The Unit 2

Facing it

What seems like months ago, (well it was about 5 months ago), I built the Kitchen Unit. I didn't finish it at the time, as still had the services to do at the back of it.

I still have a couple of things to sort, the kitchen sink drainage and test the gas, but I wanted to get on with finishing the unit while the weather was nice.

Fairly straight forward, just needed to make it look like a proper unit and not just some wood thrown together. I used the hardboard I got last month from B&Q, think it cost about £4 all in.

I'll just post the photos as there isn't much to explain, was just a measure and cut job... will finish a couple of the edges with a trim too.

Left/Right hand sides

Couple of front panels

Middle section

Completed

Link to Photo Album

The Cupboard 2

More Storage

So had a good weather day today, so I could get out to the van and do a bit of work!

Decided to do a bit more work on the overhead cupboard above the kitchen, previous blog here was where I built the framework.

First up was to cut a bit of hardboard to use as the shelf, bit awkward to do as one long piece as had to cut the corners out and the middle support bit, but managed it.

So with that cut, it was just a case of putting it in and then I just put a bit ply for the top section.

Then for the ends, I just cut some more ply and then covered those 2 bits with more Veltrim.

So as you can see when fitted, they give it a nice look and blends with the rest of the interior.

 

I had some leftover pine slats that I had used for the bed, so I cut these to use as a surround for the front. 

Finally,  I just used some ply for the bottom panel, where I am going to put a couple of LED lights just to help light the kitchen area.

Link to Photo Album

The Poles 2

90 Degrees East

I mentioned in the original blog post that I wasn't happy with the shower pole which was an L shape.

Decided today before fitting the white trim to the roof beam, to move the pole so it was just a straight section across.

So after a quick hacksaw and adjustment, am much happier with the outcome as it feels a lot more solid.

The Trim 2

More PVC

I had ordered more PVC trim in both white & black before I went away on holiday, so today I decided to get the rest of it fixed on.

First was the 50x50mm white bit I ordered to cover up the roof beam in the wetroom.

Then I got a 32x32mm black section for the step into the wetroom, this goes close up to the shower tray which I will silicone seal any gap.

Next was the 32x32mm white section for the right side of the doorway, which meets up nicely with the black section I already put up.

I then had some 25x25mm black to use for the side of the sofa frame to protect the end of the veltrim.

Lastly, I used more of the above to do the top edges on the wardrobe.

Unfortunately I hadn't quite ordered enough to to the vertical edge... will need to get some more!

Link to Photo Album

The Water

Running Hot & Cold

I had a quick water test today, to see if it was running to the sink tap and shower head.  I filled up one of the water containers, and submerged the pump into it.

I got the gas connected to the boiler to see if the hot water worked, but trying to run a tap and check and adjust the boiler controls at the same time is impossible with just myself so will have to try another day when someone can help.

But the quick test that I did do, the cold water was running fine to both shower/sink and the hot water was coming through, although not quite hot enough on the quick test I did... it will need adjusting.

Looks like shower pressure is fine though!

Still to check all the connections to make sure nothing is leaking too, and get the gas checked by someone competent.

Oh and finish the drainage, hence me not going into the plug holes!


*EDIT*

Managed to get the boiler set correctly, gives out some great power and nice hot water for a shower.. chuffed with that purchase!


Link to Photo Album

The Puncture

Blew a valve

So I came back from holiday on Thursday night, and when I went to use the van on Friday night, I noticed I had a flat front passenger tyre.

This was the 2nd one in a month, with one of the drivers rear tyres needing replaced earlier on this month at a cost of £80, so could do without that again so soon after the last one.

The back one was easy enough to get looked at, as it's a twin wheel base, I could still drive down to the garage the last time to get a new tyre.

But this time, with it being on the front, I needed to get the spare from underneath the chassis.. this was a total pain in the arse.

Firstly, I couldn't get the spare down, it's one of the ones where you have to stick a big extended socket into a hole then winch it down.. it seemed to be ceased. After much attempts, I gave the spare a kick and it came un-ceased.. great so I could get it on now.

I swapped the wheels over, then went to blow up the tyre at the garage to see if I could spot the puncture, as it turns out the valve was faulty, so a cheap and simple repair this time.

But now I can't get the spare wound back up below the chassis, so going to have to crawl under the van when it's dry to check that out... so for now the bracket that holds it in place, is just wrapped around the frame so it's not dragging along the road!!

The Bedding

Snug as a bug

Just a quick post, I bought the bedding the other week, double quilt, 4 x pillows and bed sheet. This is a nice red & black reversible set, should go well with the rest of the interior.

Also picked up a couple of under bed storage bags, which fit everything nice and also fit under the seats for storing.

Also managed to find some thermal blinds on Gumtree for £20, that have hardly been used and fit nicely on the front/side windows.

As well as finishing the actual build of the van, it's surprising how much little things I need to buy to make it a home from home.

Off on holiday this week for a couple weeks, so won't be any updates.. hopefully when I get back there will be plenty over the month of April.