AmbuLand Build Thread, ( 2001 E350 ambulance )

[Abitibi]

Thanks!

For the long cuts I used a tablesaw where I slowly raise the blade through the ply then run I'd for a little less than the full length. For the rest, steady hand and jigsaw

Cheers
David

"Another great day ruined by responsibilities"

[Abitibi]

Time for an update!

It would have come sooner but I lost my whole text when I tried posting pictures and it sucks starting all over again. But I'm so happy with this latest project that I just can't let it stop the ambo update

The poptop is officially on and it's amazing! So much more room and lights, love it!

Given I was working alone I had to figure a way to load this top way up...


Went pretty easy. Next I had to secure and seal it. I used closed cell foam and Sikaflex on each side of the foam.

To make sure the fiberglass would get minimal stress I used long strips of aluminum to sandwich the RTT base to the ambo roof.

Now that the "Attic" was in place I went ahead and took the ambo on a roadtrip (if driving from Vancouver to Tacoma counts!) but hey, I got to spend my first night in the new queen size bed! And all the preps paid off, I came across a bid downpour on my way to pick up my new project and not a drop of water came in, weather tight!!!

While in Tacoma I had to stop to "The Valley"! Great little bar with bands and amazing sandwiches!

[Abitibi]

So at the end, what did that net me?

An extra bed for the kids (queen size), amazing headroom with the top up but also around 6'6" of headroom with the top down if I stack the bed floor panels at one end or simply take them off which is quite easy. With all the panels in bed mode I still get 5'8" of headroom, not bad!

Since this bed is for our kids I can easily remove the smaller 20" wide panel at the end for easy access and still have 5'9" worth of mattress. If I end up using the bed I simply lift/tilt that same panel to get in and out, easy.

With the top up I lift the 3 bed floorboards at each ends for full clearance. Still need to round up the corners, wrap with carpet those boards, cut the mattress and rel-upholster it to fit the panels but at least it's usable as is.

Quick drawing to show how the panels flip up and more pics from the interior, enjoy!

[Abitibi]

And onto replacing the ceiling and all the cabinets, oh dear!

[Nrobert10]

Looking good!

[86Scotty]

Awesome. I've been talking about doing this with a friend of mine, possibly on a Suburban or Tahoe cheap donor. I have questions. I'll be PMing you. Sorry about the chips.

[B350]

Cool! Nice work on the new penthouse. Nice new project too!

[larrie]

The ambo looks great.

Are you going to tell us about the blue and white van it is towing?

[Abitibi]

86Scotty, feel free to shoot me questions, anytime!

And for Larrie, that oldie is my latest project I just picked up out of Tacoma
She's a '69 original camper/poptop factory conversion. Still got it's original paint and interior (but that interior needs a lot of love!). It's not gonna happen overnight as I already have plenty on the go but retirement is creeping up... gotta keep busy!

[Abitibi]

Thought I'd post a few updated interior pictures now that it's finally coming together.

Still got a few projects to deal with (we all know they never end) but just finishing a 2 weeks trip in Nevada with the family and I'm stoked with how it all worked out.

Excuse the masking tape around the cabinets edge! I only managed to prime the cabinets so far
Anyway, here's a few shots, cheers!




















Cheers
David

"Another great day ruined by responsibilities"