Hi all,
I ended up buying a sweet VW LT35 van which has masses of room and i'm planning a conversion to camper kitevan extroadinaire that will include: lining with ply then auto carpet, floor vinyl, insulation with wool batts, 12 volt wiring for fridge, installation of skylight & vent, tv & lights, a sink with cold running water, and a bit of storage space (shelving & under bed).

The board racks are my biggest challenge. At the moment i can stand up inside the van which i really like so i dont want a floating floor. The whole thing would have to be raised to fit a sup under so I was thinking of something like this:
I carry a 9'4" sup & a couple of surfboards. Does anyone know where i would go to get something like this made up? Any tips or ideas on the construction?

Cheers
Ezza

I've just purchased an Iload so have been considering lots of different options for decking it out.
Google boards mpora forum they have a thread specific to windsurfing vans, there's lots of ideas there.
I just ordered some pretty flash racks from a guy in the UK (www.vehicle-racking-systems.co.uk) but it you want the whole raised shelve thing maybe these aren't appropriate

I used a Mitsubishi Delica but do NOT insulate, gets friggin hot in summer! Most of the time I slept with the door wide open!

You can get odourless fishoil, but fishoil is only for rustproofing

A lot of the motor home guys are also painting some sort of white thick paint on the roof down to the gutter line. This looks a little crappy as it is brushed on, but apparently it does help heaps to insulate. THe same stuff is also being used on large commercial buildings.

Scroll down to thermoshield
http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/marketplace/marketplace/accessories.php

www.hytechsales.com/howtopaint/painting_rv.html

But remember the idea is not to be living in the thing during the day anyway unlike a grey nomad would do, you want to be in the great outdoors enjoying the sunshine wind and wave right

ezza said...

I know its for rustproofing Ric i mentioned it because id probably do it at the same time as the insulation under the floor. Might check out that paint though i dont want it to be an oven as my boards and kites live in it full time.

Dont worry, this van will be everything it needs to be: transport, storage for all my toys, comfy accomodation, have the ability to cool 24 beers in 20 mins, watch a movie in foul weather etc etc. Its gotta look the goods too!

wasnt sure if you got ur soundproofing and rustproofing mixed up

The fish oil will be sticky for a few days after application.
Rust generally never happens in the middle of a big panel unless the paint is missing, generally rust starts in all the double seams of a metal body, so thats where the fishoil should be applied so it can track in all the tight spots with capillary action, the warmer the day, the thinner and more effective it will be.
Also spraying it in along the door sills and sills of the body is a good idea.

THings like the paint of roof can be added any time after as you go and see fit after using for a bit.

Since this will be quite an asset when your done with all this stuff going in it, dont forget you might be the envy of someone else with less cash and no morals, so dont forget about insurance for all your hard work and valuables and or security measures.
Maybe even get a auto electrician to wire in a secret kill switch that cuts power to the starter motor so it cant be driven off while your enjoying a session that might turn your best day into your worst

Also consider a secret compartment when building the cupboards for your valuables for when your not around

There is an older style metal frame bed around with solid metal cross bars. You would have to go to an op shop or dump recycle centre to find one. The spacings are perfect for board racks. A mate of mine cuts them in half, caps and pads them to make great surf racks. You can spray them pretty and bend an angle if you want.

Your all gay

How to store your gear




Yes, no carpet in sleeping quarters but has useful accessories

like to see her welcome mat

robbo1111 said...

I've just purchased an Iload so have been considering lots of different options for decking it out.
Google boards mpora forum they have a thread specific to windsurfing vans, there's lots of ideas there.
I just ordered some pretty flash racks from a guy in the UK (www.vehicle-racking-systems.co.uk) but it you want the whole raised shelve thing maybe these aren't appropriate

Hey Robbo,

Ive been talking with Guy from vehicle racking systems. He mentioned they need a Nutsert tool to instal. Did you go for this option or are you going to rivet it in? Are these tools available in Oz? The racks look sweet as... When you get them id love to hear what you think

Ezza
My plan is to use the nutserts and borrow the tool from a mate. However I am concerned that I may not have enough space between the front sliding door rail and the internal rail to install the nutsert. If this proves to be the case then I've got a couple of other ideas not including rivets.

Nutsert tools are pretty common so you shouldn't have a problem borrowing one - mechanic, sheet metal worker, aircraft engineer, 4WD shops

I paid for my racks yesterday so should have them within 2 weeks will give you the good oil on them.

Rgds
Steve