Miss Bessy, Mk2 Camper

[jaywickrob]

Hi,

I've just aquired my 1986 Mk2 Camper, named "Miss Bessy" by my other half
The interior appears to be all original and is in very reasonable condition considering her age.


She's in need of some mechanical work and her bodywork needs some tidying up.
The only immediately required major work is kingpins, too cold me to be sat out there whacking them all day so she's booked in on Friday.
There's a hole approximately 1" in diameter in the forward chassis, also to be dealt with on Friday.
I'm bodging the rusted front wing with filler and will either replace the wing or weld in new metal when the weather warms up.


The rear wheel arches both need replacing, new arches are availabe locally for about £25incl each.


One rear light cluster and surround could do with replacing and where I'm filling on the front wing the indicator surround is missing


Rear number plate is broken.
Shock absorbers/stays for the roof need replacing, currently held up with broom handles cut to size.
And she needs a sound system.

So far all I've achieved is a good clean of the interior and first layer of filler in the front wing.

Cheers

Rob

[transitandy]

very nice keep up the good work m8y

[Luke]

nice project there

[noah]

hello bessy

[jaywickrob]

It was a nice day today so I managed to complete the bodge on the front wing as planned.

Filled and rubbed down down.


After 5 coats of primer.


All it needs now is a final rub down, another couple of coats of primer and 4 or 5 finish coats.
I'm assuming that if I go to Ford with the colour code they will be able to supply it.

[jaywickrob]

I need to find matching material for a repair to the driver's seat and find another seat pad, any ideas??



The material.


Are they standard Ford seats, or are they likely to have been installed by LiesureDrive as part of the conversion?

[jerry2]

Looks good. Nice base to start with.

[redcube]

Nice van

[jaywickrob]

Kingpins and chassis welding completed today, also oil and filter change.
I shall try and get her MOT'd tomorrow, if not Monday, just needs a couple of light bulbs hopefully.

[jaywickrob]

Yesterday I replaced the number plate lights with a couple of LED puddle lights and knocked up a couple of chrome reflectors

Failed the MOT this morning

Wobbly headlight and sharp edges on rear wheel arches.

The headlight adjuster is broken, fixed temporarily with cable ties.
Rear arches bodged with filler, I don't expect it to last very long, so I'll be replacing the arches sooner rather than later.

Wasn't so bad, a couple of quick fixes and it passed this afternoon.

Freshly laundered curtains and cushions back in, going to be sleeping in her wednesday night.

First mission completed



Had my first really good look underneath today.

The only welding is that which was done yesterday just forward of the front spring hanger, the same place on the other side is a little flakey and will also have to be welded in the not too distant future. Apart from those two places everyhere else appears good and solid.
Back box on the exhaust appears to be coming to the end of it's life.

Excuse my rambling, I'm sat here typing as I think so as I can refer back later.

Nearside inner wheel arch behind the battery tray has some rust, but not a hole as yet, more welding to be done when the wing is replaced.
Engine has a minor oil leak, possibly rocker cover or more likely camshaft bearing/oil seal.
Had engine and engine bay steam cleaned, need to keep an eye on the oil leak.

Tow bar electric socket flapping in the wind, needs a nut and bolt.
Flap on the hook-up socket is cracked.
Nearside rear bumper bent and trim cracked.

I've had a quote for a respray from the roof down, same colour, £1200.

This would include all of the following.

Removal of all windows to repair rust areas under rubbers.
Removal of all lights, bumpers and trim
Replacement of rear wheel arches and rebuild inner rear arches.
Replacement of nearside front wing.
Treat and repair all rust spots, dents etc.
Resray and then put it all back together.

Sound too good to be true?

Cheers

Rob

[Luke]

£1200 is a good price if its done right but chances are it'll not be if its including all that work

good news on the MOT tho - just in time for summer

[jaywickrob]

Hi Luke,

Thanks

We're already planning a few trips, Maverick festival 1st to 3rd July , Americana 8th and 9th July, North Weald 10th July,and also Transitmania in August.

I'm hoping to have her resprayed before summer gets here, in the mean time we're going to enjoy roughing it.

Cheers

Rob