BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT

Subject: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 06:36 PM

After 14 years my faithful friend has got rust on rust, weld on welding, failing brake pipes and multiple 'notifications so I'm going to have to be kind and put the old workhorse out of it's misery. Sob.

After 75000 miles( 95000 on the clock) it'll be a sad goodbye... but I just wonder if there is a way to salvage/resurrect/ (hold on) to the battle bus. I do so not fancy becoming a tent user!! Sorry I'm spoilt having my basic but dry comfy bed space, rehearsal area, escape zone.

Ideally a 'nev' vehicle could have the 'old shell' bolted on the back but it'd need to be the same wheelbase as an F reg' Ford Transit (ex British Telecom van(Yellow))(on to which it was built in 1994.

Ideas please - I've got 2 weeks of the old MOT left so will have to get wheels of some sort organised for Saddleworth and Warwick especially as I don't travel light and carry 'team Beverley' and all their instruments, tents and etceteras'

Thanks in advance. I eagerley look forward to the varied 'Mudcat' responses.

Hazel.x

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 02:55 AM

Hazel
This link may be a good point to start

Ford Transit Forum

Hope you get sorted
Les

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 03:10 AM

I used to drive old VW buses around central Europe. You could repair them yourself. That was why I never wanted all this modern electronical rubbish of electric windows, ECUs and other crap. The problem with getting vehicles, which are too old, is that every part wears out in time. That means that things you never expect to touch -like drive shafts, back plates of wheels, heat exchangers etc - start to disintigrate too. I don't know what I would go for if I needed another bus now - possibly a Ford Transit, if I could get one, which was sound underneath and did not have too much electrical bollocks in it. In any event, my commiserations. I know what it means to part from the old dears...

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 06:17 AM

Having had a couple of VW type 2's in the past, I'm regularly astonished by the prices they now fetch and was completely gobsmacked by a recent advert for a nearly new t2 camper from Brazil for a mere £27,000!

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 09:29 AM

Current "bargains" listed in my newspaper are mostly about 50% more for a decent (used) vehicle than what I paid for the first two houses I bought. It doesn't seem like it was really all that long ago.

I can't offer much in the way of advice, but I can share sympathy for the pain since my 12 year old camping tow vehicle is definitely showing end-of-life symptoms. I may have to wash the elm sap off to find out whether it still has some paint left before I can even think about whether it has any trade-in value, although with only 95,000 miles it's considered "low mileage" on the lots here.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 12:07 PM

Thanks everyone.
Villan, I'll get on the transit site tomorrow.

Any and all ideas welcome, Thanks again
Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Les from Hull
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 12:21 PM

So sorry about your van. Will you be wanting a piggy-back?

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: r.padgett
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 08:03 AM

piggy back driver?

Ray

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Les from Hull
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 12:30 PM

Van Rental
- no, not the new Dutch striker.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 29 Jun 08 - 08:28 PM

You got the tune for that song - "piggy back driver"?

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: nutty
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 12:53 PM

Hazel

My imagination is playing games but I am picturing you and Linda in one of these.

POD

towed by a motorbike, of course. (grin)

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Mr Red
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 01:05 PM

VW still make the old campers in Mexico but they use a Golf engine and have a radiator at the front which can be hidden with a tyre with a cover of mesh but £25,000 seems about the going rate for a new one of those.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: nutty
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 03:37 PM

Seriously though - this seems worth considering

CAMPER

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: 8_Pints
Date: 30 Jun 08 - 04:50 PM

Sue's sister has recently bought a Peugeot Boxer campervan which measures 6' 3" in width, which might be the sort of thing your looking for.

We're monitoring how well she is managing the transition....

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 02:17 AM

I know you didn't complain, Pistachio, but over the years,-lots of them- I've come to accept that the MOT is an attempt to save my life, and that of other road users. I know it is cold comfort, but pre-MOT, I was in my my dad's car when it swerved off the road when a suspension part tore away due to rust.
That memory will go to the grave with me.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 03:24 AM

Gurney - that's what I'm thinking too as I wrestle with the 'right decision' - I know the sentiment and functionality is worthless with life and lives at risk. You may just have moved me back to the 'sensible' option.

