This Wasn't My Plan Mercedes Vario Wheel refurbishment

[@zack9633]

Very nice job. I did mine with a coat of rust convertor before painting them, and used a deck of cards inserted between the rubber and the steel rim to mask the tyre.

[@davidsanderson3902]

Its good - I do also like to hear your cheerful descriptions too

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated 👍🍻

[@WagnerGimenes]

As long as we keep getting videos from you, Mel, carry on as you wish! Thanks and the wheel look great.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@peterwise143]

Thanks for this video. I was thinking about doing the wheels on my VW LT35 but thought that one had to take the tyres off of refurbish the wheels. Now I will try this myself.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad I could help!

[@johncollins2966]

That was a massive improvement on the wheels. Looked really nice. 😊😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@marcdewilde518]

Hi Mel! Seeing you actually do things is much more appealing to me than listening to what you have been doing, so yes I'm much in favor of the new format. Greetings from Flanders!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@martyncleaver3961]

Just found you on KZbin and loving your videos. My wheels on my Toyota Hiace campervan need doing and you have just shown me how to do it, cheers👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for taking the time to comment it’s really nice to hear that my videos have helped someone good luck with the wheels 👍🤓👍

[@robinboro1]

Mel I would recommend changing that particular tyre as it is badly perished/cracked on the sidewall. Check the date code on the tyre they may never have been changed.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m on it now thanks 👍

[@mikeleach8242]

Mel. May I suggest you fit new wheel cones. Whether you have split or non split cones . They loose there tension , possibly resulting in wheel nuts coming loose. Wheels have been known to fall off. Without to much warning. Use Febi or Merc cones. They are not expensive. Cheaper than new wheel . Wheel studs in long run. Great videos.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@zenzen9131]

Nice video Mel :) One quick tip when painting wheels is to buy a cheap pack of playing cards and stuff them in between the rim and tyre all the way around to stop any overspray :)

[@exploresandtosummit]

I used a old deck of playing cards when painting wheels, place them round the rim slightly overlapping, provides a high enough shield. 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah I wasn’t that bothered as the Tyers are really bad and I’m going to replace them soon

[@geoff2373]

Yes please mel more workshop vids please.😁

[@heriotpayne]

Hi great video but one thing i did note is that you did not change the taper spring washers when you replaed the wheel . having worked on merc vans and trucks for some time i can say we had problems with the wheels coming loose after refitting due to washer failure. The washers get brittle and snap after a while causing the wheel to come loose and move on the hub elongating the bolt holes and scraping the wheel . The washers were cheep to buy and gave peace of mind that the wheel would stay in place until service work was required . Imagine sitting at the top of a mountain road with a loose and knocking wheel milea from a merc dealer not fun . Was called out thre or four times to this sort of failure before we worked out what the problem was . After washer replacement of the wheels on vehicles in our fleet we never had the problem again hope all vario owners find this helpfull

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience we are all now ordering washer’s for our Varios I’ll be collecting them from mane dealer hopefully Monday cheers 🍻 👍

[@skookumjack]

Well Mel. Having skimmed through the first 50 or so comments, it seems you did about everything wrong that you could! Well done. Nobodies perfect.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hahah I’m such a rebel 🤣👍👍

[@Prestigeandclassic]

looks nice Mel

[@ChristopherSmith-o5x]

A cracking job Mel . Time consuming but worth it in the end.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

The workshop is vital to us for our van conversion at the moment. It’s not an everyday opportunity and will soon be naturally ending - so we are making the most of it while we can. Some peoples vanlife isn’t all travel and epic trips. Sometimes it’s just the daily grind and putting in the hours. PLUS even though we work on KZbin, we don’t have endless funds to go on ‘said’ travels. We both have to work really hard to make ends meet. So if you’d like to see us travel and do more - perhaps consider supporting the channel goings forwards 🥰

[@howardtennant5766]

Well done Mel looks the dudas well worth doing 👍

[@toastiesvanbuild4644]

The different format is actually quite relaxing to watch. I overheated a Parkside sander this year. I guess you need these things to cool down Every so often.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏 and yes I think I over cooked it but then it was old

[@stuartchapman5171]

Parkside is the own brand for Lidl power tools, also their biscuits as well back in the day, bizarre, digestives and disc cutters lol.

[@lawrencecrowe1214]

Quick tip. Paint the tyre with washing up liquid. Paint the wheel ( with paint) when dry wash off. Paint doesn't stick to the Fairy.

