Finished one small step in my van conversion

[cargovanconversion]

Just finished a mini-project in my van conversion transformation. Over the last two weeks I created and installed a 'hidden' extension shelf under my bed. All cherry hardwood and some cherry ply.
Look here http://cargovanconversion.com/?p=730 to see the details.

[markopolo]

Looks really good.

[garmp]

What a great site!!! You got any how-to's for any one with all thumbs , but a desire? Keep up the good work. Can't wait for the finished product.

[goreds2]

Nice job.

[cargovanconversion]

After finishing the pull-out shelf under the bed, I’ve been quite busy working on the rear doors. I already removed the fabric covered panels and decided to replace them with built-in cabinetry. There is only 3?-4? depth available, but every little bit of storage counts in a van.

As you can see, the cabinet itself is almost finished.



I’m working on the driver’s side rear door, but the other rear door needs one too. To finalize it, I need to create two new fabric covered panels. I haven’t yet decided on the updated fabrics, however they have to be ordered a.s.a.p.

Follow my progress at cargovanconversion.com

[cargovanconversion]

I've been busy this week with cabinetry inside the van's rear doors. Just finished the larger of the two.

Look here for for details and more pics.

[cargovanconversion]

Working on the cabinetry inside the van's rear doors. Just finished the smaller of the two. Next is the installation.


Look here for for details and more pics.

[cargovanconversion]

Finished the installation of the cabinets for both rear doors of my van conversion. The fabric still has to wait a little.

Look here for for details and more pics.

[cargovanconversion]

Van Conversion | Built-in stove cabinet

Decisions now have to be made about a side door cabinet. Features like stove top, exterior folding shelf, interior & exterior access have to be incorporated.

Give me your ideas!

Follow my progress on cargovanconversion.com

[cargovanconversion]

The Cad drawings for my multi purpose cabinet have been drawn up. As all the components and details have been defined, the real work can start.

Follow my progress on cargovanconversion.com

[markopolo]

The sliding cooktop is a very clever idea. How are you dealing with the cooking height difference (inside/outside) the van?

I like the storage you built into the rear doors. Very nice.

[cargovanconversion]

Originally Posted by markopolo

The sliding cooktop is a very clever idea. How are you dealing with the cooking height difference (inside/outside) the van?

The inside is easy. Due to the regular roof of the van (no hi-top), any 'work surface' has to remain at a low level. At approx. 2 feet high, it fits well within the overall interior height; at 5" above the bed, to which it is attached on one side, it allows the user to sit on the bed comfortably while cooking.
Outside is a bit of a compromise, where the top of the cooktop is a couple of inches below the side door window. Fairly high but certainly not inconvenient to cook a meal.

Van.

[cargovanconversion]

Now the drawings are finished, we will start the cabinet by making the decorative strips.

Follow my progress on cargovanconversion.com

[markopolo]

I like the tools I see in some of your photos.
If you lived within 100 miles of me I'd stop by to get some advice for finishing the rear my van. I wish I had carpentry skills like yours.

[cargovanconversion]

Originally Posted by markopolo

I like the tools I see in some of your photos.
If you lived within 100 miles of me I'd stop by to get some advice for finishing the rear my van. I wish I had carpentry skills like yours.

To be fair, I still consider myself a newbie at woodworking after about 2 years of playing around. And only a couple of years ago I almost moved to the Moncton area, so consider me your neighbor anyway.

Van.

[Flashman]

Nice work,

I'm appreciating it more this week, since I've been doing some work to my kitchen cabinets at home, it's amazing how freakin' time consuming it can be. I think it's giving me ambition to get a workshop set up properly though, 80% of the time is in jigging and rigging, which I think would get cut down a bit if I had a benchtop with some pegs, and "calibrated" the bench saw and band saw such that I could set x inches width in a second or two.. and have the bench sander set up..

ATM I'm working off a "workmate" in the kitchen, with handheld saws, so it's all measure, measure, measure and check for squareness umpteen times.

Anyhoo, it's good practice for doing a van, but I think I'm gonna want an area more prepared for "production".

[cargovanconversion]

Originally Posted by Flashman

Nice work,

I'm appreciating it more this week, since I've been doing some work to my kitchen cabinets at home, it's amazing how freakin' time consuming it can be. I think it's giving me ambition to get a workshop set up properly though, 80% of the time is in jigging and rigging, which I think would get cut down a bit if I had a benchtop with some pegs, and "calibrated" the bench saw and band saw such that I could set x inches width in a second or two.. and have the bench sander set up..

ATM I'm working off a "workmate" in the kitchen, with handheld saws, so it's all measure, measure, measure and check for squareness umpteen times.

Anyhoo, it's good practice for doing a van, but I think I'm gonna want an area more prepared for "production".

I'm smiling, because I'm doing the van as a good practice for doing a future kitchen...
I don't know whether a workshop is faster, it certainly is more precise and therefore everything fits better and looks more professional.
And you are right, every little bit is utterly time consuming.

Van.

[cargovanconversion]

In this phase of the project, I'll build the plywood core of the cabinet and share the compartment hidden in the sub base. The use of dadoes is most prominent.

Follow my progress on cargovanconversion.com

[cargovanconversion]

The cabinet is fitted in the van and back in the workshop, the base core is glued up. The cherry frame is finally attached to the front of the cabinet.


Follow my progress on cargovanconversion.com

[markopolo]

That is really nice work.