Retro campers that aren't VWs

[Del]

My stepdad is massively into Minis, having rebuilt four so far. But once he's finished the one he's got now, which he reckons will be in eighteen months or so, he fancies a crack at a camper of some sort. Because I've had two, a Fiat Caravelle and a VW Dormobile, he's asked for some suggestions, with the provisos that it's not a VW and that it's a classic.
He's really only interested in the bodywork and mechanical aspects, although he doesn't mind doing a bit of interior work, so he doesn't want to convert an existing van. And it needs to fit on a smallish driveway...
I've come up with Transit, Bedford CF, Toyota Hi-Ace and Commer PB/Spacevan, and then I run out of ideas. Anything else that comes to mind?

[retroade]

Bet no one saw that coming!

Spotted in Orford on the Suffolk coast last summer, stopped dead to take the photo. The odd wheels only add to the appeal.

[PandaSelecta]

If it has to fit on a small driveway, what about a fiat 900T camper.

Also T25 camper are going up in price, so might make a decent investment

[spongeh]

This my '92 Hymer B534, it's not a VW, but it is German and has excellent build quality.

[danthecapriman]

Here's mine.
Mk2 Transit LWB high roof. Converted from an ex BBC mobile radio studio van!

[Del]

Ade - Maestro wouldn't work because they need the standing room.
Panda - Much as I love the 900, he's a bit wary of the parts situation.
Jules - I *love* the Escort (and the very similar Bedford HA & Marina conversions) but I think he might need some convincing. I'll definitely give him a nudge that way though!
Spongeh - That's an interesting shout. What's it based on, and is it a left-hooker?
Dan - That's exactly the sort of thing I was suggesting!

[rsmithy626]

Ford E250

[Carter]

Puegot J7



Friend of mine has one for sale, French import.

[Del]

Last two are interesting. But what is parts availability like, especially body panels?

[pcj]

Anybody thought of the earlier Renault Trafics, def in classic status by now? They go from small to coachbuilt so you can pick your size.
I've got two, both 1984, both 1647cc petrol. One is an Autosleeper (van conversion), the other a much rarer Rapido Randonneur 410 coachbuilt. Both have elevating roofs. Both have shower rooms but the Rapido wins hands down for space, while the Autosleeper can creep under height barriers about 8" lower than the Rapido. Both are undergoing major project work in that the Autosleeper is being subsumed into the Rapido so I can get it back on the road.

[Carter]

Personally, on the J7 I've no idea.
Classic American is very well supported here in the UK.

[spongeh]

Feb 7, 2015 20:23:35 GMT Del said:

Ade - Maestro wouldn't work because they need the standing room.
Panda - Much as I love the 900, he's a bit wary of the parts situation.
Jules - I *love* the Escort (and the very similar Bedford HA & Marina conversions) but I think he might need some convincing. I'll definitely give him a nudge that way though!
Spongeh - That's an interesting shout. What's it based on, and is it a left-hooker?
Dan - That's exactly the sort of thing I was suggesting!

It's an Hymer B534 A-Class motorhome based on the Citroen C25 chassis, 2.5 Turbo Diesel with PAS (Fiat Ducato & Peugeot J5 were also available) and it is indeed a LHD

5.7m long and 2.3m wide, but it is a full 4 berth, rear bed is a king size because at 6'3 I don't fit in most little campers and the front bed drops down (Hydraulic levers) over the drivers seat.

[bazzateer]

Feb 7, 2015 21:21:05 GMT spongeh said:

Feb 7, 2015 20:23:35 GMT Del said:

5.7m long and 2.3m wide, but it is a full 4 berth, rear bed is a king size because at 6'3 I don't fit in most little campers and the front bed drops down (Hydraulic levers) over the drivers seat.

At 6'3" can you fit in the front drop down bed? I'm 6'2" and was thinking of one of these in the future but don't want to be making up the bed every day so was going to use the drop down for sleeping and leave the rear seating area alone. I could go for the 600 series with the rear bedroom but wanted to keep overall size smaller.

[jabbo]

Feb 7, 2015 21:06:35 GMT Carter said:

Personally, on the J7 I've no idea.
Classic American is very well supported here in the UK.

The J7 isn't particularly well supported over here parts wise. However, saying that, as people are turning away from VWs and look for cheaper alternatives, the market for French stuff is growing, so in a couple of years time who knows. I own a Renault Estafette and the increase in parts available over the last year has increased considerably. There's always a couple of good European websites you can order from too.

[Del]

How did I forget Sherpas?!

[mt2man]

What about Vauxhall Midi / Isuzu Fargo?

(My build thread is up here somewhere but I'm on my phone)

I've got the 2.4td long wheel base and it's an ideal canoe size as a fraction of VW money, mine owes me £600 now and that includes the van, Pajero wheels, tyres and a years mot!

[spongeh]

Feb 8, 2015 9:51:28 GMT bazzateer said:

Feb 7, 2015 21:21:05 GMT spongeh said:

At 6'3" can you fit in the front drop down bed? I'm 6'2" and was thinking of one of these in the future but don't want to be making up the bed every day so was going to use the drop down for sleeping and leave the rear seating area alone. I could go for the 600 series with the rear bedroom but wanted to keep overall size smaller.

Yeah the drop down bed is still a proper sized double bed so you'll fit in it fine, it's just the rear bed makes up into a massive double thats big enough for 3 adults... not that we have 3 adults in the bed at the same time.

Quick edit to add a bed picture:

[froggy]

Talbot express / ducato . Bit harder to find in Lwb but good value if you find one that's solid

[Anglevan]

Heres mine Mitsubishi L300

Build thread here >

L300 Build







Not common in the UK now and those that are about tend to be abused. Hyundai H100 is similar body and more about.

[Carter]

Feb 8, 2015 12:01:38 GMT jabbo said:

Feb 7, 2015 21:06:35 GMT Carter said:

Personally, on the J7 I've no idea.
Classic American is very well supported here in the UK.

The J7 isn't particularly well supported over here parts wise. However, saying that, as people are turning away from VWs and look for cheaper alternatives, the market for French stuff is growing, so in a couple of years time who knows. I own a Renault Estafette and the increase in parts available over the last year has increased considerably. There's always a couple of good European websites you can order from too.

I hear you, my mate who has the J7 is old school VW. Estafette! They're cool little vans, will check out your thread!