Now that Belinda is road legal, I can start to enjoy her and the first place I took her last night was to see her Uncle Mark (Dunmore). The max speed I've had is about 55mph so far and at "max chat" the engine does sound very harsh, accompanied by some vibration from the upper bulkhead although when not pushed too hard, the car does sound quite sweet and drives rather nicely. The steering also seems to be a little bit stiff but no doubt, I'll find all sorts of stuff that needs tinkering with over the next couple of months.

I had a chat with Mark about my plans for the Bedouin and I'm unsure as the way ahead, so I thought I'd gain opinion from the forum about some of my ideas. Before I carry on, please remember that these are only ideas and they may seem a bit wacky or downright stupid, so please don't be afraid of telling me what you think.

Idea 1
Try to keep the car as original as possible by perservering with the tent.



I have the tent and some poles but I don't think they are all present. I personally think it looks a bit silly but if enough of you thought that I'd be making a mistake by doing otherwise I'd be happy to keep the car as intended. The roof folds back on the frame to form the base of the tent:

.

I order to make this work properly, I'd also have to lose the flimsy aluminium false roof and put something more substantial in as a base for the upper sleeping area.



Idea 2
My next idea, my favourite (and possibly stupidest) is to ditch the false roof altogether, substitute the middle windows for metal and turn the interior into a micro-camper with the upper roof hinging up with tent like sides in order to provide increased headroom. If I can hinge the front seats forward, the load area could be converted into ample sleeping space with enough room for cupbards along the side where the middle windows are now. The following pic also shows an idea for the colour scheme but which would be more like the stripey heat exchangers.



Idea 3
A 3rd idea is to just forget the camper idea, ditch the upper roof altogether and substitute the false roof for either a stronger permanent one or a fabric roof that folds back on rails along the whole length.

So what do you lot think then? Am I a looney?

idea 2
keep all the windows and sleep in the space created by the roof going up

or if you wanted to lose a window make it the rear side window
My oppinon if you dont like it dosent matter

Keep it original, i like how you can turn up and set up a tent without emptying the boot... just fold out.

Slow is cool by the way.

Idea 1 with look of idea 2. If original, too much windows for me, too open for everyone. I like the idea of middle window of.

i agree with Max, i say keep it original

??

idea 1!

ok... i had barely any sleep... added with malibu... vodka... coke... lucozade.... experimenting... oh and spending the night in a 2man pop up tent in my mates garden with 2 other people...

i need sleep... and more alcohol....

i meant max

Sounds like you were a bit too close there mate

Bertie,
second picture...
forget bonnet sledging, 'group roof sledging' may now be an option at 2CV events?

ken.