Silly Question Time

[misty]

Hi Guys,
will this work or has anyone done it?
Widen a panel van between the skins not sure if that sounds right so i will explain,
i am thinking of doing another self build, me being 6'4" struggle to sleep across, there is a van that is 6 foot between the ribs, and 6'4" between window skins, i know i have tried it its a adria twin panel van conversion, but there is little if no insulation so was thinking what if i cut out the rear window panels and then fabricate something that will stick out another 2" either side, i will try and sketch out what i mean later,
I know the sliding door wont open all the way if i do but will only open it halfway as the cooking furniture will be half way down anyhow,
any help advice would be gratefull especially from any panel beaters
Thanks Misty

[johnsvan]

This is not a silly idea in my opinion.

Instead of extending both sides, why not just extend the one side so that the sliding door still works.

Instead of having a permanent extension why not have a sliding box arrangement. Use a panel in the van that would normally take a window so that you don't have to cut any strengthening ribs.

Make a flange around the box end and fit a rubber seal around, a couple of latches inside could hold it secure and tight against the van side when traveling.

The box could be mounted on linear sliders (filing cabinet?).

The box needn't be a solid construction, you could use double skinned tent material.

In fact, if you had flap on the outside and hinged at the bottom, it could fold down flat and you could have tent material that forms a tent over (forming a sort of triangle as looked at from outside down the length of the van).

Anyway, some ideas...

[jonochap]

Building on that idea, you could maybe...

Opp the bed head, have a panel like a tailgate that opens from a bottom hinge with a canvas panel sides and rear which could house feet or head and then close on the move? Maybe it would be a conversion of the sliding door to do the same and then can be easily turned back to a slider if you want to sell...top question though

[jonochap]

Or maybe just get an awning

[misty]

Guys,
I was thinking of a permanent fix,
2" either side wouldnt look to bad sticking out and if it was tapered aswell,
Misty

[tlsjk]

as a panel beater yes it can be done, and its not that hard to do
as long as you only cut the outer skin (window panels) there is not alot that can go wrong, the biggest thing to think about is keeping it water tight

[johnsvan]

Well I guess you could extend the sides by cutting out and welding filler pieces in. You could probably make a nice job with some effort.

Why not start with a box van (or fridge van like a Ocado supermarket delivery one). Easy to fit caravan windows and has straight and flat sides. It would be easy to insulate and fit out I reckon, although may have some strength issues?

This one is 6.8 feet inside (I don't know if that's 8 inches or 0.8 feet?):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-06-Ford- ... 4170994010

[frank308d]

What about the fixed double glazed windows from a caravan? They're plastic and the inner skin of glazing sits flush with the body. The outer skin protrudes from the side of the vehicle?

[Beegly]

not sure if caravan windows would gain enough distance .
How about cutting the single skin panels out, fixing 2" timber/ steel around the opening then fitting the removed panels to that .

I assume a length way bed or bunk is out of the question

[misty]

Well I guess you could extend the sides by cutting out and welding filler pieces in. You could probably make a nice job with some effort.

Why not start with a box van (or fridge van like a Ocado supermarket delivery one). Easy to fit caravan windows and has straight and flat sides. It would be easy to insulate and fit out I reckon, although may have some strength issues?

This one is 6.8 feet inside (I don't know if that's 8 inches or 0.8 feet?):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-06-Ford- ... 4170994010

John,
I would be traveling on me own if i brought that home i have thought about them low loader luton vans but Mrs T isn't having any of it,
still thinking of a panel van though, got 2 years to get it thought out and sorted out,
Misty

[misty]

as a panel beater yes it can be done, and its not that hard to do
as long as you only cut the outer skin (window panels) there is not alot that can go wrong, the biggest thing to think about is keeping it water tight

Now your the sort of guy who understands what i'm after
i was thinking cut out the window blanks at the back, getting something fabricated the size of a bonded window with a tapered front and pop rivit it on with the use of siklaflex firstly as a glue and second waterproof it,
not sure how to hide the rivets i think there is plenty of meat left around the frame to secure it to from inside, any idea???
once there on and the window panels painted black shouldn't look to bad? what do you reckon,
thanks for your help
Misty

[johnsvan]

Mrs T isn't having any of it

I still like my idea of a movable box. Just imagine the whole rear window panel moving slowly out at the touch of a button. Lovely

[jonochap]

Mrs T isn't having any of it

I still like my idea of a movable box. Just imagine the whole rear window panel moving slowly out at the touch of a button. Lovely

There is a vw post fit that does this...a snap at about 45k!

[tlsjk]

Now your the sort of guy who understands what i'm after
i was thinking cut out the window blanks at the back, getting something fabricated the size of a bonded window with a tapered front and pop rivit it on with the use of siklaflex firstly as a glue and second waterproof it,
not sure how to hide the rivets i think there is plenty of meat left around the frame to secure it to from inside, any idea???
once there on and the window panels painted black shouldn't look to bad? what do you reckon,
thanks for your help
Misty

if it was me i would cut out the window blank (keep it as it can be reused), fabricate some spacer panels weld them to the van and the cut out window blanks then use fiberglass resin and mat or p40 to make it water tight then paint it (dont matter what colour as will not be seen) then using more steel and fiberglass taper the edges into the van to lose the boxy look.
how close to norwich are you if your not too far i would be happy to help

[misty]

Now your the sort of guy who understands what i'm after
i was thinking cut out the window blanks at the back, getting something fabricated the size of a bonded window with a tapered front and pop rivit it on with the use of siklaflex firstly as a glue and second waterproof it,
not sure how to hide the rivets i think there is plenty of meat left around the frame to secure it to from inside, any idea???
once there on and the window panels painted black shouldn't look to bad? what do you reckon,
thanks for your help
Misty

if it was me i would cut out the window blank (keep it as it can be reused), fabricate some spacer panels weld them to the van and the cut out window blanks then use fiberglass resin and mat or p40 to make it water tight then paint it (dont matter what colour as will not be seen) then using more steel and fiberglass taper the edges into the van to lose the boxy look.
how close to norwich are you if your not too far i would be happy to help

Hi, thats starting to sound what im after,
i am just fishing for ideas not got the van yet still have me mk6 at the moment which we are using, but the bed is longways in the van and has to be made up daily,
so thinking of another selfbuild with a fixed bed across the van at the back with storage under a bit like a race van, i have seen the adria twin panel van conversion and was thinking of copying the layout,
thinking of packing up and traveling around europe for a year,in two years time so want to get a van sorted by then, Mrs T wants a coachbuilt motorhome but im not sure and fancy doing a selfbuild,
anyhow thanks for the offer of help, might be in touch, you never know hey
Misty