Prestige Auto Upholstery was the choice for new interior
and they did not disappoint.

The beach van has been at Prestige Auto Upholstery in North Hollywood for the past two months. First, the goal was to keep all the original wood and stained glass walls. Yes, that was the original stained glass on the panels. Next, the quilted ceiling and side panels had to go. The seats were in the worst shape, but the back sofa cushions may have been worse. The linoleum floor was a must-go, so everything ended up gutted. Once the wall was there seemed no need to put them back, leaving a beautiful open space. We went with distressed faux leather for seats and cushions, and Prestige suggested replacing the quilting with the leather, which at first seemed odd, but now it is perfect for the changes we want for the beach van. We went with a lighter color for the suede ceiling, and the choice of Hawaiian prints for curtains will provide the beach van feel we are looking to achieve. Next, Prestige created a new outside awning; the original inside wood cabinets received a new stain- the next step is paint. Thanks to the team at Prestige Auto for all the work and their reliability; this was a wonderful experience.

Once the Van Tiki was home-Prestige created three inside leather seating for the middle section that forms seating and bed space, they also came up with a great idea for hiding the camp toilet with a leather-covered box.

Getting the once over

Camper Van Restoration Update: After looking at a few RV service centers we decided on Mike Thompson’s RV, first because they repaired our pop-up camper when it was hit next to their shop off the 5 freeway on the way to a camp outing, they did an excellent job and the trailer has never been better. Second, this being camp season most RV centers, including this one, are full of RV’s needing repairs and maintenance for the summer season, so this is without a doubt, the best choice for a complete overhaul having worked with them before. First up, the refrigerator which is in great shape and needs just a fuel line fixed, they are replacing all the belts, hoses, brake parts, shocks, and propane lines and tanks. All electrical, along with heat and air condition, is getting the once over. The left tail light is a little squiggly, and the furnace that runs under the car “yikes” is being disconnected. We ordered wheels from Action Auto, in Cypress before the paint which in a way will be like putting lipstick on a pig. Next step the interior.

Beach Van Restoration

The Beach Van Restoration Project from start to finish: Day 1

This week we purchased a 1987 Ford camper van for morning trips to the beach and an occasional 1-2 night stay somewhere up the coast. A camper van has always been an idea in the making so once the thought of having a nice little ride for a day at the beach came into play it did not take too long to find this Ford Get-A-Way and the best part the price was perfect. First-up checking the engine, electrical, brakes, and suspension, replacing all the hoses, flushing the liquids and adding new power to the windows. It should take a few weeks to get the soul of this ride up and running in perfect condition before the smog check. We have decided on a metallic fleck paint for the exterior so checked out chip color concepts and also gave the automotive interior shop a heads up-thinking about going with distressed leather for the inside, with a Hawaiian theme curtain pillow conversion from the ratty inside it has now. The refrigerator needs a once over, but the wood body interior and compartment spaces are in great condition along with the outside body, which is ding free. The final restoration will be the paint, and then it is off to the beach. Hoping to have it on the road in 3-4 months, will keep you posted.