Walt Project Update – Orange to Grey

by Tim Aldiss · Published 28th October 2018 · Updated 21st August 2019

So looking back at my previous post it’s been a while since my last project update. I’ve managed to get over to the barn at least once or twice a fortnight and have been cracking on. I’ve even overnighted in the camper right outside the barn! It’s such peaceful spot and can run a mains lead out if I want heating!

First the last bit of welding… for now… I hope…

: The VOLT workshop! I try and keep it clean

: This is the mount point for the rear bumper

: Decided a vertical support was necessary as this will eventually hold a custom bumper

: Sizing up the new front window

: The rear cleaned and now spray painted with Raptor

: The Rustoleum Adhesion Aid applied by spray gun

Then it’s time to get Walt ready to finally get that roof painted…

[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziudik2ReL4[/fve]

But first I had part fill in the old side window, weld in new steel and cut a hole for the new camper window…

: It’s like Christmas!

: Sizing up the rear dinette and figuring out seat height

: Timber batten-work now in place to the front of the van

: New whole cut; new steel welded in place

: New hole cut in new steel

: Let the filling and sanding commence

: Test fitting the new camper window

: Time to fix the mount for teh rail that supports the shroud for the sliding door mechanism

: Almost time to say goodbye to the old, filled and new sills

: Sliding door housing filled and ready to be painted

: The side wall sure looks flat but what will it look like painted?

: Getting ready to spray the door shuts

: Measuring (thrice) , cutting & fitting what will be the new shower room window

: Goodbye beautiful orange 🙁

: …and now… are you ready?!

[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-28BmBPwUPQ[/fve]

The it was time for the big reveal! Walt goes grey!

: So excited coming in on this morning!

: The first signs of grey were very encouraging

: The satin finish is definitely what I was after

: Majestic!

: Test fitting the grill back on…

I had to strip off (Walt not me!) and start bolting, gluing & fitting everything back on asap!

[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83QqyPFK2K0[/fve]

Now it’s time to colour code the grill & awning

Before leaving I had to peel off the tape to take a look at the paint. It’s still glossy at this stage but will dry satin…

: Starting to look like a new van again

: This side is actually looking better than the other

: Tasty flank!

: My spray technique has definitely improved, and it’s much easier doing small areas

: Cheers Walt!

: Bumper back on. Will eventually be replaced by something custom

: Shiny!

: The gloss look will fade overnight

: Like new!

: My favourite angle!

: Looking sharp!

There was no doubt that I had to pop back over to the barn the following day to check it out and fit it all up to check the final result! Very pleased.