Well………I’m a little overwhelmed by the response! Thanks to
everyone for replying. Some great ideas, definitely.

Wood replacements where my first thought. Having built everything from
a roll-top desk to a water bed, I thought this would be an easy
challenge. But I’m no Norm Abram's and don’t have a “Yankee
Workshop” over here. If I was home in Phoenix….different story.

The Krylon Fusion paint is available in the UK and I’ve ordered a
couple colors and some primer.

The ceiling panel is the largest panel requiring “color
modification” and has the largest surface “behind” for testing.
I’m pretty sure is ABS, but the guy at the store I bought from tells
me it should paint without difficulty. If not, the primer will solve
the problem (or so he tells me).

Dave…the name of this “thing” seems to be up for debate. So far,
I’ve had three specialists look at it. All three have called it
something different. However, the manufacture stamp on the frame as
Renault with the “Traffic” serial code stamped beside it. The
manual, on the other hand, says Renault Winnebago. And the registration
says Renault Traffic Winnebago. It must have had an engine replaced at
some time because the diesel engine is definitely Italian. I think this
is one of those “we’ll all chip in” models. I ordered brakes for
it last week, and the pads ended up being compatible with a Renault
Traffic van from the same year, so I guess we have a winner!

There are no vinyl covered parts in this, thank God! So I don’t have
to worry about that.

Being American, and living in the UK, I seem have a different approach
to solving the various problems this project is throwing up. But the
best part is definitely sharing the results with everyone. I seem to
surprise even the experts!

Thanks again for the posts and ideas. You guys are the greatest! 