Here is a closer look at the vehicle servicing, repairs, and upgrades I carry out across Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas. From cars and vans to campervans and motorhomes, these real-world examples showcase the practical details behind my work — with more projects added regularly.
Recent work
From campervan electrics to servicing and repairs, each entry explains the job and shows the work in photos.
Ford Transit campervan: 50A charging upgrade
Campervan electrical installation
Photos: The Victron charger and its 60A breaker switch after installation.
The brief
The aim was to charge the Ford Transit campervan’s 300Ah lithium leisure battery while driving, using a dedicated DC-DC charger suited to the system.
What I did
I installed a Victron Orion XS 12/12-50A DC-DC charger and fitted a 60A breaker switch in the charging circuit. The switch provides circuit protection and a convenient way to isolate the installation when needed.
The result
The campervan has a dedicated charging setup capable of supplying up to 50A to the 300Ah lithium battery while on the move. The 60A breaker makes the circuit straightforward to isolate for future checks or maintenance.
Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0 CDTI: front and rear brake overhaul
Brake repairs and maintenance
Photos: Front brake parts before fitting, the new front disc and calliper in place, and the renewed rear disc and pads.
The brief
This Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0 CDTI needed front and rear brake work. The slider pins and carriers were heavily corroded and seized, so those parts needed attention too.
What I did
I fitted new front discs, pads and callipers, plus new rear discs and pads. I also renovated all the slider pins and carriers rather than leaving the seized components in place.
Why the sliders matter
Seized slider pins can cause brake pads to wear quickly and unevenly. Freeing up the sliding parts is an important part of making the new pads work as they should.
Need brake work on your car or van? Find out about my mobile servicing and brake repairs.
Vauxhall Vivaro CDTi: interior deep clean and repair
Campervan cab restoration
Photos: The cleaned cab seats, a damaged vent and its replacement, the recovered headlining, and restored dashboard illumination.
The brief
After years as a daily trade van and three years without a proper clean, the Vivaro’s cab needed a thorough refresh. The job also included damaged headlining, broken air vents and interior lights that needed new bulbs.
What I did
I spent several hours cleaning the seats three times, using chemical treatment, mechanical agitation and extraction. I fitted new carpets, replaced the broken air vents and renewed several bulbs to restore the interior illumination. I removed the damaged headlining and recovered it in new fabric chosen to match the camper conversion in the rear.
The result
The cab is cleaner and more comfortable, with refreshed seats, new carpets and repaired fittings. The recovered headlining brings the front of the van into line with the camper interior behind it.
Renault Trafic (2011): starter motor replacement
Starting and electrical repairs
Photos: The corroded original starter, the new replacement, and the new starter installed.
The brief
The original starter motor on this 2011 Renault Trafic was severely corroded inside and out. The motor had stopped working completely, while the solenoid was sticking and operating inconsistently.
What I did
I removed the failed starter motor and fitted a new branded unit. I also cleaned the corroded electrical connections before putting everything back together.
The result
With the new starter and clean connections in place, everything worked again and the van started perfectly.
DIY campervan: 200Ah lithium battery and 2000W inverter
Campervan leisure electrical upgrade
Photos: The new lithium battery, breaker box, USB-equipped socket, and inverter installation.
The brief
The owner had completed the camper’s basic 12V electrics, but wanted help with the high-current battery and inverter cabling and the 230V socket side. Preparing and securely crimping the thick cables required tools they did not have.
What I did
I fitted a new 200Ah lithium leisure battery, a 2000W inverter, a breaker box, and new plug sockets with integrated USB charging ports. I cut and crimped the heavy cables needed for the battery and inverter connections.
The result
The camper now has around 2.5kWh of nominal leisure-battery storage. The owner can keep the fridge-freezer running during normal use and use the new plug sockets, with the battery recharged as needed.
Van audio upgrade: Android Auto and JVC speakers
In-car entertainment and navigation upgrade
Photos: The original CD radio, the new head unit showing Spotify, and the Android Auto screen with Waze available.
The brief
The van’s original CD radio offered limited options for music and navigation. The customer wanted a modern screen and better sound while keeping the upgrade practical for an older vehicle.
What I did
I replaced the original radio with an Android Auto head unit and fitted four new JVC full-range speakers in the doors and dashboard.
The result
The customer can now use Spotify and Waze on the new display, with sound through the upgraded speakers.
Vauxhall Vivaro CDTi (2011): headlamp restoration
Headlamp polishing and UV protection
Photos: The oxidised headlamp before polishing and the restored lens after treatment.
The brief
This 2011 Vauxhall Vivaro CDTi had an MOT advisory for oxidised headlamps. Replacing the headlamp units would have been expensive, so the customer asked whether the existing lenses could be restored instead.
What I did
I spent around two hours polishing the cloudy headlamp lenses, then applied a UV protective sealant to finish the job.
The result
The lenses were much clearer, and the refreshed headlamps improved the appearance of the van as a whole. The customer was pleased with the result.
Campervan specific services and specialisms
- TVP Specialist
- ABS pump modules
- EGR cleaning
- Speaker upgrades
- Headlamp Restoration & Upgrades
- Cabinet installation
- Rock & Roll bed installation
- LED lights
- Van servicing
- Electric Window regulators
- Diesel heater installation
- Interior repair
- Insulation
- Solar Panels & Solar controllers
- Lithium Leisure battery installation
- 12v electrics & 240v inverters
- Brakes, Suspension, Steering
- Starter motor replacement
- TVP Scuttle sealing
- Water ingress protection
- Deep cleaning
- Full detailing service
- Cooling fans & Air circulation
- Hob & sink installation
- Micro-camper projects
- Corrosion prevention
- Sub frame bushes
- Reversing cameras
- ICE touch screen upgrades
- Pre-purchase inspections
Need help with your campervan or motorhome? Get in touch to discuss the job.