1973 Sheldon High Top Camper

Not everything... I think it's one of these http://thelatebay.com/index.php?thr...y-discussion-73-model-year.36986/#post-645526

 

Haven't updated much recently but had a good day today, and the cab's become a much nicer place to be. We've got furry German lambswool seat covers, a working Blaupunkt CD/radio, Pioneer speakers in the kick panels, and a proper lid on the glovebox. I'd like to lose the carpet on the dash, but it's at least a bit cleaner now... that can be a project for another day.

Before:



After:


Also fitted the bracket for the new fire extinguisher (old one is now listed as a freebie in the classifieds section). I would have liked it a bit more out of the way, but it's a fair old size, and if you can't get to it quick, what's the point? Anyway, should the unthinkable happen it'll be kids out then grab it so it's in the right spot... and I can always stash it somewhere when were in camping mode (probably essential to stop the kids playing with it).


Main job today was trying to sort out the leisure electrics. Not quite there yet but at least I've worked out what's what...

 

Did some more work on the leisure electrics today. Spent quite a lot of time scratching my head and drinking tea in the back of the van but still managed to make some progress. Added another lighter socket and wired in a fuse box so that a) the fridge would be fused, and b) there are another 3 fused feeds from the leisure circuit. Currently the fridge circuit feeds the socket at the top of the picture, although this is likely to change once I get my new (old) electrolux. You can't really see it but the chocolate blocks in the picture (and the bottom three feeds in the fuse box) are paralleled together with solid core copper cable (the earth from T&E) to give split positive and earth feeds.

I finally got to use the Dremel Versatip gas soldering iron that the mrs got me for Xmas - it's brilliant! Didn't solder everything because it wasn't always practical but I used it where I thought it would make a difference. So far I've spent a sum total of no money on the electrics - which is nice. It may not look all that pretty, but it should be practical and safe. Besides it won't be on show! Still got a few little jobs on the to-do list (aren't there always) but it's gone from useless to functional after about a day's work in total so I'm pretty pleased.

 

I've posted about this elsewhere but I'm enjoying keeping a kind of diary of bus ownership here. I must get a "ship's log" in the bus to record journeys!

Anyway... redid the fuel lines all the way from the tank to the carburettor today. Found a few nasties in the process so a worthwhile job. Used Cohline hose and ABA stainless clamps both from AFS on eBay. Will be interesting to see how long the Cohline hose lasts - specs are good and it seems like good quality stuff but there are quite a few horror stories out there. Replaced the fuel filter and put it under the tank. I feel much better, having driven past an engine fire earlier in the year I've decided to play it safe.

I enjoyed the excuse to spend some time underneath the bus - the more I look at it the more impressed I am how solid it is. That said it could really do with a good clean and waxoyl! Pics below, not the best but you get the idea:







And heres a wonky shot of the engine bay seeing as I haven't posted one since I bought the bus. Since then it's had quite a few service items replaced.



After taking that picture I did a few other odd jobs including putting an inline fuse on the leisure battery positive (safety first!). Checked out the leisure electrics and all seems to be working well. Still lots of jobs on my to-do list but finally my checklist of jobs done is longer than the ones not yet completed. I've put a fair bit of time into the bus but it feels worthwhile.

Now for some more camping action...

 

Just got back from a brilliant, relaxed 3-week tour of the South West. The van ran really well over 600 or so miles - no oil used and no signs of overheating. I've gained considerable faith in it having tackled Exmoor's gradients without any problems. Got a few new jobs on the to-do list having lived in the van and found out what it needs to make it home but it worked really well for the 4 of us and I'm fully in love with it now.

 

Just read through th whole thread,made for superb reading throughly enjoyed it ,nice bus & being used for what it was built for,loved it please keep up dating

 

Crikey, it's a long time since I posted on here. Well, I've done nothing much to the van apart from drive it a bit since my last post... I should have treated myself to a Propex heater, not used it much over autumn, too cold to go camping with the family and while a solo trip is quite appealing it's just not happened. It's paid it's dues as a rugged utility vehicle though... here it is picking up a new toy - and still plenty of room in the back for "junior" and the left over tat from the car boot sale.




I do have some news though...it just passed its MOT! Needed a new brake light bulb and that's it. It's coming up to a year of late bay ownership with no breakdowns or out of pocket experiences (touch wood). Proof positive that buying unseen on impulse from eBay is the right way to go.

Of course now I've said all that it will probably spontaneously combust next week, or maybe just dissolve.

Maybe it's time I spent some money on it... think I might buy a brand new fridge for christmas. Or maybe heat exchangers. Or a propex. Or maybe get some of the bodywork tidied up. Decisions decisions...

 

Ha! Well, the van's still running good but I was right to be superstitious (or wrong not to be superstitious enough). Took the Vespa in to have the gear selector box checked - turns out it needs a major engine rebuild. Christmas is cancelled.

That'll teach me for being a smug git... back to the push bike for daily commuting. O well.

 

Love the little bed in the roof, great seeing you getting great use out of the bus, good buy

 

Well that answers a question for me. A PX will fit. (I know its a T5 ). I want one ye sees.

 

Piece of pee. Can do vespa engines in me sleep. 9 times out of 10'the cases are shot but thats never stopped me getting em sorted. Quite resilient things really, damned reliable.

 

Get one!

You wanna do it for me then? I think the case is OK. Hope so cos you can't get T5 cases...

Local place has quoted just under grand (inc. vat)... to be fair though, most of it is parts - when you look at the break down it's not unreasonable. Labour for the rebuild is "only" £300 + vat. London rates are what they are... I got a better quote from a well-recommended place in Norfolk, but I'd have to get it there, by the time I'd done that (and taken time off work) it'd work out about the same. And currently it's in bits in said local place... they'll want paying for having broken it. Can't believe I rode it in and now it's useless. I'm cross about it but it's my mistake for agreeing to let them open the case...

All a bit of a stress, but it'll be worth it for the smiles when it's done...(even if the finished bike isn't worth much more than the cost of the rebuild). On the plus side it turns out it's got a Malossi kit in it which explains why it was so quick (and also probably why the engine self-destructed)...

 

Not a fan of non standard vespas. If you want to go fast get a kotorbike I was told. So i did, eventually but it didnt stop me tuning most lammys i had. Think id just go 150 top end on a px or t5

 

I bought it as standard - wanted a boggo one as I'm hear that once tuned they have a habit of eating themselves. It's my first Vespa though. Wasn't until the garage opened it up that I found out it's a 172. Not sure I'd want it any slower now I've got used to it though! I'm hoping that once it's been properly rebuilt it will be strong and reliable... Need to have a word with the mechanic - got the quote this morning but I'm yet to give them an answer as the thought of chucking a grand at it is making me feel ill...

 

How much is a px motor 2nd hand?

 

Wonder if these are any good

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VESPA-5-P...004122?hash=item3ab92f8bda:g:Q4oAAOSw7FRWaqqE

 

Cheap as chips, hopefully not made from cheese
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VESPA-PX-...687866?hash=item2ee93e933a:g:xsUAAOSw7FRWaBzn

 

Wow, yeah. The price is right, to be honest though I'd rather know what's inside it and not have to return it to India in the event of problems... See how I go but I'm inclined to just bite the bullet and look on the bright side - having a lovely new fast engine can't be a bad thing. The kids xmas pressies will have to wait.

 

Just for the hell of it, and as a bit of encouragement for anyone who's been spannering in the wind and rain today, here are some pics of our last holiday in the bay... summer will come soon and remind you of the reason why you bought your bus in the first place. The smiles.

 

great thread keep it up