How To Restore Your Vintage Van
If you’re ready to restore a vintage van, you’ll need a solid foundation and plenty of guidance! Use our guide to bring your dream van back to life.
Restoring a vintage van is many people’s dream. With the right tools and know-how, getting a van road trip ready is a fun, achievable challenge.
Whether it’s from the 1970s, 1980s, or even as far back as the 1960s, vintage vans have a wonderful history, great memories, and an abundance of potential for future adventures
Every van has a story to tell, and when you choose to restore one, you’ll create a talking point that gives you a chance to reconnect with people and nature and create memories that will last forever.
If you’re starting the journey of bringing your own vintage beauty back to life, you will know that there is plenty of work involved. The best way to restore a classic van is to gather as much information as you can first on what needs to be done, the best ways to do it, and how to give your van a modern update without losing its vintage charm.
In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step list of what you need to do to give your classic van a new lease on life. We’ll cover how to find a van that’s in great condition, maintenance and bodywork, and all the other tips and tricks you need to know.
How to Find a Van in Good Condition
If you invest in a vintage van with major issues such as rust, moulding, large leaks or serious mechanical issues, you could see yourself paying significantly more to restore it in the long run. When you see a van you may like to buy, look for these features to ensure that it’s in great condition:
- Body panels that are free from rust and obvious accident damage
- A body colour that is consistent across the entirety of the van
- Lights, radio, air conditioning units, indicators and other electrical elements that are in proper working order
- Tyres that are in good condition and have a satisfactory tread depth
- Pedals, suspension, and steering systems that are in proper working condition
- No obvious interior leaks, musty smells, or visible patches of mould
- A floor that feels solid rather than soft or spongy—the latter can indicate ongoing leaks
- Doors that close properly and have intact rubber seals.
Steps to Bring Your Vintage Van to Life
Repair leaks and rusted areas
Ideally, your van should have no problems with leaks and rust. But if you’ve already invested in a vehicle that does, these issues are the first things you need to address. Rust can spread rapidly, especially in humid or coastal conditions, and while it’s challenging to get rid of it entirely, it is manageable.
You can manage rust using many methods, including by grinding it off using an angle grinder and welding small sections of metal onto the ground metal to reinforce it, or by using a special body filler to improve its structural integrity. Once set, shape the area using a sander and repaint using your choice of vehicle paint. Alternatively, approach your nearest bodywork professionals and ask for advice and a quotation for the job!
Check for water damage
If your vintage van has any leaks or survived floods in the past, you may need to deal with water damage. Check your van’s floors, wall panels, ceiling, cupboards, and any other areas that may have been exposed to moisture, especially if they’re made from wood. While you’re at it, ensure that any wood is pest-free, as even the smallest critters can cause huge damage.
Once you’ve located water-damaged areas, you may need to remove the damaged materials in order to seal the leaks using your choice of materials. Check that leaks are sufficiently sealed, then replace the material you’ve removed using plywood sheeting, wood, or another suitable option.
Create sectioning
Sectioning your van is a great way to pack as many features as possible into it without leaving it feeling cluttered. If you have the space, a small kitchenette is a great addition that allows you to store kitchen supplies, cutlery and utensils, and prepare food in a dedicated space.
You can craft your own cabinets and drawers according to the size and dimensions of your specific van, or have a kitchenette custom-built if you’ve got the budget for it. If you include cabinets, remember to ensure that they latch closed tightly to keep your kitchen goods contained as you drive. You should also add latchable shelving in sleeping areas to provide safe and secure storage space for your camping essentials.
Add expressive upholstery and curtaining
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to give your van authentic character is to use textiles to set the tone. Just a few unique scatter cushions, curtains, or seating upholstered in vintage-style fabrics can create a more inviting ambience.
The fabrics you choose can also help to create specific themes in your décor, while providing an extra touch of comfort and tactility. Remember to choose robust, durable fabrics for your seating upholstery needs, and to pick thick curtaining fabric to keep the light out for a great night’s sleep.
Light it up
Give your classic van some expert final touches by choosing interesting lighting options that align with your theme and décor. You can use anything from LED light strips and vintage LED lanterns to solar fairy lights to give your vehicle even more personality.
When choosing to light for your van, remember that LED lights need to get connected to your battery, which can increase the draw on it and potentially drain it under some circumstances. Check that the number of lights you have in your van will not drain your battery or cause other issues. It’s also a good idea to opt for rechargeable solar lights wherever possible for a more eco-friendly restoration job.
Time to hit the road
Once you’ve got all the parts you need and you’ve successfully converted your vintage van, it’s time to hit the open road. You can always add more features, comforts, and décor elements as you need them, so follow the tips above to create the ideal foundation for future adventures.
If you’re looking for a dream van in excellent condition and at the right price, check out our caravans for sale to find the perfect vehicle for your needs!
THE NEXT STEP
If you need help choosing your first RV or are considering upgrading your existing one, check out all caravans, campers and motorhomes available on TradeRVs today.
The sellers will be happy to help and answer any inquiries you may have about the products advertised for sale.
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