[christover1]

jonfromhamilton wrote:

Remember chris that windows allow you to see all the dodgy people creeping up on you, but it also allows dodgy people to see all the creepy things you are doing in there.

Smart people don't want to see what I get up to

[christover1]

offroadjack wrote:

Anything solar charged is a bonus but not doing anything when the shiny thing goes down..
1 or 2 of those spinners on the roof will suck the heat out..

Decided against the solar suckers, they stick out way too far.
Opted for a non spinning lowline roof vent, to keep it low and off road tree branch resistant.
And 4 small vents in the sides.
For now permanently open, but can add closable bits inside later, if dust is a problem.

[Sco-tie]

Dust will be a problem and sand would get annoying fast

[christover1]

Sco-tie wrote:

Dust will be a problem and sand would get annoying fast

Probably use butterfly type vents to open/close the vents.
But is an easy add after I get it going.

Made the vent holes, and roof hole today.
Fitted up the rear door knob etc, but stripped it down again ready for paint.
Don't look like much work, but it has taken all day (Blame the heat or getting older)

[christover1]

Had just enough paint left to undercoat the outside.
But although it still needs painting, I find a colour change motivating.
Because I have to buy more paint I am still arguing over the colour to do it.
Same white as inside would be easiest.

[missmyljdaze]

Looking good!

I reckon you should keep the paint gloss white as much as you can- less heat absorbtion, easy for touch-ups.
How about some tastefull go fast stripes and flames to break up the plain finish
------------------

Are you able to install a vent high on each side?

Since hot air rises- vents up high combined with the ones you already have will encourage the air to circulate.

With your highest vent being around 1/2 way up the side- it is likely you will have hot air trapped inside.

Stephen

[christover1]

In the shower I decided to stick to the same white (semi gloss)
as there will be panels and such inside that may need painting, and as you say touching ups may be needed.
The original thought was white for reflecting heat, and uv which can kill wood.
Plywood experts suggested white or lighter colours.
More neutral for future car changes, too.
I'm leaving the original red bits, and will be using red or silver on the metal skins around front and front lower sides.
(Rock and mud protectors)
The corners/joints will be braced with metal coloured bits, too.
I opted for a roof vent as my highest point, and the lowest side vents are below my sleeping height.
That gives me the circulation to avoid suffocation.
The 2 extra vents near my head are to let my smells out

[Sco-tie]

What about a pearl white? could break it up just that little bit and help stop it blinding people behind you at sunset

[christover1]

Sco-tie wrote:

What about a pearl white? could break it up just that little bit and help stop it blinding people behind you at sunset

Ill buy them some sunglasses

Not a bad idea, though, I'll see what colour whites it comes in.

[christover1]

Found a job I could get on with while waiting for the next cash injection.
Think they called kick panels, but mine are to hide the rear wiring.
Chose the grey paint because I had some left over from another job a while back.
Will do the inner panels for the door tomorrow.
They will be white, the same as the rest, as I will have paint left over from when I do the next outside coats.
Thin panels were made from offcuts a good friend gave me at start of the project.

I know how to enjoy New Years Eve and New Years Day.

[christover1]

Lined the giant dunny seat, today, should be more comfy now

[christover1]

All the white bits are painted now, gee it is bright.
Most certainly needs some non white bits added.
I definitely am not a painter, its a bit dicky in places and Imissed a few bits of sanding and filling
(should have brought it outside in the daylight to do that),
but hopefully I'll stop caring or even noticing once its covered in track trophies, outback dust and/or mud.

[Marko_SJ]

Looking kewl Christopher.

[christover1]

Paint looks a bit better now its dry.
Brain has moved on to the skinning/rock protection on the front, even though that's not the next job.
Next job will be under floor and inner guards bitumen paint.
I'm using a water based bitumen paint, as its kinder on the wood, and on me, and the environment.
May use solvent based on the metal of inner guards, still thinking on that..

[zukenutter]

My 2 cents

[christover1]

loving it

[Mike57]

I definitely like Mr ZNs version Chris. Get to it!

