying to peel off the gunk.
I've also ordered some interior light covers from VW heritage. There's a badly taped wire between both rear light fittings, I've no idea what it's for. If anyone is an electrical specialist and based in Bristol, there's a pint/all the tea you can drink in it for you if you can come figure it out.
I have tried to reinstate where possible.
*************************************************************
I thought I'd start a thread on the progress of converting my new van. I think it's going to be really slow as I spent all my money buying her and have to save for a big holiday next summer. Anyway, I'll update what I can and if anyone has any comments/advice etc, I'd really appreciate it.
So here's the van, it's a 1.9td on a Y plate (2001). I bought it yesterday and drove from Manchester to Bristol without any issue, although she doesn't seem too happy over 65mph. Anyway, 190 miles or so only used about £20 of diesel, so I'm very happy with that.

After collecting her, me and the gf were chatting about what to call her, because she's green Grotbags was suggested (after the 80's TV witch, google if it you're too young to remember). I tried and tried to find a different name but unfortunately Grotbags has stuck.
Anyway, the exterior is pretty much perfect, definitely nothing for immediate concern anyway. However the interior isn't quite as great. It's an ex carpenter's van so there's a lot of dust & debris. First thing was to take the lining off around the tailgate clasp. I was greeted with a sawdust cake covering quite a bit of surface rust around the clasp itself:

I also pulled up the floor matting, the floor is in really good condition paint wise, but here was old nails, screws, loads more sawdust and this rubbery black gunk that was sticking the floor mat down. I spent the afternoon today cleaning it and trying to peel off the gunk.

I've also ordered some interior light covers from VW heritage. There's a badly taped wire between both rear light fittings, I've no idea what it's for. If anyone is an electrical specialist and based in Bristol, there's a pint/all the tea you can drink in it for you if you can come figure it out.