Probably not a design fault but deliberately designed that way to last a certain length of time before an upgrade is needed, just like most everything else in this consumerist world we live in right now. Good vid Mel, very informative 👍
If you want a “pokey bendy” thing to clear the crap out of the drain holes, I use a stiff plastic cable tie - the pointy end that goes into the ratchet housing. Using a cable tie stops it scratching the paint like a screwdriver does too. Keep up the good work, and remember to feed the cat!
Thanks for the video's.. ( I had a heads up on your vapor barrier. Nice one. ) With the water in the sill's you also need to pop the plastic side panels off. - Which run around the van to protect any slight knocks. Water get's in through the clip holder's, and there's also holes with sticky tape over them which peal off over time. The water runs down the sides of the van - rain - snow - damp... And get's in under the plastic "bumper's" then seaps through straight into the van.. It's an easy job as the side bumper's just pop off. ( You'll find one screw under the wing at the end. ) Then put some sealer round the pop on plastic buttons. And the holes - no idea what they're for. Which just have tape over them..
Hey Mel; an update here; ... I watched this video back when you put it up, and in my 40 years of driving I'd never heard of, or experienced sills being filled with water. (It was a revelation :-) Fast-Forward to last night and my daughter tells me she can hear Swishing-Water on her side of the car (Ford Fiesta). Took me for a spin, and YES! my diagnosis was 'correct' ..... she'd got 'Soggy-Sills' ;-) I found the little lip, stuck an old sharp knife into it and it drained a good couple of litres out of it .............. So CHEERS Mel ..... Another fine mess you got us OUT of :-)
You buying a sprinter is brilliant for us 👍 ... went outside with a screwdriver and what do you know, two of ours were blocked up, thanks 👍 Mel ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠
I found that soaking each drain hole with spray bottle for 5 ten minutes then inserting hole cleaning brush its like a small bottle brush about 30cm long can be bent to angle scrubbing rinsing or steamcleaning is a great way to get drainage holes super clean. I hope this helps. ✌️
Did all my sills when I had the van about 2 bowls full came out of all of them and I've stone chipped all the side up to the plastic covers looks good now and resealed my plastic clips covers to stop the water going into the van.
Great vid again mel. Will be checking mine in the morning if its not raining. And look at take the side plastic trims off to seal the holes and clips..
Hi Mel you are so enthusiastic in all your videos and a true DIY professional. Many thanks for the many hints and tips plus the demonstration of what can be done if you put your mind to it.
you need to take out the rubber bungs out and spray some waxoil inside then get a couple of inchers of rubber pipe and put it in the water weep holes in the cills
I've had water dripping out of my sills of my Crafter for the past two days and could see water in the sill behind the side door step, thought I had a problem, now I know I need to clean them holes, thanks for the info Mel saved the day again 👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thanks Mel, I'm also documenting my build on UA-cam, progress is pretty slow but I'm getting there thanks to tips from yourself and others
@@BigVanSmallWorld Once that inner sill starts to dry its going to start to rust like crazy, get a hose inserted into those drain holes and give the inner sill a good liberal dose with fish oil.
When I replaced the ply lining in my sprinter I could see evidence of where the water gets in on these vans - the plastic clips that hold black strips on are 'sealed' with washers that are not up to the job. There was a trail left by water that had got past them and then run down the inside of the van, then is retained by a channel and I guess guided into the sills. I sealed the back of all my clips with a black silicon. I'd recommend you do the same or any insulation you put in the walls will very quickly get soaked.
Design fault on sprinters it’s seems I have the same problem going to take all black plastic trims around can seal the plugs with Mr sick o flex Replace trim will stop water getting in and getting in to the seals Mercedes could have done this and stopped a lot of rust on these vans
I second that. I replaced all plastic clips and sikaflexed them in. The water goes in the clips and drains to the sills (via your insulation) if you don't do the clips.
Hi Mel Going off subject for a moment. I have found that the dvla have changed the rules on van to camper conversions. The main changes are:- you must have two windows down one side and camper type artwork somewhere on the van. Goodbye to stealth camping, the government needs to know everything about us. Hope you can make your convertors aware of this. Thanks Martin
So the upshot is your van isn't a camper without the tacky graphics and giveaway windows. I'm more than happy for mine to be registered as a van and carry on regardless. There's no legal requirement for you to go down the full conversion route if you don't want to. Convert your van to your favoured spec, get out there, and enjoy it.
Maybe enlarge the existing and/or put some new holes in the sill and get some protective wax in there. The water may appear clear but it has had time to settle out and the rust may be above the waterline.
