[Closed] Show me your bike vans

[cough] so when does yours come back for photos then Forge? [/cough]

Andy you've teased the thread into page 5 😯

Should be back late next week 🙂

FTW

[img] http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k219/sj-cars/SA53WSW001.jp g" target="_blank">http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k219/sj-cars/SA53WSW001.jp g"/> &usg=AFQjCNE2GW3EX_zOjvpj_bF6tzwLvpowSQ[/img]

You don't want to turn up for the global warming talks in Copenhagen in one of those 101's do you?

Picked the van up yesterday, haven't really had time to load anything and workout best places for bits and pieces yet, but it is a bike van and based on that first thing to try was the bikes 😀 and I am pleased the bikes fit!!

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20mm option

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QR option
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Room to sit and put kettle on.
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Who did the work? Action Vans??

You don't know what the flooring is do you??

Getting my van in a few days..........excited - many decisions to make.

Jerba Campervans did the work, flooring is Polysafe Vinyl.

What van you getting?

Some campervan Paraphernalia that will be going later 😀

Topical Coasters, The side of the van is pre-conversion

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Campervan Mugs!!

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2007 T5 panel van. 2.5l, 6 spd.
RIB bed ready to fit, lined/spraylined by vanbodies.co.uk
pop-top roof from Vamoose
and maybe some colour coding.

That's plans at the moment.

Got a quote from Jerba, but found similar services closer to home. Jerba seem like nice folks and fantastic quality. Is that their little kitchen module I see in yours? Does the van have a bed?
edit: that's a Reimo bed/seat is it? looks like 3/4 width with 3 belts - didn't know you could do that?

6spd so 130 or 174? Mine was a Panel Van.

Yes it's Reimo 333 116cm wide 3 seater, converts to a bed, also got a SCA pop-top roof which also has a bed.

Jerba is the nearest convertor for me though I was prepared to travel, I hired a van from them prior as well to get a feel for the workman ship.

The kitchen isn't a module it looks like this along with some storage pictures

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Very nice. Can you open the bed out when the bikes are in the back?

Can you open the bed out when the bikes are in the back?

No but I can sleep in the roof with the bikes in the back. As a plan b I have a overnight or need more space bike storage system 🙂

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Which attached to the tow bar provides outside bike storage space and also acts as a workstand and packs into a handy travel bag

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my 110 overlander, fits plenty of DH bikes in stood upright;
[URL= http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8798/dsc02824large.jp g" target="_blank">http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8798/dsc02824large.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Liking that Rusty

http://www.actionmobil.at/page4/page4.html

for when I win the lottery 😆

http://en.achleitner.com/

More van porn..... 😛

This is porn as well :- http://www.scsporthomes.com/
Parts and conversions here :- http://www.rainbowconversions.co.uk/index.htm

forge197 awesome that is.

Hey forge197 can you enlighten me, what have you clamped your forks into? Other than the 20mm adaptor is that something you made or something off the shelf?

Cheers

Thanks for the nice comments.

Bagpuss the Fork up is clamped to a Thule 593 which comes with a Thule 592 that has been slightly trimmed to fit the application.

I did have to replace the wing nut at one end as it fowls the thicker fork legs but a 13mm nut sorted that, have to carry a 13mm spanner to secure it but no big deal and is solid and the same solution works with 20mm and QR.

We camped out in the van last night en-route to family it was ace and will be doing so again later in the week, think we'll be having much fun in 2010. 🙂

Forge - you wanna take it back and get them to fit a window you can see out of. Yours is all pixellated!

Digger90 - just need's a clean be fine 😉

Cheers Forge

Here's our project, no prizes the guessing the original owner 😉

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ex aa T4, mates got one of those, some bling rims there 🙂

Yeah, not sure how long they're staying on it, the original wheels were in the back when we picked her up and they've probably going back on soon.

Not sure it will ever be as nice as yours.

I've "upgraded" the standard 16" steels to 17" steels on mine as it's going to be going down forest tracks and campsites etc.... so didn't want the worry of damaging alloys, you can repair a steel with a hammer if need be 🙂

Not sure it will ever be as nice as yours.

Couldn't find a Navara for the right money/mileage, so made a compromise and got one of these for a snip.......

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Looking at all these makes me think I should get my finger out and finish mine... can anyone recommend somewhere in South wales or the midlands for lining and insulating a Trafic, plus sorting the electrics for leisure battery? Either that or where I can get kits from. It's already got extra windows and a Rock 'N Roll bed, just needs finishing.

[img] [/img]Just posted on a new thread elsewhere before this popped up (Can i ask for the other one to be deleted as this is more appropriate)

One of my suppliers does conversions. His work is as good as i have seen.

