Popping my top - Page 10

boywonder · 09-20-2014, 08:20 PM

Seat panel construction: biscuits, all-thread, PVA glue & Tee nuts

New wheels & tires: ATX teflon Mojaves with Nitto Terra Grapplers 285/70-16's.

JWA · 09-21-2014, 04:04 AM

Nice looking van from the outside---I'm becoming a fan of that color.

Also like your interior, very creative and useful way to deal with the Club Wagon-type interior.

Nice craftsmanship too---impressive!

boywonder · 09-21-2014, 11:31 AM

thanks! .....at this rate, the van should be completed mid 2016!! My day job keeps getting in the way......

JWA · 09-22-2014, 04:49 AM

At least you have an end date---that's progress of a sort, right?

Even though my van is just work related there's no end to the things I want to add, projects halfway done but it does seem when the motivation to dive back in work or some other excuse pops up. For me its too easy to let things slide because my van is 100% functional for its purpose, has heat and A/C along with every other thing needed to make it operational.

Even though I'm looking for its replacement I'll be refining things until this one leaves my possession.

No end date in site................

boywonder · 10-04-2014, 07:52 PM

Got a few things done today......finished fabricating the controller/switch panel, now I just need 6 more switches plus a few spares.....

The panel is 1/8" aluminum sheet bead blasted finish.

I have no idea what I'm going to use 7 switches for, but I'm quite sure they'll all be used for something by the time I'm done. I left a little space on the panel for a few more.

I also got the seat panels done, and trimmed out one of the rear boxes with aluminum angle. You can see the aluminum trim at the very top of the picture.

Hopefully more to come tomorrow......

**BroncoHauler** · 10-04-2014, 08:13 PM

Beautiful looking power/switch panel. IMO, you can never have too many switches available.

One question though. Have you thought about mounting a fuse for each switch on the front of the panel?

Herb

SCBrian · 10-05-2014, 05:49 AM

I think everything is coming together nicely.

Question about the seat/bed combo. The bottom looks wide in the pic. Might be just the angle?? To convert to the bed do you just simply pull the frame up and then lay in the channel. Is it very heavy or awkward??

boywonder · 10-05-2014, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Beautiful looking power/switch panel. IMO, you can never have too many switches available.

One question though. Have you thought about mounting a fuse for each switch on the front of the panel?

Herb

Now that you mention it Herb, I have a small pile of panel mount fuse holders.........I'll have to go dig them up.

I bought a 6 circuit Blue Sea fuse block for this project, but now you've got me thinking....

Brian: I'll post a few pics of the seat/bed panels in their various locations/positions.

boywonder · 10-05-2014, 12:53 PM

A few more pictures of the seat/bed panels:

The "seat bottom" panel slides in a 3/4" wide x 1" tall channel. This allows the seat bottom to slide forward about 14" when making it into a bed. The channel allows for cantilever loading of this panel. I'm 6'1" and wanted a reasonably long bed; it's about 78" long. I am going to design a nifty support for the overhanging corner when in bed mode, still thinking......

The seat back slides out and lays down to become part of the bed.

The aluminum behind the seat back is angle, allowing easy tilt-up access under the panel.

The present plan is to have three large cushions upholstered, most likely 4" foam. I've got a rough quote for that. Additionally, the area to the right of the seat will also get a bottom and back cushion making somewhat of a "chaise" feature. This space will come in handy when sleeping as well.

There will be a Fridge/Micro cabinet attached to the front of the "chaise" area behind the driver's seat.

These panels are all 39.5" wide so they can also be used as a bed in the penthouse.

boywonder · 10-05-2014, 12:56 PM

A few more pics......