Hey Mel, on this there's a youtube video you must watch; titled 'A job you MUST do! - Sprinter And Crafter Side Trim Sealing' posted by : Black Rock Outfitters', on 28Nov2018 runs for 15:36mins. He's British, sounds like a brummy accent, and what he reveals about how Sprinters let in lots of water is astonishing, and shows why it inevitably always happens and how to permanently fix the problem, and a very bad and urgent problem it is too. Watch it all thru, as each stage has lots to show. Best wishes from Alan, in Norfolk.
Well Mel I have finished watching all your van conversion videos. Every one of them is entertaining and I have learnt loads. You have inspired me to do my own van. I will keep it safe,simple,drink loads of coffee and always be starving. Looking forward to your next video keep up the the good work 👍
Hi Mel.. Some of the water has come from splash off the road and around door and window rubbers, but most of it is condensation from inside the van that runs down the walls and then collects in the sills over the years, that's why its so clear. if it was all road splash it would have been salty and would have rusted its own way out.. If only you had watched my rust video, I always use wheel silver then a top coat of real paint, as yes its the cheaper way to do it.. Cheers Bud
Mel I hope that the people from Mercedes Benz sprinter section are watching your video ,your cats are stealing the show,good luck with the conversion regards Mike...
checked my sills............................ dry as a bone. Now if only I could find a pokey thing to stop the giant clouds of white smoke pouring out of the exhaust I will be a very happy camper.
Hey Mel: Didn't you know - they fill the sills full of water before it leaves the factory to STOP rust building up inside - It's called 'The Mary Rose Effect' .... PLUS it acts as ballast for when you're cornering TOO FAST - a bit like the Keel on a yacht - keeps you upright ;-)
I was going to suggest the same thing, there seems to be lots of large bungs high up on the inner sill which would make it easy. Clear the drains out after 😆. Do u know where the water comes from? Is it just condensation from the inside of the van?
You should try silver hammerite for the skills, also possibly think about spraying waxoil into the inside of the sills and that should give even more protection.
Hi Mel great videos, just to make you aware DVLA have now changed the requirements to registering a van as a motor caravan. Needa to be a hi-top, 2 windows on one side as the minimum awning bar and some graphics down both sides
You can get many makes but i find this the best,one can for each side is plenty. www.thompsonsltd.co.uk/products/5092943-hammerite-waxoyl-wax-oil-rustproofing-clear-250ml-corrosion-inhibitors.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw3c_tBRA4EiwAICs8ChzddKXMOIC-I5LLrRZcmObxkRb3wh6Y2xjeXbtXOqjT0YoO1EVQLBoCK3MQAvD_BwE
I enjoy your videos, and after I read the comments of your last episode, I went out and poke around in the sills. How is the van running? If you still have issues one thing you might try is get you some brake cleaner then remove the EGR valve and give a good cleaning.
Hi Mel, I would recommend that you treat the inside of your sills and vulnerable water ingress places with Wax Oyl you can buy a kit very cheaply from Halfords.
that truly is shocking mate, but your van is looking nice now. I've got my fingers crossed that your parts arrive on time and fit and work for your limp mode problem. guess we'll all have to wait and see.
I seen a video on how to resolve the issue of water in the sills the removed all the black plastic trim and the clips that hold it on arnt stuck on they push into holes drilled through the metal so they took all the clips out put some sealent on clips and put them back in this in turn sealed the holes and stopped the water getting in
That is really bad Mel.. Keep an eye on it....and maybe drill some strategically positioned holes let them dry out and then spray some hot waxoyl in the box sections and the cavities..
Hi Mel If it makes you feel better iv bought a 11 plate sprinter spent just under 3k converting it got my lay out perfect. Put windows in (one in side loading door and one opposite the side loading door done all the caper Barrier and installation put shelf’s up tv etc etc then found out new rules regarding the windows got too maxxair fans on the roof. Iv put back windows in as well. Was wondering or hoping if it’s got to look like a camper I can just stick a window on the out side. Won’t be changing the in side if push comes to shove I will get camper insurance and explain that it don’t completely comply with the DVLA rules so will want insurance for Day van as cooler bed heating and water in side. To be honest iv emptied my wallet and the poxy DVLA has just SHIT IN IT (WANKERS)
You need to fill the holes where the plastic fits into the holes in the body work, you may need new clips but it will stop water ingress in the future, great vids Mel 😀
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thought you might as they are only around the corner, I am in "Fav" and previously in "Whit" but I'm a long time DFL! Once this Lock-Down has ended I'm moving into a Van!
Have you heard of a product called Dinitrol? Think it comes as a kit or single treatments but basically it’s a specialist anti rust treatment that you can spray in the chassis and sills as well as the exterior of the underneath to help prevent and slow rust down. Expensive but dam good stuff. Can you work out where the water is coming from that is getting into the sills?
