Want to make a quick-removable bulkhead - any ideas?

[mike257]

Hey guys,

I'm getting stuck into my crew van conversion over the next few weeks, but since some of the odd jobs I've picked up in the van have involved moving LAAARGE items, I'd like to go for maximum flexibility with my layout. I'm already going for Unwin tracking for my extra seats, but I got thinking about the bulkhead.

I'd like to build something that will be solid and safe for day to day use, but that I could remove fairly easily if I'm required to shift anything that wouldn't fit in my reduced load area.

Purely just brainstorming, I was wondering if a chunky timber frame up the sides and across the roof, a bulkhead cut to fit to it (possibly in two halves for easier shifting) and a fairly chunky locking mechanism around the edges at as many points as would be required (like these? - http://tiny.cc/olxsk) would be the beginnings of a workable design.

Anybody done anything similar, have any thoughts on the above, or just think I'm taking crazy pills?

[mike257]

Just to make a bit more sense of it, I've done a top quality design blueprint on Paint...



So there'd be uprights at either side of the van (with the frame continuing along the ceiling), and the bulkhead would be split into two pieces - made of a light timber frame, stuffed with insulation and boarded/carpeted both sides. The board on the crew side would extend greater than the width of the opening to cover the join and keep it looking tidy. The load side would have the locking mechanism (those little grey squares - possibly butterfly catches as in the link above) fitted on the uprights, the top, and at the central join between the two bulkhead sections. Could fit a rubber/neoprene seal at all the contact points to make a nice snug fit.

Anyone with a little more nous and experience than me care to comment? I'm alright on the DIY round the house, but I want to do this right and make sure it's safe and secure for my passengers!