What have you bought for your Cali today :-)

[subthree]

Bought a Fiamma Awning Rafter. Needed to reduce the length of each piece by 200mm in order to store it in the van (still more than long enough for the intended purpose). Fixed the supplied mounting clips to the rear of the Slide Out Tray. Really happy with it.

There cannot be any more room in your van for gadgets!

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

There cannot be any more room in your van for gadgets!

All the gear - no idea

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

There cannot be any more room in your van for gadgets!

My next project is to make a skirt from an old tarp’ I have, to close the gap under the van and the awning room.

 

[66tim99]

so wish i knew what on earth you guys are on about lol ,ok ok i get it some kind of ceramic coating but is it really worth that much to do? do these things really last now ? i mean that genuinely as if they do then deffo worth looking at but i had. a car done maybe 5 years ago and i was hugely unimpressed with it after a couple of months it didnt seem to be there anymore ? so any advice is seriously taken on board

Its a great question that I cant answer directly Jim as I've never had it done. I do know Californias have an upright front end that pick up stone chips, and that there's a big expanse of paint/glass to keep clean. Paint Protection Film stops chips and self-heals with heat. Ceramic bonds with the paint and gives a gloss, makes cleaning it easy, and protects from UV and minor scratches, chemical stains etc.
Now as other threads on here testify, its not for everyone ("I'd rather spend my money on camping equipment. Emperors new clothes" etc), but certainly the premium car manufacturers are offering it as an option, and new cars are coated/PPF'd by the best detailers prior to delivery. I understand Porsche send theirs to Azuri. Richard put me onto them.
The devil is in the detail(er) though. I've spoken to 5 or 6 firms, some wildly expensive (eg Topaz) and some using inferior gear that don't inspire confidence. The preparation is important, and the whole process can take 3 days or more. Azuri in Stevenage, FAW in Hampstead, and GT Performance in York were all contenders, but Azuri pip it for me and I'll book in for PPF front end/rear bumper top and interior when I have a delivery date. I'll also have some alloygaters fitted. For me its worth spending a couple of grand to keep a £70k van sweeter for longer.
I wonder who did yours and with what product? The firms I've spoken to have mentioned the professional-only ceramic products being far superior to any amateur version. There are only a handful in the UK allowed by Gtechniq to apply Crystal Serum Ultra. It might not be worth going half-measures.

 

[Bumble The Van]

Its a great question that I cant answer directly Jim as I've never had it done. I do know Californias have an upright front end that pick up stone chips, and that there's a big expanse of paint/glass to keep clean. Paint Protection Film stops chips and self-heals with heat. Ceramic bonds with the paint and gives a gloss, makes cleaning it easy, and protects from UV and minor scratches, chemical stains etc.
Now as other threads on here testify, its not for everyone ("I'd rather spend my money on camping equipment. Emperors new clothes" etc), but certainly the premium car manufacturers are offering it as an option, and new cars are coated/PPF'd by the best detailers prior to delivery. I understand Porsche send theirs to Azuri. Richard put me onto them.
The devil is in the detail(er) though. I've spoken to 5 or 6 firms, some wildly expensive (eg Topaz) and some using inferior gear that don't inspire confidence. The preparation is important, and the whole process can take 3 days or more. Azuri in Stevenage, FAW in Hampstead, and GT Performance in York were all contenders, but Azuri pip it for me and I'll book in for PPF front end/rear bumper top and interior when I have a delivery date. I'll also have some alloygaters fitted. For me its worth spending a couple of grand to keep a £70k van sweeter for longer.
I wonder who did yours and with what product? The firms I've spoken to have mentioned the professional-only ceramic products being far superior to any amateur version. There are only a handful in the UK allowed by Gtechniq to apply Crystal Serum Ultra. It might not be worth going half-measures.

thats so kind to take that time to reply tim thank you ,i cant remember the firm but they came out to me and erected an inflatable tent etc and took a long time but it just didnt last but i have to say i think 5 or 6 years on they will have nailed the technology im sure , thanks for advice re stone chipping i used to own a t5 and i totally agree they kind of like picking up chips dont they ? i saw darkocean reply earlier and his spec of van is identical to what im waiting for and reading up about stuff and i realise this may well be worth it on a black van as they do look stunning when they are super polished up, his van looks a dream to me and made me want mine so blooming badly but i reckon im a few months off yet it arriving but im older now and can take it, just........

 

[Bumble The Van]

My next project is to make a skirt from an old tarp’ I have, to close the gap under the van and the awning room.

cracking idea!

 

[Abx]

thats so kind to take that time to reply tim thank you ,i cant remember the firm but they came out to me and erected an inflatable tent etc and took a long time but it just didnt last but i have to say i think 5 or 6 years on they will have nailed the technology im sure , thanks for advice re stone chipping i used to own a t5 and i totally agree they kind of like picking up chips dont they ? i saw darkocean reply earlier and his spec of van is identical to what im waiting for and reading up about stuff and i realise this may well be worth it on a black van as they do look stunning when they are super polished up, his van looks a dream to me and made me want mine so blooming badly but i reckon im a few months off yet it arriving but im older now and can take it, just........

