Jack Who?
Jack’s Shack, Campervans and Custom Trucks wasn’t est. in 2017 – though yes that is what it says on the sign. In fact, it began in the dreams of a young lad from Leicestershire in the late 90’s. A young lad that grew up watching his fix-anything dad turn lumps of old metal into beautiful machines with nothing more than his trusty welding gun, a huge bag of spanners (and other assorted tools) and a curious mind.
Today at Jack’s Shack we create bespoke campervans and custom trucks, to the exact specifications of the dreams of others but when Jack were just a lad, his time was spent turning his wacky youthful mind’s thoughts into hard (and often very fast) reality.
To truly understand the ethos that drives Jack and his uber-creative team of mechanics and technicians, you really do need to see what has gone before. And as you peruse the below, ask yourself: ‘if he could do that when he was 14, what could he do with my dream campervan now?’.
Jack's Backyard Creations
The Toy Truck
While most 13 year old boys were, ahem, otherwise engaged, Jack was in his parents' shed, beginning in earnest a career of irritating his neighbours with the whirring of angle-grinders, the whoosh of welding torches and clink of hammer on metal. At some point early in his 13th year he decided that his toy cart, enjoyed greatly in his younger years, needed a 80cc engine, a steering wheel, go-kart tyres, a reappropriated fire extinguisher as a fuel tank and enough horses to have him whipping along at a neighbourhood-watch infuriating 35mph.
The Hulk
By 16 things had escalated and Jack was already set on keeping well away from the norm. Motoring trends be damned, he was going to make his first Mini unique. So, welding torch at the ready, his dreams once again began to take shape. The 'Mini' pictured is actually sitting on a Triumph Herald chassis and, equally peculiarly, it's rear-wheel drive. But the teenage dreams made real do not stop there. Jack was disappointed by the Mini's woeful, if willing, little engine, so decided that a Ford Z-tec Twin-Cam would far better suit his needs.
Lil' Trumper
By this point it should be plain to see that Jack is a man of both humour and creativity. A man of boundless enthusiasm. So it should come as no shock that Lil' Trumper was created when, by chance, Jack saw a 'nice piece of metal' and his mind did the rest. The piece of metal in question certainly did not look like a motorised tricycle to any Average Joe, in fact, it was simply a sort of 'C' shaped piece of metal, that in Jack's eyes morphed into the beginnings of a chassis. Lo and behold, just a few days later, this unassuming 'C' shaped piece of metal had grown into something altogether more exciting.
Escort Mk1 Estate
By 20 it was fair to say that the bug that Jack had would take more than a bit of Benylin to shift and despite the fever, the builds just kept coming. This piece of modern history was treated to a new lease of life with a bespoke and entirely home fabricated air-suspension system, a bespoke handmade interior and a Ford Z-tec engine – the latter meaning that this elderly looking vehicle was actually perfectly reliable and brilliant for the daily commute.
The Beast
And then things got really serious. This, one of Jack's latest creations, has scooped a slew of awards and has set the bar for Custom Trucks in the UK. The little wall-flower has a hefty 6BT Cummins engine with a custom manifold and a whacking great turbo. It's also equipped with custom-fitted air-brakes, an air-suspension system and a bespoke flatbed – that tilts to enable easy loading. Mad Max eat your heart out!
Your Dream Campervan
So, what Jack sees when he looks at the ultra-versatile Volkswagon T6 is an incredible blank canvas. Yes, Jack and the team can make it run-of-the-mill but, for those who dare to dream, we can make something truly unique and utterly perfect just for you.
What Our Customers Think Of Us ...
Posted on Andy SullivanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very happy with the electrics upgrade to our Sprinter van. Frankie and team carried out a very tidy installation and did some other minor works very neatly. Not easy to put new battery and chargers into an existing set-up. But, apart from a minor issue which was sorted later by them without any fuss, it all works great. Price was pretty reasonable too.Posted on Scott BarberTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely thrilled with my Skyline Aurora pop-top, lighting, THQ headlights fitted to my VW T6 as well as a few other little tweaks by Frankie and the team at Jack's Shack – the fit and finish are OEM-quality, with no rattles, and it's transformed my T6 into the day-van I always wanted. The team were spot-on with communication, advice, updates, and a quick demo; turnaround was rapid and at a fair price. Would totally recommend – top job!Posted on Darren BakerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a few upgrades for the Transporter and the workmanship is second to none, all quality materials and superb fitting. Frankie was amazing from start to finish , knowing exactly what would work well and look good and he was not wrong with any of it. Van looks lovely with new blinds in the colour advised. So glad for all the electrical upgrades so much easier to monitor status. Thanks very much for all the input, will definitely be a returning customer and would highly recommendPosted on Bec FieldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cannot thank Frankie enough, he's done an amazing job. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jack's Shack. Work Completed: *Dimmer switches with USB installed. *Fridge installed with custom built kitchen pod. *Swivel plate added to bench seat *Solar Panel Installed *Maxxair fan installation *Ply-lining the roof *Swivel J Table Still the last finishing touches to add so I'll see the guys at Jacks Shack soon :)Posted on Julie ChristmasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Bought a Fiamma awning for my VW T6 camper and the person I had lined up to fit it let me down on a number of occasions. I contacted the guys at Jack's Shack and despite them only normally supplying and fitting they made an exception and booked me in for fitting only. I dropped the camper off around 10.30 and at 1.30 received a message to say it was done. Lovely friendly and knowledgeable guys. Excellent job. Will definitely use them again.Posted on Kimberley KnightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As new van owners and doing our own conversion, Jack and the team were recommended to us. We have not been disappointed at all! As my husband wanted to do some of the work himself, they advised on materials, company's to buy from and any hints and tips from years doing it themselves. This was really lovely of them as they really wanted us to have the van we'd dreamed of. When it came to more technical bits, pop top, flooring, units, battery, sockets, electrics, speakers, these chaps did a fantastic job, again advising on everything as we went. Any tweaks we needed were done too. Honestly, HIGHLY recommend Jack, Frankie and the team. Thanks so much for all of your hard work, the van looks amazing!Posted on Andrew KingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I purchased a Jacks Shack van 4 years ago and it has been superb. The quality of fit out is amazing and I have had some great times in it. Unfortunately I am unlikely to get as much use out of it going forward so I approached Jacks Shack to sell it on my behalf; they were extremely helpful. I was due to drop it off today but at the last moment couldn't bear to part with it so have decided to hang onto it a little longer as it is such a beautiful vehicle. In trepidation I phoned them and they were incredibly understanding. I will certainly be selling it during the course of this year through Jacks Shack. I couldn't recommend them highly enough both for the quality of their vans and their customer service in dealing with such a dithering idiot as myselfPosted on John StevensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We bought our VW Transporter Campervan in Spring 2022. We fell in love with it immediately we saw the paintwork. It had everything we wanted in a capervan, including being a long wheel base with a high quality interior. The team’s work is of a very high standard and they are extremely friendly. Frankie is always helpful whenever we have questions such as what type of bike rack is best, and genuinely interested in our travel experiences. We highly recommend Jack’s Shack for high quality work and friendly service.