[@johnm-wv6bo]

i wanted to tell him that spoil sport 😩😩😩😩😩

[@lawrencecrowe1214]

@@johnm-wv6bo You snooze....😉

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Good tip!

[@Azurren]

Absolutely fantastic job on that wheel Mel! I thought it was obvious to all of us that those tyres are going to be replaced soon but judging by some of the comments it may have been worth mentioning in the video :P Heaven forbid you overspray onto a duff tyre!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Everything i use in my camper van you will find here in my Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld this is an affiliate link so every time you make a purchase i make a small commission good news it doesn't cost you any extra but it helps me to continue to make these videos. thank you.

[@sueb8270]

A nice change, very relaxing to watch 😊 good bit of variety 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@reddave8628]

Tbh i like to hear you giving a bit of commentary on your videos. Always makes me laugh 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@martinfield1484]

Good job done Mel certainly brightens it up

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 👍

[@david1976aful]

I like the new format, but then I liked the old one too. 👍🏻

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to answer really appreciate your feedback

[@TheQuadman200]

Nice job I do hope the tyres are not too old!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

They are older than me lol they are going to be replaced soon

[@martinbrown7587]

Slide a bit of old coolant hose over the tyre valve before spraying the wheel to mask it gives it a better finished look to the wheel.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

That’s brilliant that 👍🍻🍻

[@Indigopop]

I like the new format with you not talking 👌 And what's happened to Rebecca? Starting to miss her 😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

I’ll be back very soon! Nice to be missed ❤

[@petehall9827]

Great video as always Mel but just not the same without your cheery disposition in it 👍

[@jamesgibb9737]

Excellent video mate really enjoyed it and the wheels look great!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@somethingblueboatlifecambr1112]

Hi Mel I personally enjoy you banter during you videos and miss the waffle not just on a wednesday thats part off the charm off you channel please talk mate cheers long time subsciber Gary

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for your support and taking the time to comment really appreciated 🍻👍

[@bodkin40]

Use playing cards pushed round the edge of the rim for masking up

[@teeth2k]

Top job that

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🍻👍

[@art969bones]

Keep up the good work Mel I am watching along with great interest on this Vario project I am loving your videos today just as much today as I have over the years past. PS.. I to miss the waffle on a Wednesday too.😉👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Hi thank you so very much I will be be bringing waffle bake when I have finished the vario it just takes time to film 👍

[@petemoring67]

Smokin' !!! ... 🙂

[@alanjohn6355]

Hi mell, format is good, but even a little small talk is good, love the look of the wheels, but would have liked to know the products used as well.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment I did try and show the side of the can when I was painting it was just hammeriight

[@Leatherkid01]

Nice job on the inside rim as its pretty crusty.... 👍 the dead grinder .. how old was it? When i refurb rims .... black is the way to go for me... easier and more flexible to paint .... not as hard to balance out.... if you know what i mean.

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

love the new video style to shake creativity up a bit. Make the most of every day there, as it soon won't be! XX

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I will try!

[@andymiles6443]

Dare I say it Mel..... I did offer you another grinder, so sorry your one blew up !!!! But was nice to see you using another with a guard !!!

[@Tom111060]

I saw you having your extension rolled up while using the grinder for quite q time ... I'm sure you now about cables forming a coil when under surge - better have an eye on it ...

[@markymarks3805]

Nice rim job, miss the chat though,

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Hi, I think that the new format works well for jobs like the wheels. It's not an instructional lesson on how to paint wheels, rather a quick vlog to show the progression of getting a van back on the road and the steps required. I'm sure you get the drift here. When you did the scuttle refit, this format would not have worked, as it wouldn't have shown the thought process you undertook to get a great repair done, nor would it have explained why certain things were done. Eitherway, another great video. 👋

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks for taking the time to comment that’s really helpful 👍🍻

[@johnshaw4140]

That wheel looks lovely Mel , good luck with the other 6 ( I assume that you'll give the spare the same treatment ) but what a pain that your grinder motor burned out , take care , good luck

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@cdunphy457]

Liked it seemed like a lot of work good effort I have always liked you repairing fixing stuff

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@jimnyjolly278]

Once you start.... Fair play, a lot of work if you do all of the wheels. Keep talking though Mel. YOU make the channel work.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I wouldn't have bothered torquing down the wheel nuts - wheels are going to come back off to sort those brake discs,. Are the calipers sticking ?