Anyhow, although he has built this on my competitions vehicle, i cant deny it looks bllody lovely.

Oh, and he is selling it as well.

Before anyone says i am promoting his work, i work for mercedes and have no interest in selling a VW. I have also recommended that he contact the powers that be about doing some proper trade advertising on here.

What do you think of this

More pics http://www.vanbodies.co.uk/photo_gallery.html

steve t,

Normally a few sellers on e-bay with lining kits. I have just insulated mine with sheepswool insulation from B+Q at GBP 15 a roll (got it for half price though) and it took 2 rolls and an afternoon as I already had mine lined.
Tidytransporters (www.tidytransporters.co.uk)do a simple leisure charging circuit with voltage sensing relay, cutoff switch and fused circuits. Should be a "simple" fit depending upon how many secondary systems you put in. I am planning on 2 light circuits, tv feed, playstation feed, and an inverter feed. Got my bed over christmas and have deicded on cooker type and position. A decent weekend should see it in place.

Regards,
Matt.

Slightly smaller than the T5 Massive, but;

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With a modified Fiamma rack it'll take five bikes (or eight broken down if you keep the seats down) and five folk. Note rare back windows to prevent puking/travel sickness opportunities...

I've the ply lining for the sides/wheelarches/barn doors of a SWB VW T5 taking up room in the garage - if anyone can use it, it's free if collected. All cut, drilled, shaped etc.
TEXT:07866389252

Fiat Scudo Panorama 8 seats 2/3/3/:

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2nd and 3rd rows are the same bench of 2 and 1, drives like a car, a big car!

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and road bikes fit in sideways

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Mine's a work in progress, but getting there.

Thule Euroclassic for the bike. Bike fits behind the front seats broken up at a push for security when required.
[url= http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/IMG_0260.jp g" target="_blank">http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/IMG_0260.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Fridge on the left, hob on the right in stowed position - final cushion's getting remade due to cock-up.
[url= http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/Caddy2.jp g" target="_blank">http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/Caddy2.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

Bed and limited sitting/dressing area when front seats are forward.
[url= http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/Caddy4.jp g" target="_blank">http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc240/brycey1978/Caddy4.jp g"/> [/img][/url]

This is my van. I've had this one since the summer. Have been running vans for around 3 years now (often with a car as well) and at the start of this year got a semi conversion for riding trips/racing and really liked it. Decided to buy a van to convert this winter to take the things I like and change the the bits I don't. While nosing for a shell I came across this for an absolute song.

I use it mainly for dh racing and it's a motocross conversion originally. It seats 5 legally, will sleep 3 and I can get 6 DH bikes in the back fully built with kit bags etc. It has hot water, shower, toilet, power, hob, grill, sink, fridge, tv/dvd/freeview, 2 water tanks (1 for living 1 for bike washing), mains hook up and other stuff as well. It is approximately the size of wales as well but just fits up my drive.

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I've got an 04 Astra Van which is a bit of a jack of all trades and consequently a master of none.

Pros: I can drive it to work without looking too much of a ****t although I do look like I'm delivering washing machines if I'm wearing a tie. It's more economical than an astra estate as its got less weight and obviously it drives just like a car. It was also fairly cheap, has aircon, cd player, reasonable seats. Oh, and apparently it'll do well over a ton, but thats not something I'd know about.

Cons: Bikes have to have the front wheel and seatpost out if you want to get them in the back. Its poxhall so feels a bit worn with anything over 70k on it. Also the 1.7cdti's have issues with the ECU - not a cheap fix. And girls are never impressed by vans if thats an issue.

To be honest, if you're going to get a van, get a proper one. Mine doesn't do anything that well and is a compromise. Next vehicle will be either a 5 series or a T5/Vivaro

Couple of quick questions.

I am considering (still) getting a Toyota Hi Ace and slowly converting it to add two rear seats with two additional side windows (found a converters).

Questions are: Can you fit a baby seat into the existing 3 seat set up?

and....

I want to avoid ex private ambulances. On the V5 etc- how do I spot these? 😕

My Dad is doing a camper van conversion at the moment, sadly it won't be available for mountain biking, but I as asking him about insulation. He said that the problem with most materials is that you get condensation that is then trapped against the side of the van causing them to rust. He is getting his done at a place in Bolton for £300 that is a spray foam insulation that is completely sealed against the body, so doesn't cause rust.

paulrockliffe - I would be very greatful for the contact info on that and thoughts on afterwards. 😀

markhoracekuk AT yahoo.com

Any update on the van purchase Rob?

