Cargo Van Conversion

Several smaller jobs this week. I insulate around the side window and permanently install the Tweed Fabric surrounds. Then permanently install the cabinet underneath and pull some wires for a future outlet and some lights. The main job was to connect the gray water valve’s wiring to the 12V circuit and install a ON/OFF switch…

Today, after a two month long wait, I received my Lithium battery cells form China. I’ve done period purchases through Alibaba and AliEpress now for the last 2 years, mostly below $20.00 each and haven’t had any issues so far. That gave me the confidence to try a $750.00 buy on Alibaba for eight 3.2V…

Much of the following information was derived from DIY Solar Forum. Be aware of the following issues that may arise when dealing with your Chinese contacts. NO NOT everyone speaks English. Many times if they do not understand, what you are asking, they run it through Google Translate and it goes downhill from there.DO NOT…

I continue where I left off in the previous article Van Ceiling Panel Part I. As a reminder, I use an automotive tweed protected against daily wear and UV, very similar in color and texture as the front seats of the van. In this video, I start by gluing the edges of the fabric to…

https://youtu.be/oYD1Zsr7az0 Today, after a two month long wait, I received my Lithium battery cells form China. I’ve done period purchases through Alibaba and AliExpress now for the last 2 years, mostly below $20.00 each and haven’t had any issues so far. That gave me the confidence to try a $750.00 buy on Alibaba for eight…

https://youtu.be/uufDfME2cHA Much of the ceiling has been covered by 1in – 1-1/2in insulation and it’s time to cover it up. I plan to use a 4′ x 8′ (~120cm x ~240cm) sheet of 3/16″ (~5mm) thick plywood covered with an automotive tweed fabric, which I also use on some of the walls and around the…

With the Van Build coming to an end, several important projects need some attention. Today I’ll start working on the battery bank of my solar system. Originally, and that was at the beginning of the van build, I installed two 6V Golf cart batteries. This netted me only ~100Ah at 12V nominal. Sufficient for only…

After fitting and testing the gray water tank, I do the final installation. I also add a vent pipe, close an unused opening and add a 12V valve to the dump line. https://youtu.be/dUcvX2zJyuo TOOLS & MATERIALS*Gray Water Tank12V ValveWindow SealPVC Pipe Thread SealantHacksawPVC 1-1/4 inch threaded-to-slipPVC reducer 1-1/4 inch slip-to-3/4 inch slipPVC 3/4 inch pipeNPT…

Still have a small piece of window, next to the storage closet that needs to be finished. I’ll install a window frame/sill made from Hard Maple and add a plywood cover around it. Later I will use an automotive tweed to finish it. The corners of the frame are made differently than those of the…

I continue the installation of the Webasto Gas Heater by removing the passenger seat and pedestal. The hydraulic car jack that is stored under the seat will be moved to another location. To achieve a good seal between the heater and the floor, I install a separate base plate and seal it with some silicone….