Spring Update

So it's been quite a while since my last update, our first family Christmas has been and gone, and then it's been some pretty awful weather, which has limited what I could do.

Now the better weather has arrived, I've been busy on the van again, and I finally have some progress to share.

First up was a re-work of the rear flooring.  I'd cut it a bit short, as I didn't have the  rear threshold panel when I originally did it.  I cut back the flooring to a point which after much measurement, would be under the seat frame, and thus hidden.

Then after much more careful measuring and cutting, the new flooring is done, and looks much better now it all sits under the threshold.

The next big job I had to tackle was the propper fitting of the 112cm RIB Altair seat.  This was quite involved, as I had to remove most of the plastic under panels from the van, to get access to the securing bolts.  This pretty much took all day, and involved a lot of measuring and head scratching.  There was even a strop thrown in for good measure.  Thankfully I've a very understanding fiance, who was able to help, and actually came up with a solution!  (You've no idea how much it pains me to write this)

Here is the full installed finished article.

The main wardrobe/cupboard unit is now in place, but not secured down, while I route final cables, and set mounting points up.  One job I'd yet to do, but had not been looking forward to, was installing the power controls. Eberspacher controller, and the mains switches.  I really wanted these to be dead square, and  well placed, so lots of measuring, and checking, and a few cardboard templates were used.

I'm pretty happy with the result, and I still have space to add an LED spot light, which is something I've been considering.

Plenty more to come in the next few weeks.  Thankfully the addition of my little helper has been invaluable.

Eberspacher Fitting

So one thing I loved about my old T25, was that I had an Eberspacher D2 fitted, which meant year round use, and lots of cosy evenings in the van.

It will come as no surprise, that I've planned on fitting the D2 in the new van  However, given the different layout it has taken a bit longer to figure out the best place to fit it.  I opted to fit it under the drivers seat, pulling cold air from the cab floor, and direct the rear vent directly into the rear space.

Fitting the unit was pretty straight forward as usual, being careful with the cutting, and ensuring all the new holes in the floor were rust proofed and painted.  There was a little bit of trimming the rubber flooring away to get a snug fit, but nothing too major.  The most complex part was dropping the tank to fit the fuel pick-up stand pipe.

The wiring is still loose in the back as the cabling for the controller and power etc need hiding away.

Heater tucked under the drivers seat.

 The tell-tale exhaust poking out from underneath.

If I can offer one piece of advice to anyone wishing to fit their own, don't do it on a very cold dark winters day!   Think ahead, buy it and fit it in the summer / autumn. You wont regret it!  If you use your van daily, they are a god send,  no more defrosting the windscreens in the morning, set the timer, and let the van warm up for you before you get in it.

If you look around on eBay you can pick up some bargains in Spring and Summer.  Especially ex BT van units, which come with a built in 1 hour timer, but there is an easy way to bypass this, or simply swap the controller out for a non BT software version one.

Furniture Progress

Just a very quick update for now,  the vast majority of the furniture construction is now done.

Just a worktop to shape and fit, a small rear shelf to add, and some holes to cut for sockets, and the Sargent controller etc.

I'd love to hear your comments on the work so far.

Furniture Update

So yet again it's been a while since my last post, but this time I've got something to show for the time.

The main cupboard / wardrobe, with the tambour door fitted.

The lower shelf isn't secure in yet, as I need to make a trapdoor in it to access the Leisure battery.

Central  cupboard finished which will house the water carrier and gas cylinder.  Also behind the door will be a small concealed cutlery drawer.

The 'ikkle drawer!

Next up will be fitting and securing the furniture in place, then starting to wire up the electrics.

Start of final construction

After finishing the mock furniture, it's time to start the proper units.  I have opted for a driftwood units, topped with a black granite effect worktop.  All constructed with 15mm lightweight ply.

I've started on the large unit at the back, and the unit to house the fridge and the gas/water.  I'll get some more photos as the build progresses.

Lots to be getting on with over the next few days, I'll try and keep this updated as much as possible.

New stoppers

In a break from the usual blog posts about converting the van, this one is about basic maintenance.

The discs were looking a bit crusty on the front and back, so its time to replace the lot.  Ok crusty might be an understatement, these things were knackered!!

Only one small snag, and that was the NSR calliper was seized, so that's been replaced,

New stoppers all finished!  Now to get back on with the conversion.

Mock Design Complete

I've finally finished mocking the interior for the van.  I've changed a few bits around and chnaged my mind countless times, but I've now finally settled on a configuration that works for me.  I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Now to work out a small cutlery draw