Everything i use in my camper van you will find here in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld this is an affiliate link so every time you make a purchase i make a small commission good news it doesn't cost you any extra but it helps me to continue to make these videos. thank you.
Good idea Mel , like Adz , you need to concentrate of making your vario the best it can possibly be , lets hope too that you can find another barn over the course of the next 6 months.Have fun with your build , there are plenty of us soooo envious of you to have found the PERFECT vehicle for a true mobile home build , happy new year Mel , have a great 2024
Mel I agree with you, get rid of all or as much of the rust as possible and then you have a good foundation to work from, love your videos mate, happy new year, take care and stay safe...
Quite right Mel. Concentrate on getting the structure done. We will patiently wait until you are back to normal routine. I reckon that will be a really good camper van. You have a good one there.
I would recommend to place the fuel line connection not above the tank and reposition it so you can get easy access later when the floor is build in ... Just in case.
After being a fitter I went and got welding papers and worked for as long as I was physically able as a welder fabricator, bespoke furniture, theatre and TV scenery and monumental sculpture. Guess what I was usually the only qualified welder fabricator on a team of brilliant welders. They were important as they had the right mindset and problem solving skills, they learnt on the job, and well, if you understand the principles of how to tune the arc, correct gas pressure, (too much will cause turbulance and draw in the atmosphere), cold roll, clean solid metal, then you'll become a good bodywork welder. You can lay down a bead of silicone? Maybe not exterior, but structural, yes. From what I've seen so far, you've got what it takes, all the best. Whilst were on it, Ive saved many a tasty old commercial vehicle, youre bang on, start from the bottom up, can you salvage the engine and bodywork, check, brake, teansmission, steering, check. The rest will follow. Looking forward to watching it grow. Always loved the Vario.
Thank you so much for the positive comment I do understand the fine tuning of mig power and wire speed wasn’t sure about the gas so thank you for the advice that’s priceless 👍🤓👍
Hello Mel, you are very skilled guy..the welding is without doubt on rusty vehicles testing. I've put lots of rolls into old gear. The cutting back to find good metal is as you know critical. Then feed and current are key ... I've found cougar (argon/CO2) mix better. Always used 0.8mm wire on vehicles... Sandblaster helps if you can lay your hands on one. Best of luck.
Mel pull the sender unit and change the pickup filter. I’d also consider adding another pickup pipe and some fuel hose for a diesel air heater or engine pre heater. It’ll be good to have it there as an option even if you don’t think you’ll need it and much easier fit it now while the floors up.
That’s a brilliant idea I did think about it but dismissed the idea basically because I use red diesel for heating but recently found a place the sell kerosine so I’m thinking using a separate tank again like I do in my sprinter it’s only 60p a litre but like you say it maybe worth just putting in a pickup in the tank to future prof it 👍
Are you putting in access floor plates (doors, hatches) to repair these under floor things when (not if) they need service? something for the planning and design to think about.
Happy new year Mel. What's happening to the barn?? It'd be a shame to loose that. Defo take your time with the rust, it takes a lot of time to do nicely, enjoy! 😂👍
Sorry to hear that but I would to & go off & enjoy yourself after all us armchair know it alls giving you heaps! Rebecca has gone off on her merry way & left you to play musical RVs! Have some time out & come back with some new ideas! Cheers Mate. 👍
Mel once it’s all kitted out you can change the class of vehicle to a class 4 normal car mot great channel by the way hope you had a great Xmas and new year
Does Mercedes build a BLACK VARIO ? Would make it easier to fix! Thought of building a hinged floor so you could replace anything underneath! They call them hatchers on boats! Rename your bus to as in the Beatles song, “ We All Live In Yellow Submarine” 👍👍👍
Happy New Year Mel, great videos and advice. Good luck with the welding -corrosion sometimes looks worse than it is and also sometimes looks OK when it isn't. For info 3mm of corrosion build up equates to 1mm of material loss.
