Leanne’s build thread
- Thread starter lebb2017
- Start date
Huuuge transformation over the weekend here on the exterior.
Panel van on Saturday, camper on Sunday.
I got to use an air rivet gun, applied loads
of primer (a dab hand with the dobber now), stuck more windows on, Hoovered, swept, panel wiped, tidied, removed the headlining & put it back, and even helped lift the roof on!
Still to do:
- finishing touches of carpet around the roof
- cutting the remainder of the headlining and tidying that up
- Silicone under the pop top
The whole process was filmed (Timelapse) so hopefully I’ll get to share that here soon.
Panel van on Saturday, camper on Sunday.
I got to use an air rivet gun, applied loads
of primer (a dab hand with the dobber now), stuck more windows on, Hoovered, swept, panel wiped, tidied, removed the headlining & put it back, and even helped lift the roof on!
Still to do:
- finishing touches of carpet around the roof
- cutting the remainder of the headlining and tidying that up
- Silicone under the pop top
The whole process was filmed (Timelapse) so hopefully I’ll get to share that here soon.
Life is getting in the way at the moment but managed to make couple of window shades for the barn doors. Just the other 4 windows to go!
I’m going to attempt to use the old roof panels to cut out and make window frames on the 3 side windows (not sliding door), which I’ll then carpet to cover any bad cutting!
How much bigger it looks with windows in!
A new deep side step and longer rear threshold on the way from Van Style as well. Maybe I should think about ordering the bed & floor…
I’m going to attempt to use the old roof panels to cut out and make window frames on the 3 side windows (not sliding door), which I’ll then carpet to cover any bad cutting!
How much bigger it looks with windows in!
A new deep side step and longer rear threshold on the way from Van Style as well. Maybe I should think about ordering the bed & floor…
I'm really loving these updates, its nice to see someone having a go themselves and documenting the ups and downs. Makes me want to try and do one myself.
Whats the plans with the electrical side of things? Professional or going to have a go yourself?
Whats the plans with the electrical side of things? Professional or going to have a go yourself?
Ah thanks!
Not planning on big electrical set up.
I’ve got a Jackery and alpicool fridge.
Maybe some usb fairy lights. And hoping to reuse the original lights in the back, although I may have broken both when I took the roof panels down.
Made a start (with the husband's help) on making a window frame.
We are definitely winging this. Hopefully it will work out!
Next steps:
-cut out the actual window shape
-drill holes for fitting trim clips
-carpet the frame
Repeat process for the rear window and hopefully that will work as a template for the opposite side.
We are definitely winging this. Hopefully it will work out!
Next steps:
-cut out the actual window shape
-drill holes for fitting trim clips
-carpet the frame
Repeat process for the rear window and hopefully that will work as a template for the opposite side.
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I re-used the rear lights as well, painted them dark grey, cable looms are the perfect length to bring them down to floor level - free mod, no brainer
Well it turns out I ruined both of the lights when the roof panels came down.
I got given a spare which is working fine, and have ordered another off ebay.
I like the idea of painting them - thanks for that!
Another easy job done once I could get started - fitted the longer rear threshold (from Van Style). It came with the screw caps, but not the screws 
So had to order screws off eBay.
I’m always amazed at how much dirt & random items gets under these things.
Also - check out my crocs
So had to order screws off eBay. I’m always amazed at how much dirt & random items gets under these things.
Also - check out my crocs
Proof you spend too much time on this site!!!!
And also - “proof I spend too much.”
You need some lights for those...Also - check out my crocs
Had a little test out on the driveway with the doggo to get him comfortable with being in the van.
My temporary blackout curtains (held down with magnets) seem to work ok.
And the strip lights I put up are super bright, but they have a dimmer so can be turned down.
No idea where all the stuff we’re taking away with us will go… unless Van Furniture can have the bed frame ready in 2 weeks instead of 3 !
My temporary blackout curtains (held down with magnets) seem to work ok.
And the strip lights I put up are super bright, but they have a dimmer so can be turned down.
No idea where all the stuff we’re taking away with us will go… unless Van Furniture can have the bed frame ready in 2 weeks instead of 3 !
I really like the decorative inside cover to your blackout shades
With any LED fitting it's a good idea to slightly under run them. Manufacturers tend to heavily overdrive the LED chips as it's a cost free (to them) way of making them brighter but costs you in a dramatic reduction in lifespan. Dropping the brightness about 10% can really help. Looks like you have tape type strips right onto the metal of the van - that will really help keep them cool and is the other thing to do to extend the life
With any LED fitting it's a good idea to slightly under run them. Manufacturers tend to heavily overdrive the LED chips as it's a cost free (to them) way of making them brighter but costs you in a dramatic reduction in lifespan. Dropping the brightness about 10% can really help. Looks like you have tape type strips right onto the metal of the van - that will really help keep them cool and is the other thing to do to extend the life
Thanks - the shades are made from the same bed sheets material we're using and then backed onto aluminium bubble insulation foil. In the day time on sunny days I hope they will help reflect the sun back out and keep the van cooler.I really like the decorative inside cover to your blackout shades
With any LED fitting it's a good idea to slightly under run them. Manufacturers tend to heavily overdrive the LED chips as it's a cost free (to them) way of making them brighter but costs you in a dramatic reduction in lifespan. Dropping the brightness about 10% can really help. Looks like you have tape type strips right onto the metal of the van - that will really help keep them cool and is the other thing to do to extend the life
Good info on the LEDs, thank you. They are also stuck to the metal strip under the pop top
I doubt we will ever have them on full as they are blinding, so win-win!
Fitted the awning rail from camper essentials which fits under the pop top and started siliconing the pop top to seal it in.
The husband came in useful here.
The adhesive provided was quite tough to squeeze out apparently!
And then had a visit from a little matching moth
The husband came in useful here.
The adhesive provided was quite tough to squeeze out apparently!
And then had a visit from a little matching moth
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