VanZelst Restorations

26/08/2026

Whilst Andrew is ploughing through the Alfas extensive rust repairs, Grego has been busy on getting the first round of bodywork sorted on Neumann aka The UK rusty bus.
All the doors are already at round 2 so it won't be long before we will need some colour choices from the owners!

20/08/2026

I can relate to this , you get used to the early bays, then you jump in a customer's post 71 😆

20/08/2026

Andrew doing a cracking job on the Alfa.
All this metal work will pay off when we get to the finished product.

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

Trying out the new dji action camera.
Need a better micro sd card but its a start.

12/08/2026

Good news pilgrims, we have finally replaced our broken gopro!
Stay tuned for some most excellent YouTube videos with editing, time-lapse, music, Gregos personal sense of humour, drama, bromance, and much shenanigans.
Its time.

11/08/2026

Another one of our one-off creations.
This aluminium roof storage box was made to measure as nothing commercially available was suitable.
This box is quite light for its size and the lockable lid doubles as a solar panel holder.
We have applied Mipa protector 2k textured finish.

When I used to live as a gypsy a LONG time ago we travelled Australia with our dual cab kombi with 3 kids and 2 dogs plus all our possessions.
We did this for a couple of years living in a tent!

When you have no money you watch every dollar and when i thought a large square tool box on the roof of the cab would be great for storage, I soon discovered the error of my ways!
I had no working fuel gauge on Hilda so I studied fuel consumption religiously.
I discovered adding the big box added an extra 3lt/100km. It got removed after a short while.

At highway speeds aerodynamics play a big role in performance, so this tapered design and the fact its set back a bit from the front of the cab makes a lot of sense.
I reckon its going to be very handy for storing stuff.

11/08/2026

Its been a journey to get Matilda to this stage but the reward is always when you're shooting colour on.
And what a sweet colour it is!
It is a bit lighter out in the sun and will look great combined with the Antarctica White top.
You won't have any problem finding it in a shopping centre car park!

10/08/2026

Its starting to look like a car again.
So many layers of repair but the outer skins are the most rewarding to see.

03/08/2026

So we've had a much needed few days off, both for our mental and physical health.

We attended and sponsored the inaugural Waterfall Way VW Bash @ Bellingen, NSW .
What an amazing event and we want to thank the Lushes along with the rest of the organising crew.
We had a great time.

A special thanks to Denise and Cath for letting me borrow Old Mate the kombi camper.
I've always said our customers are great, and its rewarding when a package comes together.
Old Mate is probably the smoothest riding kombi I've ever driven.
Made the 6hr journey a pleasure.
Its also an opportunity to see if there's any improvements that it needs which you only find when you're living out of it.

Anyway, its work as normal tomorrow and the few days off have recharged our batteries.