rb panel van conversion begins !

[Deleted member 36503]

I have seen countless dozens of professional panel van builds such as IH, Swift, Timberland etc. and I haven't seen one which comes anywhere near to the amazing quality and standard of finish that you have created Ralph & Bev.
Most of the professional conversions appear to use acres of stretch carpet that looks like, stretch carpet covering over something that with a bit more thought and planning, could have been properly finished.

 

[Terry]

Still looking greatNot long to go now mate
terry

 

[cruiser]

looking great . but beware, you have a stowaway in there already . we hope to see you at Missterton.

 

[GeebeeJaybee]

Being a newbie I have just read this whole thread with great interest.

I am absolutely blown away by what you have achieved - amazing job, particularly the dog shaped floor cushion.

Only thing not too impressed with was the cheeky comment re: building inspectors a few pages in - only miffed then because I am a building inspector!

Jennifer

 

[cruiser]

but we still like you.

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[Ralph-n-Bev]

Thanks for all your very kind comments

I still cant believe what i have achieved myself six months ago i struggled to miter a skirting board
As well as you lot behind me throughout the project our Buster (The Dog) has always sat in there with me even when its been below freezing.
I have to carry him out sometimes .
We wont be finished for Misterton or Saltfleet, but anyone is welcome round for a look.

P.S Building inspectors by appointment only

 

[JockandRita]

P.S Building inspectors by appointment only

Jock.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Ralph's making the most of the late sunshine. He's just had his tea and is making the door to the Loo/wet room , for Pug.
Yay, we can have a wee in peace now, at Misterton. Without having to close the window blinds!
Up till now if anyone opened the sliding door they'd have got a right eyeful.

 

[Wildbill]

the best thread ever created on fun that I have seen well done @Ralph-n-Bev
cant weight to see it in the flesh
bill

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

@HappyBrewer your welcome to come and have a look at Misterton.
Cut to size, with nice rounded edges.
Ready for the knock in edging strip.
Note the old portaloo. We've had it since our tenting days. Many moons ago. It came in handy in Pug till a couple of weeks ago when Ralph plumbed the loo in .

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[DM14742]

Stunning is the only word for it. What a brilliant job I think I said earlier in the thread that I.H. would be worried if he saw it and I stand by that. Come on Ralph get yourself a new business set up!

 

[Terry]

Hi Bev I am now like you were doorless -At Newark I had the white door on loo but none on the van at all now so if anyone opens the sliding door unlike you they won't get an eyeful Braggers
Not been able to touch my van all week just had no time at all.Monday I was up at Durham Tuesday I was like dog poo and today again all over the place
terry

 

[Wildbill]

@HappyBrewer your welcome to come and have a look at Misterton.
Cut to size, with nice rounded edges.
Ready for the knock in edging strip.
Note the old portaloo. We've had it since our tenting days. Many moons ago. It came in handy in Pug till a couple of weeks ago when Ralph plumbed the loo in .
View attachment 65711

@Ralph-n-Bev I am marshalling that weekend at Stafford but Shure we will se you out on the road

 

[Kool Kroozer]

Dont know if any other funster members are getting to the stage as i am with Ralph n Bevs Build ? its got to the point now that i feel its coming to an end - and as great as it looks Ralph i for one am gonna miss this thread like i lost a leg (well not that bad ) But really am going to miss this, its been like watching a gripping drama on the tv where as you cant wait for the next episode to hurry and appear - aint you got another planned ?

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Dont know if any other funster members are getting to the stage as i am with Ralph n Bevs Build ? its got to the point now that i feel its coming to an end - and as great as it looks Ralph i for one am gonna miss this thread like i lost a leg (well not that bad ) But really am going to miss this, its been like watching a gripping drama on the tv where as you cant wait for the next episode to hurry and appear - aint you got another planned ?

Toxic, You may miss this thread when the drama ends

But i tell you what, i for one will miss your highly amusing replies

Looks like we will both benefit from another build

I could just undo everything and start again At least all the tricky cuts will be done second time round

Keep Smiling.....Ralph

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[Kool Kroozer]

Well as they say, as one drama ends another begins, an I for one hope your journeys in Pug are past your expectations, i am sure all who have followed this thread will wish you the same, I know its not finished yet but i must admit its been a real pleasure following your work and Bevs updates, I suppose all wont be lost when its finished - you gonna have to up load all your pics of the weekends away in Pug Hey now thats given me something to look forward to

 

[Deleted member 36503]

Up till now if anyone opened the sliding door they'd have got a right eyeful.
View attachment 65707

Doesn't Bev tell you to point your percy down and do it in the bowl ?

 

[Stonemags76]

I agree with others - the build quality is fantastic! You've done a great job!

