My Reflex Silver Project

So, a bit of an update....

I've now owned this van just shy of 13 months, but 3 weeks after buying it i could hear the dreaded DMF rattle! I drove it like this, and managed to cover 11,000 miles seeing the UK all over without any major problems. The clutch wasn't slipping, but the dmf got noisier and noisier!

It's only the last few months that it's bothered me, so decided to get it booked in.

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While getting the clutch and flywheel done, I had new coilovers fitted.

I noticed that the oem suspension shocks were perished, so bought a set of stance+ for the van. I also bought new solow suspension drop links, rear rubbers and THQ top mounts to get changed at the same time. While getting them changed I was also made aware that the drop links were perished....

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Everyone seems to complain with these coilovers, but so far I have absolutely zero negative things to say about them. If anything, they're comfier than my old setup or oem shocks and 30mm eibach springs!

The vans now sitting like this

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Next Wednesday, i lose the van again for a day, as it's booked in for the cambelt, waterpump, crank seal and rear wheel bearing!
 
The stock response is - I refuse to comment on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

Other responses are

'Every time you 'purchase' something for the van it is 'investing'. Buy low sell high - you wouldn't understand, but trust me, we are richer for having this.'

'Some guy on the forum was giving them away, can you believe it?!' is the best though
 
You need more trips away in it. It's lovely to spend money and buy new wheels but it's way more fun to have a beer/gin/water looking at the sea.
I juts checked my sheet - I "invested" (pop top, wheels, ovano, heater, ...) £9270.58 and had running costs of £1832.85 (tyres, tax, insurance, ad blue, ex. fuel, ...) since September.
We're looking at the nc500 next month, it's always been on my list before I had a camper.

It's only recently become my daily drive, which I don't want to continue as I'm putting extra miles on it. I always planned to keep it as a camper.

Thing is, a lot like everyone, in life you make bad decisions. Mine, however, have kicked the hell out of me and I don't know how to get the old me back!
 
We've done the NC500 a few years back. Was really great. Take all photo equipment you have ;)
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Always a way out and nothing stays like it is.
Life feels like trying to assemble furniture without instructions sometimes - confusing, frustrating, and maybe a little bit hilarious (in hindsight).
But remember, even the worst IKEA furniture eventually gets put together.
Sometimes all it takes is a tiny step or a deep breath (or both). If you need a break, a laugh, or someone to remind you that you're awesome, we're here. Better days are just around the corner, drive more - camp more.
 
Hey @TheGrapeEscape - just stumbled across this thread looking for info on fitting sportline bumpers. How is all going? The van looks lovely so hope you've been able to get through the hump you found yourself in!
Thanks bud.

The vans still here at the moment, but it's been a very rough patch im going through, which sadly has lasted the majority of 2025.

I'll hopefully sort it. Im hoping a new career change helps.
 
Sorry to hear that. As someone who has also had a torrid year or so - I hope you've got good support around you and can get things back to where you want them to be.
 
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