You cannot apply proper ceramic outside so I'd imagine if it was done on a drive it was diamond bright or similar, the stuff dealers a few years ago used to try and make a few extra £££'s on when selling cars, different product all together, but I suspect some try and get the word 'ceramic' in the marketing!

 

[Abx]

Its a great question that I cant answer directly Jim as I've never had it done. I do know Californias have an upright front end that pick up stone chips, and that there's a big expanse of paint/glass to keep clean. Paint Protection Film stops chips and self-heals with heat. Ceramic bonds with the paint and gives a gloss, makes cleaning it easy, and protects from UV and minor scratches, chemical stains etc.
Now as other threads on here testify, its not for everyone ("I'd rather spend my money on camping equipment. Emperors new clothes" etc), but certainly the premium car manufacturers are offering it as an option, and new cars are coated/PPF'd by the best detailers prior to delivery. I understand Porsche send theirs to Azuri. Richard put me onto them.
The devil is in the detail(er) though. I've spoken to 5 or 6 firms, some wildly expensive (eg Topaz) and some using inferior gear that don't inspire confidence. The preparation is important, and the whole process can take 3 days or more. Azuri in Stevenage, FAW in Hampstead, and GT Performance in York were all contenders, but Azuri pip it for me and I'll book in for PPF front end/rear bumper top and interior when I have a delivery date. I'll also have some alloygaters fitted. For me its worth spending a couple of grand to keep a £70k van sweeter for longer.
I wonder who did yours and with what product? The firms I've spoken to have mentioned the professional-only ceramic products being far superior to any amateur version. There are only a handful in the UK allowed by Gtechniq to apply Crystal Serum Ultra. It might not be worth going half-measures.

Be careful of alloygaters as they can do more damage than they save you from, especially if you have diamond cut wheels, only the other day I read a post on my BMW forum where grit had got between them and the wheel (as you'd expect being at that location) the alloygaters had then ground it into the alloy allowing water ingress between alloy and the lacquer creating a 'worm' effect.

I'd recommend Gtechniq C5 wheel armour which is a ceramic coating for wheels, easy to apply yourself (if wheels are new) and lasts around 2 years, unless that it that you are prone to catching kerbs, in which case alloygaters are your only saviour.

 

[sapto]

It will be a while until I get to use them due to work.
Not sure what you mean by stripe ? Both sides are the same they come in a nice bag and fit in between the chairs easily.
Just need to get some pegs as none are supplied with them.

Got mine today. Wasn't sure if it fits into the siderail. Obv it does perfectly. Mine came with some sort of pegs and pole. Not my fav ones however I plan to replace them anyway.

Will try to fit it to the awening although we there got the Thule Shade thing.

 

[66tim99]

Be careful of alloygaters as they can do more damage than they save you from, especially if you have diamond cut wheels, only the other day I read a post on my BMW forum where grit had got between them and the wheel (as you'd expect being at that location) the alloygaters had then ground it into the alloy allowing water ingress between alloy and the lacquer creating a 'worm' effect.

I'd recommend Gtechniq C5 wheel armour which is a ceramic coating for wheels, easy to apply yourself (if wheels are new) and lasts around 2 years, unless that it that you are prone to catching kerbs, in which case alloygaters are your only saviour.

Thanks yes I have seen some bad reviews, and some great ones. I wonder if they've always been fitted correctly. I am getting black springfield wheels which aren't diamond cut, but still, I'm going to think twice about alloygaters. I see Rimblades are another option...

 

[Abx]

Thanks yes I have seen some bad reviews, and some great ones. I wonder if they've always been fitted correctly. I am getting black springfield wheels which aren't diamond cut, but still, I'm going to think twice about alloygaters. I see Rimblades are another option...

Yes the worst I’ve seen is where one came unclipped and one end was flapping around and smashing into the wheel arch every revolution of the wheel, ouch, but I think they had stretched tyres which would not have helped.

Black non diamond cut wheels will certainly help.

 

[BeagleMum]

There cannot be any more room in your van for gadgets!

Oh yes there is, where there’s a will he will find a way.

 

[subthree]

Oh yes there is, where there’s a will he will find a way.

(I actually thought the way he secured the awning rail was really neat, but don't tell anyone).

 

[BeagleMum]

(I actually thought the way he secured the awning rail was really neat, but don't tell anyone).

Agreed, smart thinking.

 

[StevenZhang]

Wind deflectors on. View attachment 76887View attachment 76888

Looks great, is it just stick on the door? I just plan to buy a pair of them, where did you buy these? Thanks.

Wind deflectors on. View attachment 76887View attachment 76888

Is it for T6? Thanks

 

[Swiss Cheese]

Uebler i21 90° tow ball bike rack.
Got it secondhand but in great condition. Hard to find new for the past year, so jumped on it. The seller told me he could have sold it 3 times over within a short time of advertising.
Now waiting for the long numberplate from the STVA here...

