Ex RAC Van, I'm going to log my progress here as it is turned into a campervan.

[roadtripper]

Nice panel install

I'm sure you're aware but if you do put crossbars on to carry stuff on the roof make sure you move them clear of the panel when not in use, shading even a cell can drop the panel output considerably.

 

[Lee8210]

Nice panel install

I'm sure you're aware but if you do put crossbars on to carry stuff on the roof make sure you move them clear of the panel when not in use, shading even a cell can drop the panel output considerably.

Thanks

I have seen that on YouTube, even a leaf can drop the output by 20-30%!

The roof bars are more for show so we should be OK.

 

[FerrisBFW]

I do like a orange van. Where do the RAC sell off their vans?

 

[Lee8210]

I do like a orange van. Where do the RAC sell off their vans?

We got ours from an Auction in wales, just google ex RAC vans and there are a few places you can get them from.

 

[Lee8210]

I have been doing a few more bits, including carpet installation and putting in a manual release for the tailgate, I wanted something mechanical in case the electrics fail in an emergency, this links to the latch via a cable.

Also a few stickers.

 

[B3nmworanget6]

Looks good m8

 

[Lee8210]

I had a repair done on the DSG indicator panel, the ribbon cable had fell apart., it was too fine to do it myself, I had a go but it wasn't having it so I got a local soldering company to do it.

 

[Lee8210]

Made a start on the Diesel heater install.


Dropped the diesel tank, it was half full so not easy to do, got the sender out and realised that it looked totally different to all the videos I had watched on it, then the pickup pipe was too wide to fit in it it was about 6pm so I had to make a choice, leave the tank dropped overnight while I wait for another from Amazon or change the way I do it.

I chase to change the location, I held a lid of a spray can inside the tank to catch the bits from drilling out with a step bit, it feels sturdy and tight and I managed to get the tank back up on my own on a gravel driveway in the dark, it would be easy with an empty tank and a car lift.
I'll find out tomorrow if it works.

 

[Lee8210]

@Deaky ,I know you have done a few diesel heater installs, have you ever had to do something like the above, will it be OK? Thanks.

 

[DXX]

Be careful with using copper grease in fuel systems, it might be the ’safe’ side of the filter but filters don’t remove all particles.
You shouldn’t have to make a tank penetration to connect the heater, you can connect into an existing fuel line. Plenty of info’ on the forum.

 

[Lee8210]

Be careful with using copper grease in fuel systems, it might be the ’safe’ side of the filter but filters don’t remove all particles.
You shouldn’t have to make a tank penetration to connect the heater, you can connect into an existing fuel line. Plenty of info’ on the forum.

I haven't used any copper grease.

Wish I had checked the forum instead of YouTube for instructions, would have saved a load of work.

 

[Lee8210]

Be careful with using copper grease in fuel systems, it might be the ’safe’ side of the filter but filters don’t remove all particles.
You shouldn’t have to make a tank penetration to connect the heater, you can connect into an existing fuel line. Plenty of info’ on the forum.

If it is the bit that I think you are looking at it is the Orange reflection from the van.

 

[Deaky]

@Deaky ,I know you have done a few diesel heater installs, have you ever had to do something like the above, will it be OK? Thanks.

I've not done any @Lee8210 but I can't see an issue with it.

 

[Lee8210]

I've not done any @Lee8210 but I can't see an issue with it.

Sorry, for some reason I thought it was you.

 

[roadtripper]

Sorry, for some reason I thought it was you.

Did you perhaps mean @oldiebut goodie ?

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Those tank pickup pipes are OK you just have to make sure that the bore is 1.5 - 2mm as some can be considerably larger and not meant for some heaters.

 

[Lee8210]

Did you perhaps mean @oldiebut goodie ?

You are right.

 

[Lee8210]

Those tank pickup pipes are OK you just have to make sure that the bore is 1.5 - 2mm as some can be considerably larger and not meant for some heaters.

Cheers, it is about that, I have tested it today and it all works well, just a bit of tidying up of wiring to do.

 

[Lee8210]

As part of the diesel heater install I have noticed a few damaged panels, I have decided to repair them, I have done the first one today as it was just the heatshield that had come away, I just used some rivets and washers to fix it, I have another panel (not pictured) to fix but it is plastic so I am waiting for one of those hot staple guns to arrive from Amazon.

 

[Lee8210]

Well the plastic welding staple gun arrived this morning, it worked great.

Best £22.49 spent in ages.


Before:



During stapling



Trimmed


Power filed.


A bit of seam sealer to fill in the holes and done, a really strong repair and less than the £100+ for a new one that only myself and an MOT tester will ever see.