We first met our Orange Camper about 2 months ago, and started working towards a brief that would result in a Kombi that would resprayed in original orange with a white window line and roof. It was to be enjoyed on a daily basis and taken to the surf, with a few modern touches like a new fridge, microwave and updated cabinetry. On first look, we thought that the body was in fantastic condition, with little or no rust that was very obvious. This one should be easy!!

After doing some research and creating a scrapbook of ideas, colour schemes and finishes, our client helped remove some of the interior for us, including some really uncomfortable bucket seats that were digging into his legs. The gas bottle, sink and water tank were all no longer required, as this space could be utilised for much better things - like a full width rock n roll bed! The poptop and headlining looked OK, so we decided to leave them in place. Then we removed the windows.

Alas, virtually every window sill was badly eaten away Front, sides and rear - in fact we decided to throw away the tailgate and salvage another from one of our donor Kombis. Whenever you get a camper with a sink, I can guarantee that the floor pan under the cupbpoards will be rusted, and this was no exception. In addition to this, as we started working our way around the car, more and more rust showed itself to be evident. At least the door steps looked OK...Actually no, they were really bad too. So methodically we worked our way around the Kombi, from the nose cone repairs, the side steps and the rear quarters that always seem to rust out. That gas bottle insert needs to be filled up too.

So far so good. All the repairs are completed, and now we'll just take a peek at that roof. &$%^^&%$#%$*%(*&)^ CRAP!!! That tiny little bit of rust, just seems like it could be worse that it looks, so the owner has agreed to go further and remove the pop top, and investigate - this means carefully removing the internal headlining, unscrewing 30 self tappers, and undoing all the electrics that supply the internal 240V system. What pleasant surprise awaits us?

Ok, so more repairs are needed, but at least we now have an excuse to install brand new headlining, electrics, and a new canvas for the pop top roof while we are at it. We can also get right into the roof gutters to treat and prevent any further rust from getting started. I am tempted to grind off the fiberglass edge from the pop top roof that rests inside the roof gutter and acts as a water/leaf trap.

At this stage we now have the car repaired, primed and ready for the colour. All the hard work has been done, and we'll post a few shots of the finished Kombi soon!