New member needing some advice.

[Shane'n'Sarah]

Hey guys, have been a member for a while but this is my first time posting. I am repairing and converting my mk5 hi cube minibus to a camper. Already have the paperwork back from DVLA with it changed from mini bus to motor caravan. I am now sorting stuff out for an MoT test and have a couple of issues.
It has had an engine change from TD to a banana. The engine management light is on and I have been told that it is because of the engine change and it is possible to 'jumper' one of the unused connections under the bonnet to turn it off. However I can't seem to find info on this anywhere. I am hoping that one of you clever people will be able to help.
Also it doesn't seem to have original wing mirrors, having long stem, heated, electric ones. Neither side has glass in to make a comparison. And the ones parts shops and the like sell for it don't fit. I have done some research and it looks like they are mk3 ones? Would anyone know if this is correct?

Thanks in advance, Shane.

[MinorMatt]

Just take the bulb out of the dash...

As for the mirrors - electric heated was introduced with the smiley in 1995. There are 2 size mounts for the glass and nobody made pattern ones - so its Ford only

[Noctule]

Hi Shane'n'Sarah

Welcome to the Hi Cube Camper Club

Mat and Melanie

[F111ORY]

Hi, Could you tell me what the advantage of changing registration to camper is and what is involved as my camper is still on the v5 as a panel van.

Thanks in advance.

[Shane'n'Sarah]

Hi guys, thanks for the advice, and the welcomes. As for having it changed to a motor caravan on the log book, it means you can drive faster and cheaper insurance.
Took her in for MoT and it failed on front brakes.
One of the rubber boots on the pistons of the nearside caliper is torn and was cauing it to bind, etc. I'm having a hard time finding a repair kit in Chelmsford, so if anyone knows where I could pick one up locally or anyone selling a cheap caliper I'd appreciate a heads up. Thanks, S&S

[Shane'n'Sarah]

Ok, unfortunately the hi-top failed on Monday due to the front brakes. The pads on the offside were perfect but the ones on the nearside were almost non-existent. It turns out it was binding on that side, due one of the caliper piston boots being torn, so I have ordered a couple of repair kits online, which are due tomorrow.
I removed the calipers, stripped em down completely, cleaned em up with a wire brush and kerosene bath. Followed that up with a brake cleaner bath. Masked em up, sprayed em with high temp paint in bright red and they are currently drying in the greenhouse
The pistons are all fine, luckily. so just a quick clean on the top and inside for them. Got a new set of pads sitting waiting to go on.
So fingers crossed the kits turn up tomorrow and I might get her squeezed in for a re-test tomorrow afternoon.
I was going to put some before and after pics on but need to go find out how to do that

[Shane'n'Sarah]

Well it never ends. Seems like the nearside flexi pipe has collapsed. New one on order for Monday. Going to buy a Gunson's Ezibleed kit aswell to make life easier. Had one years ago and it was awesome.
So its a weekend of lounging around and World of Warcraft for me.
Thanks for reading, i'll update on Monday. Have a great weekend.

[vanfox]

If one flexy has collapsed I'd advise changing both. If original pipes they'll be 18 yrs old, last Mk 5s were about 1999 - 2000. Just done mine anyway.

[Shane'n'Sarah]

Hey Vanfox, Yh we fully intend changing both. We will be doing the back soon enough aswell. Replacing everything over time She is really solid underneath despite her age (she will be 22 in Jan) as she was fully undersealed. I am going around the underneath with a wire brush cleaning off the road dirt and puttin new underseal on. She is a long time work in progress

Thanks for reading.