Van bucketlist

[Stanios]

Time has come for me to upgrade my vw polo to a real van! Getting a long wheel base transit connect with high roof. Got lots of work to do when I get the van. So far on my list I've got roof rack, bulkhead, rhino tubes. Other than that Im lost at how to outfit the interior (racking) and what kind of storage or other nifty things I can have in the van.

Heres what I've got to work with

Any helpfull suggestions will be much appreciated!

 

[PhoenixServices]

If it's long wheelbase I would put a false floor in and put pipe in that instead of tubes. Less likely to be knicked.

 

[Leo21]

Get a bulkhead in for security.

 

[Rickster123]

Cup holders on the back of the seat? That'll never catch on....

 

[bright spark]

Well ye know yourself what ye need to carry. Could put a false floor and ply shelving but I don't kno how much weight ye put in d van. Ye can pick up some nice ply shelving diy kits made especially for each van.
Myself I do mainly commercial servicing/ repair. I've some shelving, then I carry stock/tools in baskets that a bakery might carry fresh bread in. Van can be then emptied or rearranged for large items to b carried.

 

[Paulplumb]

Somebody on this forum recommended 12v aquarium led light strips on eBay. They are truly amazing. Great in the winter months. As mentioned forget the rhino tubes and go internal.

 

[Leo21]

Cup holders on the back of the seat? That'll never catch on....

Surely it just spills everywhere.

 

[Toolsnrules]

Surely it just spills everywhere.

I thought you were talking about the aquarium from the post above yours

 

[Rickster123]

Surely it just spills everywhere.

Yeah that would get really irritating really quickly!

 

[04jtb]

Don't reckon you'll get 3m of pipe in a transit connect!

As said above, definitely fit a bulkhead, increases security and massively cuts down on noise

 

[gassafe]

Get a bulkhead, a van vault, deadlocks, 12v led lights ( britalitez ) and some nice home made raking!

 

[Toggles]

Get a bulkhead, a van vault, deadlocks, 12v led lights ( britalitez ) and some nice home made raking!

And paint the ply PINK !!!!!! LOL........ Joooooooooke

 

[rpm]

Deadlocks.

 

[stevetheplumber]

They do a bulhead with a gap to allow tube down into the passenger foot well a mate of mine had one have a look on ebay for racking loads of dealer rip it out and sellit

 

[RAW85]

Defo get extra lock as Transits are getting targetted by gangs with skeleton keys!

 

[dave1]

Defo get extra lock as Transits are getting targetted by gangs with skeleton keys!

Absolutely agree with this

 

[lame plumber]

from what I've seen they just use crow bars and pull the doors off their runners, no need for any keys!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gassafe]

And paint the ply PINK !!!!!! LOL........ Joooooooooke

It's your van mate, paint it whatever colour floats your boat

 

[drip-dry]

maybe put a proper van on ya bucket list.....
:57:

 

[Toggles]

maybe put a proper van on ya bucket list.....
:57:

Hahahahahahahahaha

 

[Whyme]

As above Bulk Head, The last thing i'd want in a crash was a 30mph ripped out loo hurtling toward the back of me head.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

As above Bulk Head, The last thing i'd want in a crash was a 30mph ripped out loo hurtling toward the back of me head.

or a tiny bit of 15mm

 

[Stanios]

Cheers for suggestions going to have to keep them for later as dealer turned around and said its a lease van with no service book just as I was about to sign on dotted line..

 

[rpm]

What year was it?

 

[rpm]

Would be good if you registered as a member and put your location up as forum members are often looking for vans, and as a member you might become recommended in time which can only be good for business but doubt you would be allowed to advertise without the ok from the mods first.
Radiators are measured in length and height to start with.

 

[Unregistered]

Ok, thanks very much, I'll do that. In terms of measuring, ive got the old pipes coming up with a plastic stop valve to stop water coming out.i have the height but for the length do I measure from the pipe coming up from the floor or from the ends of the valves? Thanks again and sorry for being off topic!

ps Transit Custom or new Vauxhall vivaro sportive have great load through flaps, going through the bulkhead and into the passenger footwell giving over 3 meters in the vivaro.

 

[rpm]

What year was it?

IF you can get the registration number and the reference number from the front of the logbook then there is a you/gov/DVLA site where you can print off the MOT history and the mileage at the time then if it`s a 1 owner van and you can find out which town the lease company was in then a local Ford dealer would have the service history and more than likely give you a print out of it.

 

[rpm]

Measure the actual metal radiator.

 

[Stanios]

Im just suspect, Ive been saving for this for over 5 years and so far buying a used van seems like navigating in a minefield

 

[oz-plumber]

Im just suspect, Ive been saving for this for over 5 years and so far buying a used van seems like navigating in a minefield

I would prefer to navigate a minefield than buy a second hand van.

I actually feel sorry for the people that have bought some of my 'pre-loved' vans.
If they were worth keeping I would have done so.
It's not that they were neglected, or mistreated, they just became a burden with repairs and maintenance.
My view is to replace vans at 5 - 7 years. Between that period, all the major items need replacing, shocks, springs, clutches, brake discs and so on.
Tyres and brakes don't bother me but all the other items start to get expensive.

If possible, get a new van and look after it. It will probably last you 10 - 15 years.