Starlight LWB Camper Build
- Thread starter Jack T
- Start date
It is all pretty tight but the many hours measuring paid off.
Bedbox is great and fits all the bedding in. Bit scary pressing the stainless spacers in to the painted panel though!
Van x rear threshold covered really well.
Also finished the table supports with a couple of stainless inserts which mate up to studs and thumbturns on the table.
Bedbox is great and fits all the bedding in. Bit scary pressing the stainless spacers in to the painted panel though!
Van x rear threshold covered really well.
Also finished the table supports with a couple of stainless inserts which mate up to studs and thumbturns on the table.
Amazing work, looks great.
Andy yes they are Jennings lowered bases as I like to sit quite low. When the RIB swivels went on I just felt too high but just personal preference I suppose.
Unusual colour scheme but I think the contrast really works. Some novel features in there. I'm liking that a lot. Looks a great job. Well done.
Interesting, wasn't aware they existed. I would like those as I don't like sitting so high up, but my battery and a ton of other stuff are underneath so I wouldn't be able to.Andy yes they are Jennings lowered bases as I like to sit quite low. When the RIB swivels went on I just felt too high but just personal preference I suppose.
@andys yes batteries become a problem which I why mine are in the units. Did still fill the bases with chargers, seat controls and relays etc. The base also lowers the handbrake whilst moving it forward to retain the same cable length.
Only thing is the finish isn’t great on them so would probably have them powder coated again somewhere down the line. It’s like a matt finish so shows any dust or mark.
Only thing is the finish isn’t great on them so would probably have them powder coated again somewhere down the line. It’s like a matt finish so shows any dust or mark.
Yes colours will be a bit marmite but always wanted something a bit different. The camera makes it look a lot brighter, it’s more muted in reality.
Thanks for kind words.
Next thing was using the van finally after a 6months on and off building! Thankfully we really love it, works really well just for day trips or weeks at a time.
First stop was Dalby Forest for the maiden voyage!
We soon learnt we didn’t need half the stuff we had with us!
Stop of for a Picnic watching the NYMR that’s what all the hard work is for.
Couple of days later off to France on the tunnel for 2.5 weeks down the west coast with a few stops.
Van hiding in a french car park whilst on the island of il de Re, fantastic spot to spend a week.
We covered about 2000 miles on that trip and the van was effortless. Really pleased.
Next up was October half term week so we decided to do the North Coast 500 in seven days. It was absolutely great and very quiet with the time of year but we liked it that way. It certainly did test the night heater though!
Here’s the van at Dunnet Head
Would be rude not to call past here on the way home.
First stop was Dalby Forest for the maiden voyage!
We soon learnt we didn’t need half the stuff we had with us!
Stop of for a Picnic watching the NYMR that’s what all the hard work is for.
Couple of days later off to France on the tunnel for 2.5 weeks down the west coast with a few stops.
Van hiding in a french car park whilst on the island of il de Re, fantastic spot to spend a week.
We covered about 2000 miles on that trip and the van was effortless. Really pleased.
Next up was October half term week so we decided to do the North Coast 500 in seven days. It was absolutely great and very quiet with the time of year but we liked it that way. It certainly did test the night heater though!
Here’s the van at Dunnet Head
Would be rude not to call past here on the way home.
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I also added a reimo multi rail mainly for a sun canopy if staying for more than a night.
As part of the build I wired a switched 12v waterproof socket under the van so we can run an LED string for sitting out on an evening. Seems to work quite well. I filled the socket cavity with waterproof magic gel so hopefully it will stand up to the elements.
As part of the build I wired a switched 12v waterproof socket under the van so we can run an LED string for sitting out on an evening. Seems to work quite well. I filled the socket cavity with waterproof magic gel so hopefully it will stand up to the elements.
Back up to current day after a bit of time for the bank account to recover its time to get outside of the van sorted out. It’s all a matter of opinion but personally I want it to look a bit more aggressive. Just to make it stand out a bit more from just the basic panel van it started out as.
