Willie – the final form

Almost finished we left Willie – the yellow hell-machine almost done with some minor details waiting to be completed.

So let’s start at the front, the drivers’ compartment to be precise. To stealth up the van when parking in dodgy places there has to be something to catch the occasional view. The thought was about a shelve, adjustable for parking as well as driving. 

Two rails mounted on the lower part of the door make the shelve and the cup holder adjustable, so it can be removed at any time and clear the way to the back of the vehicle.

The double door

Nothing too fancy here, just a few mirrors attached to the back of the double doors.

I’m not spending loads of time in front of the mirror, but it’s definitely a thing within the category nice to have. Mounted in the center of the van it almost acts like a window from some angles which helps to feel more comfortable when the doors are closed.

Kitchen finish

So the kitchen was finished on the outside, so the last arrangements had to be made on the inside. 

Again nothing too fancy here, just a shelve for cooking equipment, the space for a bin and a fridge box, the gas bottle and water tanks as well as a first aid box.

City transportation

I am not so keen to drive into cities with the van since it isn’t that nimble and easy to handle. In fact, there are lots and lots of parking spots which are absolutely not suitable for the van due to its length. The front or back end will stand out on most of the parking spots which are not parallel to the street. To avoid costs for Taxis, subways, buses and other transportation within cities, I wanted to bring my bike. 

A wooden frame keeps the tires in place, or the one wheel to be precise. Removing the front wheel and jamming it in with the saddle a simple rubber band is enough to keep it in place. The electronics cupboard at the front will prevent the bike to start flying in case of an accident.

The couch/bed and desks

Finally getting the custom cut foam pieces with the hardest possible foam which should not loose its shape over extended periods of time sitting and sleeping. Well, at least that’s what the lady who sold me this stuff said. I will keep you updated on the quality over time. I have to add a big thank you to my mum for helping me with the whole sewing stuff. Never ever I would have thought the whole thing could be looking this good.

A pinboard made of cork hides the wooden plate there and give me some space to place memories as well as the occasional head up in the future.

When the bed is unfolded, I need some place to use my computer or have a meal. So I decided to build two tables with extendable legs. Most of the time I’ll be using one single desk only but the option to have a guest made me do the work twice.

I have slept in the van on multiple occasions even within cities, and it felt absolutely great. Within cities, the back windows will be covered although there is a foil on it which lets you only see in the brighter direction.

 

Final Conclusion

Overall, I’d like to add that I’m satisfied with the results since it looks right and feels right to be in the van. To stay in there even for a few days should feel good, at least better than with a depressing gray plastic surrounding me.

I would build it differently if I had to build it a second time. But I think this feeling is quite normal since there is always room for improvement. Small details will be added, removed and upgraded along the way but nothing major since the tools will not travel with me.

 

If you have any questions or plan to build a van on your own, don’t hesitate to contact me for advice or a second opinion.