Jesus mask the van before spraying lol. That will last about a month. As someone else said... hammerite is king at keeping rust at bay. You could stipple brush the under neath (after prepping properly) and then spray the silver over the top.
MH Fulltimer I was thinking the exact same thing. I used Bilt Hamber on my one year old Transporter work van just after I got it second hand. Took a bit of work but definitely worth it. One thing, it does void the corrosion warranty but by all accounts vw are going to wriggle out of any claim anyway. I intend to keep the van for a long time so want to prevent rather than treat rust.
I’m sure the Sprinter was designed to last 10 years max. They made it that way to make you buy another one...! Had mine 13 years and I fill it full of wax oil every couple of years. Good luck with the build...
10 years! Biggest customers for vans are rental & parcel delivery and probably leased, most keep 3-5 years max, we used to buy our service vans driven by lunatics nothing lasted 5 years, destroyed or engine forked, gave up and leased 3 years, wouldn’t be a good idea to buy used
The problem with these piles of s....e is too many corners cut, take the trim off clean up and silicone them on from the area clips go in the body. Anyways at least you will get more to a gallon.
Checkt the callander while you drained the cavities. Thought it was April foolish. 😨 Scared the hell out of me when you sprayed the stonechip without protecting your panels. 😱 Must take your Ritalin on time. 😂😂 Seriously, please don't so we can have a laugh on Friday night. I'm just like you taking action before thinking every step over and over. Looking forward to the next step
This is astonishing, I had no idea this could happen, and as you say, 'this is a design fault' and 'no wonder Sprinters rust' and they have a bad reputation for rusting. Mercedes are superb at making great cars, but I reckon they are not very good at vans, well below par, I won't be interested in buying a Sprinter, they have a bad reputation in America too, judging by many UA-cam videos. All that water in there, as you say 'it's unbelievable'. Enjoy very much your videos Mel, best wishes from Alan, in Norwich.
Hi Mel, thanks for another great video! Here's a question that kinda relates to your content: I'm curious as to why Sprinters are so popular when they seem to be plagued by rust and black death, yet at the same time people scoff at the Transits. Is it just a rust thing or is there another reason why the Transit gets a bad rep?
@@BigVanSmallWorldI bet it's because they are made by Mercedes. Is there a reason why people dislike transits then or do you think it's just a matter of preference?
What happened to just using a brush and a tin of paint ... hammerite silver for the sills ? I have just undersealed the car with a brush for winter seems okay found some old tins in my old mans garage shame too bin them Would you have noticed the water in the frosty weather ? I assume it must be rain water going in than driving through deep dirty puddles ?
My van has polystyrene insulation in the walls and ceiling - done when it was converted into an ambulance/patient transfer vehicle - I'm taking it out of the walls and replacing it with Earthwool insulation - as this has the best R value and Sound proofing at a reasonable price - plus can follow the shape of the van too. Leaving the roof as is, as its got a sort of velour lining which is very tidy - the wall panels have this down one side too. I find the polystyrene in mine isn't that effective as an insulator or sound deadener - but might depend what type you are going to use, did you mean Celotex/Kingspan, or just the sheet polystyrene you can get?
@@BigVanSmallWorld Sounds like the same stuff - I've noticed a bit of mould on mine - so keen to get rid of it. Just waiting for Reflectix/foil bubble wrap to arrive so I can do it all in one go.
When this this vid appeared it only had a partial title which ended with water in, glad it was sills not oil. I am never sure whether to buy matched aerosols or get half a litre of paint with activator as it always gets tight for coverage when the paint supplies are closed. However any paint you dont use will cure in the tin after a while so your damned if you do and damned if you dont. The laquer seems to keep longer though but still only months. I have tins of older style paint still good after 25 years. How about getting a usb boroscope and checking inside your sills from the removable plugs on the inner sill. loads of chinese cheapos on ebay or amazon. Van looking a lot tidier now. Soon be time to start inside.
Thanks Andy I think bascote is single pack so it should last a little while I’ll be starting in the conversation soon thanks for watching and your support 🤓👍
Being an IT consultant I would be inclined to fix the source of the problem rather than just clear the holes to let water out. How is the water getting in there?
Probably not a design fault but deliberately designed that way to last a certain length of time before an upgrade is needed, just like most everything else in this consumerist world we live in right now.
Good vid Mel, very informative 👍
Thanks mate and I think you’re probably rite on with that 🤓👍
If you want a “pokey bendy” thing to clear the crap out of the drain holes, I use a stiff plastic cable tie - the pointy end that goes into the ratchet housing. Using a cable tie stops it scratching the paint like a screwdriver does too. Keep up the good work, and remember to feed the cat!
