"nightjar" cpb@insert my surname here.me.uk gurgled happily, sounding
much like they were saying:

Fitting side widows behind the driver's seat makes the vehicle a car
for VAT purposes, which may affect its resale value.

Eugh -- never knew - or thought - anything about that, Colin. In what
way does it affect the resale value? (I'd would expect it would go *up*
not down as you seem to imply).

A van is preesumed to be for business use, even if there is some
'benefical use' which is more to do with PAYE. Business use of a car has
to be documented. As the main market for second hand vans are
businesses, one that is a car for VAT purposes will be less desirable to
the main buyers. At least car tax has gone, so you won't have to pay
that if you convert a van these days.

As soon as a non-vat-reg "entity" buys it, the vat is paid, and it can
never be "vat-qualifying" again. Plus, few businesses need vans which
have been home-converted into campers...

The point about tolls is a good one - and extends to anywhere that may
draw a line between cars and vans, including the local tip. Many refuse
to let a "van" in - even where it's clearly not for business purposes -
without paying trade waste charges.

As far as the paint goes - it's painted metal. Just like your garage door/
gates/drainpipe etc... Clean it, key it, slap on the Dulux.

Top tip - bare painted metal on the inside of a van makes for a LOT of
condensation if you're kipping in it. Leaving a window open is fine, if
it's not too cold out - and if you're camped somewhere secure. Bear in
mind that a lot of camper vans have been targeted for robberies by
scrotes who fill them with gas to knock the occupants out, before
breaking in. Minimising the risk by not leaving windows open is wise.