Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
At The Back => Time Out => Topic started by: bucketshred on May 17, 2011, 06:38:06 PM
-
So, my band are looking at playing further a-field and we're looking for a van to transport everyone/backline.
Anyone got any tips on what to look for? Experiences etc?
Paddy
-
Merc' Sprinter if you can afford it. Massive, powerful & reliable.
-
one of my bands once bought a long wheelbase VW van
from Age Concern
I am so rock and roll
-
according to top gear theres literally millions of combinations of Transit van available, and theyve been going strong since the 60's.
-
VW Transporter. The quality of Mercedes Vans is so so. My friend had a Vito from new and every month he had trouble with something. And rust after four years. The yellow lacquer faded within a few years.
-
Fairly sure Merc Sprinters are Aluminium so rusts not an issue, my bro had one for a while and it was cracking. I know a couple of bands that have had old Sherpa's.
Bedford Rascals are awesome fun.
-
I had an old Bedford CF with a 2.3 engine that was also used in Firenzas. It was hand painted brown and went like the clappers! I loved it :lol:
-
can't beat Transits - I had one for three years around 2001-2004, paid £1200. never gave me any bother, solid as a rock. was a long wheel base/high roof one. however, Merc Sprinters are bigger AND better (but cost more).
depends how much touring you're doing and how far the van is required to go.
if its just gigs within an hour's drive once or twice a week, go for a Transit.
what is the budget?
-
Massive, powerful & reliable.
That's what she said
*hides*
-
Look what Parcel Services are using, they know what works!
When I used to work for DPD ages ago everyone was using Fiat Ducato (or plural: Ducati LOL)
-
Look what Parcel Services are using, they know what works!
When I used to work for DPD ages ago everyone was using Fiat Ducato (or plural: Ducati LOL)
do they have midi switching though? :lol:
I prefer my vans with reverb too; its a personal choice.
-
Look what Parcel Services are using, they know what works!
When I used to work for DPD ages ago everyone was using Fiat Ducato (or plural: Ducati LOL)
do they have midi switching though? :lol:
I prefer my vans with reverb too; its a personal choice.
I prefer my Van with Mules. Saves petrol too! :lol:
-
This
-
our drummer owns a coach company, I keep saying we should turn up to a gig in one of his coaches like this one...
(http://bus-and-coach-photos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/2114.jpg)
-
Transits are work horses BUT be very careful with them. They are known to rust like hell! Not sure about newer models, but certainly up until the late 90's early 00's they still rusted like crazy!
VW transporters are good, look for ex-AA ones if you go down that route, usually you can get them bang cheap at auctions. Plenty of conversion options with them too, the T4 is a very popular choice.
I have seen bands go for years in LDV Convoy's too. Royal Mail use them and again can probably get an ex RM one at auction for pennies.
The good thing about ex AA / RAC / Royal Mail / Citylink etc is you know they've had a full service history as it's a legal requirement for fleet vans. They will have plenty of mileage on the clock, but as long as that service record says it's up-to-date they shouldn't give you too much hassle. The ex AA VW T4's can crop up with 140k on the clock, and they will happily take you up beyond 240k without too much grumbling, really reliable motors. Plus the 2.5 TDi version can keep pace with a lot of decently powered cars. ;) (They are also really mod-able to squeeze more power from them, if that's your kind of thing).
-
This
just imagine what wonders you'd come out of the van with once it was loaded up with gear - the A-Team guys used to make all sorts of sh*it with only a few planks of wood and random objects.
-
A couple of years ago, we hired a Ford Tourneo and took the back row of seats out. Easily enough space for a full band's worth of kit and that also leaves the middle seats in tact so you can transport all the people too.
Roo
-
What about fitting extra seats? Anyone know the legalities?
Paddy