Be good to see just the before and after on your welding 😊.....which will leave the time in between to knuckle down....enjoy the vlogs and the banter between other area 51 members lol....Nos Dha from kernow
Crack on Mel, you'll need the time to get stuck in and learn some new skills, so you could do without too many distractions. Get the base vehicle right and then you can build on that with confidence to aquire your dream van. Before and after photos will make up a good vlog later perhaps, and will make a nice record for you to look back on later. Either way, have a positive and productive 2024. Cheers, 👋
Mel I'm like you in so much as I can weld..sort of! I strongly suggest watching a few of 'Yorkshire Car Restorations' videos. They show the whole process of repairing rusty wrecks and explain 'how to'. Look at some of their earlier videos as they explain more in those. Good luck with the repairs and good move to do that while inside! 👍
Hi Mel: I have to say it really is appreciated you taking your time to share with me, The viewers your valued time with your Mercedes Vario. However what disappointing news to hear, The Barn is set to be demolished this summertime 2024, I'm sure Arron must be really upset knowing all the good people he like yourself Mel is the have attract to the Barn. Are you able to enlighten us all why the Barn is being demolished, Can we the viewers help with signing a petition to save the Barn from destruction as it brought so much happiness here on You-Tube with all the viewers and for the many whom have visited the Barn. Steven from Manchester
Hi Mel Im sure things have changed since I lived on the road, but, for living vehicles no matter what the weight, it was always a standard car mot, on my bus, my 12tonne grosse Commer, my 5tonne Commer walkthrough, my 5tonne Leyland FG walkthrough, 12tonne Ford D-Series etc etc. My flatbeds and box waggons over 3.5tonne always were "plated" Ministry Of Transport goods vehicle roadworthy tested. Have they moved the goal posts? Or arevyou just keen to get a test on it before you finnish bulding the living quarters? We didnt need to have the vehicles listed as a motor home on the log book, you just used to go into a local vehicle registration/tax office and buy your tax and declare it plg yourself. As long as the mot tester couldxsee it either couldnt carry passengers for a bus, and couldn't carry goods, for a truck, and it had furniture, fitted permanently, they woild do it. Insurers usually wanted a wardrobe, cooker, bed, seating, water capacity for 25litres.
Hi, Mel, I have an issue with fumes coming in my cab a swb low top 213cdi, 2012 WD906 Sprinter, my mechanic checked over the exhaust and also the injector seating for "black death". I've searched for a potentially faulty ancillary heater, can't seem to find one or any fuses for it. I'm not getting poisoned any more, turn off fans, keep windows open, don't turn it to hot settings, until the engine is up to temperature and then turn it up and switch on cabin air recirculation. I need to wrap up warm and risk getting a wet right shoulder. Do you or any one have any ideas? It has a cat lock and the exhaust rattles against it. The next step is to get my guy to cut it off! Risk of theft or lung cancer? I'm past my sell by date as it is, I'll risk the theft lol. Its frustrating as my hands are too arthritic to even get the power steering fluid lid off or do a head light bulb. I try and do as much diagnostic as possible to keep costs down. I used to do a lot of fitting and MOT prep/servicing way back.
@@BigVanSmallWorld I did consider this, visually good, not sure how to check, maybe clean the seal contact area on the bonnet, shade it with a drywipe marker and open close a few times, it should show how much or little is actually sealing. In theory though, there shouldn't be any engine fumes in the engine bay if it's all ship shape. Definitely worth investigating though, we're running low on options. Thanks for the advice.
Links to all my gear is in the description of all my videos my main camera is a Sony ZVE10 with 11mm lens I’m glad you like the quality thanks for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍
Mel your saying hope you enjoyed that clip.... well there was no clip !!! anyway wishing you a happy new year and do you want that grinder guard I offered you while you still have 8 fingers and 2 thumbs.
I gotta ask, where's "Beckie" gone. Its so unusual not to see her peeking in on your video's or popping up to offer some insight into your content, are you keeping her all to yourself 😅? Seriously, best wishes to you both and look forward to seeing how you get on with the Vario, Happy 2024.
Hi Mel, dont forget when you do turn that template upside down, the folds in the cardboard will need to be reversed as well. Im sure you know that & you arent that daft,..or are you?..Ha Ha!
Correct 👍 but still better and cheaper than living in an ex council flat rented out buy some greasy money grabbing landlord and paying council tax to help fund the corrupt politicians who run this shit show of a country that where all trapped in thanks to brexit 😘
Everything i use in my camper van you will find here in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld
this is an affiliate link so every time you make a purchase i make a small commission good news it doesn't cost you any extra but it helps me to continue to make these videos.
thank you.
