Introduction

This old vehicle started life as a micro-bus and and so has the benefit of a full compliment of factory fitted recessed windows with associated internal structure (converted panel vans often use flush fitted window pains with bulbous seals and none of the internal structure). It was converted into a four berth camper with a lifting roof that housed two hammock type beds. I cannot confirm who carried out the original conversion as the interior had been removed before my ownership, being replaced with a custom interior and there are no makers plates anywhere on the vehicle structure or roof.
Being ’72 year model bus this is a change over model. This means that it benefits from the later larger rear air vents, larger rear light units and has the later flared wheel arches. However, it also retains the earlier better looking front panel with its low mounted indicators (later models had square high level front indicators mounted either end of the air vent below the windscreen) and the earlier rounded bumpers. It also has disc front brakes. The cab is the usual walk through affair and the vehicle even has a fitted tow bar!

Condition

Bodywork/Structure

Despite its outward appearance (it was brush painted about ten years ago!) this old bus is still very solid underneath. As can be seen from the available pictures, the underside is in the main suffering little more than surface rust. I have as yet not found any area of the chassis or out-riggers that requires repair. Both the shells sills appear to be rust free as is the main cabin floor. The areas that do require attention are:

Front valance holed in rear face near steering box. (appears sound across the
rest of its length).
Both front wheel arches crumbling – Complete repair sections available.
Drivers side cab floor holed.
Bottom of both ‘B’ pillars holed - Repair sections available.
Both front door bottoms perforated – Rust free replacement drivers door
included in the sale.
Drivers side rear wheel arch crumbling – Repair section available.
Near-side rear arch requires some attention.
Battery tray appears rust free but dubious mounting (possibly bolted on).
Engine lid crumbling along bottom edge.

Front Underneath General View

Nearside - Front Valence - Offside (Holed)

Nearside Front Arch & Cab Floor

Offside Front Arch & Cab Floor

Nearside - 'B' Post - Offside

Looking Foward - Nearside Underside - Looking Rearward

Rear <- Nearside Sill -> Front

Looking Rearward - Offside Underside - Looking Forward

Front <- Offside Sill -> Rear

Nearside - Rear Arches - Offside

Mechanical

As to be expected of a vehicle this age, mechanically it is a little worn. The engine is junk and presently not fitted but will be included in the sale. I wouldn’t even consider rebuilding it when replacements are easily available. The gearbox works fine though as with any of these old buses the gear linkage is a bit vague now. This should be an easy fix as there is a plastic bush at the gearbox end that it known to wear on these and is commonly available.

Interior

As already stated, the interior has been replaced with a custom made interior. This basically comprises of a full width bench seat with internal storage that folds out to make a very large bed! There is a fixed sink unit behind the driver seat and a removable hob/grill unit behind the passenger seat. A removable island table completes the living area. The lifting roof was dismantled and repaired many years ago and recovered with new vinyl but has not been completed; the original skylight still needs to be refitted.
The front seats have been replaced with the comfy front seats from a Rover SD1. These are finished in blue upholstery that matches the blue carpeting of the rest of the interior.

Other

The old bus comes with a collection of spares. The main item being the rust free drivers door but also a good replacement latch mechanism for the sliding door and numerous brackets, fittings and engine seals.

And finally

I have owned this old friend for over a decade now. It has been a faithfull friend and got me out of a number of tight spots. I would dearly love to carry out the work this van requires myself but with a young family I simply cannot devote the time required to it. Therefore I am very reluctantly having to offer it up for sale. I want to see it receiving the attention it deserves rather than being left to deteriorate. It is fast approaching its fortieth birthday and with a bit of effort I have every confidence it would see another forty. I have been as accurate as I can in my description and am more than happy for anyone to come and view for themselves.

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