AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Max and Dorothy Haines Excellent Mazda Conversion

When Max and Dorothy Haines, CMCA members from Victoria started building their dream motorhome, they were complete novices to the lifestyle. Yes, in hindsight they realised that yes, they did make a bit of a mistake in that they decided not to include a shower/toilet. Many newbies make the same error and generally the reason quoted for the decision is that of hygiene. That is they have grave fears of having toilet facilities anywhere near where cooking is going on! You can easily dispel these fears by pointing out that a motel room as an example, as breakfast is eaten under similar conditions with no ill effects - pun intended!

The photo above left shows the bus being totally gutted! Dorothy was sent inside to get a tool and when she returned Max had made an "executive decision" and decided to do a complete rebuild. The photo at right shows the beautifully finished final version - very smick!

The photo above right shows the construction method used. The layout is a left up double bed right across the back. This ended up on a frame. Max by the way has an extensive engineering background. Being into restoring classic cars as a hobby he already had all the skills needed to do a conversion.

The photo above left shows the extensive storage (seats removed). The photo above right shows the same area in a finished condition. The work on the front seats certainly paid off as they really look the business.

The photo above left shows the finished kitchen and bedroom areas and the nice neutrally coloured curtains. The photo above right shows the modified bumper area complete with a pair of jerrycan holders. Note the number plate. Max still uses the same one 10 years down the track!

The photo above left of course shows the impressive front view with a really solid bull bar. The photo at right shows in detail the jerrycans and sullage pipe holders. When completed the unit just wouldn't develop horse power and of course was dreadful on hills. This turned out to be no lift because of a very badly worn cam shaft. Max did test drive the unit before handing over his hard earned dosh, BUT he only tried it on flat roads. The huge lesson here is to ALWAYS pop onto a dynamometer if you have the slightest doubt that the unit lacks power. We didn't actually get to see this unit in the flesh, however Max and Dorothy kindly loaned us their treasured photo album so that others could possibly learn from their project.