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no pics just lines of code :-(
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Oh ffs,
They're showing on mine.
I'll look into it and try and repost them.
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Done a bit more to the bed today and fitted a rear interior door handle using an old coat hanger for cable/wire - all the mod cons!!
Check out the glow on that new fridge!! oooh. nothing's wired in yet, I got a show when i first opened it and it glowed. There is a small battery inside the fridge.
Hope photos are working now. Think i was linking to my private google photos i.e. logged in on my account and not a public 'shared' version.
found this ... link to google photos
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Looking good mate. How wide is that bed as it looks a tight one for two. I got pissed of on another forum trying to link pictures from google and started to use this free site
also when i do link google picture to here open your full picture not just the thumbnail. Dont use the URL but right click your picture and select copy image address and insert your own img tags then paste in the middle
Like
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Hey, Big C. Each bed panel is 440mm then there's the contoured side bit which makes it around 1m +/- ish total x 1965mm long (6'5''). Yeah definitely a comfortable single, or a very cosy double! as it stands it's just me so not a massive issue. Budget constraints too means beggars can't be choosers
It's a world apart from my old ford focus with the seats down so I'm chuffed with it, can't wait to get it going! front of the bed had to be alot higher to have a flat bed due to the suspension difference / slant of the front to back of the empty van.
Are you only getting thumbnails???
They're showing big on my pc fine. Google is so convenient as I don't have to bother uploading them 'cause my devices are all linked through my google account. But if they're still not displaying correctly I may have to have a look at that other one yeah. You've mentioned that before here, thanks. I preview all my posts and they all look fine big photos. In google photos i'm finding the photos > clicking share > get link > clicking that link > then that takes me to a (public) thumbnail > click on that thumbnail and it enlarges it > then I right click and get image address. I am using the big ones 'image address' already.
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Naw mate. When i mention thunbnail i was presuming you were just right clicking them then using copy link address (what does not work)
Yeah Google is to convenient. Being a jock i don pay for data on my phone and just click the wifi on when in the house and it uploads itself. Edit and stick in folders. Its always worked for me on this forum but ones that run on vBulletin software seem to be a hit and a miss.
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Coming on. 
Don't know about you but it amazed me how much work goes into a conversion. Even a simple one. I am sure I could fit out a small flat from a shell in less time.
I wish I could still do it but health and lack of facilities prevent it. I recently bought a ready made but I just don't seem to love it like those I did for myself. Still haven't been away in it yet, that will help us bond.
I like the nuclear fridge.
But what about venting? You don't need to worry about the cooling vents but if you're going to run it on gas I would think a proper dedicated vent is essential. I wouldn't even depend on our legendary sliding door gaps. I don't know if it is possible the lengthen the flue at all but even if it is, where could it go? Flexible pipe would be taking a lot of stress and prone to fail. Curious to see what you do.
If your going to be driving often enough you might get by on just 12v while moving and hook up if on a site for a few days. Would be a shame to have gas and not be able to use it though.
Another point you might want to think about is the effect of those hinges on your bedding. They can rip expensive covers and shred the foam very quickly. you might want to carefully file them round and smooth. Bin there.
Bit late now but piano hinge would have helped. Even better is the hinges underneath.
In fact, if you can be bothered I think you could still do it. Just undo the 4 hinges screwed on to the top of the top frame rail, turn both base sections upside down, and reattach the hinges. But this time to the front face of the same frame rail you took them of. Can't make out your design under there but you might need a batten to support the folded base as well. You may also need to slightly trim a couple of mm off the outer edge of the base board to give some relief when it folds inwards toward the frame.
Hope that makes sense. I might be seeing it all wrong anyway. My opium is kicking in. Not a junky... broken ribs. 
Hope you don't mind me butting in? Just interested.
Last edited by OAT (2017-01-08 02:55:13)
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No problem more the merrier, I appreciate the feedback/input!
The hinges I quite liked the look of the black ones as opposed to the piano hinge. I did consider it, but chose against it as they always feel a bit flimsy to me before they're fitted, I'm sure when there's 20 odd screws in them they're not though i suppose. I've definitely winged alot of it so far haha. I've added a few more even to the very ends of the middle of the bed to stop the ends of that panel flapping about when its rolled out. It is a bit hinge city in there. Had thought the foam would be fine on top of it. I'd not really considered that it would get chewed up if i'm rolling around on it. Might have to file the new hinges (or all) good shout! The black ones are smoother than the brass ones (not shown in these pics). Time will tell I suppose. I'll probably give it a go as it is. Always time to refit if i don't like it. I kind of get what you mean with the bottom hinges I think. so it would sit flatter on top too.
Re venting... I do want to use it on gas. This is something to think about later down the line, but in my head at this stage i'm imagining something cool like a box at the back/top of the fridge that will have a compressable foam ducting channel that will be exposed when the side door is open - but compressed when the door is closed and hopefully form a seal around some sort of vent in the side door. I'll soon discover how realistic/feasible this is when i've had a good look at some materials etc.
Honestly in my head its working.. we'll see.
something like this stuff off the back of the unit... juuuuust about too wide so when the door shuts its all sealed up with a vent in the door. Like that packaging foam stuff you get around a new tv these days (so i'm told) Probably won't stand up to heat and lots of use but i' hoping to make it cheaply and easily replaceable

