Commer Camper Tourstar 1973

Max Ruddock

Max Ruddock

New Member
Hi all, I am new to this site and Commer affiliation.
I have recently bought a Commer Tourstar 1973 and it needs some work to restore it to its former beauty.
I have attached some images of the Commer.
It primarily will need a new engine and the bodywork needs a lot of work.
Unfortunately I have no idea where to start with contacts etc so any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am in Ashford, Kent.
Thanks all.
Commercamper192
 

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Hi Max and welcome to the Madhouse:D
Looks like you've taken on a bit of a project. But fear not virtually everything is available from body panels to oil filters from our very own resident parts guru Martin Maltas. He hand makes the panels and they are of excellent quality and fit, which is lucky as you cant get them anywhere else. Try sending him a PM, he's sure to get back to you of contact him through his website.

http://www.commervanspares.co.uk/

Don't go by the prices on there they are well out of date (he's working on a new site)
Good luck and plenty of progress pics please:)
 
Hello Max and welcome.

That will be a lovely van when you've restored it. When I was restoring my van I posted lots of progress pics on here and benefitted from positive feedback when my Mojo was faltering.

Good luck. It's all do-able.:)
 
Hello Max, Nice to see another Tourstar. Quite a bit of work needed , looking at the pictures,but all achievable. My own Tourstar was similar in condition. Now it's finished, everyone loves it . A good project you have there.
 
I will post all pics on this thread as and when. I'm looking to start in the next few weeks. I like a challenge.
 
arty1 said:
Hello Max, Nice to see another Tourstar. Quite a bit of work needed , looking at the pictures,but all achievable. My own Tourstar was similar in condition. Now it's finished, everyone loves it . A good project you have there.
Click to expand...
 
Yeah I can't wait to get started. If you don't mind me asking what was wrong with yours to start with and cost etc.
It looks beautiful, I presume it's the green one in your pic?
 
Welcome Max. There are many people on here with great advice and knowledge. I have used both MartinMaltas and Speedy Spares. My skills run out after plugs, pads and oil change so I have a local garage that owner actually had a Pb back in the day. You are not alone. Enjoy! :)
 
Max Ruddock said:
Yeah I can't wait to get started. If you don't mind me asking what was wrong with yours to start with and cost etc.
It looks beautiful, I presume it's the green one in your pic?
Click to expand...
Yes, mine is the green /cream one. As you asked, here goes. Rusted front valance and a disintegrated heater box. Rotten door bottoms, rips in the bodywork above the windows , I think it had caught a tree! Holes in the fiberglass roof from rusting screws underneath. Rot in the roof corner/ gutter run offs. Rusted out fuel tank, all brake cylinders and lines u.s. carburettor completely worn out. Lots of wiring issues. Needed 5 new tyres/ tubes. My van had been stored in a barn for over 35 years which probably preserved it a bit. I removed almost a wheel Barrow of paint from the body as it had been painted several times with a brush ! Bare metal respray and many hours fettling and lots of blood sweat and tears and over 10k later she is almost 100% .
 
arty1 said:
Yes, mine is the green /cream one. As you asked, here goes. Rusted front valance and a disintegrated heater box. Rotten door bottoms, rips in the bodywork above the windows , I think it had caught a tree! Holes in the fiberglass roof from rusting screws underneath. Rot in the roof corner/ gutter run offs. Rusted out fuel tank, all brake cylinders and lines u.s. carburettor completely worn out. Lots of wiring issues. Needed 5 new tyres/ tubes. My van had been stored in a barn for over 35 years which probably preserved it a bit. I removed almost a wheel Barrow of paint from the body as it had been painted several times with a brush ! Bare metal respray and many hours fettling and lots of blood sweat and tears and over 10k later she is almost 100% .
Click to expand...
 
Wow. Ok. You've been busy.
What would you value it at now though? Sentimental value outweighs as always.
This site is really helpful. I can't wait to get stuck in.
 
Welcome Max! As people have said this site is very welcoming and a fantastic resource. Very best of luck with the restoration!
 
Max Ruddock said:
Wow. Ok. You've been busy.
What would you value it at now though? Sentimental value outweighs as always.
This site is really helpful. I can't wait to get stuck in.
Click to expand...
Have it agreed value insurance at 16k. Would I sell it ....Hmmm. Probably not! As we all know, it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance to resurrect these lovely old vehicles. It's worth it just for the envious looks from all the vw campervan fraternity lol.
 
Welcome max and hurrah as another commer goes to an enthusiastic owner. Some of the pictures of projects can look pretty scary but with Martins panels and parts and dozens of capable and knowledgeable people on this forum there isn't much that can't be accomplished. I always find that everybody on here are always about with fantastic advice and support.
 
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