MG Metalworks Van Build
- Thread starter mgmetalworks
- Start date
mgmetalworks
Explorer
The Year of the Van continues....
Disassembling the interior and taking lots of measurements for the interior and pop-top design. I'm getting a bit antsy for the Cummins install too...not far from having this body off!!
Everything has to come apart at some point for sound deadening and insulation but I have to remind myself that I need to drive the van for a little while longer.
Every bit of the trim is coming out. There won't be much in the van that doesn't get some sort of custom touch.
Disassembling the interior and taking lots of measurements for the interior and pop-top design. I'm getting a bit antsy for the Cummins install too...not far from having this body off!!
Everything has to come apart at some point for sound deadening and insulation but I have to remind myself that I need to drive the van for a little while longer.
Every bit of the trim is coming out. There won't be much in the van that doesn't get some sort of custom touch.
mgmetalworks
Explorer
I'm not going to let the whole cat out of the bag yet so no pictures until I get a little farther.
Here's what I will say about my upcoming pop-top design:
-It's looking like I'm going to go with a dual-acting, single motor actuator design. I had been going down the path of two independent actuators but it drives the cost and complexity up a bit. Not to mention there are some pitfalls to a two actuator design should there be any failures. I'm working with another engineer to verify that all of the members and mounting frame can handle the loads and we're designing in appropriate safety factors. All of the pivot points for the members are in double sheer too.
-The mechanism is a very open design so the cutout in the roof will be 50+" wide x 110+" long. (these numbers may change slightly as I get farther into the detailing). RB vans will use the same hole size and mechanism as EB vans, the only difference will be the EB top will extend farther back.
-The top itself will likely be aluminum. The tricky part is making an easy design to manufacture while looking sleek. I have visions of an integrated roof rack too.
-When I get some final dimensions, I'll engage with some local canvas/tent making vendors to discuss material options and design. I don't expect to deviate far from the 'windows/screens on all sides' design that the other guys have.
-It's gonna be trick but the goal is to keep it in line with the prices of the other vendors.
naterry
13 Cheeseburgers
mgmetalworks
Explorer
Just because you can, that doesn't mean you should.
naterry
13 Cheeseburgers
Just because you can, that doesn't mean you should.
And vice versa. All joking aside it does open up the area above the driver's head nicely. I'm using that space as a cubby and to mount the ham.
Corneilius
Adventurer
Just because you can, that doesn't mean you should.
A very wise statement, takes most people years and some never get it
tequilasunset
Adventurer
Please include the Astro/Safari... pretty please? :bowdown:
Hopefully, it is just the pictures, but the base "covers" on those Sienna seats do not fit with the quality of the seat IMO. Can you cover them or paint them? Maybe it appears differently in person.
I sat in a van at a car show a few years ago, just becuase of all the seat swap threads on here. They are super comfy.
I sat in a van at a car show a few years ago, just becuase of all the seat swap threads on here. They are super comfy.
mgmetalworks
Explorer
The factory plastic covers are every bit as nice for fit and finish as any other car out there (even high end luxury cars). The Sienna seats aren't the only option for our vans though. You can always go with the RV-style loungers or upgrade to leather on the stock seats like Sportsmobile does or choose some high end Recaros at 3x the price of the Sienna seats. That's the beauty of customizing...we can choose what we want. I'm ok with the looks of the seats in my van. They aren't a perfect match in every way but they're a VERY nice seat for the money and they make for a comfortable long haul in the van.