rb panel van conversion begins !

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Well after Ordering our base vehicle back in July it has finally arrived.....

As you can see its a Peugeot Boxer, the van is 6.4m long and has a 2.2 engine with 130 BHP.
The new Boxer has a few changes to it the obvious one being the face lift.
Other changes made are to the sliding door gear being beefed up.
A couple of mechanical changes have been made one to the cambelt which is now a chain And the brakes are bigger I am lead to believe the brake upgrade is the reason the van only needs servicing every two years or every 30'000 miles.
Can't be doing with Bevs ipad.
Going on my lap top. To be continued.
Ralph.

 

[Terran]

Looks a great van, look forward to seeing pics of its development. Good luck with the conversion. Cheers.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

 

[Timetraveller]

Look forward to seeing the developments neighbour, very pleased for you both.

 

[Timetraveller]

Look forward to seeing the developments neighbour, very pleased for you both.

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[bobandjanie]

Exciting times ahead Ralph bet you can't wait to start cutting holes in it.

Remember measure twice and cut once.
Look forward to following the build.

Bob and Janie

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Thats better back on the laptop.
The vans colour is a very light Gold colour and in Metallic which is one of the many upgrades we have chosen.
Here is a list of the other upgrades......

Cruise Control / Speed Limiter
Reversing Camera linked to central radio system screen
Satellite Navigation
Bluetooth Radio
Cab Air Con
Uprated Alternator 180A
Reinforced Battery
Engine under-Tray Protection
Front and Rear Mudflaps
Uprated Tyres 16" Four Season
Alloys
LED day running lights
Rear Suspension Upgrade

So the fun begins. I say fun but its a bit daunting As Bob and Janie say knowing i have to start and cut, some big holes in the vans roof and sidewalls
I can now slowly start to empty our dining room which is like a stock room at Johns Cross
Some of the first jobs to do require decent temperatures to apply mastic's and sealants lets hope it not cold for too long. We shall make Whitby goth (Val n Bob) even if we have to put a mattress in the back !
The insurance we have gives me around 100 days to complete so no big rush. I do work full time ,so we intend to take our time , carefully plan and get it right.
We shall keep this thread running throughout all the stages , for anyone that's interested.

 

[dave newell]

Nice van and good luck with the conversion, if you can complete in 100 days while working full time then you're probably a better man than me!

BTW the 2.2 PSA/Ford lump has always been chain drive cams so that isn't actually an "upgrade".

D.

 

[Minxy]

Nice van and good luck with the conversion, if you can complete in 100 days while working full time then you're probably a better man than me!

BTW the 2.2 PSA/Ford lump has always been chain drive cams so that isn't actually an "upgrade".

D.

Yes that's what I thought too Dave.

 

[manda3000gt]

Have you sold your CI ?

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[weekenders]

Hi Ralph, can't wait to see the new van, hopefully finished for goth w/e, keep us updated on your project

 

[John.]

You got it !!
Looks great so much easier to work on a new van no rust grime or bodges to work around

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

BTW the 2.2 PSA/Ford lump has always been chain drive cams so that isn't actually an "upgrade".

D.

Hi Dave, Thanks for info on the cam, engines are not my thing just going on what the dealer has told me, I didn't pay for that as an extra.
I don't intend to do all the build myself. I will be doing what i call the first and second fix.
First fix Windows, Insulate, plumbing and wiring,solar, lining out etc........
The main bit, the lets call it the woodwork beds Bases, wardrobes, kitchen, bathroom Walls will be done by a bespoke kitchen maker I know.
All the soft furnishings are going to be done by Regal. To the Ih standard that we aim for.
As these, the woodwork and furnishings are biggest time consumers i think it is achievable in our time scale.
After the woodworking is done i will second fix ....Lighting, Bathroom fittings,Kitchen area, 12v - 240v points etc etc.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Have you sold your CI ?

No not up for sale yet , it's getting emptied tomorrow. Getting full hab and service and 12 month mot before we put it up for sale.
So if you know anyone that might be interested in a lovely van with loads of extras.......

