Spare parts for old vehicles

[jimed]

Hi guys,

I am looking at buying a OLD 1986 camper van see link Auto Trail ARCA MOTOR HOME on eBay (end time 17-Sep-10 12:30:31 BST)

I have to confess I have no knowledge of mechanics but I am just wondering how would I go about finding any spare parts needed and are they specific to that van ?

Say the clutch goes or brake pads etc would the garage be able to replace them with off the shelf parts or would they be specific ?

Sorry to be dim but I just don't know what parts I might struggle to replace ?

Also is it likely to be un realible and end up costing more than buying a newer van or if it has been looked after and continues to be could it be good for another 100k ?

Cheers for any advise with this !!

Jim

[gren_t]

hi Jim
auto trail are a well known builder of motor homes and as such will normally use popular commercial running gear such as fiat or peugeot and spares are seldom a problem try contacting auto home to see if they hold spares for it, or can tell you what platform it is built on

reliability is not normally a problem due to the use of van or lorry running gear so tends to be under stressed in normal use, however even new motor homes can suffer if for example the owners only uses it for a nice salty break by the seaside.

if your interested get it inspected professionally by a motor home or caravan repairer.

regards
Gren

[tacr2man]

The one advertised will have been built on a Peugeot J9 chassis with alko chassis extension , if it looks in good condition , and has a service history then it should be fairly reliable, asking if vehicle will be reliable is like asking how long is a piece of string . All chassis wearing [parts eg filters, bearings brakes clutch will have been used on variety of vehicles and will usually have a generic supplier(aftermarket) , hoses will be a little more difficult, but try asking at local peugeot dealer . Google arca motorhomes will give you a bit more background info . Probable biggest concern is water ingress damage with any caravan/motorhome so get that checked out by caravan service repair outfit HTSH

[moggy 1968]

thats a cool little bus, I'm liking that!
beats the run of the mill motorhome