 

[Rams66]

My next project is to make a skirt from an old tarp’ I have, to close the gap under the van and the awning room.

That's my project for the weekend too! I bought some snap-on eyelets to put the ground pegs through and some magnets to hold it in place under the doors. Going to use the same tarp to make the infills for the gap between the side panels and van. Expecting to attach with velcro and a magnet or 2 to the body work. I'm not that 'handy' but looking forward this one!

 

[dripster]

Looks great, is it just stick on the door? I just plan to buy a pair of them, where did you buy these? Thanks.


Is it for T6? Thanks

They push into the window channels, and then there are two clips that push in to keep them secure. There's a video on the Vee Dub shop sight that shows you how it works. Yes, they're for a T6.

 

[Dark Ocean]

I'm not surprised they don't have a long waiting list with those prices and products.
If you're bothering, why not go for the best - Crystal Serum Ultra, guaranteed for 9 years? And G1 smart vision glass (20k miles)? Azuri will do that lot (inc 2x EXOv4 top coats), wheels and also the interior and roof bellows for £945+vat.
To PPF the front end (with XPEL, again seems to come up regularly as 'the best') is £880+vat. So £1500 seems expensive.
Azuri will also do the top of the rear bumper with XPEL to stop scratching when loading for £80.

They sound like brilliant prices. I might give them a buzz today, just worried about driving around while waiting to get it booked in.

 

[dripster]

So - I went ahead and ordered a Cinch Hub to use as a shelter/awning this summer. After agonising whether to go with a full drive away solution I’ve decided to go with this - for a while/trial at least. Main attractions:
- packed size (folds down into a similar storage size to a hulahoop laid down flat on the parcel shelf). This was a major advantage to me
- ease of erection (ooo-er). Fastest solution available from what I can gather
- ease of collapse. Same as above once rehearsed
- flexibility: I really enjoy the vista and natural light from the sliding door of my Ocean so have never really been massively attracted to the idea of connecting quite a dark ‘tunnel’ or blocking off the main aspect of the side awning. These Cinch Hubs can be used on any side of the awning - thinking my preference will be to the back rear as per the photo borrowed from @sensisuperstar below
- removable groundsheet for maximum flexibility at campsites
- price and availability (£150 delivered in 2-days for the 2020 edition)

I will happily acknowledge that this may not be suitable for anyone requiring a very large space or sleeping accommodation in their awning (although an inner tent is actually available for sleeping at extra cost). I only need it to provide additional storage for the bloomin’ child seats I still need to lug around plus all the detritus I would like to leave on site for a swifter drive away day trip. It will also be nice to have an outside socialising event-shelter type space in inclement weather.
Regular price is £250 but in my enquiries with the company they offered me a ‘seconds’ Hub for just £150. They were very transparent with the imperfections which were incorrectly attached fixings for 4 of the canopy pole fittings and a very slight colour run on one of the doors. I felt the £100 reduction and immediate availability made this a good deal, so bought one - expecting delivery on Thursday!
View attachment 77083


FYI - there are still a couple more of these ‘seconds’ items available that failed QC. Email Ben at info@cinchpopuptents.com if you want one too. I told him I’d share his details here.View attachment 77084View attachment 77085View attachment 77086

Thanks for this, just ordered one at this price. Bargain!

 

[dripster]

These just arrived:

VW T5 T6 T6.1 Multivan / California Beach Küchenmodul 3 „Gaskocherhalter“ – Mobilcamping

www.gruenthal-mobilcamping.de

VW T5 T6 T6.1 Multivan / California Beach Küchenmodul 2 „Schneidebrett“ – Mobilcamping

www.gruenthal-mobilcamping.de

Will try and see how well they work in the van at the weekend, but the idea was to keep them in the Beach most of the time for impromptu use. Have a Maxxcamp Compact for longer stays.

And a Cinch Hub arrived today, not sure I'll have time to pop that up AND fold it down again over the weekend too!.

 

[kurienp]

From @YesCampervan . Slightly customised with the down extended panel to (hopefully) protect the washup bowl from melting. Looks good and provides for more usable space

Will test over the weekend.

 

[slipper]

These!

 

[GregW]

An angri brother...

 

[kave]

These just arrived:
View attachment 77179

VW T5 T6 T6.1 Multivan / California Beach Küchenmodul 3 „Gaskocherhalter“ – Mobilcamping

www.gruenthal-mobilcamping.de

VW T5 T6 T6.1 Multivan / California Beach Küchenmodul 2 „Schneidebrett“ – Mobilcamping

www.gruenthal-mobilcamping.de

Will try and see how well they work in the van at the weekend, but the idea was to keep them in the Beach most of the time for impromptu use. Have a Maxxcamp Compact for longer stays.

And a Cinch Hub arrived today, not sure I'll have time to pop that up AND fold it down again over the weekend too!.

Really smart way of attaching something to the strip. We are a few that made Hubbys snack table involving original VW fittings https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/hubbys-handmade-side-snack-drink-bar-for-the-beach.16460/