As part of #vanconversion project I've been installing 10-24 threaded rivet nuts to create attachment points in sheet metal.

I broke and returned two of the lever style rivet tools you can buy online for $50. Both had these custom mandrels (fancy machine screws) that attach to the rivet and pull the back toward the front. Both tools lacked sufficient feedback to tell me when to stop applying force, with predictable results.

This little gizmo is about $2 in parts from the hardware store and has installed dozens of rivets.

#vanconversion update. Floor is almost installed. The last piece is only dry fitted since I ran out of glue. Will need to get that and some tung oil to seal it all. It's 1" XPS foam board and half inch sanded fir plywood. I installed 2x2s around the edges with stainless rivet nuts and machine screws. Have some ideas for rebuilding the plastic step cover in wood. Probably with a big piece of adhesive no slip.

The cabin floor will get rebuilt later on. I'll sound proof it, replace the carpet with vinyl, and add swivels to the front seats.

Couple Builds Stunning Camper Van From Scratch | Full Transformation by @Mar.lavender

https://dalek.zone/w/hb7qzMRXuRK1LCzzi9Y9KP

The more I wrestle with Nana's sewing machine, the more I marvel at the skill of that generation of women. The machine appears to possess a demonic spirit of its own. My Nana's generation knew how to tame and control that spirit.

I have read the manual and I've tested all of the settings on scraps of material yet, when I come to sew something for real, the machine scorns my efforts. It bunches up the material; it creates a huge knot of thread; it teases me with very slow stitching ...... then rushes forward at potentially finger-jabbing pace.

I will persevere!

#Sewing #VanConversion

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

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! 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄😁