Category: Modding

Motocross and dirt bike vans and conversions

motocross dirt bike van

When considering buying a cheap motocross van or dirt bike van I’d recommend one thing – go for as reliable a van as possible within your budget. After all, getting to the race meeting on time (or at all) is as important as remembering your helmet, right?

I’ve had a lot of different cheap moto x vans and conversions, a Mercedes Sprinter, a high-roof Ford Transit, Renault Master Ambulance and a heavily converted Iveco. My Kentucky Estro lasted about a month before it was written off on the way to a meet. I’d say the better motocross or race vans tend to be spacious, something you need when doing, say, a wheel change on a tight schedule. They can be bought ready kitted out inside or a blank canvas for you to start your own layout, the choice is yours. A toolboard is nice to have and somewhere to sit down, shelter from the rain and take off those muddy boots (or tend to the injuries) is a must.

Cheap motocross vans

If you’re starting out, a cheap motocross van will give you a feel for what you need and there’s little risk as they tend to hold their prices if bought at auction, some even making more money when sold on again.

Motocross vans

Motocross van awning conversionLooking for a van to do motocross or even just carry motorbikes or bicycles to tracks and meets?  A properly built new conversion can be a huge expense but buying at auction makes sense.  Often people have already shelled out for custom van interiors and have racking for tools and equipment such as spare wheels, engines etc.

Here’s a selection of currently available motocross vans at auction.  Refresh the page in your browser to see current price and new auctions or bookmark this page and come back when there is new stock for sale.

World’s lowest VW camper

Mechanic Andy Saunders converted this VW Camper into a real lowrider. It now measures a measly 39 inches. It started life as a 1980 Type 25 and Andy reckons it can still do 80MPH, although I’m not sure I’d like to be in it when he does.

Low rider vw

There are 2 seats behind the driver who sits in a central position to drive it.

Andy bought the van for a measly £1000 and took just 3 days to finish the project. He did this with friends in front of a surprised audience at Bug Jam, a festival which takes place in Northamptonshire UK.Low rider vw

Amazingly, it is OK for UK roads having passed all the required tests. You can even pop a mattress in the back and sleep in it. Good for vampire vanners then…..

Congrats Andy from us here at CamperAuctions.co.uk, it goes to show how a project can be done if you put your mind to it.

Pics courtesy of BNPS

Camper and motorhome seats

campervan seats for sale onlineWell we all have to have somewhere to sit. However, I’ve found that over the years I have done countless projects which required ripping out and modifying seating. Often the best place to start is with a decent quality secondhand unit. Prices are particularly good secondhand, but bear in mind that most units will be collection only so factor this in when buying.

Swivel seats (also known as Captain’s seats) are very desirable if you want to create a day van, mobile office or just add a touch of luxury. Swivel bases can be purchased separately so a standard seat can be modified if you find what you are after. Swivel seats for van conversion projects are quite sought after so if you see a set for sale, don’t waste time in getting to the seller to offer them money, there’s usually an eager buyer around the corner.

With jump seats, buddy seats, folding seats, swivel chairs, recliners, stools and good old fashioned cushions, the list is endless but the choice is there. Contact us if you have any seating projects, finished or otherwise, you’d like to share.

Leisure batteries

With the extra load put on your system by running additional 12 volt equipment, a good quality leisure battery is a must. Fridges, additional lights, even radios all add to that power drain. Opting for a battery which has as many ‘Amp hours’ (AH) as possible within your budget is a sensible choice. Our suggestion is not to drop below 95AH which will give you longer life between charges. Don’t forget to buy any clamps you may require (quick release are always useful). Popular brands include Lucas, Exel, Hi-power, Varta, Elecsol, Platinum, Halfords, Tayna, Numax and Trojan.

Look for ‘deep cycle’ on the battery as this is designed to provide a consistent voltage as the battery discharges.

Inspiration on modding a camper

Without a doubt, modding your camper has to be a matter of personal taste. Many years back, even before I had laid spanner to nut (or something like that) I scoured several places looking for inspiration on my project. The main resources were:

With the advent of the internet, it is easier to find inspiration but you still need a degree of motivation which can only come from seeing these machines in the flesh.
I often find it easier to watch a video and pause it, looking at key points in another modder’s work. I don’t copy if the idea is unique, instead taking notes and then simply trying to put my own twist on it.

Have a look at this video. It’s mostly made of static photos but when you stitch them all together and stream them one after another, the creative juices start flowing:

Of course, sharing a beer with someone while discussing the finer points of lowering the suspension by an inch is always a good thing and is to be encouraged!

Support

Don’t underestimate how much support you need from family and friends.  After all, these projects can take years to complete and many sacrifices have to be made.  Your labour is a labour of love, just make sure you prioritise who you give the bigger love to.  And for each bruised knuckle there is often a bit of family time going to waste.  Plan your project around your home life, not the other way round or else you will always be playing “catch-up” with your loved ones.

The killer feature

A friend of mine, Terry, has a 1973 camper which looks perfectly standard but has one show-stopping feature.  It took him 2 years to build this feature in and now is the major talking point when he goes to rallies and shows.  To stand out from the crowd you need a ‘draw’ and that can be anything from a gullwing door to a modified roofline.  Done properly and carefully, this will increase the value of your vehicle and give it the edge over others.

Read the manual

Read up on how others do it so you avoid the pitfalls that they already had. One great book which I refer people to is “How to Modify Volkswagen Bus Suspension, Brakes and Chassis for High Performance“.  A lengthy title but a manual which really does give you good knowledge of the workings of all the major components.  Upgrading the engine and forgetting the brakes and suspension is often catastrophic so it’s money well spent.

Here’s the VW Beetle chassis tuning  book which I own too (present from the kids) and find it an equally good read. Finally, on the ever-bending bookshelf is my guide on How to restore a VW bus which is truly insightful and I often make reference to this book.

I’m currently extending this article when time (and my VW project) allows but have been asked for it by quite a few people so here it is. If you want to link to it please do but don’t copy the content.