Mertle's Makeover!

[Crispydoodle]

How Do Funsters!
After debating over what to do with Mertle over the last month or so, we have decided to take the plunge and get her brought up to date with some new furnishings etc. The only thing the van has going against it, is her age, but the fact that shes in fantastic condition for 25 and still running strong, it seems more logical to restore/recondition over replace.

So iv'e decided to keep a little diary of progress for anyone that's interested. Watch this space!

 

[wizzer59]

Yep interested, before pics first please

 

[Crispydoodle]

After a setback right from the beginning, Mertle decided to have an emotional moment, and chew up her Vacuum Pump, that resulted in a failure of the power brakes and the ability to shut the ignition off!! (These old Dervs require a vacuum line in order to cut off the fuel supply). So had to start off with a tedious task of stripping everything out before starting a make over. As you can see pump was a bit fubared!

 

[Crispydoodle]

During ripping everything apart, a knackered Turbo Intercooler was discovered, something else to add to the list

 

[Crispydoodle]

Back on track now with a replacement boiler. Unfortunately The Carver 2 boiler had 2 leaks, this may have been down to frost damage, this in turn also damaged the Burner Module. So out with the old and in with the new!

The boiler is located under the right hand side sofa

Burner outlet with cover removed

The Carver 2 controller has to be replaced with the new replacement Henry controller as the two arnt compatable between them

Out with the old....

In with the new!



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[Crispydoodle]

As the 4 pin connector was damaged at the boiler end, and the loom couldnt be changed due to the location of the controller, a joint needed to be made. I used bullet crimps and sockets to enable ease of removal, and the new Henry boilers come with a 3 pin kettle style lead, so a 20amp joint box was utilised to keep everything neat and tidy.

 

[irnbru]

This is going to be a good thread to follow.
Looking forward to the updates and progress.

 

[Crispydoodle]

Job done!!

 

[gus-lopez]

Looking good !
Those hub caps of yours are nice. Fetch good money & hard to get hold of decent ones these days.

 

[Crispydoodle]

Looking good !
Those hub caps of yours are nice. Fetch good money & hard to get hold of decent ones these days.

Thanks Gus, we really do like them, however as you say, there pretty rare to find now, and because of that were thinking of taking them off, Nearly lost one last month! Its a shame really, as there pretty retro, and alot of them are snapped up super quick by Mercedes enthusiasts to put on pre 80 mercs. And if they do come up half the time there the wrong colour!

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[CandC]

Good luck with the makeover, it looks like you're doing a great job so far! I've "watched" this thread to help inspire me and keep my motivation up for Charlotte's makeover

Keep up the good work!

 

[Jaws]

Keep em coming ! Loving this thread !!!

 

[Crispydoodle]

Had a bit of a leisurely day today, so todays mods wernt quite so taxing. Todays jobs, Lighting!

Out with the old...

In with the new. These are the later LED technology so less of a strain on the leisure batteries when theres no hookup.

Hmmm Tarnished Brass, ready for the bin i feel!

Chrome replacements, again direct fit so no modification required. These are also fitted with Bayonet Cap LED lamps to lower consumption and reduce heat build up.

Fogot to take a before pic of the awning light. It was the old style Britax circular fixture with a 10 watt Feston lamp, this had discoloured quite badly, so it had to make way for this LED slimline Awning Light. Well impressed with the quality of this light fixture, would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to upgrade there's. Manufactured by Labcraft, part number ASTRO LL2. Bit steep for around £30, but you get what you pay for! And there made in the UK!

These were the interior Fixtures, again by Labcraft, however they do look a bit commercial inside. We did want to put in downlighters, but the previous owner had used builders adhesive to fit them, with left marks on the ceiling lining.

So we opted for these. As the other ones wernt very bright, we opted for these twin units manufactured by Maypole. We then relamped them using Sylvania 8 Watt Warm White Fluorescent Tubes. These give alot more of a warm yellow output, unlike the standard White Lamps they come with. Sometimes they come with Cool White Tubes, which give off a bluey effect, similar to the Reading Lamps shown earlier.

 

[Mikey RV]

Good thread keep the good work up. Looking good.

 

[CandC]

Great work on the lighting.... that's ANOTHER job on my growing to do list!! I particularly like the reading lamps btw.... where did you get those from please?

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[Crispydoodle]

Great work on the lighting.... that's ANOTHER job on my growing to do list!! I particularly like the reading lamps btw.... where did you get those from please?

Thanks CandC
Its suprising how little things can make such a big difference.
The Fittings are from here-
Broken Link Removed

The Lamps were from here-
Broken Link Removed

Chris

 

[CandC]

Thanks CandC
Its suprising how little things can make such a big difference.
The Fittings are from here-
Broken Link Removed

The Lamps were from here-
Broken Link Removed

Chris

That's great, thank you Chris.

Colin

 

[Carol]

Good interesting thread keep it coming

 

[Bertie Bassett]

What Carol said plus I wish I had your skills Crispy!!

 

[Crispydoodle]

What Carol said plus I wish I had your skills Crispy!!

Aww Thanks guys. We all know the upkeep of our Motorhomes is an expensive affair, i just try to save a bit and do as much as i can to save the pennies

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[Terry]

Thanks CandC
Its suprising how little things can make such a big difference.
The Fittings are from here-
Broken Link Removed

The Lamps were from here-
Broken Link Removed

Chris

Hi Chris nice job ---if you need any more of those lights I have both brushed steel and gold £4.50 each
terry

 

[Crispydoodle]

Hi Chris nice job ---if you need any more of those lights I have both brushed steel and gold £4.50 each
terry

Thanks Terry! I was beginning to think you couldnt get them anymore, Most the Camping Shops sell tear drop shaped ones or round ones now.

 

[Terry]

I think I have around 12 of each and know where I can get a few hundred No doubt at a discount/I Like the led bulbs for them
terry

 

[Crispydoodle]

I think I have around 12 of each and know where I can get a few hundred No doubt at a discount/I Like the led bulbs for them
terry

Ahhh great stuff. Yes the LED Bulbs are a nice touch, there not as bright as the standard BA15 Lamps, but saying that, they dont really need to be. My ones are above the bunk in the top Luton, so it did used to get a bit warm with them on

 

[Crispydoodle]

Some nice clear front indicator lenses today, and a set of fresh number plates to smarten the outside a bit.

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[Crispydoodle]

Tonights task. Remove this little collection of oddities and mis-match accessories -

And replace them with some nice shiny new ones!

 

[Crispydoodle]

This might need a little further investigation. Dont suppose anyone might know what these 2 relays could be for....Help! Lol

 

[scousebird]

Alan said is there a tow bar on your MH twin electrics?

 

[Crispydoodle]

It has yes, but only one socket, not twin? One relay has a line direct to the leisure battery terminal, the other has one going to that burnt fuse carrier. Both terminal 87 on the relays.

 

[scousebird]

Alan thinks they are to charge your leisure battery and run the fridge on 12V when you are on the move. He said you would be wise to have an auto electrician look at it and work out why you have a melted wire and a burnt out fuse carrier. Hope the above helps.

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