Van Conversion Part 3

Em’s van is definitely starting to take shape now. In terms of the van conversion we are at the fit out stage. Or what I refer to as the pretty stuff!!!🤣

VAN CONVERSION PART 3 – KITCHEN BUILD

Tony and Emily looked at alternatives like using Ikea cabinets but decided they would get a better fit by making it themselves. They decided to use white melamine sheets from Bunnings.

For the sink cupboard they used 1200 x 445 x 16mm. As this cupboard was placed at the door opening they did have to trim it down a little bit so it would not protrude too far. They also needed to ensure, that the plastic jerry cans that will be set up for the sink, fit properly. To finish off the cut edges they used iron on melamine edging.

However the cabinet for the fridge needed to be deeper to cater for the size of the fridge. In that case they used 1200 x 595 x 16mm. This opening will also have a shelf to hold the double gas burner.

Emily has decided not to put doors on the cupboards but will instead use fabric curtains.

To finish off the cabinets a Bunnings timber benchtop made the job nice and easy. They also had to put a pull out section in the bench so that the battery can be reached. Tony also used the sink cut out to make a chopping board.

COVERING THE OLD CARPET

At both ends of the van roof there were sections of old grey carpet that Emily wanted to hide. After a lot of consideration we decided the best way to tackle it was to cover it in fabric. Emily chose a neutral curtain fabric from Spotlight and we attached it with a heavy duty spray on adhesive from Bunnings. The process of attaching it was pretty messy. You had to apply the glue to both the fabric and the carpert.

If you are doing anything like this make sure you cover all items that you do not want to get glue on. We covered the flooring and used heavy cardboard to hold up as we sprayed the carpet. It came up really good and once the silver trim was replaced it hid the rough edges very well. The timber ceiling will take care of the rest of the rough edges.

VAN CONVERSION PART 3 – THE CEILING

The ceiling was a big job. Tony had to add battens in order to attach the pine lining boards that they found in Bunnings. Em chose to use the side that looked like two planks. It was a tricky job as the roof was not the same width all the way along. They got it done though and it looks fantastic. At this stage Emy thinks she will just end up sealing it rather than painting it white but is waiting for the van to be finished before she decides.

The next step in the van conversion will be the bed platform. We will need to get this one done pretty quickly so we can get the mattresses covered. Emily is planning a trip in April so we now have a time limit on the build 😱

If you are new here you can visit the start of the van conversion here.