Brycey

I was looking at the VW Caddy for a works car. I know not everyone likes them as they are not as big as a transporter or vito but for everyday driving they look okay and I've got a landrover for weekends away anyway. What do you think of yours? I looked at the 7 seat model as it was better value than the 5 seat with the plan to remove the two back seats. Can you get a bike in with the front wheel off if the back seats are out?

Cheers.

Is there something you can get that you can put in the back of any van without actually fixing to the floor (i.e. it's removable to swap between vans) to stop bikes moving around/falling over when upright?

anybody know what type of vehicle this is? converted army ambulance maybe?

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It's a Land Rover 101, either an Ambulance or a Radio body. Very capable off road, rather uncomfortable on road and rather thirsty. Very cool though.

And a Hannible on the roof.

Someone hasn't read the whole thread...

I know it's not bling or expensive or anything, but a good long log (wooden variety!) - cut a flat side, then three slots across it 2" wide for front wheel wedging. Alternatively screw/bracket on some old QR hubs.

anybody know what type of vehicle this is? converted army ambulance maybe?

Is he camping ontop to avoid being attacked by the wild Tabby cats of Surbiton or bitten by the wild killer earth worms?

Hairymechanic

It's a Caddy Maxi Life which has a higher interior spec that makes it a bit more car like. It was originally a 7 seater but all the rear seats are removed. It's a long wheelbase so there's a fair bit of room, but obviously it gives width and height to the Transporter. It's got the 2.0 140bhp TDI, and goes really well.

Because it's all windowed I need to get some foil window panels made up, but I'm intending to mainly using it in sunnier climes so I'm not too worried (although I'm racing at Inners next week and expect to be ****ing freezing).

Never tried only one row of seats out, but I'd imagine it would go in minus front wheel.

Cheers Brycey!

🙂

Brycey I've got a set of those panels custom made for my old Master, I can find the suppliers name and contact details if you need them?

Seeing as we've got some more 101 porn and Hora loves rooftents so much I thought I'd post mine again.
[URL= http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9285/dsc01494large.jp g" target="_blank">http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9285/dsc01494large.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

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CHRIST! 8)

We now have this,

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but we did have this

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PePPeR - yes please mate

hora - Member
anybody know what type of vehicle this is? converted army ambulance maybe?

Instead of pretending to be an Expedition hardman camping out in deepest Surrey. Surely the owner of the said tired-wornout looking vehicle could just spend the 6mpg on a really fancy hotel to stay in each night?
Is he camping ontop to avoid being attacked by the wild Tabby cats of Surbiton or bitten by the wild killer earth worms?

I like it. sod it, we do a stupid sport. why not own a stupid vehicle. I have some mates who are looking at a 101 for a team van. it's a laugh, innit?

Van?

6 Bikes..

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Southern Italy in a day. Filled up a few times mind...:-)

now that's just being clever scotster.
nice ride!

Thanks Boxelder, I was thinking DIY at first but was curious if it existed as a product you could buy.

Brycey - would love to have a chat with you about your conversion on the Caddy.

We are going to get one in a couple of months and do the same.

Cant seem to see your email in your profile. Can you drop me an email (in profile).

nick.

If only it were mine. It's a good mate of mine who always makes his toys work very hard. The irony is that he left his X5 at home.

I'll let you get back to your vans...

6 bikes, but only 2 people???
😕

ctzsmith - picking my T5 up from them on Tuesday - the sprayline stuff is really impressive. Mail me if you want pics.

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ah well...

Ok - before we return to vans...

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...looking forward to combining Alps driving with Alps riding this year!

But more normally:

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I have recently purchased an ex police swb medium hi top 100 ps transit.
Initially I wanted a renault but heard loads of gearbox horror stories.
The transit's engine is chain driven and parts are relatively inexpensive.
good mpg 35+ will happily sit at 70-80.
I do look like a pikey though. Ho hum.

boxelder - can you post some pics on this thread of the sprayline finish when you get it back, it looks interesting from what I've read.

Uncanny I'd just logged on and you ask me a question - give me 5 mins....

....here you, a couple of unfinished interior:

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I only got the rear wheel arches and surround of rear doors done with sprayline(£150). Its sort of rubbery and very hard wearing. The cost depends on the amount of masking required. Close up shots on their [url= http://www.spray-on-liners.co.uk/ ]website[/url].
I need the van to be able to seat 5-6 and don't want permanent furniture. The sliding rails on the floor have a crew release crew seat with arms and a flip up (cinema) seat and will also take moveable kitchen unit.
For anyone interested in the work ring Rob at [url= http://www.vandezine.com/ContactUs.html ]Vanbodies[/url], Morecambe

Yeah thanks people, gonna have to stop reading this site. Have gone from considering my next fork purchase to considering my first van purchase in a couple of mouse clicks...

