I've come to a decision.....

I've not really looked at the "camper" since the engine broke, and have been trying to decide what to do, it seems that my engine, the 1.9TD ABL engine, is actually the worst one to have, with many known problems and failings, more so than the other versions, 2.4D, 2.5TDi. With this in mind, and wanting to replace like for like, and after watching auctions on ebay go almost as high as a reconditioned engine, and to be fair the engines look old and dodgier than mine, with no guarantee of the mileage they have done, or the condition, I dont want to be putting another engine in and get something go wrong with that one too within weeks. An option was to repair my engine, or at least the head, but this would cost almost as much as an engine too, so the only reliable and guaranteed way to go about this is to get a reconditioned engine and start from scratch, and at least have something reliable that I know will be good for a few thousand miles plus, but this is going to be alot of money, and wont be happening any time soon, approx £1000 just for the engine, without fitting, but I would have peace of mind that its been done, and I have sorted so many things out on it so far, that when its all done, it will be pretty much like a new van, hopefully, lasting me for years. I also have the MOT to do, which is due in April, so there is bound to be cost involved in that too. Obviously that cant be done until the engine is done, so I think there may well be a SORN coming up for a while.

So all donations welcome :). Actually im counting on the lottery or a lucky punt to cover getting it back on the road and finished, think I might be counting for a while :) The good news is that these vans hold their money, and whatever I do to improve it, will mean that it adds value, so if I was really lucky, and desperate when its finished, then there is a chance I could break even or only lose a little bit if I decide to let it go. (Hopefully this wont happen, but I guess it could be looked on as a luxury).

There we go then, Im going to get a recon engine, and finish what I started, even if its for someone else to enjoy. Which means that I need to start working on it again, I still need to finish lining it out with carpet, and the towbar needs finishing off (although it will be just for show for now :P ). I have a few more things ready to be fitted too, so keep an eye on here if you want to see it start transforming again.