[@bettyourcampervan]

Another fab video Mel 👍

[@philipwalker5702]

Mel has a X HGV fitter you should never paint wheels or hubs where they come into contact when that paint starts flaking it can cause a gap causing wheel nuts to come loose should be clean steel on clean steel

[@mikeleach8242]

Totally agree there’s a whole DoT paper on loose wheels and there causes. Somewhere on internet.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh that’s interesting thank you 👍🍻

[@ifell3]

Great new format 🤙

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@adeh503]

Nice Mel, very nice 👌

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@phbrand8548]

I like it better when your talking. Nothing wrong with some background noise.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to respond really appreciate your feedback 👍🍻

[@HLnotHL]

Another great video Mel 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 😁

[@JasonGilliland-tw5qx]

Think I would of replaced the tyres at the same time

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

New Tyers are on there way I’ll be fitting them myself wish me luck 😂👍

[@johnbottomley9956]

Just a suggestion I've seen someone use a pack of playing cards and place them all round the wheel between hub and tyre hope this helps

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Brilliant

[@denisecafferky2248]

That looks sooooo much better

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@timstradling7764]

Horses for courses Mel. This format works well for this task, whilst your usual chatty style is better suited to jobs that require more explanation and reasoning out . Nice job, smartens the van up😊😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for taking the time to comment that’s really helpful and you definitely are right about that I’ll carry on doing what I do and do this style of video as and when suits 👍🍻

[@kinross24]

Those tyres have been tyres too long. Lots of perished rubber. Renew

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

New ones are on there way 👍

[@Bothy666]

A good old brake dust , they used to be asbestos in them don’t know if they still contain asbestos though, but glad you’re got mask on 😁👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yeah that’s why I did it outside 👍😂👍

[@banntheman7925]

Miss your Talking Mel don't like all the peace But It@s up to you from Sunny Skeggy UK

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍🤓👍

[@Pugwash.]

I treat all of your videos as experimental so keep going :) The wheel looks good although I'd have painted black, to hide the incoming dirt and grime.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you that’s very kind of you to say 👍

[@surchin4serenity474]

Instead of trying to mask the tyre, let the air out then using a paintbrush, paint the sidewall with washing-up liquid. After the paint has dried just wash the overspray off with a hose and soft brush. 🖖

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great idea

[@bobhope5773]

Why must an extension cord be unwound completely? If electrical cables are wound up like the cable of a cable reel, the heat is naturally difficult to dissipate. This in turn can melt the outer insulation of the cable and the insulation on the cores. To avoid overheating the cable, it should always be completely unwound from the drum body.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Correct 👍

[@mentalneil]

Wheels look great mate

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you 🙏

[@burcotwoody9657]

It Was like watching Tony Hart back in the seventies, just needed some cool music and when that grinder went pop I thought they had just elected a new pope 😂😂 Top job

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha thank you 👍

[@clarkington_uk1567]

Get a pack of playing cards and stick them in the rim - much easier than cutting card!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Great idea 👍

[@rockingrodders8551]

Hi Mel..grinder definitely took one for the team..Those tires must of seen plenty of curb wear (couldn't see any information on it)..wheels came up a treat tho..Nice one.✌️

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you new tyers on there way and I’ll try fitting them myself 👍

[@rockingrodders8551]

@BigVanSmallWorld thanks for the reply..are you going for the zip tie method..? Cheers Mel..✌️

[@dutchglobetrotter6464]

Better than new!

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you ☺️

[@alanmoore6638]

Like the new format, wheels look great, rubbish masking/overspray 😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Fair enough!😂🤣👍

[@stek2190]

Use deck of cards to paint alloy

[@Wayne-world]

Look great 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you! Cheers!🍻

[@johnm-wv6bo]

that paint brush looks rougher than me in a morning.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It’s been around as long as I have too 👍🤣😂

[@DHarris37]

Like the new format but not for everything. Maybe alternate the styles of vid ie one concentrate on the van, next a general shed catch up and I know most would love to see waffle on a weds return with troll of the week. You know we all love a quick question 😂😂😂

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@irnbruo3-ps6np]

Wheels gleaming really sets the van off ,pity about the grinder but cheap as chips these days ,and still cheaper that blasting wheels 👍👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and yeah I got i grinder from Aldi lol

[@HonkyHorton]

