My T6.1 Transformation – From Panel Van to everyday cruiser

[Macp]

So I wasnt sure where to post this, or if it would create any interest. Also its not meant to be a review, However im thoroughly pleased with my choice to use Oli and the boys @ BMVS. No disrespect but everybody knows the quality of their work. And frankly they were the only company who knew what I wanted, and were beyond enthusiastic to make it happen.


So my van started here as manual 150bhp panel van in starlight blue. Here it is lowered by about 40mm.



The plan is to get to a big comfy daily estate with (eventually) a removeable pod system to sleep in if wanted.

Loved this shot of my van full of the goodies. Sent to me by Bognor as they prep to start the work.



Thankyou to anybody who took the time to look & read.

Much more to come.

 

[sgh]

So I wasnt sure where to post this, or if it would create any interest. Also its not meant to be a review, However im thoroughly pleased with my choice to use Oli and the boys @ BMVS. No disrespect but everybody knows the quality of their work. And frankly they were the only company who knew what I wanted, and were beyond enthusiastic to make it happen.


So my van started here as manual 150bhp panel van in starlight blue. Here it is lowered by about 40mm.

View attachment 307900

The plan is to get to a big comfy daily estate with (eventually) a removeable pod system to sleep in if wanted.

Loved this shot of my van full of the goodies. Sent to me by Bognor as they prep to start the work.

View attachment 307903

Thankyou to anybody who took the time to look & read.

Much more to come.

Look forward to more pics as it progresses. Bognor will be doing my suspension once I get wheels they did my California and handling was transformed.

 

[Macp]

Look forward to more pics as it progresses. Bognor will be doing my suspension once I get wheels they did my California and handling was transformed.

Cheers and ironically Oli may or may not be looking at my suspension. It completely depends on how the van looks when eventually sitting on its new wheels & tyres.

 

[Macp]

More progress today, when they strip, they strip !

 

[david173]

What are you doing with the sportlines?

 

[Macp]

What are you doing with the sportlines?

Thanks for asking they will be going up for sale with a few other parts.

 

[sgh]

O

More progress today, when they strip, they strip !

View attachment 308036

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Seen some more pics today of your van, Oli sent them as I'm thinking of getting carpet and sound deadening done by them.

 

[Macp]

O


Seen some more pics today of your van, Oli sent them as I'm thinking of getting carpet and sound deadening done by them.

They really go to town I dont think you will be disappointed.

 

[Macp]

Test fitting of the wheels & tyres today. Im frankly stunned at how the look. Although it looks pretty good at the front, but the rear is looking a little high given its only goint to get an Ovano pod and/or carry our bikes on the back.

 

[sgh]

Test fitting of the wheels & tyres today. Im frankly stunned at how the look. Although it looks pretty good at the front, but the rear is looking a little high given its only goint to get an Ovano pod and/or carry our bikes on the back.

View attachment 308112

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Are you getting Vanshades fitted and seat swivels, something I'm considering. ?

 

[Macp]

We may eventually convert the bench seats to a single. Im having a bracket fitted to allow them to recline. So wil see how that goes. Regarding shades I think we are just getting some made to size we can stick in the window when we need to. As mentioned we keeping it more of a comfy van/estate which we could occasionally sleep in.

 

[Macp]

Sitting a lot better now thanks to the guys at BMVS

 

[sgh]

Looking good.

I'm down there tomorrow to finalise my build have you gone for carpeted or their suede rear headliner.

 

[Macp]

Looking good.

I'm down there tomorrow to finalise my build have you gone for carpeted or their suede rear headliner.

Thanks, because I splashed out elsewhere I decided to go carpeted.

 

[BuilderJay]

Can’t beat the guys @BognorMotors
Been around for years and go from strength to strength.

 

[Macp]

Can’t beat the guys @BognorMotors
Been around for years and go from strength to strength.

One tiny thing which absolutely sealed it for me was regarding a small mod I had asked for. Oli emailed me to say I didnt need it doing as the option was already there from factory. Now there would have been very little chance of me ever knowing. And im not suggesting anything otherwise, but it was a superb example of just how straight these people are.

 

[BognorMotors]

Thanks for all the kind words. We love what we do.

 

[Macp]

So the finished article and Blue has never looked better in my opinion. Was a wee bit worried about the wheels & tyres, but now I think they just look like they were made for my van. The ride is superb too. Oli and the boys managed to perform their magic to get him sitting flat. We also had a small mod done to recline the bench seat and it makes quite a difference. I did lose the ability to tip the seat forward, but the added comfort is worth it. The carpeted & sound deadening have made driving blue such a pleasure now.



New headlights turn night into day and they are not even the full LED units. I had to come off the M6 last night as it was sheer hell which led me down some extermely dark back lanes and the new headlights were an absolute godsend. Really well made I went for the black version which really tie in well.



What an ass !

Love how the smoked LED rears again just look right. All subjective though, and just my opinion.

 

[sgh]

Looking good and the wheels look great, are you getting much more road noise from the AT tyres.

Has the sound deadening made a big difference ?

 

[Macp]

Looking good and the wheels look great, are you getting much more road noise from the AT tyres.

Has the sound deadening made a big difference ?

Thanks, I wouldnt say the tyres were overly noisy. And yes the sound deadening makes a significant difference.