Commer PD HIGHWAY MAN Conversion

C

CommerCommerChameleon

New Member
Hi everyone,

We are just starting the Commer PD Highway Man, it's our first classic car and we are more than little daunted but excited none the less.

Theresa's been a fair amount of water damage and black mould at the rear of the camper and would love advice on best way forward to remove the damaged section, or alternately remove the complete roof lining and panels. Surprising the floor is okay and no signs of rot. So need to find the leak and fill it even if until we can do it correctly before painting, which will be done by hand.
I'm think as soft particle board should be scored cleanly and removed in small sections until we find framing.

We want to get the standard of this one in Australia that was imported from the UK, keeping the original windows.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=361296601806383

Lots of work a head, I have removed the overhead cabinets all ready and want to take it all out a gently as I can to allow someone else to use them.

The gas hob looks great and fridge just needs new racks, the heater I'll salvage and sink etc.

Luckily the engine has had loads of new parts with exception of not drawing fuel from tank even though new fuel pump, suspect debris blocking line or tank filter. Going to try and run from external tank to see which end the problem is.

We will no doubt be asking loads of questions and hope we don't drive you mad.

It's hard not to feel affection for it, such a lovely little camper.

Thanks in advance.

IMG_1151.jpg
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1153.jpg
    IMG_1153.jpg
    312.4 KB · Views: 7
  • IMG_1157.jpg
    IMG_1157.jpg
    230.4 KB · Views: 7
  • IMG_1158.jpg
    IMG_1158.jpg
    305.9 KB · Views: 8
  • IMG_1159.jpg
    IMG_1159.jpg
    281.8 KB · Views: 7
  • IMG_1160.jpg
    IMG_1160.jpg
    367.2 KB · Views: 6
  • IMG_1162.jpeg
    IMG_1162.jpeg
    384.7 KB · Views: 6
Looks like lots to do. The Highwayman roof is made up of a few separate panels and unfortunately they can expand and leak.You will need to strip out the inner lining and get rid of the sodden insulation and inspect/repair the timber frame and reseal the joints. There's no easy way around it unfortunately if you wand to get the finish your after. But you will have a cracking van once you've finished. What are your plans for the van? returning it to a camper or coffee/catering van.
Good luck
 
Panky said:
Looks like lots to do. The Highwayman roof is made up of a few separate panels and unfortunately they can expand and leak.You will need to strip out the inner lining and get rid of the sodden insulation and inspect/repair the timber frame and reseal the joints. There's no easy way around it unfortunately if you wand to get the finish your after. But you will have a cracking van once you've finished. What are your plans for the van? returning it to a camper or coffee/catering van.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Thanks again Panky, have taken the rotten section out, most of the hardwood framing is fine others absolutely shot, so will reframe this areas, need to seal the external areas where I see daylight, screw holes and thin gaps until painting. Looking better though.
 
If you want to get messy I used this stuff to bare metal Harvey the Auto-Sleeper before painting. Took a couple of applications left over night covered in plastic sheet but It took most of the paint off and washes off with soapy water.


Otherwise it's elbow grease and sanding.
 
I sprayed with cellulose on the body work (BMC Smoke Grey) but got my local Auto Paints to mix some synthetic enamel for the pop top which I brushed and roller'd on, it went on nicely and it was an excellent match.
If the paint is still sound then sanding and filling would be OK it depends on how much time and effort you want to spend, the paintwork on mine was knackered and had to be stripped back.
Don't use silicon sealant on the seams, Tigerseal or Sikaflex will do a proper job and can be painted over once smoothed, messy though.


IMG20250414161010.jpg
 
Panky said:
I sprayed with cellulose on the body work (BMC Smoke Grey) but got my local Auto Paints to mix some synthetic enamel for the pop top which I brushed and roller'd on, it went on nicely and it was an excellent match.
If the paint is still sound then sanding and filling would be OK it depends on how much time and effort you want to spend, the paintwork on mine was knackered and had to be stripped back.
Don't use silicon sealant on the seams, Tigerseal or Sikaflex will do a proper job and can be painted over once smoothed, messy though.


View attachment 10540
Click to expand...
Lovely colour, kind of similar to what we'd like with the top cream or off white. Beautiful camper Panky, I've taken all the interior out and all panels and insulation. Really happy with the process so far, such lovely van, can't wait to get her out on the road.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top