Nothing wrong with the video Mel. But I like a bit of waffle as you work. Maybe tell us what you are doing as you do it but as a voiceover. Wheel looks great 👍

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Ok thanks 🙏

[@ianwheeler7903]

I like the new format Mel. You could do with some knee pads for when you are working on a cold concrete surface. Also I take it that you will be changing the tyres before it goes on the road, as the first one in the clip appears to be cracking on the side walls. Keep up the great work on the wheels.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you and yes new Tyers ordered 👍

[@welshieonwheels]

More work less talk 😂get it , no worries, I do like listening to you though ! wheels look great lots of hard work well done good luck 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thanks 👍

[@sidpf1972]

Reminds me of that film the plank ,no not having a go Just saying no talking

[@daviedaniel8225]

Please put a mask on when spraying

[@kantaralak.billlbill1857]

Show room condision mel, fine skills

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@georgekeay6939]

Hi mel sorry but painting matching faces of hub and inner wheel big no no wheels won't stay tight

[@PtangPtangBiscuitBarrelSmith]

I might have been inclined to either raptor or hammerite paint them. and hopefully that's that job for a few years.

[@captainhookrecovery5580]

It was Hammerite !!!

[@PtangPtangBiscuitBarrelSmith]

@@captainhookrecovery5580 what in the rattle can?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Correct 👍

[@GaryWilson-c7g]

Please click the KZbin link Mel. Masking out wheels the easiest way 😊 Loving the new build mate...

[@mjtherapyclinic1820]

Nice I’ve got 6 of those if you want some more practice 😂

[@garethsullivan]

Hope you are going to replace those cracked tyres. I'm not sure about the new format, your personality is one of the main reasons I watch your videos.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes they’re going don’t worry it’s all coming up soon 👍

[@piperssonpipersson7581]

What happened to waffle on a wednesday and will it return at some point

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Due to time restrictions I will start Waffle when the new van is done 👍

[@897aa33]

I am tired of seeing this shed. Missing old-time videos and waffles on Wednesday .

[@Pootz1000]

Definitely agree about the Wednesday waffles

[@tjtravelsandadventures]

It’s an easy solution. Just go to another channel or wait until Mel is ready to go on a trip or two.

[@897aa33]

@tjtravelsandadventures that's what I normally do. Mel asked if I liked the new format. Hence, I commented to help Mel with the channel. And I have to admit old videos were more fun, and that's why I subscribed.

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Thank you for your comment i will be bringing waffle bake when I have finished the van 👍

[@mariogajewski6069]

Where's the other half😊

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

working

[@SACREDTRAVELLER]

I’ll be back on the channel soon. Been working on my own KZbin channel and in my therapy business behind the scenes ❤

[@munkehpower]

you know you can get onee of those grinders to run on 12 volts 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

I’m not sure about that 😂🤣👍

[@disco535]

I prefer you talking mate makes me feel I'm actually there and your talking to me good work on the wheel though

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Glad you enjoyed thank you for your feedback really appreciated 👍

[@toastiesvanbuild4644]

👍

[@loosewheels1000]

Remember Mel, you can't please all the people all of the time, so some will like your new format, others won't,

[@chris4631]

Time to invest in a new paint brush Mel

[@kodithebear]

Wouldn't taking the tyres off and painting be better?

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Yes next video you’ll see how that goes 🤣👍

[@garethbarker9498]

Would have been a better idea to have painted that wheel when you replaced the tyre.

[@dsmale7067]

Better with your jibber jabber 😀

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha thank you 👍

[@deenunya7735]

Nothing like grinding and sanding next to a camper van lol Why didnt you just out masking tape around the rim then newspaper over the Tyre,the spray paint the wheel

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

To much fuss plus the tyres are going

[@patrickjobling8676]

Geewizzers me ol mucker .. them there graffiti spraying techniques ..leads me to believe .. you could very well be the notorious...banksy ...😎..is he in heaven or is he in hell ..the damed elusive pimpanel (with a spraycan)...

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Haha love it 👍😂👍🍻🍻

[@robjones4662]

Please Dont paint the mating surface

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

It was only wafer thin 👍

[@robjones4662]

I known but it’s not good practice but any way you’re doing a good job enjoy

[@teppohovattala5171]

Noou, im only here becouse accent :D

[@BigVanSmallWorld]

Oh thank you that’s really kind of you to say 🍻👍