So . . . my car died as in scrap yard in the sky died. With two kids, a husky and a pram built like a tank, not to mention my tendency to bulk buy and fondness for second hand furniture, a big car was definitely in order . . . like an estate. A nice economical estate that will get us all from A to B and tow our caravan when needed.
Then the hubster started with his requirements . . . What he really wants is a camper van but I've managed to convince him that a camper van doesn't suit our lifestyle or budget. So he's got it into his head he wants a day van. I've got to give him credit, a dry space to have picnics on days out with the kids is genius. Plenty of space for the extended rear facing seats I won't compromise on.
I hit a bit of a stumbling block and really struggled to find something in our price range that would tow our caravan. A small transit won't two a 1.5 ton trailer - who knew!? I knew the T4 would do the job but they're way out of our price range . . .
Until my dad found this one . . .
I cannot believe I paid just £1,000 for this beauty!!
It's seen better days of course, it was stiff and rusty . . .
dirty too.
It's so old a lot of insurance companies won't touch it!! I've learned the term "Vintage Banger" and love it!!
But we gave it some tender loving care.
And now it purrs like a kitten - most of the time!!!
It went away for a bit for some new side windows and a tow bar. We had it resprayed too. That plus a few bits and bobs like a thorough service brought us up to our initial budget of about £3,500.
Hubster fitted some unwin rails and tracked down some second hand back seats. The seats can be moved right to the front just behind the driver for a huge load space or further back leaving space for a picnic table. They've got three full three point seat belts and I can fit three high backed kids car seats across the back seat - enough room for my two plus a friend. And we even have an extra two seats that can be added in the very back so it can carry up to 7 people.
There's lots more to do on our not so new T4. I'll be sharing more projects and pictures as we go along.
