Black Kombi Day Van Build

[CALLAKN]

First wash in my ownership... I always feel like a vehicle isn't properly your own until you've washed it yourself.

Noticed a few little dings and scratches in the process but off to see a PDR guy in the morning so hopefully he can work his magic

Would probably benefit from a machine polish too if I'm honest as there's a couple of light bird poo stains in the clear coat.

A few pics because why not!

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Reminds me of how mine first looked when I picked mine up!

 

[CooseVW]

Took my side bars off today as I never really liked them. Think I'm going to have to do some reading on how to remove the brackets from the chassis as when I try a loosen the nut, the whole stud spins but doesn't seem to unthread?

 

[CooseVW]

Finally got the new boots on! T6.1 Sportline wheels with General Grabber AT3 tyres.

Didn't have all that much choice on the AT tyre front as I needed load rated for T32 and speed rated for the 204ps.

I'm over the moon with how the look and I'm also really pleased with the ride height now.

Also managed to get the old side bar brackets off with the help of a grinder...

 

[CooseVW]

Finally got round to looking into my leisure set up... I had noticed that when I bought the van, the leisure battery power lead in the engine bay had been disconnected from the starter battery and I figured I'd give it a good going over before re-connecting.

Finally got around to removing the passenger seat and removed the full install from beneath.

It's a basic set up (I think, I'm no expert). Literally the whole thing to power 2x 12V cigarette lighter sockets. I'm guessing this was due to the previous owner having a slide pod installed so must have ran a flying lead from the slide pod to a 12V beneath the front passenger seat.

I think the battery is toast... it's swelling a fair bit and I'd be loathed to attempt a charge then bury it under the passenger seat again.

Here's some photos...







I think I'm just going to go for a cheap AGM battery again as my plans are as follows:

Re-use the CTEK unit and mount this amd the new battery back beneath the passenger seat. Run a 10mm cable to the ply lining on the drivers side next the the rear bench and mount the fuse box behind here. Mount a couple of USB ports and 12V outlets with a plug connector to connect the slide pod when it is installed.

Any advice is welcome!

Also, a photo of the van after a wash for good measure

 

[JumpShip]

That battery does look decidedly bulbous! .
Is the Ctek compatible with lithium ?
Doesn't seem to make much sense sticking to an AGM if so .

 

[CooseVW]

That battery does look decidedly bulbous! .
Is the Ctek compatible with lithium ?
Doesn't seem to make much sense sticking to an AGM if so .

I beleive that it is... Only thing swaying my decision is the price difference really. For what it will be powering, I'm not sure I would even notice a difference although I'm happy to be convinced otherwise.

Potentially going to be powering a slide pod (water pump on that draws approx 5A when in use but this is only going to be very momentary). then It will only be LED lights and usb sockets really. No plans on a fridge or anything.

 

[CAB]

Lithium is almost as cheap as AGM for usable capacity, and won't die if it's drained too low or left for months on end.

 

[CooseVW]

Lithium is almost as cheap as AGM for usable capacity, and won't die if it's drained too low or left for months on end.

I'm maybe being a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of options! Could anyone point me in the direction of a lithiuim battery which would be roughly equivalent to this?

Advanced AGM LP120 Leisure Battery 120ah 12v | Advanced Battery Supplies

The Advanced AGM LP120 leisure battery is a low profile height 120ah dual purpose battery type. This absorbed mat technology sealed unit is popular for Motorhomes, Camper Vans and many other applications. AGM Leisure batteries can be drained using 70% of their capacity. They can also be charged...

advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk

 

[CooseVW]

I've been strugging to find one which would mount under the seat due to the height dimension. I have found this though, which states that it can be mounted on its side so could be ideal?

What do you guys reckon?

12V 300Ah/200Ah/100Ah Batteries,Caravan Leisure Battery,Lithium Battery | Renogy UK

Meet Renogy 12V 300Ah Core Series Battery, 5000+ Cycles your trusted, one-stop solution for upgrading from Lead to Lithium. Deep Cycle Battery for Trolling Motor, RV, Solar, Marine, Camping and Off Grid Applications

uk.renogy.com

 

[JumpShip]

Yep 100ah core mini is what I had in mind for you
Yes mount it on its side no problem.

 

[Sasquatch]

Thinking of a 300Ah Renogy LB myself.

 

[JumpShip]

A 300 like the 200 won't physically fit under the seat

 

[CooseVW]

so I've been doing a few bits on the van in the last few weeks...

I've finally finished sound deadening and insulating the van, which I was surprised as to how much difference it made to the noise levels in the van when driving around.

I've also invested in a 100ah renogy lithium leisure battery. I'm in the process of making custom bracketey to fit it under the passenger seat whilst retaining the ctek charger I inherited.

I've also purchased a RIB V3 swivel for the drivers seat, so obviously (because, why not right?!) upgraded the passenger seat swivel to the same spec.

Whilst the bases were out, I gave them a good rub down and a fresh coat of satin black paint to make them nice and fresh. I also re-cut the seat base trim cover plastics whist I was there as the previous owner must have done it with a blunt bread knife.

Anyway, some pictures because that's what everyone wants to see

 

[Kev.O]

Also, a photo of the van after a wash for good measure

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Do you have any details on the lower rear bumper part please?

 

[CooseVW]

Do you have any details on the lower rear bumper part please?

Satin Silver ABS Rear Bumper Protector Skid Plate - VW T6 15-24 - Vanstyle

www.vanstyle.co.uk

 

[T6NOMAD]

Looking good! I enjoyed this part of my build! It really is amazing how much of a difference the sound deadening makes. Will you be doing the arches from the underside? I still have to do mine.

 

[Skyliner33]

so I've been doing a few bits on the van in the last few weeks...

I've finally finished sound deadening and insulating the van, which I was surprised as to how much difference it made to the noise levels in the van when driving around.

I've also invested in a 100ah renogy lithium leisure battery. I'm in the process of making custom bracketey to fit it under the passenger seat whilst retaining the ctek charger I inherited.

I've also purchased a RIB V3 swivel for the drivers seat, so obviously (because, why not right?!) upgraded the passenger seat swivel to the same spec.

Whilst the bases were out, I gave them a good rub down and a fresh coat of satin black paint to make them nice and fresh. I also re-cut the seat base trim cover plastics whist I was there as the previous owner must have done it with a blunt bread knife.

Anyway, some pictures because that's what everyone wants to see

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Whats the template for in the last pic?

 

[CooseVW]

Looking good! I enjoyed this part of my build! It really is amazing how much of a difference the sound deadening makes. Will you be doing the arches from the underside? I still have to do mine.

I don't think I will be to be honest.... I've fitted the plastic wheel arch covers on the inside and I'm happy with the sound levels now!

 

[CooseVW]

Whats the template for in the last pic?

I'm making a battery tray for under the passenger seat... I want to be able to mount the DC/DC charger under there too but also want the battery to be removeable & accessible without removing the seat. I'll post some photos when I'm done... It's quite the masterpiece.

 

[Skyliner33]

I'm making a battery tray for under the passenger seat... I want to be able to mount the DC/DC charger under there too but also want the battery to be removeable & accessible without removing the seat. I'll post some photos when I'm done... It's quite the masterpiece.

Cool. Look forward to seeing the results.
I might place an order if it will work with my battery