1969 Bedford/Vauxhall Viva HA 'Roma' Dormobile.
A genuine Dormobile, rescued and mechanically rebuilt over the last 12 months. It was featured in Martin Watt's "Classic Dormobile Campervans" book (see photos). Only a handful of these still on the road!
We're not camping enthusiasts, so now it's ready to move on to someone who can use and enjoy it.
Current Condition
The van is mechanically ready and has a new MOT, so runs and drives fine - just needs the interior finishing off and it's ready to use as a camper. It is registered as a historic vehicle so Tax exempt. Currently is SORNed.
Rebuild details
- The engine is a 1159cc HB model which was rebuilt with new big end and main bearings, new oil seals and timing chain.
- The head was skimmed and fitted with new valves and springs. Also replaced the oil pump, starter ring, clutch, alternator and water pump.
- Now runs well with 70psi oil pressure on the road and 20psi at a hot idle.
- The gearbox was rebuilt by a specialist - all synchros are fine and no leaks present.
- The front suspension subframe was shot blasted and front/rear suspension was rebuilt with new bushes and swivels/joints/shocks etc.
- The brakes have had all new shoes, cylinders, hoses and pipes.
- It has 5 new tyres (4 and a spare) and the wheels have been shot blasted and painted.
- Alternator conversion fitted along with new starter motor and electronic fuel pump (replacing the old mechanical type)
Bodywork
The underside has been extensively welded over many years. Some repairs completed (mostly around rear wheel arches) and all structural rust now gone. The underside has been painted in black for inspection (we have not undersealed so you can see for yourself what's there)
Both front doors are brand new NOS items and fit well. Sills are solid with some slight dents and did not need repair. The wings are also solid steel and no repairs needed. The only significant filler is in the rear valance underneath the bumper.
Paintwork
The body was stripped back and prepared but has not been resprayed. It's roller painted with "Vauxhall white coach enamel". The photos make it look better than it is - it's definitely usable but room to improve if you wanted to flat it and polish it too.
Interior
The interior we haven't really touched so it's a blank canvas for the new owner.
The "candy stripe" awnings are original and in OK condition. New ones are available if desired. Two good unmarked black front seats are installed.
The original rear fold down seat which was also part of the bed is missing. We haven't been able to track one down, so sourcing one to copy it might be an option, or doing something different.
The original Dormobile melamine side units/panels/shelves/table and bunk are present but not currently in the vehicle. They're complete and solid but need refurbishing (plywood, hardboard, fabric and melamine strip) to return them to 'as new'.
The sink and gas hob are also present - the gas hob is untested and no guarantees on safety/suitability!
There are also no carpets (it may never have had them?)
Minor glitches
Some front window seals need sourcing, the door locks have been replaced but are a bit temperamental, and we haven't managed to source all of the exterior badges (particularly the original 'Bedford' grill badge).
All in all
It's a structurally and mechanically sound car/camper with all the 'oily' bits done, just needing someone to modernise the interior or recreate the original for it to be used as a camper again. It starts and drives easily and runs fine on the road as is, and can be driven away. It hasn't done any real long runs since rebuild so needs treating gently initially just to help run it in.
Please contact me with any questions - car is in Uttoxeter, ST14 for viewing.