Have just bought a Talbot Highwayman, need help

007colm

I've just bought a 1988 Talbot Highwayman and I need some help, it's my first campervan.
First, I can't figure out how to open the bonnet, any ideas? I assume it's the same on all Talbots of this age.
Second, I'm not sure if the electrics are working or how to find out. If I plug it into the mains should that recharge the leisure battery? Should the alternator also charge the leisure battery?
Third, is it possible to get replacement cassettes for toilets? Mines missing.
Fourth, I assume I need the electrics working before I know if the gas fridge or water pump is working.
Fifth, anyone know where in Dublin I can get foam cut to size for beds?

I'd appreciate any help/advice, thanks.

spaceHopper

007colm wrote: »

Second, I'm not sure if the electrics are working or how to find out. If I plug it into the mains should that recharge the leisure battery? Should the alternator also charge the leisure battery?

Third, is it possible to get replacement cassettes for toilets? Mines missing.
Fourth, I assume I need the electrics working before I know if the gas fridge or water pump is working.

Hope it was cheap cos it sounds like you didn't check it out before you bought it.

Get a digital volt meter and measure the leisure battery voltage, when the engine has been off for a while then run the engine you should see about 12 V engine off and 13 to 14 on.

Do the same with and with out mians hookup (alway keep engine off for this)

If you are seeing a voltage difference then the battey is charging. I'd be a good idea to take out both batteries and give them a good charge on a battery charger anyway.

007colm

007colm wrote: »

Fifth, anyone know where in Dublin I can get foam cut to size for beds?

I'd appreciate any help/advice, thanks.

There's a mattress place in Capel street where we got ours a couple of years back. On the right hand side of the street just before Mary st/Capel st. junction.

Aidan_M_M

007colm wrote: »

I've just bought a 1988 Talbot Highwayman and I need some help, it's my first campervan.

1. First, I can't figure out how to open the bonnet, any ideas? I assume it's the same on all Talbots of this age.

2. Second, I'm not sure if the electrics are working or how to find out.
If I plug it into the mains should that recharge the leisure battery?

3. Should the alternator also charge the leisure battery?

4. Third, is it possible to get replacement cassettes for toilets? Mines missing.

5. Fourth, I assume I need the electrics working before I know if the gas fridge or water pump is working.


Fifth, anyone know where in Dublin I can get foam cut to size for beds?

I'd appreciate any help/advice, thanks.

1. The bonnet is probably stuck on the catch . Get someone firmly pull on the bonnet pull lever (LH of dash) , while you pull up on the bonnet .

2.Yes it should , unless it's an incredibly basic model with no Mains charger . Highly unlikely .

3. Yes , it should .

4. Yes , it is , your's is probably the older , longer type . MEasure the distance from the end of the cassette space to the door.

5. Yes and no . If it's a manually sparked fridge , it should light without any current in the camper . Obviously you will need mains power for the 220v function , and the 12v charging system working for the 12v function on the fridge . The pump will need the leisure battery working .

007colm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

1. The bonnet is probably stuck on the catch . Get someone firmly pull on the bonnet pull lever (LH of dash) , while you pull up on the bonnet .

2.Yes it should , unless it's an incredibly basic model with no Mains charger . Highly unlikely .

3. Yes , it should .

4. Yes , it is , your's is probably the older , longer type . MEasure the distance from the end of the cassette space to the door.

5. Yes and no . If it's a manually sparked fridge , it should light without any current in the camper . Obviously you will need mains power for the 220v function , and the 12v charging system working for the 12v function on the fridge . The pump will need the leisure battery working .

Thanks, got the bonnet open eventually, it's a 2 man job till I get it fixed.

The space inside the door is 70cm, I think it's the thetford c2/c3/c4 cassette, hopefully I'll pick one up 2nd hand cheaply enough.

Aidan_M_M

TBh they'd be rare S/H . Where are you located?

Macy0161

I think it was a similar age Highwayman that "Practical Motorhome" were doing as a DIY project this year, and I think one of the things they did was replace the toilet. Current issue has the list of projects (I think we still have so I'll try and check and post which issue).