I started off by making a blog entry on this site about this project. Now it seems that this is perhaps a better place to document our progress! So here goes again!
Inspired by this site I have just bought the base vehicle from Ben Weaver Commercials, Sheffield. A 1997 petrol engined model kitted out as a disabled minibus it has done just 31,000 miles and has a full service history. Ben sorted out a workshop inspection to Good Garage Scheme standards, a full service, 1 year MOT and arranged the Road Tax in advance. Throughout he kept me informed every step of the way and even picked me up from the bus station. I certainly highly recommend him for anybody looking for a van or minibus!
Having driven down from Scotland just over a week ago to view the selection of vehicles I traveled down by bus to collect it on Wednesday 30th Dec 2009. The journey back was fine until I got to the A71 from Edinburgh to Lanark. The road was barely treated and very slippery so it was 30mph all the way!
We have now finalized the paper plans although this will be subject to change once work starts!
Once I have figured out how to convert my drawings to an image that can be uploaded I’ll share that.
One of the things I am really enthusiastic about is the plan to use LED lighting and run most of the van off 12 volt DC. We will have 5 lights each the equivalent of 17 watt incandescent bulbs with each light drawing 1.8 watts. The total current for all the lighting will be 0.75 amp!
The work has started
This morning I started by removing the plastic lining from the lower sides and the GRP liner from the roof space. I will insulate the cavity with PU foam and use 9mm ply to line the lower sides. This will give me sufficient to screw into for fitting out.
I intend cutting off and re-using the shaped ends of the GRP (fibreglass) liner and will use 4mm or 6mm ply for most of the liner. Too much wasted space using the GRP liner!