I am delighted by the work of my friend and expert campervan fitter, refurbisher and renovator Ali V. He runs AV Camper Conversions in Kirkintilloch, near Glasgow. I was very lucky to get a slot to have my VW T5 campervan renovated because Ali is usually booked up for many months ahead.
I have owned my van for more than two years and while the basic conversion served me well I decided to splash out on a full conversion. I’ve found that I use my van a lot more than expected and I thought it would be useful to have the full set up, including heater, fridge, sink and stove. I now have electric hook up as well and I swapped the double front passenger seat for a swivel single seat.
While stripping out the old furniture, Ali discovered the windows had been leaking a bit. Apparently, VW back windows often leak. That meant two new windows and I also needed new insulation and re-felting where there had been a slow leak.
In the end, we decided to have most of the panels redone and the flooring needed to be replaced to ensure the final finish looked good. The van had been converted by an amateur and while he had done an okay job it didn’t stand the test of time. I am now confident my van will look and work very well for many years to come.
Ali makes bespoke furniture, so I was able to suggest a format. The van is a short wheel-based version and that required more careful planning to make all the space work well. I knew what furniture layout I wanted because I have been using my van for last past two years.
I also requested a magnet-fitted panel to cover the front of the bed/double back seat. This means I can choose what I stuff under the bed in the large storage area, rather than being dictated by the size of the doors that you sometimes see in the front panels. Again this was decided because I have used my van and know what I want.
I also have two USB ports and a plug socket, as well as a new and larger leisure battery.
Fern was away with Ali (living in his purpose built refurbishment workshop) for just over five weeks. In that time, he has worked miracles. The finished refurb is truly outstanding and I would recommend him very, very highly to anyone who is looking for a full or partial campervan conversion. The attention to detail and the finish are absolutely superb.
Now I can’t wait to take her out for an overnight trip. Here are the photos that show what the van was like, the work-in-progress and the finished interior.
Before the conversion
The van was fine but basic. The best part was the good quality rock ‘n’ roll bed. That stayed… and the rest was changed.
During the conversion
The progress from stripping back to the start of the refit.
The finished campervan conversion
It looks so amazing! See for yourself.
The back view.
Fridge, water storage cupboard and extra cupboard.
I will use this cupboard for breakfast kit when the bed is folded down for sleeping.
Front panel is fitted with strong magnets. This design is newly trademarked by Ali!
Front seat swivels round and also hides the leisure battery.
Side door view.
Cupboard with shelves for cooking kit (especially laid out so I can access while the bed is down.)
I even have curtains fitted!
Many thanks again toAV Camper Conversions.
PS Ali made me solemnly promise I will keep my campervan as beautiful as the day he returned it. Apparently, he does spot checks to ensure you have kept your word! Gulp!
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