It is the first big 'weekend' show for us and a chance to get away for a couple of nights, see a bit of the show, take a trip into Oswestry and generally chill-out from the day-to-day stresses.
This year we were treated to fantastic dry, sunny weather with chilly nights, pretty much perfect. There seemed to be more T4s than ever as well as an increasing number of good-looking T5s - another opportunity to scout-around looking at wheel options.
I'd highly recommend a trip to Bustypes if you've never been before; it's a great family show with a good vibe, loads to see, do and spend your money on! See you there next year - no doubt it will be busier than ever!
Hi
ReplyDeletegreat blog by the way, really useful to follow as I've just bought a panel van to convert.
Just wondering what awning you use? Notice you have one from the Bustypes image....
Cheers
andy
Hi Andy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading the blog - I hope it helps with your conversion!
The canopy was from Bluebird customs: http://www.bluebird-type2.co.uk/ but I don't think they stock it anymore. It fits to the van using a Reimo Multirail: http://stone174.blogspot.com/search/label/multirail
Richard
Thanks for the reply Richard, I'll check it out and consider it as an addition. The worst thing I found whilst in the lakes riding was the sliding door inner getting soaked and the canopy will rectify it perfectly!
ReplyDeleteHow do you find the van since panel damping? That, along with side&rear windows are my main jobs bu I'm considering going for something like second skin for mass damping and then a thinsulate insulation layer. Pricey compared to the bitumen flashing&celotex route but I'm worried about internal moisture build up (I've also heard of the bitumen flashing starting to smell in hot conditions...but that's probaby a rare occurance).
Sorry for going on but i'm also interested to see how your windows were finished off on then interior. I've been researching places in the north west for window fitting and come across two different interior finishes (1) hidden cut edge with trim and (2) cleaner bonded edge giving a "factory" look....
Cheers
Andy
For a canopy over the sliding door you could always look into fitting a Fiamma wind-out canopy - very popular with Mountainbikers and Motorcrossers (the disadvantage being that it becomes a 'signpost' for thieves): http://www.campervanaccessories.co.uk/fiamma-multivan-awning-p-405.html
ReplyDeleteInternally, the van is quieter for the panel damping. As mentioned in earlier blog posts if I had the money I would have gone for Dynamat or similar. With the flashing and Celotex there should be no moisture build up, these are behind polythene sheeting to create an 'air layer' between the outer metal panels and the interior panelling.
I'll try and post some pics of the windows from inside this weekend. If you can, I would definitely go for the 'factory' looking windows - anything else will reduce the value of the van when you come to sell.
Whereabouts in the Northwest are you? These guys fit them: http://www.rcstinting.co.uk/ or, if you source the windows yourself, my good friend JC at JC Motors in Haworth, West Yorkshire will fit them.
Also, if you're not already, get on over to the Brickyard forums: http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/ All your questions (and more) can be answered there :)