A few little bits to sort out before we go
So, time to book some time with Resto Classics to get things all sorted before we head off to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for a road trip and a bit of a break.
new wiper blades ready to fitOK, I’m not saying it’s going to be wet and rainy when we get to Scotland, but I honestly bought these a while ago, and have been meaning to fit them for ages! No better time than now, just in case!
the old wiper blades had done their job but needed changing nowThe old ones had done their duty, but the rubber was getting a bit old now, and there’s only so much that RainX can do!
New wiper blades fitted and ready to goLED lights
Another easy upgrade that I could do myself, was a simple LED light bulb swap. Again, something I had been meaning to do for ages! The traditional festoon bulbs all work in the cab area overhead light, just that they’re not that (electrically) efficient, or that bright in use. As a result, they don’t get used that much.
36mm Festoon C5W LED Bulbs – 6000K White Light 6-SMD 5730 ChipsetsI’d bought some equivalent 6000k bright white LED bulbs as a replacement to try out. They should use a lot less electricity and give a much brighter and more usable light. Let’s see if they live up to the promise…
overhead light with original festoon bulbsThe original bulbs are used but still working, which is probably why I had not got around to changing them. However, now is the time to remove the original incandescent festoon bulbs to test out the new LED replacements…
original incandescent festoon bulbs give a low/dim yellowish lightLight fantastic
New low energy LED bulbs in and wow, what a difference they make!
new LED’s give a much brighter 6500K white lightSuddenly the overhead light can actually be used as a genuine map reading light in the cab. Amazing what such a small change can make!
Huge difference, a nice bright white light to see by nowThe new LED’s give better heat dissipation, operate at a lower temperature and have a lower power consumption. What’s not to like? Plus they are really long-lasting, with a life up to 50,000 hours – 50 times longer than the original incandescent bulbs! Seriously, should have done this a while ago!
all four new Bilstein shock absorbers fitted up nicelyBilstein shock absorbers
Now for the bigger changes. Time to get the Bilstein shock absorbers fitted to the front and rear of the bus.
Bilstein shocks fitted upfront on the camperThese should make a big difference to the handling and overall comfort of the ride in the bus. With a long road trip ahead, these will get a good toad test and I’m sure, be much appreciated!
great quality original VW heat exchanger from FBIVWOriginal heat exchangers
Again, not saying Scotland is cold, but it’s always good to be prepared! Lorna especially hates the cold! Happy wife, happy life! 🙂
passenger side original VW heat exchanger fitted and connected upThe old reproduction heat exchangers did a job, but original VW heat exchangers are just so much better, and really put out some heat! This is one upgrade that is using proper old skool parts to make the difference!
drivers side original VW heat exchanger fitted and connected upBig difference
You can tell the difference between original and reproduction heat exchangers simply by their weight! Original items must be nearly twice as heavy. Better materials and more internal heater fins. All of this means more heat!
the original VW heat exchangers then pump the heat up to the front of the bus
Scotland ready
All the original heater pipes that carry the heat generated by the exchangers and engine to the cab area are still in place and all insulated. Should be nice and toasty in the bus! 🙂
All we need to do now is get the bus loaded, and head north to Scotland!
