AK's Camper conversion - Ex Network rail

[AK]

Sorry guys been a little slow on the updates, mainly because I've had to do some real work, and what I have been doing doesn't show on photo's. I've had a few niggly things to sort out such as the electrics, securing one of the cabinates properly.

Anyway spent the day on it today and managed to get the front seats/bed done.





For now the bed/seats are just a simple 47mm x47mm timber frame with 18mm top on one and 12mm on the other which folds out into a bed. Its a bit basic in that for now I've had to make up some legs to use for when its in bed mode, but they do the job and its solid which is the main thing.

In the future i'll aim to make something up from a couple of steel tube bars etc.

However since this I have ordered the underslug water tank, pump, table and legs etc.

Still waiting for the foam to turn up so that can be upholstered

Hopefully only another few weeks and it will be ready for use

[AK]

Right its been a long week, I decided not to take on any work this week so I could spend the time on the camper, and lets face it we have had some fantastic weather.

Had a few set backs in locating some bits I needed, also managed to damage the flooring slightly, not happy but hey it happens.


Front seats/bed is now covered and secured to the van, damn those piano hinges are an arse.


Dummy fit of work tops, took a whole day to get to this point due to the angles of the van etc.

The following day was spent cutting the hole for the sink, not as easy as you might think, but I'm sure many of you already know this,


Work tops boleted and secured to the units, and the van, tap plumbed in using a whale 30psi water pump, all water lines run to underneath van.

Gas lines in and fitted, Grille fitted, now I know in theory this style of grill normally gets placed within the units with a drawer door ont he frint, but I din't want that. I guess it comes down to taste but I quite like have it on top. Fridge fitted and plumbed in.

Fridge caused me the biggest headache due to its location and the flue pipe, now its not recommended to extend the flue, but I had no choice, as I couldn't mount the flue at the correct height due to the sliding door runner being in the way. So instead of adding curves to it, I;ve managed to just add 4 inches from the fridge upto the flue lazy t, not ideal, but it seems to work and I;ve had it running to test for any co2 leaks, seems to be fine, but I shall leave it running for a day soon with all doors and windows shut with the gas meter inside just to double check it.



Cleared out the back which I was storing the spare wood in, Bike fits and leaves me room for another bike and loads of room for the odd piece of junk I need to take.

Whilst it is getting there, I still have a massive long list of to do jobs, then I;m sure once there done i'll have a snag list to be cracking on with

[AK]

Not really much else to say as the pictures say it all really.


Table base in

Splashback in, although I will redo it at a later date as I;m not hapy with it

sh*t who put that hole there

Oh its ok its for the water filler, damn it was a scary moment cutting that hole






It needs a damn good clean, then the curtains will be fitted and the cushions this weekend.

So its about as finished as it ever will be, as there is always going to be little jobs on it to do etc.

Next job is the exterior, I need to source:
18" alloys and tyres
Chrome side skirts
Chrome child killer opps sorry I mean bull bar
colour code the front bumper and wing mirrors
Order up the graphics two stripes off set from front bumper to rear bumper one 4" wide and ine 2" wide probably in grey or dark blue not sure yet
Tint side windows

[redcube]

Chrome child killer opps sorry I mean bull bar

You can call it the chrome population reduced

I like the work you have done i'm sorry i never put a water tank in mini

[AK]

Cheers I only pu the tank in to keep the insurance company happy, probably not use it much but then again I might take a second line from it for cleaning the bikes before they go in the back.

Its hard work building campers, especially when you work all day on it then have to go to work during the night

[whitemice]

Takes longer than people imagine.

Interesting layout.

Downhill run now.

[AndyA]

Nice work so far mate

I know what you mean about cutting holes in the sides of the van. I've done a few now to fit fridge vents etc.

What size tank is that. I was thinking of fitting one, but not sure which to go for/

[redcube]

At lease when you cut the hole you didn't get filler dust like mine

[AK]

I would have been a little worried if I did find filler, but to be honest nothing surprises me these days on any age vehicle.

The water tank is a fiamma blue 70l tank, to be honest I only wanted something half the size but it came up at the right price so i've made do with it.

The layout is a little different from others but I went with this as I wanted the garage area in the back for the bikes, and as it was an ex network rail all the main heavy duty wiring was behnd the sliding door so it nmade sense to go with this lay out.

To be honest I quite like hte fact its quite different from others, however this could affect the selling price in a few years if I sell it, but who knows.

My one piece of advice to people is if you plan a time to do a job then double it if not tripple it as something will always come up which make it longer to do, or your find you need to nip out again and get parts etc.

[AK]

Right last few pics of the interior, as its 99.9% cmplete apart from a few minor jobs and what ever pops up on the snag list.

Rear upper bed

Front seats/bed, I do have the other cushion but have desided not to use it in the van.

Bed mode

Stupid table for insurance company









Exterior next so far i've ordered the, viper graphics, stainless steel handles, side bars and bull bar. I think the alloys will have to wait due to budget or should I say lack of it

[ake]

Where is your ventilation for the gas bottle? You should have it in its own enclosure with drop holes thru the floor

[AK]

There are already holes in the rear section where the gas bottle is housed, IT could do with a larger one fitted though.

As far as I am aware only larger size bottles have to be in their own dedicated enclosures, i.e a gas cupboard facing outside the van.

As the rear section of the van is purely storage it will be fine in there, but I will add another larger drop out hole soon.

[ake]

All gas bottles in campers must be contained and properly secured in there own enclosure, only accesible from outside and properly ventilated including drop holes through the floor. Although building the enclosure so that you can only get into it when you open the back door would satisfy the rules. Also the rubber hose between regulator and metal pipework must be as short as possible, and no gas pipe should come within 25mm of a 240volt electric flex or cable, unless within an appliance

[AK]

hm looks like I need to change the layout slightly then as the copper pipe is within 25mm of the elec cable, oh and put the extra drop out hole in.

Something to look at tomorrow then.

[ake]

Better safe than sorry