MK7 Jumbo Conversion Log

[ShaunT]

Work in progress but is a daily build as must be done ASAP, been in the planning for last 2 months so been aching to start. This one is unique and shall have the following features; King Bed, Ceiling projection screen, Bed skylight, office desk, heated shower with custom base, compost loo, bike storage, solar panels...

Van: Silver Mk7 Jumbo 140T350 127K - basically no features, no radio, no aerial, manual windows, you get the idea but in great condition

Day 0 - Purchased van but on way home it appears the release bearing has gone so needs new dual mass flywheel and clutch, luckily seller will fix it.

[ShaunT]

Day 1 - 3 Hours
Today whilst I wait for repairs on DMF I thought I'd remove the condensation build up in the van so purchase a 3Kw heater and got out the sponge & chamois. 1 liter later most water was removed with just the bits behind the ribs left.

Also removed ply from walls and doors ready for surface cleaning and rust checking. Unfortunately floor screws are too far gone so tomorrows job is to re-head or drill out screws. Just remember I'm doing this from an apartment so no fancy garage with awesome tools.

*Pictures to follow*

[fraudtransit]

This looks an interesting project. I've got an ELWB just like yours that's already been converted so looking forward to your updates buddy

[ShaunT]

Well thankfully I get my baby back tomorrow with new DMF and Clutch. Will upload photos of it stripped, clean and ready to commence build.

[axxez]

I do have to admit that I find the solution for the bed interesting, but also a waste of space. It has only one advantage: the mattress is made of one piece. The disadvantage: you need extra seat cushions for the benches, you loose quiet some space. I have 2x 60cm benches in my van. So 2x 60cm in the middle and each 25cm left and right (tight fitt) plus a thick sheet cover on top and it is actually fine to sleep on it. In the middle I have 50cm x 300cm x 170cm, if the bed is in day-position. So more than enough for everything. I even transported the whole roof-rack inside the van.
About the shower I can suggest to think about a walk-through shower like Pössl does. Those vans feel very small inside, but the shower idea is sth. good on some of the models:





If you are also transporting a lot, take a look at those "Outside Vans", also on their website. It is not fitting my personal needs, but they have good ideas and the vans look very well made.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCSEq6QSssU

[Catmankev]

I've been trying to think of a way of squeezing a shower/wet room in to my lwb and I think something along those lines could work. Although at the same time im sure I could live without one and use showers at a gym/leisure centre.

Are you going to be living in yours for long periods? I will be when working away from home in the week. Planning on buying a newer and larger model in a year or so providng I get on with van life

[ShaunT]

Although a king mattress is big I wanted something of my own and feel the Murphy bed style is the most efficient use to accomplish that. Personally I wanted it as comfy as possible and hate the idea of stating bench seats in day and bed at night is efficient because for me I don't need lots of seating. The efficiency is only rated to one's needs and use of the van. Plus if I wanted to I can just leave it in night mode during the day as nothing is compromised for me. Lastly I suffer from night terrors so needed the full head height when sleeping encase I suddenly sit up.

The shower idea though is brilliant and shall think about it but it is a multi purpose room as the toilet is also located there for privacy (pull out), so if I went with walk through I need to keep that in mind and think of how to do that on diy scale.

I shall be traveling from place to place so gym really isn't an option plus if you could have your own it reduces costs in the long run but does use up a lot of space. Personally I love my showers and never rated gym showers that highly. I'm living in this pretty much 24/7 so home comforts like shower and big bed for me are high on the list.

The design has since changed and decided to remove the desk (next to the bed) due to wasting so much space as with popup desk and laptop I can accomplish the same thing from the sofa area. Instead this will become full height storage for clothes and outdoor gear. Solar panels arrived, finally becoming very real as had to wait for cash flow. Treating and sealing rust is next whilst also getting the large skylight fitted for star gazing.

2x 60 cell 315w LG NeON 2 £298 each.

[ShaunT]

With my finger finally just about healed from slicing it with spinning metal bracket I fitted new marker bulbs with LED ones which are brighter and a lot cooler to stop it melting the housing.

Insulation arrived today so fitting tomorrow

Bed must be complete by 7th March as that's D day when I lose my flat.

Day 2-6 - 8 hours
Removed all rusted screws, ply and anchor points whilst then grinding the rust then sealing holes with metallic filler to make it water tight. Marker LED's fitted.

[madwelshman]

Any updates news on this project?

[transitcat]

Work in progress but is a daily build as must be done ASAP, been in the planning for last 2 months so been aching to start. This one is unique and shall have the following features; King Bed, Ceiling projection screen, Bed skylight, office desk, heated shower with custom base, compost loo, bike storage, solar panels...

Van: Silver Mk7 Jumbo 140T350 127K - basically no features, no radio, no aerial, manual windows, you get the idea but in great condition

Day 0 - Purchased van but on way home it appears the release bearing has gone so needs new dual mass flywheel and clutch, luckily seller will fix it.

any chance of an update post with pics?

[axxez]

Would love that too!