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Thank you very much. I'm very proud of Ralph he's doing a splendid job.

We've finally got the Work surface slab cut .
They've done a great job. Ralph says it was worth the £100 to do it. I rekon he could have cut out the oval out for the sink and the square for the hob , after seeing how he's made such a good job with the joinery so far.
He said he would, if it was just a standard work surface. But he was worried he'd mess it up, and it was expensive .
They've buffed it all up too. It's really silky now. I was a bit worried as it felt a bit gritty. No longer.

He's in Pug as I type. Fixing it into place. He's sorted out the solar Panels too , and a few other bits and bobs , since doing the previous post.
But I'm sure he will come on and do an update soon. It's just that when he comes in , he wants a beer and to chill.
We still won't be ready for Misterton but further on than we were at the Northern soul meet ! Can't wait to get away. I know Ralph needs to chill and do nothing. Working all day as a builder, running his own business , working on Pug every spare hour, is taking its toll. He's knackered.
It will all be worth it in the end. We shall have the van of our dreams until it rusts away to dust !

 

[Ockerron]

Can't wait to catch up again next weekend! Xx

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[Ralph-n-Bev]

Can't wait to catch up again next weekend! Xx

Neither can I Gerri. Looking forward to a nice chat and bevy. I'm a real PVC widow . Kids all doing their thang ! As they do . Ralph's in Pug . I'm into a bottle of prosecco now though, and watching big brother he'll be in soon ...... Xx

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

P.S
He's not that badly done to , btw.
I did make him his favourite tea tonight.
Rib eye steak , proper chips ( with skin on ) and runner beans , with a knob of lurpak!
When he came home from work , before he started his PVC shift!
He's just come in , and in the shower. There's a nice bottle of leffe waiting for him.

 

[Stonemags76]

Just read the whole post - so interesting! I think you've done a fantastic job - the quality of the work is amazing!

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Just read the whole post - so interesting! I think you've done a fantastic job - the quality of the work is amazing!

@Stonemags76 Glad you like the thread. I wish I had a bit more time to go into detail.
Sometimes a picture says it all

Thanks for looking.....Ralph

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Well the light nights come in handy for an hour or two after work.
Since my last update i have been making and fitting the bathroom and bathroom cabinet doors. The bathroom cabinet still needs a mirror to finish it off.

Another big job complete is the solar setup, I have gone for two Victron 80 watt solar panels and a three stage charger controller that should keep my battery charged and maintained properly. I had a play with the inverter this morning, i boiled a 700w kettel which took me down to around 80% left in the battery. The solar took me back up to 100% in around an hour and twenty minutes. Where the van is parked down the side of the house it doesn't get direct sun until the end of the day and today was mainly cloudy. All in all very happy with the solar and inverter setup.

Next on my list was the worktop template. The guys cutting and edging it preferred this method rather than a plan with measurements.
The type of worktop we are using requires the edge to be bonded and rounded off. It is then filled and sanded giving a seamless finish.
The beauty of Corian

More pictures to follow on next post.

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[Ralph-n-Bev]

Got the call i was waiting for, my worktop Slab was cut and finished
I was surprised to only be charged £100 for the job

Main worktop cut to size and edged on the internal and external sides
Flip up worktop cut to size and edged
Splash backs cut to size and polished up along with the other worktops

Really glad i didn't tackle this myself, they have done a superb job.
Everything slotted into place nicely. I set the cooker back so you don't catch yourself on the handle.
The flip up worktop just gives that bit of extra work space. The brackets holding this work very well and it feels solid.

I still need to fit the splash back edging around the surface to complete.
The sink is now working but the cooker isn't. Need to get underneath one day and fit the gas tank.
Been busy fitting Remis blinds today but will post pictures later.

Thanks all for looking and hope to meet some of you at Misterton.

Ralph

 

[Kool Kroozer]

Aww Ralph, it looks bloody nice mate, hard to believe its a PVC from the insides interior... you certainly have made a lovely handbag out of a pigs ear..(not saying the van was a pigs ear but you know what i mean ) its certainly coming to a close now, all nearly done - you should have many happy years an wonderful memories in Pug - you have certainly gave me plenty to talk about when PVC crop up in conversation - just waiting for the finale now Ralph - just to bring me some closure for me that is

 

[scousebird]

Wow, it really is looking good now Bev, you've got a very clever husband

 

[JockandRita]

It's all looking fandabydozy Ralph & Bev.

Bev, you've got a very clever husband

And Ralph has a very patient and understanding wife.

All the best with the bulk tank fitting.

Jock.

 

[Terry]

Brill Ralph and the work surface looks well worth the money Still cannot get my head around the cost of Remis blinds though
terry

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