Mel leave an access hole in your floor for the sender unit for your tank,,,you will thank me later,😊😊
Good idea!!👍
Mel take the time to sort out the rust!!! We will all be here waiting don’t worry.
Understand. Mel..have a great year ..
Good luck Mel. Hopefully we'll hear from you soon.
Love your work! Have a great 2024 Mel, from an old UK woman, now living in my Van in Australia ❣🚐
Hi Tracie sounds like you’re living the dream I discovered van life when I was in Australia often dream of living there one day 💕🇦🇺 happy new year 🥳
Good idea Mel , like Adz , you need to concentrate of making your vario the best it can possibly be , lets hope too that you can find another barn over the course of the next 6 months.Have fun with your build , there are plenty of us soooo envious of you to have found the PERFECT vehicle for a true mobile home build , happy new year Mel , have a great 2024
Mel I agree with you, get rid of all or as much of the rust as possible and then you have a good foundation to work from, love your videos mate, happy new year, take care and stay safe...
Thank you for the positive comment really appreciated happy new year to you too
Wishing you a happy healthy 2024 mel ~ thanks for another yr of awesome videos too x🙏🌞✌️
Thank you so very much and the same to you 🍻💕
You are going down the right road it will make the rest of the comversion easer GOOD LUCK and HAPPY NEW YEAR
Thank you you too 👍
Good luck on the welding Mel. Nobody likes a rusty bottom. 😂
Get it done mate.👍
👍🤣👍
Quite right Mel. Concentrate on getting the structure done. We will patiently wait until you are back to normal routine. I reckon that will be a really good camper van. You have a good one there.
Thank you 🙏
I would recommend to place the fuel line connection not above the tank and reposition it so you can get easy access later when the floor is build in ... Just in case.
That’s a great idea
Great video Mel, all the best for the new year and wish you luck rust busting.
Thanks, you too!
Keep Going Mel, We Need Your Genuine honest Content on a weekly basis.
Thank you! Will do!
Happy new Mel
Good luck with the welding
Looking forward to seeing you on the other side of it
Thanks for a year of entertainment
Thank you and you 👍
Don't be too long Mel,gonna miss your calming voice. I'm gonna get stuck into my 1st conversion too. Good luck bud.
Thanks that’s really nice of you to say good luck with your new project 👍
Happy new year Mel and good luck with the welding mate. Look forward to the next vid😊
Happy new year!🥳
After being a fitter I went and got welding papers and worked for as long as I was physically able as a welder fabricator, bespoke furniture, theatre and TV scenery and monumental sculpture.
Guess what I was usually the only qualified welder fabricator on a team of brilliant welders.
They were important as they had the right mindset and problem solving skills, they learnt on the job, and well, if you understand the principles of how to tune the arc, correct gas pressure, (too much will cause turbulance and draw in the atmosphere), cold roll, clean solid metal, then you'll become a good bodywork welder. You can lay down a bead of silicone? Maybe not exterior, but structural, yes. From what I've seen so far, you've got what it takes, all the best.
Whilst were on it, Ive saved many a tasty old commercial vehicle, youre bang on, start from the bottom up, can you salvage the engine and bodywork, check, brake, teansmission, steering, check. The rest will follow. Looking forward to watching it grow. Always loved the Vario.
Thank you so much for the positive comment I do understand the fine tuning of mig power and wire speed wasn’t sure about the gas so thank you for the advice that’s priceless 👍🤓👍
Happy new year to you, and happy welding 😂
Happy new year!
Good idea Mel. Happy New year 🎉
Happy new year to you too
Mel once you lay the floor can you still get at the new fuel pipe union. Just a thought.
Happy new year, Mel.🎉❤
Happy new year!!
Hello Mel, you are very skilled guy..the welding is without doubt on rusty vehicles testing.
I've put lots of rolls into old gear. The cutting back to find good metal is as you know critical.
Then feed and current are key ... I've found cougar (argon/CO2) mix better.
Always used 0.8mm wire on vehicles...
Sandblaster helps if you can lay your hands on one.
Best of luck.
Thank you 🙏
Good luck with the rust mission!
