A, what seems a long, time ago, I bought an ex military 109 hard top, b’aht engine, with a view to building a pick up so as to compare which would be the most useful on our small holding – an 88 or a 109.
I “won” a galvanised chassis, had the bulkhead repaired, got it to a rolling chassis. Idly flicking through ebay pages and resting on a series 3 Dormobile (in Scotland), my other half (“Saint Esther”) suggested that I purchase said Dormobile and make something useful !
How can one refuse such a suggestion?
Once transported from Braemar to it’s new home, it was apparent that 10 plus years on the Isle of Skye hadn’t been to it’s benefit.
Not thwarted by the enormity of the task ahead, I planned the future; convert the chassis to carry a station wagon, TDI power and an LT77 gearbox, sound proofing and an internal arrangement that was similar to the 1965 base vehicle. John Eastwood was roped in to fabricate and weld.
I decided to drop the engine onto the original 6 pot engine mounts as this meant that the gearlever popped up in the right place and no modifications were needed on the cross members for the propshafts. I used a front prop with a 19mm spacer and had a new rear prop made.
The front end was a challenge as room was a bit tight and resulted in a lot of the rear of the rad panel being removed to accommodate the disco rad and TD5 intercooler with, eventually, an electric fan.
What I had thought was a great way of fixing – using the pins from the radiator into the front panel – is now a nightmare as I have to remove all the front panel to replace the intercooler !
It received new side frames, doors and a coat of paint
Due to the repaired chassis it was an absolute swine to get lined up and fitted – never again!
Finally back home
And wearing an age related plate
Being a series 3, it only has 2 seats in the front
On with the interior
Military door tops were also a must, as was a swing away wheel carrier and adjustable tow bar
And matching curtains!
Table was added later (no photos yet)
Sitting in a pile in one of the bedrooms is a front disc brake kit (zeus) and in the front garden are a set of wolf wheels – waiting for painting before fitting
So, there we have it. As you are probably aware, I am now on with the third version La Dormobile Blanche, which will have most of the refinements listed above, but also power steering. Chassis is on order and bulkhead being repaired as I write. Bitsa Dormobiles aren’t everyone;s cup of tea, but, I don't care, and, overall, I am pleased with the results. As to how long we will keep it – who knows? We have a few trips in the planning stage for 2015 and there is a possibility that the White one might be ready for 2016 and of course, another project might come up .......