Cheers that’s a really good advice 🤓👍
Thanks for the video's.. ( I had a heads up on your vapor barrier. Nice one. ) With the water in the sill's you also need to pop the plastic side panels off. - Which run around the van to protect any slight knocks. Water get's in through the clip holder's, and there's also holes with sticky tape over them which peal off over time. The water runs down the sides of the van - rain - snow - damp... And get's in under the plastic "bumper's" then seaps through straight into the van.. It's an easy job as the side bumper's just pop off. ( You'll find one screw under the wing at the end. ) Then put some sealer round the pop on plastic buttons. And the holes - no idea what they're for. Which just have tape over them..
Hey Mel; an update here; ... I watched this video back when you put it up, and in my 40 years of driving I'd never heard of, or experienced sills being filled with water. (It was a revelation :-)
Fast-Forward to last night and my daughter tells me she can hear Swishing-Water on her side of the car (Ford Fiesta). Took me for a spin, and YES! my diagnosis was 'correct' ..... she'd got 'Soggy-Sills' ;-)
I found the little lip, stuck an old sharp knife into it and it drained a good couple of litres out of it .............. So CHEERS Mel ..... Another fine mess you got us OUT of :-)
Well done 👍 I’m so pleased it helped you out check the drain holes in the doors too 🤓👍
I must check my sprinter, hopefully it will be ok, thanks for the video Mel
You’re absolutely welcome 👍
You buying a sprinter is brilliant for us 👍 ... went outside with a screwdriver and what do you know, two of ours were blocked up, thanks 👍 Mel ❤️👵🏼🐾🐾🤠
That’s fantastic well done I’m really glad it helped you 👍🤓
Mel’s Van World 😊👍
I see the neighbours have had enough (purple bricks) lol
Lol 🤓👍
I found that soaking each drain hole with spray bottle for 5 ten minutes then inserting hole cleaning brush its like a small bottle brush about 30cm long can be bent to angle scrubbing rinsing or steamcleaning is a great way to get drainage holes super clean. I hope this helps. ✌️
Thank you 🙏
Did all my sills when I had the van about 2 bowls full came out of all of them and I've stone chipped all the side up to the plastic covers looks good now and resealed my plastic clips covers to stop the water going into the van.
Well done good job 👍
Great vid again mel.
Will be checking mine in the morning if its not raining. And look at take the side plastic trims off to seal the holes and clips..
Good luck 🤓👍
great video, an eye opener
Thank you again 👍
Hi Mel you are so enthusiastic in all your videos and a true DIY professional. Many thanks for the many hints and tips plus the demonstration of what can be done if you put your mind to it.
Thank you buddy that’s really nice of you to say much appreciated 👍😊👍
top job mel..
Thank you 🤓👍
you need to take out the rubber bungs out and spray some waxoil inside then get a couple of inchers of rubber pipe and put it in the water weep holes in the cills
Sounds like a brilliant idea thank you 🤓👍
Did not know about water in the sills, going to have a look at my Sprinter conversion in the morning ,(hoping its dry) a great tip from you Mel.
Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome good luck 🤓👍
I've had water dripping out of my sills of my Crafter for the past two days and could see water in the sill behind the side door step, thought I had a problem, now I know I need to clean them holes, thanks for the info Mel saved the day again 👍
You’re absolutely welcome glad it’s helpful to someone makes it all worthwhile good luck with your van 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thanks Mel, I'm also documenting my build on UA-cam, progress is pretty slow but I'm getting there thanks to tips from yourself and others
unbelievable
🇮🇪Mel your always in good humour I enjoy your attitude.👍
Thank you 🤓👍
That was a satisfying tinkle , i have same flow after a gallon of real ale .
Haha brilliant 🤓👍
I would be drilling out some nice big holes in those sills for proper drainage.
I’m going to resist that and just check the drain holes every spring 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Once that inner sill starts to dry its going to start to rust like crazy, get a hose inserted into those drain holes and give the inner sill a good liberal dose with fish oil.
When I replaced the ply lining in my sprinter I could see evidence of where the water gets in on these vans - the plastic clips that hold black strips on are 'sealed' with washers that are not up to the job. There was a trail left by water that had got past them and then run down the inside of the van, then is retained by a channel and I guess guided into the sills. I sealed the back of all my clips with a black silicon. I'd recommend you do the same or any insulation you put in the walls will very quickly get soaked.
