Darren's blog

I need some cheap paintbrushes for painting Hammerite and similar.  As Hammerite is a different type of paint, you can't clean the brushes with white spirit, and their own cleaner is expensive.  I prefer to use cheap brushes and throw them away.  You can get a pack of 6 brushes for £1 from the pound shop.  Whilst there I saw a load of things that would be useful.

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As my Sprinter is a MWB it is a little tricky to see back when reversing.  It doesn't have rear windows, and I don't plan on putting any in.  I bought a reversing sensor kit on eBay for only £16.  Looks easy to install.

 Bough it from this eBay trader

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 After just a few days of looking, or even thinking, I have bought a new van for conversion into a campervan.  Sticking with what i know, I have gone for a Mercedes Sprinter.  I bought a MWB, high-top 02 reg Sprinter, FSH 96K miles for £3,000 from Nigel Andrews Vans, Cornwall.

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Just having a look at some potential vans to buy this morning, more my next conversion.  I am after a newer-than-2000 aged vehicle, and less-than 100,000 miles if possible.  Mercedes Sprinter, VW LT or LDV Convoy.

Here are some I found.

Nice sprinter, low miles, FSH!!!! 

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Nearly 4  years after I made my first Sprinter campervan, which spawned the creating of this website, I have pretty much decided to make another one.  I have spent most of the last 3 years travelling.   The first year in the camper, the last 2 backpacking around Asia.

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The MOT is complete, and I have decided to sell the Pampy Camper. I am selling here to my friend and surfing buddy Richy.

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The Pampy Camper had its MOT today. It failed on a few things.

One headlight was considered defective, and the Garage can get a pattern unit for £75, rather than the £150 for an Mercedes part.
Two front suspension arms also need replacing. No doubt the cause of the endless rough Spanish and Portuguese roads I have bounced down over the last year.

The garage will do the work next week.

The Pampy Camper needs a new MOT. I am confident there is nothing major required for the MOT. The headlights have both lost their reflective backing, so new headlight units may be required. I strip both of the headlights down, and dust and clean inside.

Cleaning the headlight

Date: 08/23/2007 Views: 1880

Headlight removed for cleaning

Date: 08/23/2007 Views: 1971

I kept a list of my costs during my trip. Perhaps it help you with some planning. I haven't including food or entry to sights. Just travel and accommodation costs.

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Well, after 9 great months of travelling through France, Belgium and mainly Spain and Portugal I am home.

I left the ferry in Plymouth and drove into the city centre. I got my tax disc, as my vehicle was SORN whilst I was away. I then spent several hours shopping for new clothes, as my limited wardrobe had faded a bit with the many months of hand washing.

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