I started this morning by fitting the pipes.



I'm glad I asked someone about the gas inlet fitting, as I didn't know that there was special PTFE tape for gas appliances (I was just going to use the normal stuff ).

Then I pushed through all the electrical leads (as access would be more difficult after the heater is fitted).



Time to fit the heater



I fitted the clamps to hold the inlet and outlet pipes secure under the bus (pointing backwards). I also sealed the holes with silicon sealant (a very messy job as I was lying under the bus and applying it with my finger ).

I fitted a 12V battery charger, so that when I'm on electric hookup, I can keep my leisure battery topped up



Gas bottle all fitted, and all gas pipes leak checked



I also fitted a circuit breaker for the mains hook up (just to keep it all nice and safe).



I didn't really want a socket bolted in the engine bay, so decided to go for a flying lead, that can be kept rolled up when not in use, and just put out the back of the bus when I want to hook it up.



Here it is packed away.



Next job was to fit the thermostat (and drill more holes )



It was time to test it...........

I'm pleased to say that it all worked perfectly first time

The only job left to do is make up the adaptor, and fit the outlet hose.

Whilst I was in the camping shop buying bits the other day, the owner was telling me about the repairs he was having to do on a caravan as mice had got in and eaten everything

It sounds like they got in through an air vent

This got me thinking, now I have a nice warm bus, I bed the mice would love to come in and join us !!!

So I decided to fit an anti-mouse air vent



Better safe than sorry

Phil.

p.s. Can't wait Bob

I managed to finish off my heater today, ready for our holiday next week

I asked a local engineering company to knock up an adaptor for me



Then fitted it onto the heater outlet, and secured with a self tapper.



Connected the hose up.....





And all that was left was to test it...........It was lovely, with warm air coming out through the OG heater tube

Phil.

Excellent work Phil, love the anti mouse security bars

wow Phil ya misses will be happy now ...... got to keep the misses warm dude so all hell breaks loose ...lol

enjoy our camping hol's and lets hope the sun comes out to see you guy's too

As the pipe / heater is under a seat...... so how does the head get into the bus ? thus warming it up ?? is there a out let hole or something I have missed ? or does it just seep out from the seat area ??



Mark

Nice work Phil,

are you going to fit something round the lead in the engine bay, so it doesn't break free and destroy itself round your bottom pulley?? I have something like this happen

Oh, and mice like holes Had them behind the fuel tank, but that was on a bus that was not running.
Little buggers

Is under the rear seat going to get hot?? How about a divider between the bottle and the heater??
I used to build camping interiors and the bottle was in a metal lined box, with a floor vent (more holes )
Cheers,
Dom.

Mark,

There is a cut out in the bottom of my seat (where the heater tube is).

The heater tube actually has slots in it at the bottom, that direct the heat forwards into the bus.

When I tested it, I could not feel any warm air being blown into the area under the seat (only forwards into the bus).

The heater didn't get hot to touch, so I don't think I will need a divider (thanks Dom for the idea / comment though) - I will keep an eye on this (although I did ask the manufacturer if it was OK to put the gas bottle within 0.5m of the heater, and he said yes).

Thanks also for the suggestion about the lead - I never thought of that - I think I will tuck it down the back of the battery where it can't get into trouble.

6 days to our holiday in Devon, and reports are that the summer is on it's way and everything is warming up

Hopefully will not need to use my brand new heater then

Phil.

Looking really tidy
Where in Devon are you staying?

Hi Matt,

Croyde, then off to Bob's Big Sunday

Can't wait

Phil.

See you there

Just had a good read at the whole of this thread after having the pleasure of camping next to Phil, sasha and Thomas at croyde this weekend. This bus is fantastic in the flesh and well deserves the best in show award at big Sunday I think I would have gone mad with the various niggles during the restoration but phil seems so laid back.
Hope you dried her out ok after all that rain.

Hi Matt,

Yea we really enjoyed the weekend (it was also nice to meet you, louise, Ellen & lauren ).

Loved your bus btw.......Good job sir



Fingers crossed for more sun next year, or I will have to get a bigger awning

Phil.

(p.s. And I still can't get over winning )

You put all that time into painstakingly restoring, cleaning and detailing every inch of that bus Phil, and now it is parked up on a campsite in the grass, mud and rain with kids in and out of it, with an awning attached to it....

Exactly where it should be.

A pic from North Devon on my hols.........just cruising with the windows open



And something from my first show





The Big Sunday was a really cool show, and chilled to the max - we will be back next year

And after all the work installing the heater, the sun came out and I didn't need it

Phil.

p.s. Cheers Iain - that is exactly what the bus is for.......family holidays for years to come

Congratulations Phil on your show win

From all at Kustom Interiors!

Hi PHIL GRAT TO MEET YOU AT STANFORD HALL TODAY GREAT SHOW LOVED THE SAMBA ONE SWEET RIDE
REGARDS LEE