First port of call a few weeks back it was time to deal with the suspension. Having added the conversion which for us was heavier than others the rear ended up well down. The stance was all wrong and as you would expect it didn’t drive very well.
Stance before
So I knew I wanted to go coilovers and it had to be B14s after a lot of research and saving. That way I could hopefully level it up just how I wanted it.
So B14s ordered and fitted, did them in the day which I didn’t think was too bad without a ramp etc. Reckon I could probably do it in about half the time now tho having done it once.
At the same time I used some of the THQ machined top mounts so that I didn’t have to run the fronts fully down to give a bit more comfort. Comparison picture below.
So once done the stance ended up like this.
Probably 75-80 down in the front and 70 at the back. There is about 10mm left on the fronts and 15mm on the rear adjusters.
Without question this is the best addition to the van so far it drives so much better. Smoother ride, less roll, easier to get in/out and just makes it look much improved IMHO.
Driven quite a bit and speed bumps etc haven’t caused any issue. Used to other low cars though so do drive accordingly.
The plan it to go for some staggered 19” wheels when saved up, should make it sit how I want.
Badges had to go as well when I had a bit of free time!
First port of call a few weeks back it was time to deal with the suspension. Having added the conversion which for us was heavier than others the rear ended up well down. The stance was all wrong and as you would expect it didn’t drive very well.
Stance before
So I knew I wanted to go coilovers and it had to be B14s after a lot of research and saving. That way I could hopefully level it up just how I wanted it.
So B14s ordered and fitted, did them in the day which I didn’t think was too bad without a ramp etc. Reckon I could probably do it in about half the time now tho having done it once.
At the same time I used some of the THQ machined top mounts so that I didn’t have to run the fronts fully down to give a bit more comfort. Comparison picture below.
So once done the stance ended up like this.
Probably 75-80 down in the front and 70 at the back. There is about 10mm left on the fronts and 15mm on the rear adjusters.
Without question this is the best addition to the van so far it drives so much better. Smoother ride, less roll, easier to get in/out and just makes it look much improved IMHO.
Driven quite a bit and speed bumps etc haven’t caused any issue. Used to other low cars though so do drive accordingly.
The plan it to go for some staggered 19” wheels when saved up, should make it sit how I want.
Badges had to go as well when I had a bit of free time!
Well I have taken the plunge after much deliberation and these arrived today. Big thanks to Paul at Tamar.
Looking forward to getting them on tomorrow after the sealant has time to cure over night. Hopefully they fit!
You can really see the stagger when they’re side by side!
Like the valve detail too.
Looking forward to getting them on tomorrow after the sealant has time to cure over night. Hopefully they fit!
You can really see the stagger when they’re side by side!
Like the valve detail too.
Well I’m pleased with the result, the look is just as I wanted! Even the boss approves!
Went for 20” in the end due to better/easier tyre choice. Love the Veemann wheels. Rides better now than before IMHO.
Just needs the front arch liners heating a little to stop them rubbing on big compressions but not a lot, will sort that later. Can always adjust the B14s too if needed.
These are 275/40 and 255/40.
Can’t believe how it’s transformed the look of the van.
Went for 20” in the end due to better/easier tyre choice. Love the Veemann wheels. Rides better now than before IMHO.
Just needs the front arch liners heating a little to stop them rubbing on big compressions but not a lot, will sort that later. Can always adjust the B14s too if needed.
These are 275/40 and 255/40.
Can’t believe how it’s transformed the look of the van.
Looking good! Massive change to the look of the van! How’s the ride?
They making them in 815 rating now? When I was looking they weren’t.
On my 20’s I’m running 275/35 and no rubbing at all. Wonder if the 35 makes that much of a difference. Yours certainly looking chunkier than mine, or is it just me?
They making them in 815 rating now? When I was looking they weren’t.
On my 20’s I’m running 275/35 and no rubbing at all. Wonder if the 35 makes that much of a difference. Yours certainly looking chunkier than mine, or is it just me?
Evening, ride feels tighter but not much firmer if I’m honest I’m quite surprised how good it is. I only went 40’s for a bit of extra comfort. Fronts are only touching on the bulges in the archliner on big bumps, which I’m about to address with a heat gun.