I’ll have a look at mine thanks for that 🤓👍
Design fault on sprinters it’s seems I have the same problem going to take all black plastic trims around can seal the plugs with Mr sick o flex Replace trim will stop water getting in and getting in to the seals Mercedes could have done this and stopped a lot of rust on these vans
I second that. I replaced all plastic clips and sikaflexed them in. The water goes in the clips and drains to the sills (via your insulation) if you don't do the clips.
Hi Mel
Going off subject for a moment.
I have found that the dvla have changed the rules on van to camper conversions. The main changes are:- you must have two windows down one side and camper type artwork somewhere on the van. Goodbye to stealth camping, the government needs to know everything about us.
Hope you can make your convertors aware of this.
Thanks Martin
Yes mate I know don’t worry about it it’s no drama 🤓👍
So the upshot is your van isn't a camper without the tacky graphics and giveaway windows. I'm more than happy for mine to be registered as a van and carry on regardless. There's no legal requirement for you to go down the full conversion route if you don't want to. Convert your van to your favoured spec, get out there, and enjoy it.
Maybe enlarge the existing and/or put some new holes in the sill and get some protective wax in there. The water may appear clear but it has had time to settle out and the rust may be above the waterline.
I saw a vid on Facebook as well, I was shocked at how much comes out.
Unbelievable a thanks for watching 🤓👍
Hi Mel, it’s always a pleasure to see your notifications pop up👍
Thanks for all your hints and tips.
Stay well.
Ash 🏴
Thank you really nice of you to say 🤓👍
Hey Mel, on this there's a youtube video you must watch; titled 'A job you MUST do! - Sprinter And Crafter Side Trim Sealing' posted by : Black Rock Outfitters', on 28Nov2018 runs for 15:36mins. He's British, sounds like a brummy accent, and what he reveals about how Sprinters let in lots of water is astonishing, and shows why it inevitably always happens and how to permanently fix the problem, and a very bad and urgent problem it is too. Watch it all thru, as each stage has lots to show. Best wishes from Alan, in Norfolk.
Thanks that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍
I never knew about the seals thanks for finding me a new job to do mel 👍👍👍
You are welcome good luck 🤓👍
Well Mel I have finished watching all your van conversion videos. Every one of them is entertaining and I have learnt loads. You have inspired me to do my own van. I will keep it safe,simple,drink loads of coffee and always be starving. Looking forward to your next video keep up the the good work 👍
Thank you that’s nice of you really appreciate your support and encouragement good luck with your up and coming build 🤓👍
Hi Mel.. Some of the water has come from splash off the road and around door and window rubbers, but most of it is condensation from inside the van that runs down the walls and then collects in the sills over the years, that's why its so clear. if it was all road splash it would have been salty and would have rusted its own way out.. If only you had watched my rust video, I always use wheel silver then a top coat of real paint, as yes its the cheaper way to do it.. Cheers Bud
Hello mate I think I did watch your video 🤓👍
Mel I hope that the people from Mercedes Benz sprinter section are watching your video ,your cats are stealing the show,good luck with the conversion regards Mike...
Cheers Mike if there watching there probably thinking yep that worked 😂🤓👍
checked my sills............................ dry as a bone. Now if only I could find a pokey thing to stop the giant clouds of white smoke pouring out of the exhaust I will be a very happy camper.
David Deer ohh mate good luck with that sounds like head gasket or turbos 😔😔
Everyone will be out tomorrow checking their sills, who would have thought!!, the vans looking clean hows it running?whats next?
You could be rite I was tempted to have a poke at a guys van down the road lol it’s still not running rite still under boosting now and a gain 🤓
Glad i passed that video on Mel..Amazing you couldn't hear it sloshing around in there.
Thank you really appreciate your support and encouragement 🤓👍
Nice job on the door mate. looks very professional 😊👍
Thank you 👍🤓
@@BigVanSmallWorld 😊👍
Hey Mel: Didn't you know - they fill the sills full of water before it leaves the factory to STOP rust building up inside - It's called 'The Mary Rose Effect' .... PLUS it acts as ballast for when you're cornering TOO FAST - a bit like the Keel on a yacht - keeps you upright ;-)
Haha you could be rite 😂🤓👍
Maybe pump some waxoil into the sills to give extra protection to the inside.
Not a bad idea 🤓👍
I was going to suggest the same thing, there seems to be lots of large bungs high up on the inner sill which would make it easy. Clear the drains out after 😆.
Do u know where the water comes from? Is it just condensation from the inside of the van?
You should try silver hammerite for the skills, also possibly think about spraying waxoil into the inside of the sills and that should give even more protection.
