Sydeney - the new bay on the block

[mattc]

Hi all,

Thought i would post a couple pics of the new project, a 71 Dormobile conversion in need of a little love with the MIG wand !!!

[olly1972]

Three week project?

Gonna keep us up to date like your previous project?

[mattc]

So far due to rain and work getting in the way i have only managed to get the bus up onto axle stands and drop the engine out, ready for new corners and battery trays







and of course the question why did i ever start this job!!

[olly1972]

Cuz you love it!

[olly1972]

Ready for the show season?

[mattc]

Well managed to finally get a couple of days on the camper and we are starting to get somewhere.
Set a deadline for the end of May as we want to go to Plymouth fest again.











Just picked up the gas for the MIG so tomorrow is a welding day if the rain stays away....

[mattc]

Well the welder is working wonders with a new bottle of gas



Welding done - filler rubbed down - & a coat of red lead to stop it rusting untill it goes to the paintshop





Just need to tidy the engine bay and thats ready for some paint

[mattc]

Another break in the weather and a tiny bit more done.
After taking off the runner covers there wasn't much behind that resembled metal





So cut out the rot and luckily JK did a replacement panel



Just needs final trim down and then weld in



but sods law it rained again - the joys off working on your drive i guess

[mattc]

What a morning - just blown up the Mig welder.
Managed to get three tack welds to hold the window return in place and then the amp regulator fused itself.

So instead of finishing that area off managed to cut out the other arch and corner along with the battery tray.
Ever get the feeling of deja vous !?!





Another job that got finally done was the replacing of the fuel tank with new hoses



Hopefully the part for the mig will be in early next week as i have the week off !!

[Fraggle]

This is a wicked thread dude!!!

Great work on the bus.........when's the slamming and 4inch beam happening??

Keep the pics coming this is sweet

[mattc]

Cheers Fraggle

Had another couple of hours today, the wife said its a nice day get some bits out on the line to dry......
not sure this is what she meant...





still it was a nice day

[olly1972]

I'm with Frag, great thread!
Makes me see what I can't do....

[mattc]

Happy days - the mig is fixed and only £52 for a switch
the sun is out and we are on a roll
hopefully have passenger side finished by this weekend

[Fraggle]

Slam that bay down!!!

Keep em coming!

[mattc]

alrighty - got the new switch for the MIG and only £52

though it does seem to weld better.

Managed to get the welding under the rear window done and the new cover channel in place



Also managed to finish shaping up rear corner and arch ready for welding



though have to fabricate a few panels that will be hidden away once its done



also a couple patches in the wheel tub, starting to feel llike i'm getting somewhere now!!!

[mattc]

gotten most of the hidden bits done



and the outer panels nearly shaped up ready for welding

[mattc]

Another couple panels welded on - thought for a mo i could see light at the end of the tunnel - but it was just a bloke with a torch bringing me more work - heyho





Just the inner seal to weld up and a jacking point and the window top and the returns to the tailgate and thats the rear finished

[mattc]

Had another couple of hours on the bus - not that much progress, but i did manage to rub down the engine bay, prime, seal and top coat it ready for the engine to go back in





Nice to get the first bits coloured - just worried i can't remember how the engine goes back together!!

[mattc]

The next insallment

Managed to get the engine fitted, and most of the wiring redone. Only problem is there are a few wires left and not sure where they go...
Then just a case of filling up with oil and petrol and seeing if she starts.





Also manageg to sort the corner next to the tailgate.
Its amazing how far a little rust goes once you start tapping with the hammer





Once this was all cleaned back welded in a replacement section from a donar bus, with was fortunate as i diont think i could of fabricated the section



This bit has had its final shape up with a bit of plod and and a coat of red oxide till we get to the paintshop!

Also managed to replace the rear flexi hoses, both slave cylinders and new shoes at the rear, so hopefully it will stop as well

[mattc]

This is the finished corner



Have also finished the rear arch and mid section.
That only needed tidying up as the PO had already welded inner and outer sills on and a couple of dents needed filling





hope to have her back on 4 wheels this weekend then turn around and start the front

[mattc]

yeah getting close now to paintshop time
finished off the other side of the tailgate shut and repaired the window return on the drivers side







though like an idiot hit the top of the tailgate return and made a load of holes in that so got to chop that out and weld up now, nevermind..
have three small patches to weld on the front underneath and hopefully that is the end of welding

[mattc]

Ok all ready for paintshop - just need to get there now and sods law my boss gives me loads of work - bless him!!!

So this is where i'm at





starting to feel like the end is getting closer, though Plymfest deadline is getting scary close now
will we be taking the Volvo and a tent?

[Fraggle]

Nice work dude!!!

Really looking great, some serious work going in there for sure!

Can't wait to see it!

[mattc]

Here are a few pics of when we were at the oainters

Masked ready for topcoat





and then with a little magic......... shiny





then it was back home for the rebuild

[mattc]

Also managed a weekend away