Thank you all.
PS I have a tent, and all the capmers 'bits and pieces - time to pack, repack, downsize and pack again... then I may be ready - with a manageable luggage bag - just in time for Saddleworth.

Hazel.xx

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Rasener
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 06:22 AM

Find some bloke who has a posh campervan who is on his own at Saddleworth and use his facilities :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: 8_Pints
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 06:49 AM

Not quite on my own "The Villan" but an invitation has been extended!

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 06:50 AM

..........failing that, consider trailer, trailer tent, caravan.

All can be got fairly cheep - have a look here & similar sites:http://www.buysell.co.uk/

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Rasener
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 10:17 AM

What can I say Bob :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 01 Jul 08 - 08:02 PM

Les, thank you for your suggestion :( !! - and Bob, thank you for your (and Sue's) invitation :).
Nutty - I've been in a 'pod' and it's certainly compact - but still a 'caravan' to me and I DON'T reverse trailers!
Les from Hull, tx for the link ... good thought but It's car hire this time thsnks. (See pm)

When I added the current mpg/and 'miles per £' I found that even when on the highest 44ppm claim at work I'm actually not breaking even - so it really has to be the end of the road for my faithful chariot.

Happy memories!

Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: 8_Pints
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 08:03 PM

You'll have to think about Warwick as well as Saddleworth!

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 07:25 PM

Thought I'd let anyone (who might be interested) know we've hired a car so Hissyfit will get to both locations!!

As for the van - I took it on a 'farewell trip' today with my husband and two friends, 92 miles round trip in East and North Yorkshire, Driffield, Bridlington, Scarborough (for tea with 2 'old van fans') and along towards Malton before heading south to Wetwang (great name) for fantastic fish supper. The fuel gauge tried hard to stay up but considering the terrain around here I kept a close eye on it - and prices at all fuel stations!!
The engine is sound, taking hills at a steady pace and my heart will be heavy when she's finally 'out of MOT' but, having pondered EVERY last option (including putting the 'caravan' onto a 'newer vehicle')I discovered some damp inside the bottom cupboard and KNOW that I have made the correct decision to part with the Fun Bus.

I want to thank everyone on and off Mudcat for listening and offering helpful thoughts and ideas. I'll be trying my luck with the salvage yard and a caravan 'man' as the unused water heater and a few other bits should be of use to someone somewhere ... but it's time to go now, haul away the van now, haul away my friend now, 'tis our farewell time.
With apologies, and many happy memories,
Hazel.

I suppose I should have had a mobile wake!
Damn, a good idea too late.
Now to unpack the various bottles I found stashed aboard..., let's see, Whisky, Port, Champagne!!, Rose' wine and Gluhwein!!
Wonder if my tent will have space for a drinks cupboard??
H.xx

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: 8_Pints
Date: 07 Jul 08 - 02:03 PM

I shall play a lament for you when we get together at Saddleworth!

Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 03:36 AM

Sold !

I am delighted to report that a 'salvage man', who I asked for 'scrap value' has happily paid good money for the van.

Of course I am sad to part from it BUT this guy wants to spend time and his skills to keep the battle bus on the road.... so there is a chance you may see it around in the future...'cos he said I might be able to 'borrow it ' once he's transformed it. (I'm not holding my breath but a nice idea)

I wish him well, and I'm smiling as I know the old lady may have some future.

Final thanks for all your comments.
Cars hired for Saddleworth and Warwick and some pennies in the bank!!

Happy days,

Hazel.

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 03:54 AM

I am likely to ahv a little old caravan (my festival van) available soon, I bought a new one on ebay!

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 06:03 AM

Hazel
Just sent you PM
Les

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 08:15 AM

I'm speechless...........

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 08:25 AM

I'll bet you are Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Pistachio
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 02:28 PM

I am happy - Linda is speechless - , what more can one say.
I'll get me tent!
H

Subject: RE: BS: Pistachios Campervan failed MOT
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 05:43 PM

bless you-the van is sold and I was so looking forward to a viking burial-set alight and floated down the Humber!