Cheers I’ll probably do that in the summer when it’s nice and dry 🤓👍
Mel Please get a set of ramps man ,,, your back will thank you , ,,,,great job buddy
Cheers 🍻 hopefully I’ve seen the bottom of my van for the last time for a long time lol 🤓👍
Hi Mel great videos, just to make you aware DVLA have now changed the requirements to registering a van as a motor caravan. Needa to be a hi-top, 2 windows on one side as the minimum awning bar and some graphics down both sides
Thanks for that 🤓👍
Mel,you can buy waxoil in spray cans with a long tube to fire into the sills while you have the trims off sealing those pesky holes.. :)
I will definitely look into this thanks again 👍🤓
You can get many makes but i find this the best,one can for each side is plenty.
www.thompsonsltd.co.uk/products/5092943-hammerite-waxoyl-wax-oil-rustproofing-clear-250ml-corrosion-inhibitors.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw3c_tBRA4EiwAICs8ChzddKXMOIC-I5LLrRZcmObxkRb3wh6Y2xjeXbtXOqjT0YoO1EVQLBoCK3MQAvD_BwE
It's amazing how many design flaws these vans have! We need to check this on our crafter now...
Good luck 👍🤓
You sure you didnt puncture the storage tank … nice clean water … keep up the good work kidd
Thanks mel I'm gonna try this on my van 👍
You really must and all so make a video about it 👍🤓👍
Moral of the story... If you have a dirty hole and poke it with something sharp, ya never know what might fall out...
Lol absolutely right 😂🤓👍
🙈😄
Wow I didn’t know about that :( think I’ll have a look at my crafter in a min:(
Thanks Mel hope your keeping safe :)
Thank you and yes I’m fine hope you’re ok too 👍😷👍
Think I look tomorrow can’t seem to crawl under mine at the moment to look :( I found you on Instagram I sent you a photo :) glad your well :)
Perhaps they designed it for ballast like on a boat, it stops the van rolling over on those country lanes lol
You could be rite 😂🤓👍
Perhaps you should have brought more paint and laquir after all it's a Sprinter your going to need some 😁
You could be rite 😂🤓👍
I enjoy your videos, and after I read the comments of your last episode, I went out and poke around in the sills. How is the van running? If you still have issues one thing you might try is get you some brake cleaner then remove the EGR valve and give a good cleaning.
That’s the next gob on my list 🤓👍
Merc vans seem to have been like this for a long time , my old 207D was the same even back then with blocked drain holes in the sills.
That is unreal never ever new that thanks for sharing
You’re absolutely welcome 🤓👍
Hi Mel, I would recommend that you treat the inside of your sills and vulnerable water ingress places with Wax Oyl you can buy a kit very cheaply from Halfords.
There are some really knowledgeable folks on UA-cam, yourself included. Have a nice weekend Mel 😊🍹🐱🥛🐱🥛😊🍺
thank you kat hope you have a great weekend too 🤓
that truly is shocking mate, but your van is looking nice now. I've got my fingers crossed that your parts arrive on time and fit and work for your limp mode problem. guess we'll all have to wait and see.
I’ll update you soon thanks for your positive feedback 🤓👍
I seen a video on how to resolve the issue of water in the sills the removed all the black plastic trim and the clips that hold it on arnt stuck on they push into holes drilled through the metal so they took all the clips out put some sealent on clips and put them back in this in turn sealed the holes and stopped the water getting in
I’ll be doing that soon but probably not filming it as there’s lots of videos out there all ready 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Film it anyway! Not all your viewers watch lots of other videos - we watch yours and learn from and with you innit. 😊
hi Mel, re the overspray couldnt help noticing black cat before then a black and white cat LOL
😂 that’s brilliant shame I didn’t pick up on that 😂🤓👍
Very usefull info Mel. Looking better every video. Look forward to the next one. :-)
Thank you 👍🤓
Hi Mel Good job !! Robbie U K
Thank you 😊
That is really bad Mel.. Keep an eye on it....and maybe drill some strategically positioned holes let them dry out and then spray some hot waxoyl in the box sections and the cavities..
Thank for the tip I’ll have a look into that 🤓👍
I knew they were bad but i didn't realise that bad! :D First thing tomorrow, i'll be doing the same! Cheers Mel!
You’re absolutely welcome use a bowl like I did and you will see what comes out good luck 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I'll make a video and we can compare haha
@@BigVanSmallWorld I finally checked my sills and just published my video of it...over 2L of water! Thanks again Mel!
