So...if I kept my T5...what could I do to spend money on it?

[aSimpleLife]

If I don't get a new business vehicle, was trying to think of any useful things I could do do my LWB 340 that are tax deductable...and ideally...discreet (when times are not so good it becomes my stealth van
I earned a little more than I would have like this financial year and am trying top spend some of that.

I liked that performance diesel kit Sunny posted...but I'm not unhappy with the performance.
I also like the improved springs and shockers talked about by Sunny and Transporter...but I am not unhappy with the handling and ride.

Have already got 4 rhino roof racks, towbar, remote power system, removable seats, fly wire over openings, windows, curtains and plenty of internal storage.

Maybe I can pay for a years servicing in advance?
Nothing is really coming to mind.

[Sunny43.5]

Have the internal walls been trimmed or soundproofed see this one which is our family standard Transporter after I got through with it . http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...tml?highlight= . It makes the van incredibly quiet as in standard mode they are NOISY !!

[aSimpleLife]

I have always loved that project of yours. I ended up paying Drifta to do mine a few years back when I got all my shelving, drawers and table done. Marine ply and just grey marine carpet. Doesn't look anywhere near as good as your high quality work.
Unfortunately they just used housing insulation (not that I specified otherwise) and I've long thought I should replace it with the material that you used. I think you advised me it was "soundproofing compacted wool blend 10mm thick"?
And the front doors and rear wheel arches have not been done.
Is there anywhere in particular I can buy that not being in the trade.
This is all I have got so far from a google search;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Insulation-Proofing-Carpet-Underlay/dp/B00EZMXMJK

[Sunny43.5]

You can buy the sound deadener from Nolans UDA in Melbourne , automotive underlay felt 900gsm 10mls thick its a very dense interwoven shredded wool blend 1.83 wide Nolans address 55 Cleeland Road, Oakleigh South Victoria 3167 . I have many times explained to others that household is not going to work like this stuff does as its too loose inside the inner walls , this stuff if you glue it to the inside skin works as it is going to stop vibration and noise transmission , how good is it ? many long long years ago before Vw days I had Bedford CFS van used same stuff and when it blew a piston top off I did not hear it only felt the vibration of the misfiring engine .

[AALocksmiths]

Just remember that what ever you spend on your van you probably wont get any of that back when you sell it. Try and spend it on things that you can either move to a new van when it's time to upgrade or things that make working easier. Maybe it's time for a van fridge?? ( They also come in handy when camping )

What is it that you do for work?

[aSimpleLife]

Maybe it's time for a van fridge?

I have thought about that one many times...but I just can't work out how to justify it as part of doing IT technician work
Yes I should probably just save my money for the future repair bills

[aSimpleLife]

You can buy the sound deadener from Nolans UDA in Melbourne

Thankyou very much for that.

[Rebuild]

Nothing is really coming to mind.

an engine temperature gauge?
Ooops
Or do they have one?

[aSimpleLife]

Would you believe it...that is now already on my list...really

[Sunny43.5]

Sunroof ?

[Gold Coaster]

Or solar panels to recharge your auxillary batteries (as mentioned in http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...ns-112988.html) for recharging all your IT items.

Rather than fasten them to the roof you could do as AALocksmiths suggested and buy portables.

[aSimpleLife]

Sunroof ?

Thanks but I can't imagine how I could justify that as a business expense?
And I'd find it hard to cut a hole in a perfectly good roof
Fortunately my personal vehicle is a little old convertible...so I already get to take the roof off sometimes.

[aSimpleLife]

Yes that's a good one. Actually works well with the 2 x 12v batteries I have under the front seats. And I would need to also get a battery charger to link it all together? Maybe the Redarc BCD1240 40A or BCD1225LV 25A or the cheaper CTEK D250S?

[aSimpleLife]

I was also wondering if it might be worth pre purchasing any of the likely future big expense items if they can be found for a good price - either 2nd hand - or imported - where you would never have the time to do it when something goes wrong.
Of course - nothing may ever go wrong either
Maybe even pre-purchase servicing...from someone.

[Sunny43.5]

Well you could explain that you can't leave the air con running to keep your IT gear cool so a sunroof may suffice ?

Thanks but I can't imagine how I could justify that as a business expense?
And I'd find it hard to cut a hole in a perfectly good roof
Fortunately my personal vehicle is a little old convertible...so I already get to take the roof off sometimes.