I bought my van in Sept 13, its an ex hire van 95k on the clock but had the full electric pack (heated windscreen/mirrors etc).
I went for SWB low roof as its going to be my everyday vehicle and I need to fit sea kayaks on top.
I teach a lot of outdoor sports kayaking, mountain biking, climbing etc, so the van needs to take all my kit as well as being comfortable for a few nights.
I've been working on it for awhile now, not necessarily doing everything in the right order but as and when I can afford it.
Pretty standard panel van inside. I already had the kitchen unit from a previous van.
[img
][/img]Pulled apart the panels and started insulating with the foil backed bubble wrap from B&Q
I'm on a pretty tight budget so whatever I can recycle reuse I have. So I got my hands on some old pallets to make the bed/storage unit from.
Technical drawing
My lass has got me watching all those 'Kirsty upcycling progammes' (honest!!
) So I thought I'd try some decoupaging. Fancy cutting and pasting!! I had a load of old magazines that I cut up and stuck to the panels with pva glue.
Then coved it over in laminate.
Quite pleased with it, if I do say so myself.
I then turned my attention to the floor. I wanted to reuse as much of the original panelling as I could to save on cost. It wasn't easy getting it up (wheyhay).
The wheel arch covers had been drilled straight through the wheel arch and were letting in water so I had to treat and repair that.
Nice and clean
I then cut the foil/bubble wrap insulation and stuck it to the underside of the flooring.
I replaced the flooring till I could afford to cover it.
Next I turned my attention to the bed. I wanted to be able to fit bikes and boats in the van but also make the most of the full width bed so I decided on a design with a flip out bed/bench system that I could sleep on with kit in the van but also have enough room for me and the lass.
I had a load of chipboard lying around that I decided to use (not the best material I now know). It was stupidly heavy and awkward to fold out and eventually broke on me
So I went to plan B and built a slide out system that was much lighter and easier to use 
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The new slide out system worked much better.
Pay day came and so did my flooring and insulation
Used a bit of vehicle trim to go round the anchor points.
I'd read a lot of pros and cons about insulation eventually I decided on recycled wool then covered over with the foil bubble wrap. Its really warm and a lot quieter.
I wasn't planning on doing much to the exterior as it was going to get knocked about a bit loading and unloading kit. I didn't want anything too precious that I would be upset about if it got marked.
I got my hands on some free stickers and decided to sticker bomb the back doors.
Next the foam for the bed/seating arrived. Went for 2 inch thick foam as this was the comfiest to sleep on
My lass took me to Fabricland where after a short argument in the car park (we're laughing about it now
) we managed to work out how much material we needed. Maths isn't my strongest point, that's why I teach sport!!We bought some muslin for underneath and decided on blue kite making material which was water resistant and rip stop so should stand up to some abuse. I also wanted to be able to pull them out and sit on them outdoors.
Its really comfy. My feet hang over the edge a little if I sleep straight on but that how I sleep anyway.
Next was my greatest find! Work was throwing away a load of carpet from a refit so after a bit of skip diving I had enough to fit the van twice over!!
I used high temp vehicle spray glue which worked really well and fitted the panels back on with dry wall screws.
It took me a full day which was baking hot so excuse the nakedness.
The corners got better the more I did.
Starting to look like a real camper.
Inspired by my skip find I did some more skip diving and came up with a plan for an awning using an old sail and drainage pipe.
I manufactured some brackets and fitted it to the existing bolts on my roof rack.
That's about as far as I've got so far.
Took it for a test at a local wild camping spot. It was a great nights sleep with a stunning view in the morning.
Next on my list is to sort the electrics so its not a glorified tent on wheels.
I would like to keep it as original as possible fitting the second battery under the drivers seat but the cost of parts for wiring and relay from ford is ridiculous
I have some colour changing leds from ikea that will go in and fit the roof as soon as the leisure battery goes in.
Well I hope you like it (I've done it now anyway
)Any feedback is welcomed