Hi Mel
If it makes you feel better iv bought a 11 plate sprinter spent just under 3k converting it got my lay out perfect. Put windows in (one in side loading door and one opposite the side loading door done all the caper Barrier and installation put shelf’s up tv etc etc then found out new rules regarding the windows got too maxxair fans on the roof. Iv put back windows in as well. Was wondering or hoping if it’s got to look like a camper I can just stick a window on the out side. Won’t be changing the in side if push comes to shove I will get camper insurance and explain that it don’t completely comply with the DVLA rules so will want insurance for Day van as cooler bed heating and water in side. To be honest iv emptied my wallet and the poxy DVLA has just SHIT IN IT (WANKERS)
I feel your pain Davied they have shit on a lot of people I’m discussed by it 😡
Wow didn't know about that problem. Nice job, looking forward to the build :)
Thank you 🤓👍
Great video from you as always great personality seem like an nice genuine person keep it up
Thank you that’s really appreciated 🤓👍
Bloody hell! No wonder they go rusty! Nice cat 😻
Another Campervan Channel thank you 👍🤓
Nice one Mel 👍 never see water come out like that before 🤷♂️
Best regards Louie and his two poo pickers 👍😀🐾❤️🍟🍺
Hello mate you’re vans a lot posher than mine lol hope you have a great weekend 🤓👍
Need a wee 😆 now
Haha sorry about that 😂😂🤓👍
You need to fill the holes where the plastic fits into the holes in the body work, you may need new clips but it will stop water ingress in the future, great vids Mel 😀
I’ll be doing that for sure 🤓👍
HIi Mel,
I'm sure you are aware but there is a local auto paint company to you "Kent paints in Maidstone", Just thought I'd share!
Andy
Andy T yes I know them well 😂😂👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Thought you might as they are only around the corner, I am in "Fav" and previously in "Whit" but I'm a long time DFL!
Once this Lock-Down has ended I'm moving into a Van!
These comments are brilliant
Cheers 🍻 😂🤓👍
Mel another great video well done mate 👍🇬🇧🍺🤘
Thank you 🤓👍
cats nice
Have you heard of a product called Dinitrol? Think it comes as a kit or single treatments but basically it’s a specialist anti rust treatment that you can spray in the chassis and sills as well as the exterior of the underneath to help prevent and slow rust down. Expensive but dam good stuff.
Can you work out where the water is coming from that is getting into the sills?
Thanks for that I’ll definitely look into it 🤓👍
Hi Mel it seems that you're not having much luck with this can m8 but good luck with the rest of the build.
Thank you Rob it’s all part of restoring a vehicle that’s worked all it’s live 🤓👍
Amazing.
Thank you 😊
Jesus mask the van before spraying lol. That will last about a month. As someone else said... hammerite is king at keeping rust at bay. You could stipple brush the under neath (after prepping properly) and then spray the silver over the top.
I’m sure it’s going to last longer than a month as long as it lasts till spring I’ll be happy 🤓👍
Can I recommend you look into fluid film to spray the inside of your sills if not the entire underneath?
Thank you I’ll look into that 🤓👍
MH Fulltimer I was thinking the exact same thing. I used Bilt Hamber on my one year old Transporter work van just after I got it second hand. Took a bit of work but definitely worth it. One thing, it does void the corrosion warranty but by all accounts vw are going to wriggle out of any claim anyway. I intend to keep the van for a long time so want to prevent rather than treat rust.
Nip into poundland they do the same silver paint for £1 Also in matt black and gloss.
I’ll be there in the morning 🤓👍
Hi Mel, what camera / mic do you use as your audio is always really good!
I’m sure the Sprinter was designed to last 10 years max. They made it that way to make you buy another one...!
Had mine 13 years and I fill it full of wax oil every couple of years.
Good luck with the build...
I think you could be absolutely rite 😂🤓👍
10 years! Biggest customers for vans are rental & parcel delivery and probably leased, most keep 3-5 years max, we used to buy our service vans driven by lunatics nothing lasted 5 years, destroyed or engine forked, gave up and leased 3 years, wouldn’t be a good idea to buy used
AndyT, Yes I totally agree.
I was referring to buying new for personal use and bodywork issues.
The problem with these piles of s....e is too many corners cut, take the trim off clean up and silicone them on from the area clips go in the body.
Anyways at least you will get more to a gallon.
Mel are you aware DVLA are playing hardball with regards new van conversion criteria , especially external appearance? It began earlier in the year.
Hi yes mate thank you 🤓👍
Bloody hell would not of known or thought of that. I would of boiled it and had a cuppa 👍
Lol cheers 😂🤓👍
Checkt the callander while you drained the cavities. Thought it was April foolish. 😨
Scared the hell out of me when you sprayed the stonechip without protecting your panels. 😱
Must take your Ritalin on time. 😂😂
Seriously, please don't so we can have a laugh on Friday night.
I'm just like you taking action before thinking every step over and over.
