Minibus to camper

[ian_allen]

Hi, I have bought a LWB Semi high roof to convert into a camper. The bus is a 2.5 diesel non turbo. I have not done any external bodywork to it except wash and T-cut it. Inside the bus was a mess when I got it and I had to remove the seats and floor to reveal any horrors. The floor was rusty and holed in places and I have welded plates, although I forgot to take pics of the finished floor before installing the floor covering. I will try to upload pics as I have put them on photobucket. Even the roof lining has stains from condensation.

[ian_allen]

Installed the floor and placed a metal frame futon.


I think the futon looks good so I will keep it in.
I made a kitchen unit for it and have just placed it in for now to check the fit.

[hillman]

Hi
looks good, keep the pictures coming.

hillman

[ian_allen]

Thanks. I have lined the roof lining with faux velvet. Looks a lot better


I have made side panels from plywood and lined them with the same material as well.


Also bolted the futon base to the floor with 2" bolt screws.

[trigger]

That futon is a great idea, who needs expensive rock n roll beds?

[MrMPuk]

What did you do about the rusty holes in the floor?

[trigger]

What did you do about the rusty holes in the floor?

He says he welded plates over them

[MrMPuk]

What did you do about the rusty holes in the floor?

He says he welded plates over them

Oh yes.

[ian_allen]

What did you do about the rusty holes in the floor?

I welded plates on the floor. I only have a small mig and used 5 disposable bottles of gas. It would have been cheaper to get a pub gas bottle, but as I dont drink or go to the pub, I dont know any landlords who would give me a bottle and regulator.

[ian_allen]

That futon is a great idea, who needs expensive rock n roll beds?

I got the futon off freecycle. I was expecting a wooden base, but when I arrived to collect it, I thought it was a bonus being metal base and was the ideal size. It is quite comfy to sit on. Dont know what it is like to sleep on it, not tried it yet, but the previous owners said it was comfy. I have screwed a piece of flooring to the legs just to close it in and make it look neater from the side. I will have to take a photo of it.

[ian_allen]

Just taken a pic of the panel fitted to the futon.

I was given these lights today. I am thinking of putting them in but I dont know where just yet. I will have to cut the roof lining to fit them. I wont be using the wood that they are already fitted in.

[trigger]

Make sure you have enough clearance behind the lining, check first before cutting holes

[ian_allen]

Make sure you have enough clearance behind the lining, check first before cutting holes

Checked tghe clearance behind the lining and there is no room to put the lights in.
I will keep them for the next build I do.
I'm thinking of converting a high roof van into a camper as I cant stand up fully in the semi high roof. The lights will be fitted in cupboards above the cooking area.

[ian_allen]

Curtains in and extra storage.




Installed tghe gas bottle cupboard and a cutlery drawer.


Have been given waste and fresh water containers.

[ian_allen]

I have now sold the camper and have bought a hi-roof LWB LDV (less rusty than a Transit) LOL. Just got a bargain of a caravan with no damp or any problems with it. I will be stripping it to make another campervan with the LDV. Seems a shame to strip it bare, but for £200, There is the seating, 3 way fridge, full electric hook-up, zig unit, hot and cold running water, electric water pump, heater, toilet, seats, cushions, table, leisure battery and gas bottle. I will even be using the mushroom vents and skylight. After I have stripped it out, there should just be the carcass and I can weigh the alloy in and sell the chassis.