Ray and I were talking tonight about perhaps buying an older van in the size we want 24-25 foot, and gut it and re-build the interior of it in what we want where we want it. Has anyone done this and was it a very costly exercise? What are the pros and cons?
We leave next March on our trip around this great big country so we have the time but is it too costly?
Now tell me if I am being ridiculous or not. . .but we thought of buying a van for $1,000-$3,000 and then spending $20,000 odd dollars on it to make it what we want.
Sounds a great idea, but I think I would spend more on a caravan, and less on restoration, thats just my opinion, you can buy terrific vans from about $25 grand and the works all done, depends what you want inside, double bed, queens bed, 2 singles, full size fridge, and gas stove, toilet and shower, some second hand vans, just need new flooring, or a new stove and fridge, and curtains , bed decor etc, wish you all the best .
I think vans and motorhomes are all a set of compromises.I really don't think there is ever a "Perfect" set up.
With houses have you ever wondered why those beautiful 'Architect" designed for themselves houses are always up for sale.That's right they who know it all and designed the house for themselves got it wrong.
A bit like vans.you might sit down and make a list of what you want and the setup and no matter how long you have been doing the camping/vanning thing.It will be rarely if ever it's 100% as you want things.
It's making the best of all you require and accepting the little bits that don't quite work.
Find something that's as near as possible to your lists and accept the rest that's not quite there.
Gutting and rebuilding might get you as near as possible to your perfect van but living in it will find out bits that are not quite 100%.
There is also the cost factor if you are paying for the work.
A one off is always much more expensive than in normal factory bulds,there the costs are offset by bulk purchases, not absorbed all in one van.
Ozijohn might be worth talking to re gutting and rebuilding.He was in the trade and would know far more than the average person on the pro's and con's of that course of action.
Of course we all hope you do find what you want and get out here and travelling asap.
Cheers
Trevor
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Thursday 5th of July 2012 09:16:31 AM
Just a personal opinion but I think you could come terribly unstuck attempting a project such as this. There's more to a van than just the interior. Once you start stripping it out you could open up a Pandora's Box of problems. Folks on this forum with a better knowledge of caravan repairs and rebuilds than me may be able to cover some of the issues, especially in regard to getting it roadworthy and registered.
Also it could mean a long time before you get to enjoy the product of your labour and it may even prove to be a false economy as well. Keep looking for one that's ready to go. I think you'll be out there "grey (or whatever colour) nomadding" much sooner even if you have to wait a while.
That project may be ok if all you're going to do is take it out to the dam (Copeton) and store it there for occasional use on (or near on) site.
Thanks so much guys and gals I think I forgot to mention that it would NOT be Ray and I doing the re-build it would be professionals. But there is a van we have our eye on atm fully done and if it falls through I might start making enquiries about pricing for apholsterers, caravan specialists in re-wiring, re-fitting etc get some costs just to see what we are up against.
Just as an aside I KNOW we would be divorced in 6 months if we attempted this ourselves
We just paid $15k for a van that will need new floor coverings, re upholstery and a few minor alterations inside. Already fitted 1 slide out pantry, couple of small spaces/selves into te side of the wardrobes at the bed head for clocks ect. Resealed 1 window. This van is 24 foot and is nearly what we want but not quite, gotta learn to live wit that. Fridge will need replacing at about $1500, batterys will need replacment soon at about $700, so I ope you can see by tose figures that $20000 wont go far. I have already done one partial rebuild and dont want to go down that paih again. This current project ok as it gives me someting to do before we ead off again. But always remember that caravans are built from the inside out so it can be a daunting task to remove inside things first. Took us 6 months to find this one and a lot of looking. If you want a custom van, buy new cheers blaze
Why are you shaking your head at me Daryl? I didn't say we were definitely doing a re-build I just said it was an option. That is why I said in the topic heading foolish or genius
I would think that there cannot be any savings in renovating a van unless you are doing all the work yourself, in fact it would probably cost more than building a new van.