Looking forward to the next step
Cheers really appreciate your support and encouragement 🤓👍
This is astonishing, I had no idea this could happen, and as you say, 'this is a design fault' and 'no wonder Sprinters rust' and they have a bad reputation for rusting. Mercedes are superb at making great cars, but I reckon they are not very good at vans, well below par, I won't be interested in buying a Sprinter, they have a bad reputation in America too, judging by many UA-cam videos. All that water in there, as you say 'it's unbelievable'. Enjoy very much your videos Mel, best wishes from Alan, in Norwich.
Cheers Alan really appreciate your support 🤓👍
Is that wheel spray the same as they sell in poundland? It's a £1 by the way before you ask.lol,keep the vids coming Mel,all the best.
That’s the stuff wheel done 👍 Thank you 🤓👍
Hi Mel, thanks for another great video! Here's a question that kinda relates to your content: I'm curious as to why Sprinters are so popular when they seem to be plagued by rust and black death, yet at the same time people scoff at the Transits. Is it just a rust thing or is there another reason why the Transit gets a bad rep?
You’re absolutely welcome thank you 😊
I really don’t know why sprinters are so popular I’m still trying to figure that out 😂🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorldI bet it's because they are made by Mercedes. Is there a reason why people dislike transits then or do you think it's just a matter of preference?
Are you going to Waxoil the underside?
Sounds like a good idea 🤓👍
What happened to just using a brush and a tin of paint ... hammerite silver for the sills ?
I have just undersealed the car with a brush for winter seems okay found some old tins in my old mans garage shame too bin them
Would you have noticed the water in the frosty weather ?
I assume it must be rain water going in than driving through deep dirty puddles ?
That’s brilliant 🤓👍
You need to seal the holes that the side trims clip in to.
Yes you’re absolutely right 👍🤓
Nice vid cheers mate. Where does the water come from? Is it a build up of condensation over the years or something?
You’re absolutely welcome the water gets in from behind the plastic trim 🤓👍
Mel’s Van World makes sense
Hi Mel. I want to drill hole across sills for my lpg inlet. What would you recon? Thanks
As long as you treat it and you’re happy to do it that’s fine 👍🤓👍
I didn’t know those drain holes were there
You are welcome 👍🤓👍
My van has polystyrene insulation in the walls and ceiling - done when it was converted into an ambulance/patient transfer vehicle - I'm taking it out of the walls and replacing it with Earthwool insulation - as this has the best R value and Sound proofing at a reasonable price - plus can follow the shape of the van too. Leaving the roof as is, as its got a sort of velour lining which is very tidy - the wall panels have this down one side too. I find the polystyrene in mine isn't that effective as an insulator or sound deadener - but might depend what type you are going to use, did you mean Celotex/Kingspan, or just the sheet polystyrene you can get?
Hi I’m just going to use the sheet thick stuff and only along the bottom 🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Sounds like the same stuff - I've noticed a bit of mould on mine - so keen to get rid of it. Just waiting for Reflectix/foil bubble wrap to arrive so I can do it all in one go.
Good luck with it 🤓👍
Need some fillafoam in those sills
Let it go 😂😂🤓👍
When this this vid appeared it only had a partial title which ended with water in, glad it was sills not oil. I am never sure whether to buy matched aerosols or get half a litre of paint with activator as it always gets tight for coverage when the paint supplies are closed. However any paint you dont use will cure in the tin after a while so your damned if you do and damned if you dont. The laquer seems to keep longer though but still only months. I have tins of older style paint still good after 25 years. How about getting a usb boroscope and checking inside your sills from the removable plugs on the inner sill. loads of chinese cheapos on ebay or amazon. Van looking a lot tidier now. Soon be time to start inside.
Thanks Andy I think bascote is single pack so it should last a little while I’ll be starting in the conversation soon thanks for watching and your support 🤓👍
poundland paint specials! lol
That’s where I got it from lol had that tin kicking around for ages lol 😂🤓👍
Mel been trying to find your video that you used body filler in.... Was it U-pol you used and if not what would you recommend?
Tomorrow’s waffle 👍😊👍
You should get a few extra miles to the gallon now you've let that water out 😏
Lol yes you could be rite 😂😂👍🤓
@@BigVanSmallWorld 😄👍
Does the Citroen relays need this doing ?
All vans and cars have them holes for drainage I allways check them when I service any vehicle I was just shocked how much came out of my sprinter 👍🤓👍
Being an IT consultant I would be inclined to fix the source of the problem rather than just clear the holes to let water out. How is the water getting in there?
Hi sorry I didn’t mention the water gets in past the plastic trim that runs the length of the van 🤓👍
Hows it mechanically now mell cant remember if you got it running correctly?
Hello mate it’s still under boosting now and again 🤔👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld Interesting video, is the under boosting after the parts came from Germany?