Mignon - The Restoration of a 1979 Bedford Camper

Well, my friend CC has launched off into the wild French countryside with his posh van, whilst I sit here contemplating all sorts of problems.

I think this is most inconsiderate.

I am going to use all my connections and have Interpol pull him in for using too many resistors in an LED light, or something like that. Once he has diagnosed and solved all my problems, I may allow him to be released, albeit with a tagging device to make sure he doesn't have too much fun.

Seriously - this is what retirement is all about.. the ability to do what you want, when you want. Go to France ? Why the hell not.

Mignon is progressing.. photos and stories when I return from my involuntary exile in the Caribbean

Right.. I've hammered out a deal with one of the Bedford CF Club members. We have a plan (tm).

To restore Mignon's cab would cost in the mid to high four-figures. Too much. However, he would like the cab to work with for a show-class restoration he's doing. He has a Bedford CF2 chassis circa 1984 which is mint, and a wrecked camper body. See where this is going ?!

We're going to crane Mignon's camper body onto the CF2 chassis, replacing various bits and pieces as we do. He's more interested in historical accuracy than I am, so he's taking some of the original '79 parts, and I'm getting some later parts. He's also getting the interior... I'm a bit sad about that, as it's original oak, but it will be better off in his restoration - I doubt my Dad will care too much. Mignon's interior will be replaced with a set salvaged from a caravan write-off.

He gets: CF1 cab in rusty state, original oak interior.

I get: CF2 chassis in very nice condition, virtually new interior including heated tanks, waste tanks, all new exterior fittings, new wiring, new plumbing, awnings, roof-rack.. etc etc. The CF2 is not as nice as the CF1, in my opinion.. all the chrome fittings were replaced with rubber, similar to what MG did with the MGB in the late 70s. However...

It's gonna cost me 2k. Less than half the price of the restoration. You could spend that on 2 awnings alone. Strange how these things turn out sometimes.

Mignon is dead.

Long live Mignon !

(CF2 shown below)

Well, I've given up on the crew here in Scotland. After promising to get back to me with alternative trailering plans, they didn't. Unfortunately, although they seem to do a good job, judging by their previous work, I hate companies and tradespeople that can't be arsed, or can't remember, to call their customers. They've lost this one.

I'm pestering companies in England now.. hopefully they'll be more reliable.