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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2020 2:28 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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The campsite was called Banky Barn, the facilities spotless and the owners made us feel very welcome and on a plus side, it had a well stocked bar!
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 1:06 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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Dont ya just love a gathering of Bay Window Buses!
Went down into Leicestershire for a get together over the weekend, was a great turnout, safe measures in place and a great selection of buses.
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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This beauty was an ex German Fire Department Radio bus (I think) which had undergone a full and thorough nut and bolt restoration.
It is absolutely stunning and the paint is faultless.
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2020 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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A great weekend! _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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Back towards the end of September 2020 we said goodbye to Major as he was off to Lincolnshire for a while..
We sent him off for his new motor, which I had pondered about for a while but finally took the plunge and arranged. A Subaru conversion.
Mock up block fitted
Correct motor fitted up for lining up etc
ECU module fitting and, with protective cover fitted
Matt popped a couple of unexpected touches on whilst sorting the conversion, a Buttys Bits throttle linkage which is excellent and cam covers with a personal touch to the bus. Love them!!
With that all buttoned up, the bus was mot'd ahead of collection day, we passed with one advisory, a slightly noisy wheel bearing. But a pass is a pass!!
Driving home some 70 miles showed how different the driving experience was and hills come and go with ease, cruising on motorways so casual, I was pleased!
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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Now its time to finish off the rebuild ahead of getting away exploring.
The headlight chrome surrounds needed refitting
Side step refitted
Madmatz do a nice pair of plaid trimmed door cards, which I quite like
Door internal waxoyled with a new vapour barrier and bungs / clips
the fit was excellent amd went on with care when cutting out for the door escutcheon
Looking great
The rear seats have been reupholstered and refitted
More to come soon.... _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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jtauxe Samba Member
Joined: September 30, 2004 Posts: 5780 Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
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Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:08 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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Oh, my, very handsome indeed! _________________ John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2021 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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jtauxe wrote: |
Oh, my, very handsome indeed! |
Thank you buddy _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 1:51 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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As part of the build, we always said we would like to be a bit more self sufficient and not rely on camp site hook ups just to run the fridge and charge our phones from. A simple solar setup is in order.
- Votronic Dual Battery MPPT Controller
- Votronic Battery Condition Monitor
- 30A Isolation Switch / Circuit Breaker
- 180W Rigid Solar Panel
- 75A AGM Leisure Battery
- appropriate current rated wiring with fuses on the charge circuit and supply circuit.
Controller / condition monitor are tucked away in the wardrobe, wiring routed discreetly in convoluted tubing.
Leisure battery is, well, what it is!
Solar Panel mounted on the roof, is not all that large and doesn't look obvious
All wired up, ready to go..battery charging at 14.4 volts, exactly as per MPPT controller charge profile
We have two USB sockets, an accessory socket and a 3 pin plug for the fridge.
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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With the restoration done, it's time to shakedown and get some miles under our belt.
We had a run up to Clumber Park ~ 20 miles away from home. Ran very well, pleased with how the build has come along!
_________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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mcdonaldneal Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2013 Posts: 2648 Location: Gullane, Scotland
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Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 11:49 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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MorkC68 wrote: |
As part of the build, we always said we would like to be a bit more self sufficient and not rely on camp site hook ups just to run the fridge and charge our phones from. A simple solar setup is in order.
- Votronic Dual Battery MPPT Controller
- Votronic Battery Condition Monitor
- 30A Isolation Switch / Circuit Breaker
- 180W Rigid Solar Panel
- 75A AGM Leisure Battery
- appropriate current rated wiring with fuses on the charge circuit and supply circuit.
Controller / condition monitor are tucked away in the wardrobe, wiring routed discreetly in convoluted tubing.
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That solar setup looks very neat Mork. It’ll make a difference for camping trips. I’m toying with the idea,but at the moment I have a trickle charger that runs when we’re plugged in to the mains, so I’m not sure we need it. The main draw on our battery now, if we’re off grid is the diesel heater, about 1A/hr on low power, but 40mA/hr when it’s turned off (mostly).
The heater is a game changer though. You can consider it now you have a leisure battery! _________________ 1978 marino yellow Bay Dormobile camper
1969 signal orange Karmann Ghia convertible
1976 martini olive Bay Dormobile camper
Stop dead photo links! Post photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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panel Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2001 Posts: 1090 Location: Victoria B.C. Canada
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Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 8:52 am Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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What company did your conversion and where is your radiator mounted ? _________________ My '65-Subaru EJ20 Turbo conversion |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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mcdonaldneal wrote: |
MorkC68 wrote: |
As part of the build, we always said we would like to be a bit more self sufficient and not rely on camp site hook ups just to run the fridge and charge our phones from. A simple solar setup is in order.
