Big Hole To Fill With Love Vol 2 .. pic heavy

[BenT5]

Hi all, previously built a T5.1 Camper and documented all that on the T5 forum so going to do the same with my new build. I like taking photos as I go as it’s a great way to check something down the line and it helps me do a neater better job.

As always finding the base van isn’t easy but having sold my last camper which was a 2013 T5.1 for decent money I wanted to plough all that back into the next base van and go from there. I’ve kept the 20” Navis Twin 5’s and the Solow lows from the last van as it was easier to sell on more conservative 18’s and 50mm suspension. I’ve put the wheels on the new one already but will put the Solows on later when it’s finished.

This van is a 2021 T6.1 Highline 150bhp 6 speed and obviously feels well quicker and more refined than the previous one. Loving all the improvements like flat bottom leather wheel, nice dash, parking sensors front and rear etc etc and the colour was top of my list.

Decided to go for a pop top on this one as never had one and heard great things. It’s not really a DIY job so entrusted it to Camper Vamper in Limerick to do it and they did a nice job. Once I got it back I could properly start into the conversion having only done the clean out, windows, sound deadning and first layer of insulation prior to the pop top.

 

[BenT5]

Some more

 

[roooms]

Great progress so far!

 

[Dellmassive]

Awesome

 

[tommy_t6.1]

No messing about!

 

[BenT5]

So on to first fix of wiring, dc-dc, hook up, solar and various circuits for lighting. Everything routed to come out half way down the van drivers side where the first section of the U shaped lounge will house all the electrics and battery. Bought a camera scope thing which was very handy. I replaced all the self tappers with rivets to make the carpeting look better later

.

 

[BenT5]

Hello, this is my 2nd build, first was was a T5.1 that I posted a build thread on the T5 Forum, hence the catchy name for this one !

So after 3 years since the first build I decide it was time for another so I poured most of the proceeds from the first into buying the base empty van having kept the Solow Coilovers and 20” Navis from the the first one. I put the 20’s on after day 1

I wanted a T6.1 150 6 speed in either white or blue and in high line trim and luckily this 2021 came up from a VW main dealer at a decent price with warranty and timing belt done.

While I loved the first one, the plans for this are for a pop top and U shaped lounge. The only non DIY part of this build is the pop top so I had it done just before Christmas by an Austop agent in Limerick. I started to sound deaden the van and cut and fit the windows prior to that but you can only go so far before the roof is cut out. Once I got it back the work really stared …

 

[BenT5]

This was my first one

 

[Dellmassive]

Very nice.

 

[JumpShip]

Looking forward to seeing the new one Ben

 

[T6ChrisO]

Look forward to seeing what you do with this one. I prefer the U shape personally

 

[TheGrapeEscape]

Lovely progress to start, love the white one too

 

[JumpShip]

Ours was gonna have a U shaped layout but just couldn't get it to work for us at the time .....maybe now I would try harder to make it happen .
I do like a U .

 

[BenT5]

Sorry for all the repeated photos, 2 threads were merged instead of one replacing the other.

 

[BenT5]

Back with another update, with the pop top installed to self build spec, ie raw finish I was able to get on with finishing the insulation, run all the cables and start the ply, carpeting and blinds. The blinds are Vanshades which are great except the one behind the drivers side was too straight and didn’t take any shape to the contour of the van, nothing for it only some gentle heat with a heat gun and when it was a little malleable then I offered it up to the window frame and it took on the shape, result !

 

[Greybeard]

I had to zoom in on 2nd last pic, as thought the snow foam application looked odd.
Then realised it’s foam-less snow….
D’oh!

 

[BenT5]

I had to zoom in on 2nd last pic, as thought the snow foam application looked odd.
Then realised it’s foam-less snow….
D’oh!

Yeah ha ha, had a little heater on in the van to help ... had to be done!

 

[BenT5]

A few more photos to catch up, had to cut down the ply kit to blend in with the van shades and luckily the carpet they used matches mine.

 

[BenT5]

On to the floor next, went for a slim 7mm laminate so the weight is relatively low, didn’t want carpet again or Altro as I think it’s a bit industrial and I’m going for a high end feel. I also carpeted the inside of the pop top roof.