Acquiring the Podcast Van
The Renault Master van, previously used as a minibus and later as the Car Throttle podcast bus, had been rendered obsolete by Covid restrictions. CT editor-in-chief Alex seized the opportunity to acquire it for me, knowing my affinity for older vehicles. The plan was to share ownership with my friend Osman, who had been struggling to get his community podcast off the ground.
Bringing the Van Back to Life
The van had been stationary for months, and our first challenge was to get it started. Initial attempts using boost packs and jump leads were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until Gareth arrived with two sets of jump leads connected simultaneously that the engine finally roared to life.
The Journey Home
With the van operational, we embarked on the 200-mile journey home. However, we soon discovered that the fuel gauge was non-functional, and the battery was on its last legs. We played a game of chicken, pushing our luck until we had to stop for fuel. The battery eventually died, and we had to replace it with a £149.99 Bosch unit.
Restoration and Conversion
Upon returning home, we began stripping out the van. The process revealed a myriad of issues, including a dead battery and faulty wiring. Dave, our ‘Mr Fix It,’ was roped into the project with the promise of using the van as a surf bus. He enthusiastically dove into the task, stripping out the interior, replacing the wiring, and touching up the paintwork.
Planned Modifications
The van is slated to become a Swiss Army knife, serving as a podcast studio for Osman, a workhorse for me, and a day van for Dave. Planned modifications include a chunky sound system, roof-mounted speakers, a retractable kitchen area, and possibly an outdoor shower.
Conclusion
The journey to restore and convert the Renault Master van is underway. With Dave at the helm, we’re confident that this vehicle will live on, serving multiple purposes and creating new memories. The podcast bus will continue its legacy, albeit in a different form.
