Lifemagician
Well-known member
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. That is when I take possession of the above Van.<br><br>During my search many vans were considered, looked at and test driven. But there was always something just not what I wanted. The Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ford cargo vans are all three seats. (The vans in Oz are configured somewhat different to those in the US.) That means it is not possible to move from the drivers seat to the back without going outside the van. 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. Not sure what made me put 'VW' in the search, since I know they are quite a bit more expensive than other makes. But I did!<br><br>And that is when I stumbled on the above van. Yup. I paid a bit more than I wanted to and got a bit less in some ways. 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. I am over the moon. It is the only diesel vehicle which I have come across in my search. <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. 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). <br><br>However, the certificate does not look at the mechanical condition, where it is not a safety issue. A gamble I was willing to take. Drives nicely, both on the suburban roads and on the highway. Was great to be in a front wheel drive again. The next best thing to all wheel drive. (I was not wanting a 4X4.) 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. 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. Now for the living part.<br><br>The cargo area is an empty shell. No lining whatsoever. Downside is that it is a lot of extra expense I really can't afford right now. 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! This is where I hope I can get some feedback from those who have been there, done that. The van is not likely to be used in very cold weather. Not that we get really cold weather, except up in the Alps. 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. The one they advertise here that an elephant can walk on it. Would do a few coats. But since I want to put those plastic boxes under the bed, was wondering if that will wear too much. The other is putting linoleum on the wood and sticking it down. Either tiles or sheet linoleum. Am also wondering if I should put insulation under the wood. What are the pros and cons?<br><br>Putting insulation on the walls will be the next thing. I have been advised against polystyrene because of the negative affect it has on electrical wiring. (not that I will have a great deal of that.) 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. Just glue it on with a paint brush, one sheet on top of the next until I get the desired thickness. This would be very budget friendly but time-consuming. Still, I have a lot more time than money. lol<br><br>My concern with that is the fire risk. 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. 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. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>Lifey