Description
I think we've had this van around 10 years and it turned into a bit of a 'lock-down' project. We have had many different campers, Mercedes, Fiat, Toyota, T5, Fleetline, Early Bay, Late Bay, Split Screen, all with different pros & cons. This one is a bit different as it's a vintage/ historic vehicle but has a tried and tested modern engine, suspension and brakes conversion to make it easier to live with day to day and being water cooled now has a custom built, working cab heater. Everyone has their own priorities in a van but we found that, although it's nice having a built in cooker, fridge, sink and cupboards, for the amount that they are actually used, take up a huge amount of room, meaning you can't carry much when using it as a day van. Therefore, we put in a full width rock & roll bed, the leisure battery, split charging, entertainment, lighting, power sockets etc. without the cupboards, sink and cooker which would result in having a 3/ 4 bed which isn't big enough for 2 adults. We carry an electric kettle, 12/ 240V compressor fridge and Campingaz foldable double burner and grill which can all be removed when not needed.
The engine is a 2. 5 Subaru Legacy which was professionally rebuilt in 2020, mated to a Bears Motorsport Freeway Flyer gearbox also built 2020. The video shows it pulling up a 1 in 4 hill!
Handling and suspension upgrades include adjustable, narrowed front beam, drop spindles, Bilstein shocks, CSP servo assisted disc brakes and Porsche Speedster chrome wheels.
The custom cooling system has a bespoke aluminium radiator with thermostatically controlled twin electric fans and electric water pump.
The interior was completely stripped out during the lockdown and before anything was fitted, Dynamat extreme sound insulation was fitted, covering everything from the window line down. The bulkheads were removed and a pair of MG leather seats fitted on swivels, which make the living space so much larger and more useable with the multi position table.
All of the electrics have been bespoke wired with LED remote roof lighting, front seat map lights, rear spots and multiple USB and 240V sockets running from a hidden consumer unit and front fuse box.
The Bluetooth Pioneer SmartSync head unit runs 8 speakers and can be controlled remotely via a phone app when not in the cab.
Door cards and roof lining are finished in silver and blue alcantara and the rock & roll bed trimmed by Delilah's to match the front seats.
I fitted a set of West Coast Truck mirrors imported from US as I think they are cool but have the original if not to taste!
Summary
2. 5L EJ25 Subaru engine conversion
Freeway flyer gearbox
Custom cooling system with electric fans, water circulation pump and integrated cab heater
Custom stainless steel exhaust
Blue leather 360⁰ swivel front seats
Full width Rock & Roll bed
Pioneer Smart Sync BT stereo
Electric hook-up with multiple built-in 240/ USB power points and leisure battery charging
Complete Dynamat sound deadening throughout
Porsche Speedster chrome wheels
LED lighting
US West Coast Truck Mirrors
