Just bought an EVC; looking for some tips..

[allyGATOR_EVC]

Hi Guys!

Just purchased a '97 EuroVan Camper. It sat for a few years and was used as a party spot for some teenagers for awhile so...needless to say, some work needs to be done.

Wondering if anyone had any tips on detailing the interior? Any links to tutorials I can't seem to find? Any advice from removing mildew on the pop top canvas, to cheapest way to reupholster or clean the seats, where mice like to nest, etc...any of that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and looking forward to becoming a part of this community!! (I'll be sure to post some before and after photos!)

[dixoncj]

Hey there - wondering if you bought the 97 that was for sale in Charleston? If so, man, you got a van with nicely solid bones (I drove it to my mechanic and spent some time with it) and crazy low miles for stupid low price, but boy oh boy was the interior and exterior of that that thing beat to shit. I almost bought it to flip - but decided I ultimately didn't want to get into making it presentable. Regardless, spend a bunch of time on this forum and the CaveVan forum and join Eurovan Owners Unite on FB. Those are good places to start. As for the mildew on the tent, if it's the van I'm thinking of, it's gonna be tough. I'd start with a steam cleaner from a grocery store - with an upholstery attachment. Go at the outside and the inside of the tent, and the rest of it, like there's no tomorrow. And fill the reservoir with nearly boiling water.
Good luck.

[allyGATOR_EVC]

It's a different one, but I'm sure it's just as ROUGH! I got a great deal on it. The exterior is solid, not a dent on it, but it misfires a bit and needs some engine work. Lucky for me, my boyfriend fixed cars in his former life so I'm mostly concerned about the interior. Everything is intact just filthy...I know I'll eventually replace the canvas but I'm going to make an attempt to salvage it for a little while longer..as well as everything else, I'm sure new carpet is a must, but would love to salvage the seats as I'm sure reupholstering them will be a small fortune.

Thanks for the advice!! I'll definitely check those forums out. As far as the steam cleaner goes, I'm debating on cleaning the ENTIRE VAN with it.

[IdeaNerd]

[gakali]

Welcome and congratulations on your find!

I'd remove all the seats for a thorough cleaning. Not very hard at all and this way you can go nuts with soapy water, a scrub brush and a garden hose on them. A few days in the hot sun will dry them out nicely. My '99 had nasty seats and I was impressed how well the filth washed away maybe you'll have the same luck.

While the seats are out the carpets and trim can be easily cleaned in place. You can take the carpet out to clean but that's a lot more work. Might be worth the extra time and effort though.

You should be able get things usable until you can locate some reasonably priced replacement parts if necessary. Save your money until you get the mechanicals sorted out.

I always love "back to life" stories so good luck, be brave, and make it happen!
_________________
Why do it? Because you can.

1999 Eurovan
2003 A4 Avant 1.8T Quattro
1992 W201 190e 2.3 Mercedes
2006 W220 S600 V12 Twin Turbo 5.5 Mercedes

[IdeaNerd]

Excellent points, @gakali!

OP: please post before / after, and in process pics for us!

[allyGATOR_EVC]

Thanks so much, everyone! I'll definitely be posting pics soon. I'm hoping for a real Cinderella story!

[Brunocerous]

Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the club! I recently bought a 1999 EuroVan MV and also have quite the list of items to fix on it before it's really road-ready. Can't wait to see your "Cinderella story"!

[VAEV1993]

[allyGATOR_EVC]

Here are some 'before' photos!

[gakali]

Wow that looks a lot better than I thought it would be! Big $ van. Unicorn find in my books.
_________________
Why do it? Because you can.

1999 Eurovan
2003 A4 Avant 1.8T Quattro
1992 W201 190e 2.3 Mercedes
2006 W220 S600 V12 Twin Turbo 5.5 Mercedes