bobs
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From the album: Transit Conversion
Bolted to the bench frame there is an upright that can be left in place with the bench frame folded up. This upright is one of the supports for the upper bed. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Make a nece bench for two. Undecided about cushions for the seat and the lower bed. Hope to find something already made up that can do the job for setting and sleeping. The area to the right where the shelving is has a hinged portion that will eventually be a folding table. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
All the plywood platforms are neatly stacked in to the bench frame work and are retained with a strap going through slots in the frame. To prevent laterial movement the front left corner is bolted into the folding seat retainer mounting. Now every thing is solid and ready to continue making the bed. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
swing arms have been secured into place and now there is the makings of a bench. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
The fondation leg supports are bolted to the back d-ring and the seat belt floor mounting. the top bar swings out and will attach to the other support legs making a 24x36 bench. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
All parts are in the van now ready to be assembled. Bed platforms are flat on floor as each measures 24" x 36" so they do fit nicely. The green bag contains all the componets except those standing above the left wheel well. This part is the foundation for every thing to come and as you can see fold up nicely agains the side and does not take up floor space. -
For some time now I have followed the forum postings and found them not only interesting but informative. So, I would like to make a small contribution to the site and add some information about what I am doing to convert a transit to a weekend traveler and sleeper. Please go to the welcome forum under now what do I do by bobs and see what it was I used as the main critera for converting the van. I also have posted to the photo gallary some pictures of the basic start up for the conversion.. You will find them under the title of Transit Conversion by bobs. Photo Gallery link
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From the album: Transit Conversion
Another view of all parts ready to be installed into the van. (Please see now what do I do in the welcome forum by bobs for the critera that was set for the conversion.) Now the true test for all the hard work. Does it fit? Will it work? -
From the album: Transit Conversion
All parts come together including the plywood for the beds. The plywood piece to the back left is the head board for the upper bunk. Hope that will keep pillows etc. from falling onto the lower bunk. The little shelf on the head board is for a medical device used during sleep. The small shelf lifts away from the headboard easily so all parts store flat. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
All the parts can be neatly stacked and stored away in a bag when not in use. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Parts are put together in sections. Two of these sections can be permantly mounted into the van with out taking but about 1 inch of floor space and can serve as strapping rails for cargo. The two sections will serve as a bench and basic foundation the the remaining beds. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Another view of the individual frame part for the beds. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Finished all basic measurements and completed fabrication of all individual parts. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Just trying something with the piece of shelving in front of the shelves. That piece is hinged and will keep items on the shelf held in place with bungie. That very piece will be laminated with formica and serve as a fold up table when setting on the bench. Yet to be installed -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Shelving can be removed very quicky, yet is very sturdy and so far very functional. The nice thing about the shelves is that by simply unsnapping the wire unit fron the stantion, and then remove the stantion from the rail, all cubic area is restored to normal size. No they do not rattle, Have had apx.75lbs on them along with beach tiles, tarps blankets etc.. -
From the album: Transit Conversion
Light weight shelving installed. Door pockets (very handy) . Note net for holding small roll around things. Next will be the Conversion to a sleeper. The door pockets have been lined with foam to keep vibration down and things from rolling around. Hard to see but the right side is empty and left side has 12v trouble light, 10 tie down straps, first aid kit, gloves, wipe cloths, some bungies. -
I have a wagon, meaning there are back seats, so to haul the plywood I first removed the back seats and pulled the front seat passenger as close to the dash as it would go, then moved the back of the seat all the way forward. The ply was loaded one sheet at a time long way first loaded through the back doors standing upright and angled toward passenger door / seat and pushed as far as it would go. Angled the back edge to the back left door (driver side) corner. Second sheet loaded the same way. Sheets are now standing upright and the passenger seat keeps them that way. No movement of the sheets on the way home. It is a very tight fit but was easily done with one of the plywood carriers helped. That is a tool that looks like a L with a handle and the plywood sets on the bottom of the L and it can be carried or lift easily. Probably you could not haul any more than 2. What I had loaded was 2 sheets 3/8". As far as being easy it is not as easy as laying it flat in the back of the pickup unless you have a 6 foot bed. Then it is as about the same amount of struggle.
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Decision Made-----Transit Connect Wagon. Had it now for 3 weeks with the total mileage of 293 miles. Haven't used it a lot, yet, but I hope to put some real miles on it soon. I wanted a weekend type car to go places and have some of the convinces of home with us and the grandkids when we will travel. However, it must remain as much a utility truck as possible. Just brought home 2 sheets 4x8 plywood and had all the doors closed with no problems whatsoever (had to remove back seats to do so). Worked out very well. We did not purchase the TC for a business but for home and my small shop needs. The next big step will to convert to a 2 sleeper with as may amenities as I can install in the limited space. I am looking for additional ideas that will help to meet the following needs; 1. Conversion must be easily assembled / removed for utility work, no more than 12 to 15 min. setup / tear down with limited pieces to put together 2. Must sleep 2 with a degree of comfort 3. When bunk is in use, there must be room to use the Port-a P during the night without tearing every thing apart (spouse requirement) 4. Conversion must be usable with rear seats in or rear seats out ( dual performance) 5. Need resting area ( sleeping) for one when on the road. One sleeping, one driving. Rear seat in or removed. maintain comfortable driver seat position, 6. Ventilation to reduce condensation during sleeping, keeping the air moving and bringing in fresh air bug free, aux. power needed. 7. Storage for travel needs that are accessible without much effort to retrieve. A place for everything and everything in it's place 8. All the above must be put into place without drilling holes into the new TC. and not taking the headliner down (spouse requirements) Just a few items in the wish list to get done before we hit the road. Well the plans have now evolved into the rough fitting stage and all the above criteria has been met except #6. So far it all looks pretty good to me even the 3 shelves that were installed . (filled them up going to the beach, with the cooler, two sun shade chairs, beach umbrella picnic basket, grand daughters boogie board, changes of clothes, shoes, and cooler, not to mention 4 beach towels) Going over everything and making a punch list and improving some things as I try all the physical demands to meet the above criteria. Oh, forgot to mention that I finished the back door pockets, one side is full with a portable 12v spot light, 8 tie down straps, 1 6x8 tarp ( to be used for sunshade) roll of tissue paper, 1 pair work gloves, flag for long extended loads along with two water bottles with a little room left over. And none of it rattles. I guess the foam lining really is working. Please check out the photo gallery under Transit Conversion to view the photos I have so far. Note; Start on the last page and work backward to follow in sequence the postings. I can not figure how to reverse the default of last posting shows first. Photo Gallery link Thanks for looking at the long ramble.