Many good buys out there just be patient and you will find just what you are looking for and at a price you are happy with.
forgot to add we do all the work ourself to a professianel stantard, we do enjoy it but it can be a mine field. I reckon you will pay around $100 per hr for labour. you see the repairers often where we are ATM, $50 to run a bead of sealer around a window (I like to pull them out and do it right) $50 per wheel to clean and repack the wheel bearings. Have fun no matter the direction you go cheers blaze
i agree new is expensive and we didnt have the money but found a bank that did!now they want it back damn!!seriosly michelle you will end up doing it the way that keeps you guys happy and will enjoy it for years good luck
Michelle, your post scared me when I first read it so I've waited to see what others have said. I agree with Dazren and some of the others. All this looking is getting to you. Have you been away in many caravans on the road? Actually travelling in a van, towing it on all sorts of roads, will help you know what size and what layout you really want. We have just had friends re-visit. Their first trip (which lasted 2 years) around Australia was with a 20' van with loads of 'stuff' on board. They have sold it. They just arrived this week with their next van. A 16' van, Windosr Rapid, and they couldn't believe the difference it made to towing and general movement in the van. ie her cooking with 3 kids in the van. Before she had to ask them to move everything off the table so she could cook tea. The new van she said she can leave them at the table while she cooks because she has more bench space. My point is, until you trial a van, you just can't tell. They have gone from a 20' van with 3 kids and found a 16' van with 3 kids is so much better. My other contribution would be to tell you how much things have cost for us to add the extras to our old van. Tradesman - to remove gas stove and put in new gas top and build in microwave $1000; a new slide on awning - $600 (not yet done); new springs - $700+; 2 new mattresses - $600. $100/hr for labour is right. Other changes my husband and I were able to do and didn't cost as much but you can see how renovating an old van would soon add up. My strong suggestion would be to look for a smaller van that doesn't cost as much to put on the road (the bigger the van the higher the cost to pull, to insure, to register) and see what you would like different then if you want bigger, sell it and buy bigger (hoping you have invested the money you haven't used in your first purchase!) Most caravans keep their value (that's why you're having trouble finding a cheap one) so you shouldn't lose on selling and re-buying. Hope my humble thoughts are of help. Keep your chin up as you keep looking and thinking.
Invest $20k on a $3000 van. Might be a risk, and have it worth not much more than the $3000, likely not worth anything like the $23k invested, as it is still an old van. Do it on the cheap yourself might be different.
A lot has changed since the $3k vans were made, lots have wooden frames, leaks, not galvanised so rust is of concern, they were made lighter I think from observations too.
Just my thoughts, no experience apart from owning an old van.
I just enjoy working on these "projects", and I do all the work myself, cause I can!I might not be the best carpenter in the world, but who cares, I have only got to please ME!I have turned my slide on into a 4.5m caravan , and its registered! I can,t wait to get on the road to see how it goes( theres only 25klms or road on the island where I live).Good fun to be had by all.Bill
Sorry they are so big, hope you can see what I mean. Will post another (try and make smaller) a photo of the painted outside. I didn't actually take a lot of before's cause we were so impatient to get the reno's done!!
cheers
-- Edited by valnrob on Friday 6th of July 2012 02:38:53 PM
Rob and I recently brought a 1980 Viscount van basically sound. Had a bathroom added before we got it. Had a sound kitchen but no table or bench seats. We built a L shaped bench and table.Changed double bed to a couple of singles. Repainted entire inside. Relined bathroom. Scrubbed everything. Made foam squabs, sewed covers for seats. Brought all new bedding etc. Looks fabulous, Spray painted outside, add a couple of vinyl decals. All up cost van $4000 materials etc $4000
ValnRob what size is your Viscount? I think you've mentioned before but I can't remember. I notice it's a fulltop but it has to have some good length to fit the ensuite in. Does or did it have any leaks? And what did you do about them if it did? Great to see another old Viscount being resurrected. So much lighter than new vans. What sort of paint did you use on the outside? Ours is almost bare on some spots at the front.
The van is 18ft long.the bath room is opposite the table.We were lucky there were no leaks. Rob is a spray painter and used spraying enamel to paint it. We had a 15 ft Viscount poptop before this one.
I didn't say we were definitely doing a re-build I just said it was an option. That is why I said in the topic heading foolish or genius
