13. third driving test

So, I've actually finally blooming well done it - the driving test was passed with 3 minor faults, and now the red L plates are off and the green L plates are on!

And a message for the best driving instructor in the world ...

Thank You, Bob!!

... couldn't have done it without you, you've made me and the girls, and Rog very happy...

12. New gas pedal

And yes, it's another DIY spectacular success for Topsy, the new accelerator pedal is on, and it works! It's always good when something newly fitted looks as though it should work, and actually does - maybe as time goes on with this project I'll get more confident in the technology and my ability?!
So, jobs I've done so far
Two cab door weather shield/seals installed
Most of the exterior light seals replaced
The sliding door lock removed, parts replaced, rebuilt
The gas stove installed (only till the new cupboards go in, then it'll have to be re-installed)
One sun visor recovered
Brakes replaced by garage
Seat belts installed by garage
Gas pedal
Various other bits of tinkering, like a spare set of keys!

Hmmmm, it's not much, at this rate she won't be completed by spring (mind you, I don't think Topsy will ever be finished - there's always another little job to do!)

11. Sliding door now works!

I'm well chuffed with myself as today I finally fixed my sliding door! It now opens, stays open, closes and locks, and then unlocks for the whole process to begin again. Thanks to Richie from the NEVW club for the advice (again!) and to Volksheaven for finding the part I needed even though I wasn't too sure what sort of door lock it was!

Anyway, another DIY success for Topsy!

10. camper cramp

So, the roof is up, or the top is popped, the kettle is on, there's inches of clearance space above my head, yet still I hunch up as though the roof is down. And so does everyone else in the van! I'm naming this curse 'camper cramp', and it really hurts the back all that crouching for no reason a whatsoever ...

Oh, we finally got the drivers door seal on, it only took hours of work, I even messed around with body-filler stuff! Noise level in cab is vastly reduced (I can hear the kids now but don't tell them!), as is the draught, but it'll be harder for Mr R.A.C man to break in next time I lock the keys in!