Back At It

After a break of a couple of weeks due to bad weather, I've managed to get back to work on the framing. Last weekend because of the bad weather all I got done was a trip to the timber yard to pick up some plywood. Having got the stuff, I've lined the kitchen cupboards and put the plywood top and hatches on the lounge/bed at the rear.

I did make a couple of purchases other than the plywood, namely two air operated nail guns which I've found to be invaluable, especially when fitting the plywood lining pieces. One of the nails guns takes up to 55mm nails and the other is much smaller and fires small 10mm brads just ideal for the lining. The guns weren't that expensive and for home use should last a long time. I already had the compressor and the hoses, so the guns were a good investment.

I also discovered that 'No More Nails' is now available in a water based glue and have started using this. It cleans up just like PVA, but is easier to use becuase it is thick and doesnt run away from the joints. 3 tubes f0r $12.00.

As you can see from this pic, the top is on the bed/lounge and there are 3 lift up hatches to get at the storage space. There is obviously a fair bit of finishing to be done, including hinges, but you get the idea. The plywood tops in the back corners are screwed rather than nailed down to allow for access to install the hot water system and water pump etc.

This one shows the lining on the cupboards. I have decided not to line both sides as it will save time and money and not really serve any purpose. So long as what is in one cupboard doesn't end up in another cupboard, then there seems little point. I may change my mind though, you never know.

This is the completed framing for the dinette seat immediately behind the driver's seat. It was a little complicated making the frame to go over back of the engine box, but the Kreg Pocket Hole jig worked like a treat. I was able to build the whole thing outside the bus and just put it in place. The bar across the top will support the hatch where it is hinged.

The fridge is in place and only now requires a little packing on one side (polystyrene wrapped in plastic) and a couple of pieces of trim on the front. I had to change the door so it would open from the left because otherwise you would have to lean over the top of the door while you are working in the kitchen. I could have left it the way it was which would only have been any good for getting out a stubby while you were in bed!

Other Stuff: Since my last post, the two 80 watt solar panels have arrived direct from the factory in China. I got them for $330 each and they landed here 5 days after they closed on eBay. If you are interested have a look at their website. The stuff looks to be really top quality and have a 5/25 year warranty. The communications were great and the panels arrived very well packed indeed. Go to www.wnsolar.chn for a look. They have some really good stuff at really low prices. All of the prices I had from local and interstate suppliers worked out at about $11 per watt. That means $880 for one 80 watt panel. I got two for less than this!

I also found a 20 amp solar regulator exactly the same as one being sold by a local retailer for $170, on eBay for $109. Quite a saving. The PPP (portable poo pot) als0 arrived. This was $80 with postage also off eBay. Good solid unit with a fresh water flush and a 20 litre capacity. I have elected to go for a removeable unit which will sit in the shower (try saying that 3 times fast) and go into a tent when camped for long periods. Better this way than waking to the odourlaflorium of your 'friend' snapping one off in such a confined place when you don't have to. This will also mean one less hole in the side of the bus to accomodate the 'cassette'.

I will post pics of this stuff as it gets installed. Anyway, keep a look out because there will be a lot of progress during the next couple of weeks I hope. If anyone at work is reading this, tell Rischard that the toilet cubicle is way to small for him to populate. See you next time.