Thank you it’s definitely becoming a mission 👍🤓👍
Mel pull the sender unit and change the pickup filter. I’d also consider adding another pickup pipe and some fuel hose for a diesel air heater or engine pre heater. It’ll be good to have it there as an option even if you don’t think you’ll need it and much easier fit it now while the floors up.
That’s a brilliant idea I did think about it but dismissed the idea basically because I use red diesel for heating but recently found a place the sell kerosine so I’m thinking using a separate tank again like I do in my sprinter it’s only 60p a litre but like you say it maybe worth just putting in a pickup in the tank to future prof it 👍
Happy New Year Mel and good luck with the welding! We'll see you on the other side! 😁
Happy new year!🥳
Are you putting in access floor plates (doors, hatches) to repair these under floor things when (not if) they need service? something for the planning and design to think about.
Happy new year Mel. What's happening to the barn?? It'd be a shame to loose that. Defo take your time with the rust, it takes a lot of time to do nicely, enjoy! 😂👍
Haha buddy have a great 2024 hopefully see you out there one day the barn will be demolished to make way for new one 👍
Sorry to hear that but I would to & go off & enjoy yourself after all us armchair know it alls giving you heaps! Rebecca has gone off on her merry way & left you to play musical RVs! Have some time out & come back with some new ideas! Cheers Mate. 👍
I’m working harder than ever so me and Becky can have some time off together 👍🤓👍
Happy new year Mel , got luck with getting dragonfly rust free and ship shape , really looking forward to watching you work on the new van build.
Thank you and you 👍
Happy New Year
Thank you and you 👍
Take your time to get dragonfly in the best condition to start your conversion.
Wishing you a happy new year ☯️
Hi 👋 happy new year 🥳 xxx
Mel once it’s all kitted out you can change the class of vehicle to a class 4 normal car mot great channel by the way hope you had a great Xmas and new year
Thank you Happy new year!!🥳
Does Mercedes build a BLACK VARIO ? Would make it easier to fix! Thought of building a hinged floor so you could replace anything underneath! They call them hatchers on boats! Rename your bus to as in the Beatles song, “ We All Live In Yellow Submarine” 👍👍👍
Happy New Year Mel, great videos and advice. Good luck with the welding -corrosion sometimes looks worse than it is and also sometimes looks OK when it isn't. For info 3mm of corrosion build up equates to 1mm of material loss.
Happy new year!🥳
I don't know if this will reach you in time, Mel. Cut a small access hatch to allow you to get to your fuel sender.
Thank you
Happy new year Mel
Happy new year!!🥳
I'll be here when you come back.
Thank you 👍😊👍
You wont regret fixing up the rust properly now.
Happy new year Mal
Thank you and you 👍🤓👍
Be good to see just the before and after on your welding 😊.....which will leave the time in between to knuckle down....enjoy the vlogs and the banter between other area 51 members lol....Nos Dha from kernow
Video out now with just that 👍🤓👍
It’s mad watch videos of the barn, whilst being in the barn 😂
It’s been an absolute pleasure having you here 👍🤓👍
Happy New Year!
Thank you and you 👍
Every video is a gem 👍👍
Thank you 🙏
Hi Mel I think there’s a maker out there for people to rent a space to convert there van
Crack on Mel, you'll need the time to get stuck in and learn some new skills, so you could do without too many distractions. Get the base vehicle right and then you can build on that with confidence to aquire your dream van. Before and after photos will make up a good vlog later perhaps, and will make a nice record for you to look back on later. Either way, have a positive and productive 2024. Cheers, 👋
Thank you and happy new year too 👍
Mel I'm like you in so much as I can weld..sort of!
I strongly suggest watching a few of 'Yorkshire Car Restorations' videos. They show the whole process of repairing rusty wrecks and explain 'how to'.
Look at some of their earlier videos as they explain more in those. Good luck with the repairs and good move to do that while inside!
👍
Thank you ☺️
Hi Mel: I have to say it really is appreciated you taking your time to share with me, The viewers your valued time with your Mercedes Vario. However what disappointing news to hear, The Barn is set to be demolished this summertime 2024, I'm sure Arron must be really upset knowing all the good people he like yourself Mel is the have attract to the Barn. Are you able to enlighten us all why the Barn is being demolished, Can we the viewers help with signing a petition to save the Barn from destruction as it brought so much happiness here on You-Tube with all the viewers and for the many whom have visited the Barn.
