This Old Van by The Block's Carlene and Michael Duffy | REVIEW

Yes, the rugged old Millards, Viscounts, Airstreams and others are being dragged out of overgrown backyards and lovingly restored. Some even select the towing vehicles to match - and don't they cut a great sight on the road and draw attention wherever they go!

With caravanning continuing to boom across the country - and waiting lists for new motorhomes anything up to 18 months - it's no wonder that many people are opting to renovate their own vintage van.

But where to start?

In This Old Van, former The Block contestants Carlene and Michael Duffy share tips, tricks and wisdom they have learned on their own projects.

They take you through what to look for when buying a second-hand van and budgeting through to spatial planning and colour palettes.

There are photographs of the couple's many van conversions, as well as instructional illustrations.

The transformation, they say, may take a few weeks or a few years - but they promise it's always worth it.

Carlene and Michael have renovated five vans - Millie, Vonnie, Dolly, Bumblebee and Goldie. They feature throughout the book, providing case studies about what and what not to do.

"Vintage vans are old and have often lived hard lives," they write. "The trick is to embrace the odd bump and scratch here and there, and accept that even though the overhead cabinets may not be overly practical - with their small openings and awkward layouts - they are a gentle reminder that your van has a history."

This Old Van by Carlene and Michael Duffy (Hardie Grant) RRP $42.99.