You may recall that when we were  down south over the winter there was a slight argument with a large boulder, resulting in damage to  that part of Vincent that I never knew how to name. Well, it turns out that it is called a bumper cover.

We  bought some materials at a B&Q somewhere and eventually a repair was effected after we got home, having driven many miles with the thing held together with waterproof tape.

Unfortunately another wee accident recently not only ripped the original repair apart but did further damage. When research showed that the ugly plastic thing on the front actually hid a perfectly nice chrome bumper beneath, Mr Snail did the only sensible thing and discarded the offending material.

That was just one of the many tasks that he has been engaged in. I doubt that I can remember them all and no doubt he should probably write up this stuff himself in order to have an accurate record but here goes, I’ll do my best:

• bumper cover removed
• chrome bumper polished
• trim from above the bumper removed, rejuvenated and awaiting replacing
• new rear camera fitted, to work with GPS
• old radio removed and  
• new radio fitted
• new runners fitted to galley drawers
• replaced broken cupholder with new one
• issue with table leg resolved
• bathroom doorknob fixed so it no longer falls off every five minutes
• replaced broken sink drain
• waterpump adjusted
• passenger seat behind driver removed and
• replaced with a cupboard unit sourced from our bathroom
• reversing light replaced
• replaced fiddly wee doorknobs wii’ summat to grab hold of
• repaired ceiling fan
• replaced dodgy outdoor locker handle
• released sticking gas valve
• repaired leaky air suspension
• single power socket in glazed top cabinet aboved wardrobe replaced by a double. Cupboard now designated for electronics storage and safe recharging station.
• moved thermostat to accommodate new cupboard unit
• removed superfluous seatbelt mountings

The latest job is an attempt to resolve the radio interference caused by installing the solar panel. The manufacturers say that the issue is to do with the connecting cables and suggest shielding them with aluminium foil.

Tasks remaining:

• Fit new front fog lights, when they arrive
• Replace ducts on Eberspächer when they are delivered
• Fit magnetic locks to drawers as required
• Fit new wipers – awaiting vendor’s reply as they sent a mismatched pair.
• ?

The bathroom cupboard is providing a no-cost proof of concept. If things do not work out we can simply junk it on the way south. If it works well we may replace it with something a little more attractive and possibly with slightly more volume.

The van’s MOT is due in August but that is a little close to Le Depart so we will probably take Vincent over to Kirkwall a little earlier than necessary and will be booking that in fairly soon now.

So far I am liking the change with the seat out and cupboard in. We have not gained a great deal of space as the storage below the seat has gone and we can no longer access our bottle store in the seat arm. There is however some additional storage space and all of it is more accessible than the previous arrangement. The van feels more spacious too, with more room for manoeuvre on entering the habitation door.

Not exactly sure yet on how we will use the storage but current ideas include housing our toiletries in the top drawer now that they are displaced from what is now the charging cupboard. We may need to fit a few bottles of wine in the bottom… but mainly I think we shall have a shelf each for our clothes, freeing up the rear clockers for some kitchen items, spare bedding and a pair of camp chairs.