Last edited by Hywelius (2017-01-08 03:45:31)
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Where you thinking of sticking the gas? Not much room under the van due to having an exhaust. You may be able to fit an exhaust from the wheelchair access version of this van as that is routed out the side. You could use the space where the spare wheel sits putting that on the roof. Another option for a small gas tank or water is looking at the size of the Taxi pod on an E7.
Pod is only a few inches tall but its long

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You are right H, piano hinge is far stronger when it's fitted.
Interesting about that taxi pod C. Looks ideal for a rear canopy and poles. No good to me though with the poptop.
What sort of space is available with the spare wheel out? Haven't really looked at mine yet.
I was thinking of rear door mounting it if useful space could be found in it's place underneath.
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I've just got a small 3.9kg Propane cylinder that at the moment will sit at the rear left of the van in the corner in a unit.
I've had a little look at the spare wheel space yeah - been meaning to get it out actually and make sure it's pumped up properly etc. I agree with you roofrack could be a good spot for that then utilise that space. Storage is at a premium with these vans.
Yeah i've seen these pod's on taxi's and don't mind the shape it adds to the van really! I like the idea of a raised water container, That might mean I can use gravity for water pressure etc! mini spray/shower to hose off wetsuit/shoes or whatever.
Canopy is a good call too - Some sort of pop up tent shoved into it. hmmmmm 
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I've had a little look at the spare wheel space yeah - been meaning to get it out actually and make sure it's pumped up properly etc. I agree with you roofrack could be a good spot for that then utilise that space. Storage is at a premium with these vans.
Yeah i've seen these pod's on taxi's and don't mind the shape it adds to the van really! I like the idea of a raised water container, That might mean I can use gravity for water pressure etc! mini spray/shower to hose off wetsuit/shoes or whatever.
Don't forget every litre is another kilo up there.
I am thinking along these lines for the spare wheel space:-
http://www.usecoproducts.com/rainwater- … hpwbts.htm
Thinking of a tough enough spare wheel shaped plastic moulding from the boot of a saloon to fit the existing cage. Then line the plastic with tough, sealed cell rubber foam to protect the water bag. A flexible water bag in there should take 5 gallon or so. Could be plumbed in and be dropped just like the spare wheel for filling and easily removed for cleaning.
With my partner with me I recon on using about 5 liters a day. But she is more hygienic than me solo.
5 gallon would be enough for a fair few days without being driven down from the hills to top up. Keeps the weight down low too and frees up valuable inside space.
Long term plans for me though. Full service, timing belt, and a little (I hope) bit of welding is top of my list.
Last edited by OAT (2017-01-08 18:59:12)
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Good idea that bladder thing. The centre of gravity would change with a big tank up top yeah!
I was cracking on happily with my left hand units today about to build a frame etc. then my bro came round for a bit who threw a spanner in the works - What if I change the direction the fridge faces (towards the passenger seat) so I can open it while the bed is out. Can't believe I hadn't really considered that, but now i need to spend alot more time thinking about if it's possible with the gas connection and how to vent etc. all work on hold until that's solved probably.
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Good idea that bladder thing. The centre of gravity would change with a big tank up top yeah!
I was cracking on happily with my left hand units today about to build a frame etc. then my bro came round for a bit who threw a spanner in the works - What if I change the direction the fridge faces (towards the passenger seat) so I can open it while the bed is out. Can't believe I hadn't really considered that, but now i need to spend alot more time thinking about if it's possible with the gas connection and how to vent etc. all work on hold until that's solved probably.
Not only the weight but it would need to be baffled too. Otherwise the high up weight transfer on S bends might get very interesting. Get the frequency right though and it may just damp out the body roll. 
Must admit, I am stumped for a satisfactory solution to the venting whichever way round.
You could of course seal the side door. Would be a shame, especially as it's the nearside.
My only other idea, and it's far from satisfactory, is to consider wall mounting, as high as possible over the back (foot?) end of the bed. Would take some clever mounting and without measurements, I don't know if it's practical for getting your feet under comfortably enough. Also the inboard curve towards the top may throw it out into the van too much.
edit...
Just noticed your mention of "left hand units"! I thought you were leaving that side clear for walkway when the bed is down, bike, etc. If you're having units down the left, why not fridge in the back left corner?. Just raised enough to clear the wheel arch.
It would mean a climb up on to the bed to get in by the back but you would instead have the side door.
Last edited by OAT (2017-01-08 22:04:09)
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I'm reluctant to have it there (rear left) so I can keep the flat surface running through the van that i think will be nicer looking and better for living in. I know what you mean. It has been suggested to me and i'm now beginning to rethink maybe. I want to have some storage up top left too, could have a cupboard above and/or below it. would open up side door maybe - or maybe not if it means i have to move my hob and sink forward.
"Back to the drawing board" regarding the LHS for now.
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Not to late to raise the bed and have the fridge under or hang it behind the drivers seat or, bin the passenger double for a single seat and look at drilling new mount holes to move it more left (door side) and have it between the seats. If sticking water in the space of the spare wheel i would look into something stronger to hold it in place than that crap wire shit that hold the wheel. Mine was a right rusty mess.
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It might be worth looking for a WAV at a breakers or a taxi as mine already had a internal rear door handle, if you still want one
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It might be worth looking for a WAV at a breakers or a taxi as mine already had a internal rear door handle, if you still want one
Hey Monkeynut, I wondered what WAV was for a sec then but consulted google - Wheelchair Access you mean?
I sourced somewhere on ebay for the interior rear door handle for about a fiver and managed to get that fitted the other day as it came with no rod/cable - I had the lock off and used some coat hanger wire. All hidden and works a treat!
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Feck. Never noticed you wanted the door handle and wires. Threw a set out about two weeks ago that i had from my old doors.
Sorry 
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No worries! I was well pleased with the price I got and fitting wasn't too hard to bodge!
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Hey, haven't got that far since last update, been a bit busy, but have managed to get my electrics in! I ended up routing the main leisure battery cable through to the engine via the fender/door frame opening after struggling to find a decent way through the bulkhead. Fingers crossed this will last. Theres some lovely trunking down the passenger footwell and door step as a route into the back.