 

[lorger]

Looks good Ralph best of luck and look forward to seeing the progress

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[Terry]

Nice looking van Ralph & Bev 100 days = 3 mths so it should be done easy -I have no doubt you have the layout settled on and that's the hard bit look forward to seeing it progress and finished van come Whitby in April edit are you doing all the plumbing bits as well ?
terry

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Nice looking van Ralph & Bev 100 days = 3 mths so it should be done easy -I have no doubt you have the layout settled on and that's the hard bit look forward to seeing it progress and finished van come Whitby in April edit are you doing all the plumbing bits as well ?
terry

Yes , that's the easy bit . Under slung and additional Removable onboard Tank for hard winter motorhoming. Or should I say campervaning now !

 

[CazPaul]

What sort of insulation are you going for, I always think that's one of the most important parts and so often skimped on.

Paul.

 

[Techno]

Found it! good luck and watching with great interest.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Hi Paul,
25/35mm kingspan. Depending on Location in the van. Then spray foam in the "upright supports"? And hard to reach places.

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[Mr Ed]

Gosh I am so looking forward to watching this.

 

[JockandRita]

Gosh I am so looking forward to watching this.

Yes, me too.

All the very best with the conversion Ralph & Bev.
I hope you don't loose too much blood, skin, and hair (pulled out).

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[dave newell]

Hi Dave, Thanks for info on the cam, engines are not my thing just going on what the dealer has told me, I didn't pay for that as an extra.
I don't intend to do all the build myself. I will be doing what i call the first and second fix.
First fix Windows, Insulate, plumbing and wiring,solar, lining out etc........
The main bit, the lets call it the woodwork beds Bases, wardrobes, kitchen, bathroom Walls will be done by a bespoke kitchen maker I know.
All the soft furnishings are going to be done by Regal. To the Ih standard that we aim for.
As these, the woodwork and furnishings are biggest time consumers i think it is achievable in our time scale.
After the woodworking is done i will second fix ....Lighting, Bathroom fittings,Kitchen area, 12v - 240v points etc etc.

Ah that makes a difference and you should be able to meet your target timescale. For insulation consider using spray polyurethane foam, its a bit messy to do and not cheap but it does have advantages: it bonds to the surface its sprayed onto so it won't squeak later, it forms a waterproof barrier and gives good heat and noise insulation. Have a look at the blog on my website of the conversion I've been doing for a customer.

Most of all enjoy your new van, both in conversion and use.

D.

 

[Judge Mental]

I would use spray insulation for the strengthened frame section, don't forget to insulate these, and a sheet material glued to walls. What layout have you decided on and if you don't mind sharing, what is the budget. Good luck with this, look forward to seeing the results

Not teaching you to suck eggs but really worth reading up on insulating a panel van, vapour barriers etc.....

put this in Google and there are loads of links to info. "best panel van wall insulation. campervan conversions"

 

[DBK]

If the van is 6.4m long it must be the same chassis as Murvi use for their XL versions. They use the extra 0.4m over the standard LWB version for a full height storage area on one side, which would be useful for hanging wet things in and I know someone who has one on order with a dedicated place built for storing a genny. If you haven't yet set your layout in concrete it would worth looking at the Murvi XL layouts. But if you plan on fixed beds, which are probably easier for a home conversion then I guess you will want to use the extra length for that.

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[Zains Pops]

Best of luck with the project, the first cut into that brand new paintwork will be a real squeaky bum moment. Remember 'measure once and cut twice' or something like that.
Look forward to seeing the blog.

 

[StitchesnFluff]

looking forward to seeing you new baby being built!

 

[Terry]

Best of luck with the project, the first cut into that brand new paintwork will be a real squeaky bum moment. Remember 'measure once and cut twice' or something like that.
Look forward to seeing the blog.

Hi Ralph forget the measuring twice bit Mask a couple of ins around your hole and offer up the window to make sure it fits
After you have made the cut have a bucket of warm soapy water ready to wash off any swarf that settles on the van Left overnight and it soon turns into small rust spots that don't do the paint much good
terry

 

[Judge Mental]

Having had a 6 metre PVC and currently a 6.4, you will be pleasantly surprised how much difference the extra length makes..

 

[mitzimad]

i would have a new van spray foamed if i was building again under 400 was the last price i saw quoted and thats a company in bolton

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