[christover1]

Mike57 wrote:

I definitely like Mr ZNs version Chris. Get to it!

Definitely going to use some of it.

[Built4thrashing]

Not sure if your budget will allow but have you thought of mounting some solar panels on the front roof section to charge a deep cycle battery. Perfect spot for some

[christover1]

Built4thrashing wrote:

Not sure if your budget will allow but have you thought of mounting some solar panels on the front roof section to charge a deep cycle battery. Perfect spot for some

This is the reason I decided to go for 7mm on roof, instead of thinner, so as to support a solar panel.
Have left wiring channels in a few places, for any later additions.
But that is a way in the future addition.
Main aim is to get it towable, then work out the things I need as I go.
Solar panels are getting cheaper.

[christover1]

Fitted up some bits that will be red.
Shape chosen to suit best use of available metal.
And to keep my cuts behind the strapping, as I can't cut straight lines with the angle grinder
And to look cool, of course
Steve gave me a very useful offcut of colorbond stuff, which is on the sides.
Bought the galvanised steel, and cut that to come out of one piece, while lining up with sides.
I'm frugal, or a tight wad, or economical
Had to add a bit more internal framing to support, and to screw to.
But that will be helpful when I line the inside, anyway.
Next job will be some flashing/strapping on corners and roof joins.
Not decided on material for them, yet.

[zukenutter]

Has been great watching this conversion, really tempted to follow suit but it just wouldn't suit our camping style

[christover1]

zukenutter wrote:

Has been great watching this conversion, really tempted to follow suit but it just wouldn't suit our camping style

Just build something that you will use.
This project has been in my head a while,
had to think hard and ponder a while, before starting the job.
2 things cemented the decision.
1 was an Avan weekender parked out front of a caravan shop on a recent SA trip.
The 2nd was, I was actually out looking at hard shell tent tops, when I saw a T-van up close.
Then I knew I had to build something in between the 2.

[Mike57]

Chris

What size mattress do you need. I have one from a double sofa bed (never used) that is taking up space. Send me the dimensions and I will check it.

Mike

[christover1]

I had an epiphany today.
Was driving along the road and suddenly realised I don't want red bits.
Seeing the grey side bits and silver wheels appealed to me.
And there would be no need to repaint if I change cars one day.
So it will be tricolour, dark grey/charcoal, light grey and white (mostly roof and top of sides) with some silver bits.
With inspiration from ZN's photochop.

[missmyljdaze]

christover1 wrote:

So it will be tricolour, dark grey/charcoal, light grey and white (mostly roof and top of sides) with some silver bits.
With inspiration from ZN's photochop.

wot .....no flames

but seriously ZN's colour scheme looks damn good

stephen

[christover1]

Distracting myself with colour schemes needs to wait.
It could hold things up too much.

Primary goal is getting it road able.
The rest can be future projects.

[christover1]

Got a lot of little jobs done today.
Roof and side vents fitted with flyscreens and fitted to camper.
Fitted out and refit the back door.
Fitted one side window. Still needs corking up round its edges.
Started on wiring and reverse camera mounting.
Ran out oomph, so tomorrow start again.

[Mike57]

Chris

What is your turning circle goping to be like. There does not seem to be much room between the back of the vehicle and the front of the trailer now. The draw bar looks quite short with the van overhanging it?

Mike

[christover1]

Mike57 wrote:

Chris

What is your turning circle goping to be like. There does not seem to be much room between the back of the vehicle and the front of the trailer now. The draw bar looks quite short with the van overhanging it?

Mike

Draw bar is getting lengthened by about 600mm.
Waiting for next cash injection, and holidays closing to end, before doing that.
Meanwhile will get a few little jobs done.
Length was chosen for ability to jack knife with only draw bar getting hit, makes u turns better.
Also as I've added 600mm to front, I figured I'd add about same to draw bar.
Exact length could be decided by whatevers in the off cut pile at the metal shop.
Being a cutting, grinding, welding job, I also was waiting till garage was free again.