- Votronic Dual Battery MPPT Controller
- Votronic Battery Condition Monitor
- 30A Isolation Switch / Circuit Breaker
- 180W Rigid Solar Panel
- 75A AGM Leisure Battery
- appropriate current rated wiring with fuses on the charge circuit and supply circuit.
Controller / condition monitor are tucked away in the wardrobe, wiring routed discreetly in convoluted tubing.
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That solar setup looks very neat Mork. It’ll make a difference for camping trips. I’m toying with the idea,but at the moment I have a trickle charger that runs when we’re plugged in to the mains, so I’m not sure we need it. The main draw on our battery now, if we’re off grid is the diesel heater, about 1A/hr on low power, but 40mA/hr when it’s turned off (mostly).
The heater is a game changer though. You can consider it now you have a leisure battery! |
Thanks buddy, much appreciated! I'll post some feedback up when we get using the set up and I'll monitor the power useage etc.
A mate uses the diesel heater, he swears by it & its something we have toyed with but wanted to get everything finished before we look at it some more. _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 12:43 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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panel wrote: |
What company did your conversion and where is your radiator mounted ? |
It wasn't a company as such who did the conversion, Matt (pkrboo on here) does the conversions alongside Nick Tune here in the UK.
The radiator is mounted between the chassis rails pretty much underneath the cargo floor with a scoop for a bit of protection. Sadly I dont have any pics to hand but, if you want to see how it sits I'll nab a couple tomorrow. _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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panel Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2001 Posts: 1090 Location: Victoria B.C. Canada
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Posted: Mon May 03, 2021 2:11 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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MorkC68 wrote: |
It wasn't a company as such who did the conversion, Matt (pkrboo on here) does the conversions alongside Nick Tune here in the UK.
The radiator is mounted between the chassis rails pretty much underneath the cargo floor with a scoop for a bit of protection. Sadly I dont have any pics to hand but, if you want to see how it sits I'll nab a couple tomorrow. |
Sure sounds good. I know there are a few on here who like to see see how others a managing heat etc and how they engineered the cooling system. _________________ My '65-Subaru EJ20 Turbo conversion |
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WildIdea Samba Member
Joined: September 17, 2016 Posts: 928 Location: Black Hills, South Dakota
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Posted: Tue May 04, 2021 5:54 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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Looking good! You’ve been crushing it for a while, keep us up on the all your rides! _________________ 1977 Sage Green Westy
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=691987
1965 SWR Walk-Through Standard
1960 211 Panel American Camper Conversion |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Wed May 05, 2021 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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WildIdea wrote: |
Looking good! You’ve been crushing it for a while, keep us up on the all your rides! |
Thanks buddy, its been a fun project, time to enjoy the fruits of our labour now so I'll post our adventures up. Meanwhile, Gusbus needs some tlc... _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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With the weather being great here in Nottinghamshire we decided to give Major a run out camping for the weekend, get some relaxing done, check out the performance of the solar system and drink a few beers.
Derbyshire is on our doorstep so we headed there to a place called Lathkill Wild Campsite near Over Haddon, Bakewell. What a stunning location.
The solar system coped exceedingly well, we ran our fridge for three days non stop, charged phones and had the interior lights on at night time, which, in Gusbus was a no no.
With a loaded bus and trailer with awning, camping chairs, table and fire logs, we had no issues whatsoever climbing hills and general cruising. Awesome!
It was a shame to leave such beautiful surroundings but they have been there for century's past, they will be there for us to return to! _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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mcdonaldneal Samba Member
Joined: June 13, 2013 Posts: 2648 Location: Gullane, Scotland
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MorkC68 Samba Member
Joined: December 23, 2015 Posts: 610 Location: Nottingham, England
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Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2021 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: Hello from the UK! |
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mcdonaldneal wrote: |
Looks amazing! Great pictures and well done making the best of the good weather! |
Thanks buddy, much appreciated! Lets hope the weather extends some more albeit a bit cooler for walking in! _________________ Major; 1977 Westfalia Campmobile
- Subaru EJ20
- Koni Classic adjustable dampers & Empi Heavy Duty Anti Roll Bar
- 180W Solar System
My blog: https://twolatebays.wordpress.com/ |
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