I've been going round in circles trying to design #PaddyTheCaddy's kitchen.

I decided that I would use 20x20 Aluminium Extrusion and I've been watching videos and studying the different kinds of connectors and joints.

However, I just don't think I'm clever enough to order the right stuff. Yes, I could phone the friendly and helpful customer service line but I suspect they're more used to dealing with engineers who have a more specific question than "So, what's all this about then?"

About 20 minutes ago I changed my mind and am going to make it out of wood. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. 😄

Wood will be heavier but I can make anything I want. It'll look "homely" but #MyVanMyRules.

#CamperConversion
#VWCaddy

I'm doing the #LDWA #TwoCrosses walk today and I spent the night in #PaddyTheCaddy nearby rather than have a really early start from home.

I am pleased to say that my new bed is very comfortable. 😴

I've made a folding shelf to bridge the gap between #PaddyTheCaddy's bench seat and the folded flat 2nd row seat. This means the bed is long enough to stretch out on.

I need to finish the support struts and I'll need some kind of hook and eye to stop the shelf bobbing about in bench mode when I'm driving.

#VanConversion
#VWCaddy

@Walkaholic I'm going to use the sewing machine to make #PaddyTheCaddy's seat cushions (which double up as a mattress).

There will be some hand-sewing as I need to tack everything together to begin with.

I'm a little nervous but I'll take it slowly and I'm starting with the small cushion so I can make mistakes on the one which is less important.

After mastering carpentry 🪚 I am now embarking on a short qualifying course as a seamstress.

#PaddyTheCaddy
#VanConversion

I've made a bench for #PaddyTheCaddy.

It pulls out in 2 sections to make 3/4 of a bed. The remaining 1/4 will be at this end and built onto a folded down middle row seat.

Bits aren't straight. Some of the joints and screws are woeful and I've already identified things to improve or correct but, overall, I'm well chuffed with that. Look what I made! 😃

#VanConversion
#MicroCamper
#VWCaddy

I'm starting to believe that I will eventually have a #campervan.

The frame of the bench is secured to the floor.
I've built the small section of pull-out bed. (Subject to some minor additional fettling.)

I'm identifying lessons at every stage. #PaddyTheCaddy2 is going to be AMAZING!!

#MicroCamper
#PaddyTheCaddy
#VanConversion
#VWCaddy

Something I've learned from my #PaddyTheCaddy #VanConversion is that I simply cannot do anything straight.

I can't saw straight, drill straight, screw straight.
Everything is not quite right. It doesn't help that most of Wickes' wood comes from the boomerang plantation, but it's not ALL their fault.

My job list incudes sanding down wonky joints. One particularly offensive corner may need to be covered in soft furnishings.

Ah, well. I doubt it'll keep me awake when I'm camping. Disappointing, though, as I do try my best! 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄😁

#PaddyTheCaddy's bench seat is coming along. I've made most of the fixed frame. I planned to put 2 more legs in the middle but I'm sitting on the loose slats now and it seems quite sturdy, so I'll have a think about that.

The fixed slats will be spread along the length with gaps between them. The gaps will be filled with a sliding, pull-out set of slats which makes the bench into a bed.

The bench is only just over a metre long as the bed will extend over one of the folded down 2nd row seats.

Some of my woodwork is awful but I've been learning as I go and I wouldn't want it to look TOO professional. 😁

#VanConversion
#VWCaddy

Making this #VanConversion bed for #PaddyTheCaddy reminds me of one of my favourite jokes.

Q: What is the difference between a Duck?

A: One of its legs is too far apart.