I still have another 10mm on the b14’s to go down but don’t think it needs it.
The VFS 39’s are now 815kg perfect for a t30 as you know. I had originally wanted some Ispiri ones but not rated enough. 10’s in the back and 8.5’s in the front seem a good combo.
Love your vossens though, my first choice but out of my budget unfortunately. Love the look of your van esp the sport line front end........must stop spending money.
The ride is certainly firm hey. I might have to get some 18’s for longer trips away.
The 8.5 might explain it, mine are 9 which I guess stretches the rubber some more.
I originally wanted some Ispiri wheels but there was huge confusion is there were or weren’t rated to 815kg. Turns out they weren’t and only the new 2019 stock would be 815kg rated.
The 8.5 might explain it, mine are 9 which I guess stretches the rubber some more.
I originally wanted some Ispiri wheels but there was huge confusion is there were or weren’t rated to 815kg. Turns out they weren’t and only the new 2019 stock would be 815kg rated.
Ispiri still couldn’t confirm when I checked recently so was between these or Judd 311r’s.
Will give it a proper run tomorrow so will get a better feel for it. I will be running AT’s or winter tyres on the original alloys for winter so can always run them if the mood takes me for certain trips. The look is worth the compromise for me at the moment.
Sorted the front end out now, no more rubbing. Removed the torx screw and put the arch liner opposite site of the wing support, bit of foam between to stop it rubbing. Heat gun on the high part of the liner to smooth it out.
Back in the garage, even tighter fit with the wheels as the bottom sits out further than the arch now!
Back in the garage, even tighter fit with the wheels as the bottom sits out further than the arch now!
Hello, small update time. We have been using the van a lot and loving it! 
I have been gathering parts to get the front end looking a little sharper. Just to take it away from panel van to something a bit slicker. This might not be everybody’s choice but I fancied a change.
Main reason for having the front end apart was to change the lights as we all know how great the H4’s are!
So parts ready:
THQ v2 lights in black
THQ LED fog light bulbs
WOC gloss black splitter
Gloss black grills with chrome inserts
3m gloss black vinyl wrap for the lower fog inserts as nobody seems to produce these.
So THQ rang the other day to say the lights were in stock so time to get it sorted.
So to start with first and then stripped down.
Various boxes of bits ready to go!
Before I did much else I stripped the fog inserts out and coated them with some adhesion promotor for the wrap. I know it’s not ideal to wrap textured plastic but this just seemed the lesser of the evils in terms of stone chips. So did that and left it to cure whilst I got on.
Put the lights in next, fit and quality seems good, yes not as good as a factory upgrade but for the money I don’t think you can complain.
And a matching pair
That’s better!
So stripped all the parts off of the bumper next ready to be changed for gloss and drilled the fixings for the splitter. Pleased with this and the fit seems good.
So wrap time next!
I have been gathering parts to get the front end looking a little sharper. Just to take it away from panel van to something a bit slicker. This might not be everybody’s choice but I fancied a change.
Main reason for having the front end apart was to change the lights as we all know how great the H4’s are!
So parts ready:
THQ v2 lights in black
THQ LED fog light bulbs
WOC gloss black splitter
Gloss black grills with chrome inserts
3m gloss black vinyl wrap for the lower fog inserts as nobody seems to produce these.
So THQ rang the other day to say the lights were in stock so time to get it sorted.
So to start with first and then stripped down.
Various boxes of bits ready to go!
Before I did much else I stripped the fog inserts out and coated them with some adhesion promotor for the wrap. I know it’s not ideal to wrap textured plastic but this just seemed the lesser of the evils in terms of stone chips. So did that and left it to cure whilst I got on.
Put the lights in next, fit and quality seems good, yes not as good as a factory upgrade but for the money I don’t think you can complain.
And a matching pair
That’s better!
So stripped all the parts off of the bumper next ready to be changed for gloss and drilled the fixings for the splitter. Pleased with this and the fit seems good.
So wrap time next!