Having had the van for a bit, making some changes based on use. First up plugged the threshold bolt recesses.
Had the back open in the rain and the recesses held water, so cleaned and dried them out and put the bung caps on. Also ordered a set of rear arch covers, make it look much better just laid over the top.
Fitted them properly and then tackled the carpet. The lining has been re-done and I am most of the way through getting all the contact adhesive over spray off things. I took out the panels and carpeted each, tucking the 2-piece door pillar trims and the arch covers behind. It already makes a big difference and looks much better finished (admittedly the starting point was pretty low).
Finally after having confirmed 5 mountain bikes fit no problem, I ordered a 4 bike carrier from
Bikestow - great bit of British engineering and design, packs flat when not in use. Four bikes now go in the rack and one bike goes in the space down the side. You don't
need one of these, but now I have no worries about having to add bits of cardboard between the bikes like some big sandwich and protect them from knocking against each other.
Bit of adhesive still to deal with and then to work out what to do with the white painted bits that are still exposed. I'm thinking that I'll sound deaden and insulate the back and behind the panels and then just carpet the white painted bits. Might need to take a look at a few other vans to work out the best way forwards. Definitely feels like progress over the starting point...
