Busterbulldog
Free Member
Hi all, we are Stuart and Donna. We have fancied a motorhome for many years now and have finally taken the plunge. We didn't have a large budget and wanted to avoid finance so opted for an old used motorhome. After studying the ads for weeks we decided to take the plunge on a 1995 Ci Riviera 1000 on a Fiat Ducatto base. The reason we bought this was it looked relatively modern for the age. It doesn't appear to have had a vast amount of use...only 50,000miles in 17years. First impressions when we saw it were "crikey, this guy doesn't know what polish is". Previous owner had had this vehicle for four years and done 6000miles in that time. The van itself is not knocked about at all and is very straight. The interior is in very good condition...practically immaculate. Went on a test drive, steering was extremely heavy especially off dead centre. Steering wheel is very big. Done a deal for £8300 and insured there and then for £359 with Caravanguard. Van came with a full 1years MOT Cert complete with a few advisories.
Driving home!!!!
After a few miles I found myself thinking....sometimes I'm too impulsive....what have I done this time???
There was a smell of fumes. The heater temperature would not stabilise...quite erratic to say the least. It was extremely noisy. Steering was very heavy. Handling was awful. Best cruising speed was 40mph. From 40-46 the van wobbled like hell from the rear which went to a sort of back end wave and then ended at about 46 to be replaced by a huge noise. Drove the 110miles....took ages. Donna in car in front was rather annoyed at the 40mph 99% of the journey home and thought I was taking the piss. Arrived home 11.15p.m. Very tired.
Broad light of day!!!
Faded paintwork. Dull plastics. Generally needing a damn good clean outside due to being parked up and left way too long between polishes if ever polished. This was Wednesday...its now Sunday. Washed, T-cutted, polished all the cab paintwork, doors etc. This has come up like new and I am very pleased with the results. Started cleaning main caravan bit...jet washed all roof as it was hanging, it came up very well. There is a roof rack, ladders and bike rack all fitted and matching though a bit green faded and dirty. I have gone round the corner trim and edges of windows and door trimming off the unsightly black mastic type substance that seems to have oozed out over the years and grown green mould. T cut and polished giving back the clean lines it would have once had .
Donna meanwhile has been busy on the interior. All is in very good condition cosmetically although the electrics and gas have yet to be checked out. The previous owner had had new curtains and cushion covers made which are of good quality though not to my taste so will be changing that in the future. The wooden interior is quite a pleasant shade and it also benefits from newly fitted carpets. The cab is also in very good condition...seats unmarked and clean. Loads of space for storage. Fitted we have 2ring hob, sink, Electrolux fridge gas/electric,gas fire,nice 2 tone shower room with basin and wc.
Mechanical....lifted bonnet,can see a hole in the exhaust just below manifold accounts for fumes and noise ,going to buy complete system.Tyre check,pressures varied between 31 and 46 psi... recommended 72.5,am hoping this accounts for the heavy steering and wayward handling.One tyre (mitchelin) has started to crack on the sidewall ,checked date code,they are 2001 so have decided a new full set needed.Havnt started van since getting home,once finished cleaning going to change oil and filter,change air filter,brake fluid,coolant,fuel filter.Going to remove and clean all plumbing pipes/renew as necessary,intercooler radiator looks blocked so going to remove /clean renew if needed.
To be honest i know sod all about motorhomes so this is going to be a learning curve.
My first question,the van has a plastic trim/skirting all around the bottom,whats best to clean/recolor/renovate this?
intro overDonna and Stuart
Driving home!!!!
After a few miles I found myself thinking....sometimes I'm too impulsive....what have I done this time???
There was a smell of fumes. The heater temperature would not stabilise...quite erratic to say the least. It was extremely noisy. Steering was very heavy. Handling was awful. Best cruising speed was 40mph. From 40-46 the van wobbled like hell from the rear which went to a sort of back end wave and then ended at about 46 to be replaced by a huge noise. Drove the 110miles....took ages. Donna in car in front was rather annoyed at the 40mph 99% of the journey home and thought I was taking the piss. Arrived home 11.15p.m. Very tired.
Broad light of day!!!
Faded paintwork. Dull plastics. Generally needing a damn good clean outside due to being parked up and left way too long between polishes if ever polished. This was Wednesday...its now Sunday. Washed, T-cutted, polished all the cab paintwork, doors etc. This has come up like new and I am very pleased with the results. Started cleaning main caravan bit...jet washed all roof as it was hanging, it came up very well. There is a roof rack, ladders and bike rack all fitted and matching though a bit green faded and dirty. I have gone round the corner trim and edges of windows and door trimming off the unsightly black mastic type substance that seems to have oozed out over the years and grown green mould. T cut and polished giving back the clean lines it would have once had .
Donna meanwhile has been busy on the interior. All is in very good condition cosmetically although the electrics and gas have yet to be checked out. The previous owner had had new curtains and cushion covers made which are of good quality though not to my taste so will be changing that in the future. The wooden interior is quite a pleasant shade and it also benefits from newly fitted carpets. The cab is also in very good condition...seats unmarked and clean. Loads of space for storage. Fitted we have 2ring hob, sink, Electrolux fridge gas/electric,gas fire,nice 2 tone shower room with basin and wc.
Mechanical....lifted bonnet,can see a hole in the exhaust just below manifold accounts for fumes and noise ,going to buy complete system.Tyre check,pressures varied between 31 and 46 psi... recommended 72.5,am hoping this accounts for the heavy steering and wayward handling.One tyre (mitchelin) has started to crack on the sidewall ,checked date code,they are 2001 so have decided a new full set needed.Havnt started van since getting home,once finished cleaning going to change oil and filter,change air filter,brake fluid,coolant,fuel filter.Going to remove and clean all plumbing pipes/renew as necessary,intercooler radiator looks blocked so going to remove /clean renew if needed.
To be honest i know sod all about motorhomes so this is going to be a learning curve.
My first question,the van has a plastic trim/skirting all around the bottom,whats best to clean/recolor/renovate this?
intro overDonna and Stuart