Realistic time to convert?

[Freshtrax]

Hi All,
Looking to either buy a second hand T6 converted or buy a base van and semi-self convert.

If going with the second option, I’d pay for a pop top, windows and bed fitted but probably insulate, install kitchen and do electrics and a diesel heater myself.

Being realistic, how many days work for those tasks to do myself? I’m generally always too optimistic and don’t want to take on a project if it’s going to take months!

Thank you.

 

[JumpShip]

A lot of it will depend on your kit, experience, abilities, delivery dates , space indoors to work when the weather is against you etc .
I'd look at poptop suppliers first and see what their lead times are like .

 

[drinfinity]

I got my van 23 September, and I ‘finished’ on 15 April. I had poptop and Reimo Variotech bed fitted, but did everything else myself. Most of the hours were in scratch building the furniture. If I had used a pre-cut kit it would be much quicker. I also had a bit of delay on bed supply, until I went with the Reimo which they were able to turn around quickly. Over the winter I had no particular rush, it was a project to keep ticking along, and we could still use it as a van after the bed went in.

I was doing an hour or two in the evenings, but I did have two full days on the ramp. In the two days (16 hours) I got the diesel heater, two underslung water tanks and side bars installed.

Don’t be afraid to your own windows, but do get a powered sealant gun to install the Sikaflex.

CandyVan conversion journey

First steps on the journey to our new camper. Base van is a new 4Motion LWB, delivered yesterday. Ceiling panels out, and first fix of the wiring along the roof lines, in preparation for the pop-top to be fitted next week.

www.t6forum.com

 

[Freshtrax]

Thanks for that.

I would definitely struggle with a lack of indoor space - have a private driveway but not covered area or garage, but think I could get away with insulation, carpeting and electrics without a garage.

 

[drinfinity]

Driveway - luxury! ;-> I did mine on the roadside, with the exception of two days proper lift hire hire for the work under the chassis. I have done a diesel heater on my previous van on ramps at the roadside, but it was unpleasant…

Pick a dry day for the windows!

 

[rod_vw]

Done five on the roadside, always had the roof and windows done by others.
Best quess to do all of the remaining conversion on my first was about five months and then I was in part time employment.
Obviously the others were bit quicker as I kept to basically the same layout and fittings plus had lots of templates in the shed.
Here is the last T6 that I converted 2016 Highroof LWB VW Camper.
We are now running a LWB AUTO MAN TGE, which is a whole different ball game!

 

[CJW]

I seem to remember a member ran a poll - I’ll see if I can find it.

 

[CJW]

Here you go.

How long has it taken you?
What parts did you make from scratch?
What parts did you buy ready-made to save time?

 

[Freshtrax]

Thanks CJW, very helpful!!!!

 

[AJCConversions]

If we do a standard full conversion with not many extras then it's 90 man hours.
This is in a well equipped workshop with all parts in stock.
A high spec conversion with all the extras comes in around 130 to 150 man hours.