camperfanatic

Making minor improvements to the interior of a Westfalia Joker, based on the VW T25/Vanagon. As any owner of a panel van camper conversion is well aware, making use of all available space within the confines of such a small living area is vital. Some owners go to the extreme when adding additional storage space by cutting, removing and altering units within the van. Personally, I prefer to simply keep the originality of a classic vehicle by adding storage pockets, or creating extra storage from voids not used by the manufacturer. When I use the term 'void', I am referring to the spaces such as those within door cavity's, such as the unused storage space within the side-sliding door. The space gained might be minimal,  and might only allow for the carrying of a few books, tools, dried herbs for cooking or rolled up underwear, but every inch you can pinch is a bonus, in my opinion. My first DIY project within the 84' VW Westfalia Joker was to make use of the void within t...

The often forgotten model of the light commercial van range in the UK is the Bedford Midi, first launched in 1984, a long 'tubular' vehicle with a lifting rear tailgate; it ran in production alongside the existing Bedford CF range. Initially fitted with engine options which included a 1.8lt petrol and 2lt diesel, later expanded to 2lt petrol and 2.2lt diesel units, with a more powerful 2.4lt turbo diesel also an option. The wheelbase lengths were SWB of 14.7ft and a LWB of 15.9ft, and with the option of single or twin side loading doors. Unlike the Bedford CF (in production since 1969), the Midi was not available as a chassis-cab, so a coachbuilt motorhome could not be produced, only campervan style models with a glass fibre high top or a rising roof (pop-top). One of the first UK converters to launch a campervan model on the 'new' Midi was Auto-Sleeper of Worcestershire, unveiling their conversion at the 1985 Earls Court Motor Show.  (picture below). The price ...