T5 camper conversion

[The Angry Gopher]

Good morning,

Inspired by LeighW's build thread here on PH I took the plunge last weekend and traded in my Skoda VRS against a VW Transporter 2008 T32 130.

Initially I had been looking at a nearly new Transit Custom due to its spec, toys and newness, but having reviewed this van and a custom back to back I couldn't justify the premium. Add to that considerations of resale value, and that there's a massive conversion industry supporting transporters, I bought this van based on condition and mileage.

Here's Ian, taken from the rather unfortunate personalised plate that was on the van when I picked it up. One local owner from new, low miles, full vw service history:



I'm weighing up how much of the work to hand to professionals and how much to do myself. One thing I won't be doing is cutting holes for windows and the roof myself. Can anyone recommend a company who will fit windows or a pop top, or both, in the Midlands?

Also any experience of Aurora Camper Conversions in Nottingham or Sheffield's Convertyourvan?

Thanks for reading,
Jon

Edited by The Angry Gopher on Wednesday 16th March 17:52

[SwissJonese]

Mine very much like yours, but I went for a 2013 T30 with the 140bhp and 6 speed gearbox & air-con:-


I am using a local (South Wales) company called Pure VW Campers and their work is really high class. My van now with holes:-


We where going for a simple/cheap look, but have now added colour coded bumpers/wing mirrors and black side bars. I think it looks really good. We are about 1-2 weeks off getting it back, so excited, amazing seeing it being built.

[The Angry Gopher]

Nice van. It does make me cringe a little seeing holes where once there was perfectly good metal.

I'll be getting the bumpers/mirrors/handles colour coded too, maybe some subtle colour or graphics to break up the whiteness. I'll be heading to some shows this spring for inspiration.

The conversions on Pure VW's site are stunning, but a bit out of my price range. Be sure to post some pics when your van's done.

Jon

[LeighW]

The Angry Gopher said:

Good morning,

Inspired by LeighW's build thread here on PH I took the plunge last weekend and traded in my Skoda VRS against a VW Transporter 2008 T32 130.

I'm weighing up how much of the work to hand to professionals and how much to do myself. One thing I won't be doing is cutting holes for windows and the roof myself. Can anyone recommend a company who will fit windows or a pop top, or both, in the Midlands?

Thanks for reading,
Jon

Edited by The Angry Gopher on Wednesday 16th March 17:52

Don't blame me...

For your windows and/or roof, both Vanhaus at Rugeley ( http://vanhaus.co.uk/ ) and Vandoc ( http://www.vandoc.co.uk/ ) get good feedback on the T5 Forum.

Good luck with the project.

[The Angry Gopher]

Thanks! Both suggestions are a short hop away so I'll give them a call.

Many of the companies I have been in touch with don't seem to be short of work, long lead times for anything involved such as roof fitting. Will be getting windows fitted and bumpers colour coded in the next couple of weeks, I'll post some new pictures then.

Jon

Edited by The Angry Gopher on Monday 21st March 22:32

[Chicken Chaser]

Tis the season so people will be busy.
I'd recommend getting the windows installed by a third party but then see what you can do yourself.
Megavanmats for carpet and adhesive. Tape your time, have a spare pair of hands if possible and don't scrimp on the adhesive and you'll find it fairly straight forward.
Travelvolts for all your electrical needs. Paint by numbers wiring diagrams and good prices.
If your van needs a new floor, look to get a 10x5 ply sheet and do it in a 1 piece to stop any movement. You'll find you need to add a tiny bit extra behind the nearside rear arch.
Good luck and remember to provide photos!