Steven from Manchester
Bad news about the barn 😢
Hi Mel Im sure things have changed since I lived on the road, but, for living vehicles no matter what the weight, it was always a standard car mot, on my bus, my 12tonne grosse Commer, my 5tonne Commer walkthrough, my 5tonne Leyland FG walkthrough, 12tonne Ford D-Series etc etc. My flatbeds and box waggons over 3.5tonne always were "plated" Ministry Of Transport goods vehicle roadworthy tested. Have they moved the goal posts? Or arevyou just keen to get a test on it before you finnish bulding the living quarters? We didnt need to have the vehicles listed as a motor home on the log book, you just used to go into a local vehicle registration/tax office and buy your tax and declare it plg yourself. As long as the mot tester couldxsee it either couldnt carry passengers for a bus, and couldn't carry goods, for a truck, and it had furniture, fitted permanently, they woild do it. Insurers usually wanted a wardrobe, cooker, bed, seating, water capacity for 25litres.
Hi, Mel, I have an issue with fumes coming in my cab a swb low top 213cdi, 2012 WD906 Sprinter, my mechanic checked over the exhaust and also the injector seating for "black death". I've searched for a potentially faulty ancillary heater, can't seem to find one or any fuses for it. I'm not getting poisoned any more, turn off fans, keep windows open, don't turn it to hot settings, until the engine is up to temperature and then turn it up and switch on cabin air recirculation. I need to wrap up warm and risk getting a wet right shoulder. Do you or any one have any ideas? It has a cat lock and the exhaust rattles against it. The next step is to get my guy to cut it off! Risk of theft or lung cancer? I'm past my sell by date as it is, I'll risk the theft lol. Its frustrating as my hands are too arthritic to even get the power steering fluid lid off or do a head light bulb. I try and do as much diagnostic as possible to keep costs down. I used to do a lot of fitting and MOT prep/servicing way back.
Is there a good seal on the top of the fan intake duct where it meets the bonnet that’s where I would check good luck hopefully you get it sorted 🤞
@@BigVanSmallWorld I did consider this, visually good, not sure how to check, maybe clean the seal contact area on the bonnet, shade it with a drywipe marker and open close a few times, it should show how much or little is actually sealing. In theory though, there shouldn't be any engine fumes in the engine bay if it's all ship shape. Definitely worth investigating though, we're running low on options. Thanks for the advice.
Happy New Year Mel 🥰👋🏾🤗🎉🥳
Happy new year!!
Happy New Year Mel 🎉🎉🎉
Happy new year buddy hope 2024 brings you lots of gold 👍🤞🤓
Happy New year mel
Happy new year!!🥳
Can i ask what Camera you used here? low light quality is very good.
Links to all my gear is in the description of all my videos my main camera is a Sony ZVE10 with 11mm lens I’m glad you like the quality thanks for the positive feedback really appreciated 👍
thanks... nice bit of kit. @@BigVanSmallWorld
Mel your saying hope you enjoyed that clip.... well there was no clip !!! anyway wishing you a happy new year and do you want that grinder guard I offered you while you still have 8 fingers and 2 thumbs.
I’m good thanks
get gotng fwlla happy new year
Thank you 🙏 and you
I gotta ask, where's "Beckie" gone. Its so unusual not to see her peeking in on your video's or popping up to offer some insight into your content, are you keeping her all to yourself 😅? Seriously, best wishes to you both and look forward to seeing how you get on with the Vario, Happy 2024.
Happy new year!! Go check out Beckys channel sacred traveller
Have some time to tinker, matey
🙏❤️👍
No worries Mel, I didnt want to watch you filling your old girls holes in anyway.
Haha 😝
You need to get that big spot on your forehead looked at 😊
Hi Mel, dont forget when you do turn that template upside down, the folds in the cardboard will need to be reversed as well. Im sure you know that & you arent that daft,..or are you?..Ha Ha!
Sucking eggs comes to mind 😂🤣😂👍
First ❤❤❤
🦨💨
Terrible fuel economy and v heavy
Correct 👍 but still better and cheaper than living in an ex council flat rented out buy some greasy money grabbing landlord and paying council tax to help fund the corrupt politicians who run this shit show of a country that where all trapped in thanks to brexit 😘
👍🐕🚐👊