HAMBO build thread

[Abitibi]

I got an ARB twin, will just need to "T" a line to the seat. Still need to figure if I need constant pressure or not. If i do i may have to rethink the air supply. Might need to add a tank? A quick visit to Kenworth dealer should point me to the right direction.

Currently working on framing; 3/4" wood spacers glued and screwed (stainless) to each interior studs for extra insulation and to combat condensation. Also makes it easier to install the interior walls.

Cheers!
David

 

[berimbozo]

I'm gonna roll it with Marine Urethane. The paint is super durable and fairly cheap. Not sure about the color yet but Subaru has some nice color options!

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Where did you end up buying the paint from? I'm going to need to paint mine eventually but I'd like to do a "lane way" job like you did and save some money!

 

[Abitibi]

Where did you end up buying the paint from? I'm going to need to paint mine eventually but I'd like to do a "lane way" job like you did and save some money!

I bought it from Cloverdale Paint store, not sure if they have it in the states or outside BC?

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[berimbozo]

I bought it from Cloverdale Paint store, not sure if they have it in the states or outside BC?

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Awesome! I'm in BC so I'll check them out!

Eric

 

[Abitibi]

Next step will be to think about insulation. I have a few options in mind...

1) leave it as is (easiest but less desirable)
2) replace fiberglass wool with rigid 2" foam (as I did in my previous ambo, a bit pricey)
3) replace with Roxul (isn't too expensive and fairly easy. Great for sound but not as good as rigid foam if leak occurs)
4) spay it with closed cell foam, house style. (Need to spray thin layers to avoid warping. Great for vapor barrier, extra rigidity, good sealant but pricey)

I also now have an extra 3/4" of space that I can fill with insulation or keep as an air gap.

Thoughts?

 

[Abitibi]

Well, I guess there's no thoughts on insulation options so let's carry on!

Today was a fun day. Awning day!

- built new taller aluminum brackets to replace the steel one provided with the awning then painted them.

- lined up the brackets to maximize strength against interior studs and pre-drill everything.

- installed Rivnuts (9 total)

- got that puppy mounted!

Send pretty simple but took me a while to decide of exact location and bracket style. As is, i can open/access it by opening the side window and from the side door, real easy!

Installing an awning is always a challenge with tall vehicle... but I think I nailed this one!

Cheers
David

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[Betarocker]

Spray foam will offer the best R-value, and with it being applied directly to the body, it will prevent space for moist air to condense. Roxul will dry out and if it ever gets wet and not deteriorate. Can do a splash and batt blend; Spray against the body and fill the rest with Roxul.

Project is looking good.

 

[TheRealPapaK]

I looked into doing the spray foam and for the cost decided to add to the 1" rigid that was in there with more rigid

 

[Bikersmurf]

Looking forward to seeing your rig in person one of these days. Not enough time this trip... perhaps one day if life settles down a bit.

 

[java]

I did spray foam FWIW.

 

[Abitibi]

My buddy has the identical ambo box as mine with the same insulation process I'm doing (3/4" spacers on the beams with 3/4" cedar boards on top). He kept the original insulation and didn't add anything else so he ended up with 2" of fb insulation, 3/4" air gap, 3/4" cedar.

We just fired up his airtronic yesterday and we had to turn it way down, the insulation felt awesome. Once winter settles in we'll be able to give it a real test but so far it's working great! So I don't feel too bad keeping the original insulation but my #1 choice would be a thin layer of spray topped up with a 2" layer of Roxul.

Here's some pictures showing some details on his ambo which will be very similar to mine.

 

[MStudt]

Installing an awning is always a challenge with tall vehicle... but I think I nailed this one!

What awnings are those?

Mike

 

[Abitibi]

What awnings are those?

Mike

The small one is a Dometic electric awning meant to cover the side door of large RVs. The larger side one is the Nomadic 180 from OVS (Overland Vehicle System),

Nomadic Awning 180 Degree - Dark Gray Cover With Black Cover

Shop the Nomadic Awning 180 Degree - Dark Gray Cover With Black Cover. Perfect for outdoor adventures. Stay shaded with this versatile 180 Awning.

overlandvehiclesystems.com

 

[FDM2012]

I went at it again today, this time with more of a green tint and I'm stoked with the result! Really happy with the new color. I'll still need one more coat, not really necessary but there were a few thin spots here and there and I ran out of paint for the roof so the seals, trims and rear windows will have to wait before going back! In the last picture you can see the actual difference in color from the previous failed attempt...

I also committed myself to build a custom poptop since I ordered the fabric. I'll be building pretty much everything on my own this time instead of retrofitting a RTT like I did on my previous ambo. It might not be as roomy as the first one but it will do the trick

Cheers!

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Hey David,

I am thinking of doing this sooner than later.....

My box is full size, so I am guessing I should get 5 gallons?

I'm guessing you used a sander to do all of the major surface areas? Remember what grits?

And, are you still happy with the Marine Enamel?

Any lessons learned?

And yes, I have 4 of the drill use decal removers ordered....

Thx,

Eric

 

[Abitibi]

Hi Eric

Still very happy with the paint! My friend did the same on his bus and after 3yrs and decent abuse it's still looking great.

5 gallons sounds like a lot, I've basically only used 2.5 for mine.

As for sanding I used an orbital sander with mostly 180 grit to remove the gloss or clearcoat but at the end I went to 80grit to "scratch" the original paint so the new paint could grab... also, I used a 15mm roller (medium to long hair) to give more of a bedliner finish.

Hope this help!

Cheers
David

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