2002 VW Transporter Cargo Van to Campervan, Downunder.

[Lifemagician]

It is a while since I have logged into the forum, but I have been busy and will next week reap the fruits of my hard work.&nbsp;&nbsp; That is when I take possession of the above Van.<br><br>During my search many vans were considered, looked at and test driven.&nbsp;&nbsp; But there was always something just not what I wanted.&nbsp; The Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ford cargo vans are all three seats.&nbsp; (The vans in Oz are configured somewhat different to those in the US.)&nbsp; That means it is not possible to move from the drivers seat to the back without going outside the van.&nbsp; One of my top priorities was being able to get to my bed without getting out of the van.<br><br>Then one evening, in sheer desperation I decided to go to a different website from those I had been using, and check the vans there.&nbsp; Not sure what made me put 'VW' in the search, since I know they are quite a bit more expensive than other makes.&nbsp; But I did!<br><br>And that is when I stumbled on the above van.&nbsp;&nbsp; Yup. I paid a bit more than I wanted to and got a bit less in some ways.&nbsp; On the other hand, I got a VW (have loved VWs ever since we had our first kombi in 1977), an automatic, and diesel as a bonus.&nbsp; I am over the moon.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is the only diesel vehicle which I have come across in my search.&nbsp;<span style="color: #e82b17;"> Chilli Red</span><br><br>The owner has had to have it brought up to roadworthy condition to get the certificate to sell it, so all safety aspects have been attended to.&nbsp; When he said as part of the certificate it needed new front tyres, I offered to pay for the tyres <em><strong>I want</strong></em> (rather than the cheapest he may have put on).&nbsp; <br><br>However, the certificate does not look at the mechanical condition, where it is not a safety issue.&nbsp; A gamble I was willing to take.&nbsp; Drives nicely, both on the suburban roads and on the highway.&nbsp; Was great to be in a front wheel drive again.&nbsp; The next best thing to all wheel drive.&nbsp; (I was not wanting a 4X4.)&nbsp; It was a very hot day - 35C - when I took it for a drive only to find that the air conditioner blew only hot air.&nbsp; Since he had it advertised with A/C, I said I expected it to be working, and asked for it to be fixed before I take delivery.<br><br>That's the driving part.&nbsp; Now for the living part.<br><br>The cargo area is an empty shell.&nbsp; No lining whatsoever.&nbsp; Downside is that it is a lot of extra expense I really can't afford right now.&nbsp; Upside is that I can start with a clean slate, and do it all the way I want.<br><br>When I get the van, the first thing I will do is get it cleaned, and have a trusted German car specialist mechanic check it over.<br><br>Then the floor!&nbsp; This is where I hope I can get some feedback from those who have been there, done that.&nbsp; The van is not likely to be used in very cold weather.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not that we get really cold weather, except up in the Alps.&nbsp;&nbsp; I will make a point of only going there in summer.<br><br>Was thinking of putting down 10mm plywood and maybe polishing it with polyurethane.&nbsp; The one they advertise here that an elephant can walk on it.&nbsp; Would do a few coats.&nbsp; But since I want to put those plastic boxes under the bed, was wondering if that will wear too much.&nbsp; The other is putting linoleum on the wood and sticking it down.&nbsp; Either tiles or sheet linoleum.&nbsp; Am also wondering if I should put insulation under the wood.&nbsp; What are the pros and cons?<br><br>Putting insulation on the walls will be the next thing.&nbsp; I have been advised against polystyrene because of the negative affect it has on electrical wiring.&nbsp; (not that I will have a great deal of that.)&nbsp; Discussing this with a 4X4 outfitter (who is in the process of downsizing into a cabin in remote southwestern Tasmania) he suggested that I use newspaper.&nbsp; Just glue it on with a paint brush, one sheet on top of the next until I get the desired thickness.&nbsp;&nbsp; This would be very budget friendly but time-consuming.&nbsp; Still, I have a lot more time than money.&nbsp;&nbsp; lol<br><br>My concern with that is the fire risk.&nbsp; He suggested when finished to spray it with a fire retardant before covering the lot with panelling, or whatever.<br><br>Your feedback on that suggestion would be much appreciated..... pros and cons.<br><br>At this point it will be ready to have a battery installed.&nbsp;&nbsp; By then I will have either run out of money or out of time (or both), as I plan to take this van up into the Red Centre in May.<br><br>Forgive me if I sound like a kid with a new toy.&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>Lifey

 

[Lostinspace]

Well in the US the poor folks back in the&nbsp;depression and probably out west in the taming of the west used newspaper to insulate.&nbsp; And layering should do the trick.&nbsp; Probably not as good as some space age insulation, but surely cheaper.&nbsp; Actually its the air that is trapped between sheets that does the insulation so I'm not so sure of painting each sheet on.&nbsp; And you also need to consider the moisture that it will trap and absorb.&nbsp; Source for mold growth.<br><br>How about putting up your paneling or wall covering and leave the top open enough to stuff styrofoam shipping pellets.&nbsp; That should work I would think.&nbsp; Then you can finish out the top to close it off.&nbsp; I think you can get the shipping pellets pretty cheap or even free.<br><br>Just my two cents.