Sheffield Newbie

Grebetow · Jul 11, 2018

Morning all,

I am a newbie to the forum, but not to T4 Californias. I have just acquired a 1999 (2000m/y) in Elegance Green.

This is a van known to the forum as it was owned by forum member 2into1, who provided loads of - gratefully received - advice before I bought the van. It is a bit of a project, to say the least! It will be a great van however, and I have already had extensive mechanical work completed. Bodywork next!

I also own a nice 1995 Westy with the Kaktus interior, which I am about to sell (Ebay auction or Gumtree, or perhaps on here?), and about 11 years ago I owned a 1996 California Biker.

Anyway, enough of the intros - I have a technical question that I will post in the relevant area.

Kind regards to all.

sapto · Jul 11, 2018

Welcome here!
Look forward to see some pictures of your project!

sidepod · Jul 11, 2018

Brilliant. Welcome :cheers

Gary&Heather · Jul 11, 2018

looking forward to seeing some photos of your project :thumb

Hotel California · Jul 11, 2018

Great stuff , someone with a background in camping and Cali's we always love to welcome ....others also

bxl_lad · Jul 12, 2018

Greetings from an ex-Sheffield'er :thumb

Welcome! Looking forward to seeing the pics - Please throw in the 'work-in-progress' pics too (Cali-porn to some

)
Shame that a '99 got into such a state, but great that you're going to bring it back to life!
:welcome

Grebetow · Jul 12, 2018

bxl_lad said:
Greetings from an ex-Sheffield'er
Welcome! Looking forward to seeing the pics - Please throw in the 'work-in-progress' pics too (Cali-porn to some )
Shame that a '99 got into such a state, but great that you're going to bring it back to life!

Yeah, it's weird that the body is so bad - arches, sills and under the rear window being the prime, and usual, suspects.

Whilst the van is up on miles (222,000), it has a truly EPIC pile of service history and, mechanically at least, has wanted for nothing, including a brand new full exhaust system immediately prior to my ownership. It was owned for 18 years by the same chap who, somewhat weirdly, given that I purchased the van in Blackburn, lives in my village in Sheffield (Dore), about half a mile away from me! Strangely enough, I don't recall ever seeing the van and I would have noticed it. From a few steps away it looks lovely.

It is in absolutely superb condition internally, everything works (apart from the aircon), and it could pass for a 20,000 mile van.

The chap must have spent many many thousands on the van over the years, so it's difficult to understand why he didn't look after the bodywork!

Anyway, my gain; the van was priced cheaply enough for me to buy and sort, and there to still be a profit in it when I eventually sell it, so all good.