I got some gas struts on tonight for the bed and put them on, to be honest I could do with some stronger ones - wouldn't mind it lifting a little easier still and putting less stress on the hinges.
Control panel with voltage meter of leisure battery and appliance switches etc. This finish might not be permanent - and needs a bit more glue

Yep... All those colours on that remote (velcro'd to the wall near the infra red sensor for it) Mood lighting!

This isn't Amsterdam...

Battery location and Voltage sensing split charge with fuse box and battery charger (in cardboard box at bottom of picture) etc. (only 12v system so far - 240v to come later)

400w pure sine wave inverter had to be mounted separate to the battery (I've read about gases from the battery and a risk of ignition)

Yes more LEDs - you can see where i've routed the wiring to the control panel - just where the sliding door rail bolt holes are near the bottom corner of that wooden panel:

Last edited by Hywelius (2017-02-10 00:42:29)
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Me no see pic, eeeees
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arrrrgh damn. I did the same thing. Bloody norah. I thought i had the winning formula
Try now...?
Last edited by Hywelius (2017-02-10 00:01:09)
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arrrrgh damn. I did the same thing. Bloody norah. I thought i had the winning formula
Try now...?
All good in the world again
That switch system on the O/S wall. Cant it be moved closer to the door or even as high as it would go. You just know someone will sit there and batter the back of there nut on the thing.
BTW i was looking at the same lights. One advert says cut to size. It this the case, can you? and can you dim as well as change colours? I may end up with just ambient white as i would hate for the remote to stuff up and end up with my van looking like a brothel inside 
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Hywelius wrote:arrrrgh damn. I did the same thing. Bloody norah. I thought i had the winning formula
Try now...?
All good in the world again
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That switch system on the O/S wall. Cant it be moved closer to the door or even as high as it would go. You just know someone will sit there and batter the back of there nut on the thing.
BTW i was looking at the same lights. One advert says cut to size. It this the case, can you? and can you dim as well as change colours? I may end up with just ambient white as i would hate for the remote to stuff up and end up with my van looking like a brothel inside
Haha good stuff. Yeah I was hoping not to have to build that little box - there's quite a chunk of wiring attached to the switch backs and the 12v / usb sockets are quite long and wouldn't just fit into the main van wooden panel's cavity as I hoped. It could be a sharp lesson for someone (probably me!) yeah. any further and i'd run the risk of fouling the metalwork in the top corner. Tbh after fitting the wooden box probably didn't need to be as big/deep. I've cut a nice big hole in my panel now so that would need re doing.
I'm well impressed with the LEDs yeah - I got them on amazon dirt cheap for about £15/16. 5 Metres with a mains plug / transformer but I think there are kits without the transformer for about half that.
You need a 12v DC input plug ('/male to female'?) which i cut off the transformer and wired into my switchboard. That goes into an IR control box (included) for the remote (the white wire you can see poking out at the bottom) and then plugs straight in to the 5m strip. They don't get hot, they're waterproof (although, some arent!), they don't draw much and kick out plenty of light.
Yes they can be dimmed right down. Also, the neutral white is a good light, but what isn't shown here is like the soft orange/yellow which is a nice warm colour and not too red light district. Can't imagine i'll be using the colours much unless i get my speakers sorted and rock up at some festivals! not exactly 'stealth camper' are they?
I used to make and fit signage and we'd use these kind of led's for backlighting of lettering etc. - you can cut them on marked 'connection' points every so often where there are little contact points that you then can solder onto like this (see top left scissor marks):

Endless possibilities! 10/10 would recommend! the 5m is almost a perfect fit around the 2 sides and across the van too.
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