LT35 Work Van to Race Camper

Hello all!
Long term lurker, first time poster.

This August the T4 had it's second rather expensive MOT and I decided it wasn't worth it anymore,
so after a few months on the bike to work, I finally picked up a new van on Sunday:





MWB Hi-Top, LT35, 2.5TDI with 116,000 on the clock, a respray in the last year and reasonable alloys.

First Job will to be de-sticker it!

Before next years race season (motorbikes) I'll hopefully convert a section of the back to be bike storage with a shallow coffin like (cosy...) bed above.

I'm also renovating my house, so this will be a messy store big enough for fullsize plasterboard sheets etc.
A roofrack may also go on for timber and general practicality.

Next step will be converting the forward section by the sliding door to some kind of living / cooking / eating area, the format will depend how much space is left,
maybe removal of the bulkhead and swivel double seats if I'm feeling fancy.

Finally the plan for outside will be a few black bits and an awning if I can find one at a reasonable price.


Wish me luck, I'll need it.

Also, am I best to start threads for specific questions or just whack them in here?

Yeah I've always liked the look of the older buses,
but ultimately I needed something that was less likely to let me down.

One day maybe if the van is purely a luxury item I'll have something old & pretty,
I use it as a daily driver too (bike commuting in winter is crap).

As for the speed, it's great in comparison to my tired old T4!
Still the slowest vehicle in the house though.

It's primary function will be transport of bikes / building materials as opposed to a traditional camper,
But hopefully should still serve the accomodation factor better than a gazebo & tent(!)

Got the signwriting stripped off and 'G3' polished today:





Unfortunately the stickers on the back doors took a little paint with it,
As it had been resprayed I was expecting this to happen somewhere.
So I'll have to find out the paint used by the previous owner and get it blown over.

All in all not a bad job for £60.

Next thing on the list is a good service, I got the van cheaper than I had.allocated to buying one,
so ensuring it's longevity with a little TLC from the spare cash makes sense.

Can anyone give me a clue on the following:
Start-up first thing takes a few seconds of turning before starting with a cough of white diesel smoke,
Time to do the glow-plugs while it's in for service or something else?
(hopefully nothing too sinister...)