Ambu Build

[110user]

I wanted to Thank Jared (king slug) on this board for information and help off line. We are doing a bit of a parts swap and I'm getting a set of OE interior lights!!!:wings:

I have also been looking into removing the center bulkhead, but I rather like the stiffening and roll over protection it affords. So After some sliding around I may end up trying to keep as little as I can and see if I can make the seat position work. It is seeming silly to do so much work then fab a roll bar to literally get 2-3 inches of seat room. We will see though.

I'm going to actually start fitting the camper interior next week. I decided on a Partner Steel cook stove that will be mounted inside but able to remove and take outside for cooking if desired, and a small SS sink. I'll keep it updated.

Any thoughts on counter top surface? I have been thinking nice finished wood, but any pros or cons to composite materials?

I'm going to integrate a tuffy drawer I picked up for cheap for a security drawer for valuables but I have been debating about making wood drawers for the rest of the stuff (clothes and cookware/food ect) or trying to use a similar Idea to the earth roamer XP (jeep one) and have pull out either plastic or soft storage. the main reason would be to save weight. thoughts?

 

[ersatzknarf]

I am very much enjoying following your project.
Thank you !

I think you can easily substitute a "bulkhead bar" for the rear bulkhead panel. IIRC, North Offroad in the UK ( www.northoffroad.co.uk ) might have them - there are likely others.

As for the counter top material, I think you can find Corian "scrap" pieces for not too much cost and that might work out since it won't be a "full-sized" kitchen... Someone suggested places like CL for them ? For a small, SS sink, I have been looking at suppliers like Ticor/Scandvik/Plastimo. If not small enough, search for "bar" or "prep" sinks...

We're planning to cook outside the car, unless absolutely necessary. I like that stove, also.

Hope this helps.


Cheers,
Frank

 

[110user]

Hey Frank,
Thanks for the comments. I wish the bulkhead removal bars would work. but this bulkhead is different. It extends from floor to ceiling. I'll snap a photo.

I'll look at Corrian. Your right I dont need much, as there is not much room, but it would be nice to have something more resistant than wood for the counter. I have been considering a hi density plastic.... but ???

That is the exact type of sink I have been looking at. a small round "bar" sink. I found one on CL locally and may pick it up tonight.

cheers
Steve

 

[Yorker]

I always thought some of the interior parts from a VW Westfalia would work pretty well in an Amby conversion. I saw a Westfalia sink unit cheap somewhere within the last week but I can't remember where- maybe CL or eBay?

 

[JSBriggs]

Steve I would go with corian or similar composite for the counter. It will help with cleanliness/bacteria etc. You could check out Restore (habitat for humanity thrift store) and might be able to pic up a tear out or remnant. Ikea might also have somthing similar.

-Jeff

 

[110user]

The Westys are great ( I had one years ago) but I don't think that interior is what I'm looking for. It woudl almost be more trouble to adapt the fitting then making my own.

Jeff- Thanks for the input. Ikea... my Swedish lady would approve! I have been meaning to go over there an look at the futon mattresses also. I was thinking of chopping one of their memory foam ones to suit my soft sultry sleeping needs.

You mentioned a while back the Range rover cove filler neck cover. What does it look like? what I need to cover is pretty big.

 

[Yorker]

I wouldn't reuse the whole counter unit from the Westy, I'd just take the sink, pump and whatever, they'd be small enough. The one I saw was only $20 so that was part of the appeal...

There are plenty of other small RV sinks out there though that could be adapted pretty easily.

 

[JSBriggs]

Here is a pic of the filler. The cutout is about 6" tall, and about 4'1/2" deep. This one is a bit too rusty, but I think the white one is OK.

-Jeff

 

[110user]

That could work great, but it sounds a bit small, I'll measure when I get home.
I'm sure the red rusty one would suit fine it would match the filler cowl :sombrero:

 

[110user]

I wouldn't reuse the whole counter unit from the Westy, I'd just take the sink, pump and whatever, they'd be small enough. The one I saw was only $20 so that was part of the appeal...

There are plenty of other small RV sinks out there though that could be adapted pretty easily.

That could work. especially at 20$.

 

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Steve,
You are very welcome.
I am really enjoying following this.

Oops, didn't realize it was the rear bulkhead from the ambu body and not the one from the single cab...

I think Corrian (sp?) is a high density plastic, but looks like stonework, but doesn't decompose like granite might, from what I hear - regardless, a remnant piece would likely suit you, I think.

There are square bar sinks, too, in case the one you go to look at is not what you want - feel free to PM me or search for Ticor sinks and such...

Cheers,
Frank

Hey Frank,
Thanks for the comments. I wish the bulkhead removal bars would work. but this bulkhead is different. It extends from floor to ceiling. I'll snap a photo.

I'll look at Corrian. Your right I dont need much, as there is not much room, but it would be nice to have something more resistant than wood for the counter. I have been considering a hi density plastic.... but ???

That is the exact type of sink I have been looking at. a small round "bar" sink. I found one on CL locally and may pick it up tonight.

cheers
Steve

 

[110user]

Awesome. Corian looks like the stuff to use. Have you ever worked with it. Is it like other plastics?

 

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Steve,
I have yet to work with it, but their website offers a lot of information. I think they want you to use a "pro" at it, but I should think a little piece that suits the job could be found without too much agony.


Cheers,
Frank

 

[110user]

I put on a set of the long mirror arms and large convex mirrors from RN. Coupled with a set of NTO td5 style hinges (safari rover).

The mirrors made driving possible with out endangering my self and those around me...the hinges also finally tightened up my doors and are making it possible to actually adjust them now.

 

[110user]

We also made a prototype camper interior.
Wanted to keep it light, functional and simple. Decided to use ply wood for the counter top untill I was sure of the location of the sink and stove, then I'm getting corian cut.

The basic design is really simple. I found some great 17liter plastic storage bins and made cubbies (partially glued) that were easy to dissemble for repairs or changes. everything is made of 1/4 ply with some 1/2 in pieces. I sealed it all with a natural beeswax and linseed goop. The cubbies are just big enough to fit the plastic bins. There is a ledge on the lip of the cubby which holds them in place. We also integrated in a locking tuffy drawer I pickup on craigslist for cheap. It is bolted through the body and would be near impossible to remove with out a lot of time. We can reach it front the front seats. It is great and cavernous.

The bed is an Ikea futon that just happened to be the prefect size. I made some wooden slats that slide over and support the bed. simple and effective.

Eventually I'm going to make a removable mount for the Cook Partner stove (love that thing) so we can take it out and cook outside when we like ( I bet it will rarely move) . The sink will be next to the stove but I have not decided on the exact location. It will be a 13in stainless. We are going to plumb in a pump and filter (bio and chem). The tank will be mounted behind the driver and passenger. We are shooting for 30 gallons with 5-10 more in cans.

We took it out for a test run last weekend, we went out in the Mendo Forrest to a remote climbing area. Everything worked great! I was suprized that the plastic bins held a lot of food and stayed in the cubbies even when on trails. I have an idea for retaining them but it may not need anything.

I'm really glad we did a mock up of the counter before getting the corian cut. We are still deciding where to mount the stove (long or short ways) and the exact location of the sink will depend on that.

We are also going to need a little more room for some clothes but there is plenty of counter space. Once the fridge goes in behind the driver there will be some space for a cubby there and behind the passenger. I really like the open feel with all the counter space. Also, with the spare parts storage/tools/jack under the bed the weight seems to be quite even.

I'm really happy with this first prototype, a few things will be improved and lots to add but this prototype may just turn in to the final version!