MK6 MWB Work Van/Crew Cab/Camper

[studioworks]

Just thought I'd post up a thread about my Transit, been lurking in these forums for a while but only just got round to joining up.

Bought the van middle of last year, very specially wanted a MWB T300 as needed it to fit in a normal car park space, be rated weight wise to tow a caravan and FWD for fuel economy. Bit of an ask but found one that fitted the bill, needed a few bits doing but got it pretty cheap.

This is how is stated off, loaded up with work gear and still towing the caravan fine.



Since buying it I've had a fresh test and sorted the mechanical bits that needed doing so time to sort out the inside.
I wanted the rear to be split in two with the back being separated for work gear, a false floor and shelving either side.
Then using the front half for an extra two seats and a fold out bed and little cooker for working away.

[studioworks]

Mechanical wise I've replaced the driveshafts as they were knocking loudly on lock and gear cable as 2nd and reverse were hard to engage, unfortunately it still grinds occasionally when I put it in reverse but it's got no worse in 6 months so not too concerned.
Had a nightmare with the driveshafts though as bought new ones from an eBay company recommend on here but the off side support bearing moved stopping it from being fully in the gear box causing it to leak oil. After wasting money on a local garage misdiagnosing it as the oil seal being at fault I finally took it to the transit center who found the fault and replaced the shaft in no time for a whole lot less than the local garage had charged me. Really do recommend them strongly, it's a hundred mile round trip but I'll be making it any time I need to get the van repaired from now on. Just wish the company I bought the faulty driveshaft from had such good service, even after taking the faulty one to them in person they still refused to admit the driveshaft could be at fault and never did get a full refund!

[studioworks]

After pulling up the plywood flooring I was left with this.



But of rust remover.



And a little welding and hamerite.

[studioworks]

This is the last picture I remembered to take.



Have finished the bulk head and false floor now though. Boarded it with Osb and used to polystyrene between the framing to insulate. Still need to build the shelving in the back though but it's usuable for work which is the main thing.

Laid the flooring in the front half, Osb, 25mm polystyrene, hardboard and then have some carpet tiles to go down, just need to pick up the twin seat at the weekend to drill the holes and weld the plates before the floors down for good and then I can concentrate on the bed and cooker side of things.

[studioworks]

Slowly making progress, been concentrating on the crew cab side the last few days, has gone from:



To this as of this evening:





Still loads to do but getting their slowly, had a bargain at the scap yard to getting a few bits most importantly a side window that'll be fitted soon as the tint arives and the interior door handle for the sliding door.

The back still needs to be boarded and shelves built but long as I can fit my tools in their I'm not rushing with that part.

[Frank190]

Welcome at all Caravan Club Sites Good work so far

[studioworks]

Welcome at all Caravan Club Sites  Good work so far 

Funny you say that, I actually joined the camping and caravaning club when I bought the transit, according to their rules as long as it's not sign written then vans are fine, couldn't be dealing with sites turning me away purely cause I need a van for work.

[Frank190]

CCC are a little more tolerant like you say - and as ive towed my Tabbert behind the Transit I wouldn't even try to get on a CC site

[studioworks]

To be fair I've found the larger but out the way sites quite accommodating when I've stayed away in the caravan for work but it's just the whole what if when you drive a hundred miles and get turned away so I thought with the CCC I'm guaranteed to have a pitch no problem. Although I think even they might raise a few eye brows if I turned up in a SWB with a Hobby twice the size on the back!

[studioworks]

Well thought I'd get the side window in that I got from the scrapies the other week, all went fine till this stage:



And then I couldn't for the life of me get it in even though it was the right size. After trying a fair few windscreen places locally who didn't wanna know I found a chap who just cracked straight on and in it went.



Cost me a grand total of £25 for the glass and to get the chap to fit it and a couple hours work. Happy I didn't go with the bonded option as saved me a fair wedge.