Why are the rear additional seats so expensive to buy
But whos the best people to fit and bolt them to the floor?

Boxelder what do you use to insulate and finish trim for the interior
panels.

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absolutely amazing - massive want! 😮

I think that just beats the Porsche!

Why are the rear additional seats so expensive to buy
But whos the best people to fit and bolt them to the floor?

All VW original stuff is expensive. The vans don't have seatbelt fittings so you need the safely bolt through the floor a tested seat with integrated belts (see the rear of the seat/bed in mine. Or, use any old seats and attach belts to side pillars (hassle and not safety tested). Those rails you see on the floor of mine will take sliding quick release seats and you can also attach sliding QR seat belts to them (or just about anything else). Loads of places can bolt seats in though. My kids/wife will be sat on mine, so didn't want the Heath Robinson approach!

Boxelder what do you use to insulate and finish trim for the interior panels.

I used them as they offer things other firms don't. Great to deal with too (boss had a nice mtb in the back when I met him), they clearly more expensive than DIY.
If you (or anyone) is going DIY with a SWB T5, I have pre-cut plywood panels going for £nowt.

grantway - my van has seats on a sliding rail and the rail is plated through the floor and fixed around the chassis members it's likely the rear set has stronger fixings than the front seats, also some of the seats are crash tested and this ups the cost but means you can carry passengers. If you are getting this sort of thing fitted best find someone who has done it before!!

Ours is insulated with Sheeps Wool and it holds the heat well.

boxelder - van is coming on great, like the flexibility of your design.

forge197 - Ta. Next stage needs some thought, but pop-top going on at Easter.
My folks have a holiday spot in Kippford/Rockcliffe.
I'll give you a shout next time we're up - blast round D'Beattie/K'Tree?

No worries, pop top will finish it nicely makes such a difference.

I would have been at the Lakes ride tomorrow but got tendonitis in my thigh that I need to fix.

If you are up this way then would love to hook up and have a blast around DB or KT just drop us a mail.

Kippford's lovely.

As bike vans go I have always found this pretty cool.[img] [/img]

Heres a couple of questions for you VW bods out there.

I have a 2005 T5 Transporter 1.9tdi. Its very lovely and goes well. I got a nifty rear seat put in with proper certified belts etc etc which is all good + another drivers side rear window. Next step was to properly ply line it and maybe insulate it - i have 2 bales of sheeps wool that I can use, its free the sheep don't need it any more and it is clean i.e. doesn't smell.
Question 1) Plan was to take all the internal panels off and use as templates, cut and drill the ply then bond some hard wearing carpet to them etc and then fill the cavity with sheeps wool. Wondered if it would transfer condensation though and if i shoudl put some breather louvres in ?
Question 2: some twunt smacked my wing mirror a few weeks back and I am now missing the surround (bottom completely and the bit that faces you around the mirror itself) from the passenger mirror - VW in NZ are utterly useless so i have given up with them, anyone know somewhere I can get them ?

3rd and Final question is can you fit rotating (nice) seats to the transporter. It has an OK drivers seat and a passenger + jump seat thing thats fixed. WOuld prefer 2 revolving seats ? If yes any links etc much obliged.

I love my van, great thing but i'm not brave enough to put 6 bikes on my 911 - its a targa anyway so can;t take a rack !!

try http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk, ( http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=54819) plenty of advice about insulation, i shall be using rockwool but i seem to remember someone on the forum said sheepswool is the best.

you can fit swivel seats to t5, only minor problem (???) is that you have to leave the handbrake off in order to swivel the drivers seat, my swivels are RIB (crash tested) from germany and were purchased from south west camper conversions in uk.... not much use to you i know.

Boxelder, great to see the motor is taking shape. I have recommended that spray line stuff before on here. I think as i work in the motor trade people seem to think i am in it for the money when i recommend things. I am not, just trying to give honest advice (Tell people how much i got out of pointing you towards that van). Bob has offered to do my van FOC next time i take a job in for him so i plan to have the back of my vito done too.

I actually sold Bob that VW Kombi he has. He ordered that the day they became available (VW Nut) and loves it. His dad started the business 30+yrs ago and passed it on to his son so its nice to work with a proper family company who take pride.

I am going to do a little test on my motor at the weekend. I reckon 5 passengers and probably 5-7 bikes would be quite doable with just removing the front wheels on the bikes inside. Not bad on a motor that isnt any longer than a mondeo estate.

sadly no longer with me ;-(
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used to look good pulling out of the garage at work instead of the van to the side of it lol plenty of touch up paint for free tho
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taken on the emmerdale farm set next to the dingles van [IMG] [/IMG]

30yr + designed van that was sold for 10-15yrs longer than it should have. Horrible Horrible motors.