Essential Mods

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cocky9

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So after wanting one for so long, and much to’ing and fro’ing I have finally today put a deposit down on a van. Startline T6.1 with Business pack. Going to go for the swamper look with AT tyres.

So my question is if you were to start from scratch again what are the first things you would do to your van? I’ll focus on the cab first to make it more comfortable as it will be my daily driver before moving behind and starting the conversion!

Fire away!
 
More soundproofing up front - complete floor, scuttle and adding closed cell foam to the wheel arch liners.
I find the noise in the cab at motorway speeds a real nuisance. Mine is a full camper conversion powered by the 102bhp tuned engine with 5 speed gearbox though so it’s working hard.
 
I certainly wouldn’t be putting AT tyres on it, unless you have to traverse a muddy field every day. Noisy, poor in the wet, not great in the snow, but hey….they look cool :whistle:
I’d spend the initial money on things that actually bring something to the party & make the van easy/more comfortable/practical. Don’t be led astray by frivolous bling until you have the fundamentals sorted. You can do that later.
 
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Speakers! I’ve got alpine (no sub though as it’s a camper and I need under seats for other things) but I want gladen ones
 
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cocky9 said:
So after wanting one for so long, and much to’ing and fro’ing I have finally today put a deposit down on a van. Startline T6.1 with Business pack. Going to go for the swamper look with AT tyres.

So my question is if you were to start from scratch again what are the first things you would do to your van? I’ll focus on the cab first to make it more comfortable as it will be my daily driver before moving behind and starting the conversion!

Fire away!
Click to expand...
The best money I spent on my van, soon after getting it, was Koni shock absorbers, although I stayed as standard height on the factory springs.
 
Seeimg as you want to focus on the cab first...

GTi gear gaiter.

Virtual dash.

Dashcam.

Disklok.

Salty Spuds said:
I certainly wouldn’t be putting AT tyres on it, unless you have to traverse a muddy field every day. Noisy, poor in the wet, not great in the snow, but hey….they look cool :whistle:
Click to expand...

In the interests of balance I have Cooper AT-S boots on mine and they're not at all noisy (a fairly continuous tread pattern helps) and they're quite sure footed in the wet. While plenty of ATs are as you describe thats not universally the case.
 
I’d do the conversion first and take it from there once I know how much money I’ve got left. As part of that I’d soundproof the cab while the van is in pieces. Then a set of wind deflectors as they are great for ventilation while camping. And sort the suspension if needed to cope with the extra weight of the conversion. Niceties such as head units, speakers, bling wheels, furry dice can all be done at a later date.
 
Be careful of doing anything during any warranty period. It might give the warranty holder just the excuse they need!
 
@DaveD what Konis did you fit? And how did it improve things. My 6.1 t32 has quite a’crashy’ ride. I’m still on standard suspension and not too worried about improving the handling just want a smoother ride.
 
Alster said:
@DaveD what Konis did you fit? And how did it improve things. My 6.1 t32 has quite a’crashy’ ride. I’m still on standard suspension and not too worried about improving the handling just want a smoother ride.
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I got Koni special actives fitted to my T28. Kept the OE springs and 16” wheels. While they are better, especially in the control stakes, I’m disappointed by the crashiness levels that remain.
If I were doing it again I’d consider something else.
They are sold as the most comfortable option when combined with stock ride height but it’s not night and day.
 
Alster said:
@DaveD what Konis did you fit? And how did it improve things. My 6.1 t32 has quite a’crashy’ ride. I’m still on standard suspension and not too worried about improving the handling just want a smoother ride.
Click to expand...

I went to CRS Performance and they fitted Koni Special Active shocks.
On standard factory shocks it was like being on a bouncy castle on undulating B Roads, the van was all over the place unless I was going really slow.
With the Koni shocks it is so much more composed and controlled, but not harsh or crashy.
 
Headlights and soundproofing , followed by suspension and ARB's would be first on my list .
I'd stay away from AT's unless your actually gonna be doing more driving on muddy tracks than you are tarmac roads.
Remove the bulkhead and add the windows will change the inside space massively.
 
cocky9 said:
So after wanting one for so long, and much to’ing and fro’ing I have finally today put a deposit down on a van. Startline T6.1 with Business pack. Going to go for the swamper look with AT tyres.

So my question is if you were to start from scratch again what are the first things you would do to your van? I’ll focus on the cab first to make it more comfortable as it will be my daily driver before moving behind and starting the conversion!

Fire away!
Click to expand...
For me on my T6, the best upgrades so far where.

Upgraded LED headlights

Replacing captain and bench with 2 audi tt supersports seats

Bilstein komfort coil overs.

These have been the biggest improvement mods to me so far
 
ARBs and Koni Special Actives on standard springs. Best option is to speak with @CRS Performance - tell him what you intend to do with the van and how you plan to use it. He will give you the best “no pressure” advice
 
My first job would be do something - anything - with the god awful headlights

I fitted Osram Nightbreakers with aren’t amazing but at least acceptable
 
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