Date: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 17:45:40 -0700
Reply-To: walt spak <wnsopc3@3RDM.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: walt spak <wnsopc3@3RDM.NET>
Subject: Re: Making a Bed--any advise?
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Doug,
I hope I can explain this reasonably well. I put a 2" X 6" on edge across
the front of the engine compartment. I screwed a 2 x 4 to the top edge
giving me a 4" top edge (all dimensions nominal). I cut a 2" X 4" section
out of the top edge of 3 more pieces of 2 X 6 and screwed them to the front
piece. They extended backwards across the engine cover, one on each side
and one in the middle.
I covered this with plywood, just over the 2 x 4 on the front piece which
left the front 2 X 6 exposed. Now the engine area is covered, but you can
access the area below the plywood from the rear tail gate. Just the right
size for a Coleman stove among other things.
Next, I made a 2 x 4 rectangular frame with a center support post that
stood near the rear of the center seat area and extended from one side of
the bus to the other. I then cut 2 pieces of plywood that extended from the
engine compartment front 2 X 6 to the rectangular frame. I then drilled
both the plywood and the 2 x 6, and the 2 X 4 frame and inserted 3/4" dowel
rod and cut it off flush with the top of the plywood.
This allowed me to pull off the 2 front pieces of plywood and lift up the
frame to break the bed down and have storage space available. I even moved
the center seat forward and rebolted it so my (then) young kids could sit in
it. I left the rear seat in and folded it down. I ended up with a lot of
storage space in the rear seat foot well, under the bed.
I used 3/4" plywood, but I think that was overkill and that it added too
much weight. I used a queen size inflatable mattress.
In the end, I believe a better solution is to install a "Weekender"
interior, but that will involve a little welding if your bus did not have
that option from new.
Walt Spak
Pittsburgh, Pa.
wnsopc3@3rdm.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Demarest <Dldemarest@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 11, 1999 12:56 PM
Subject: Making a Bed--any advise?
> I'm looking for tips on building a stable sleeping platform in my Vanagon.
> Its just plain bench seat version. I've removed the seats and want to
build
> a platform suspended somewhat above the engine to maintain room for
storage
> underneath. Has anyone done this successfully? I'm having a hard time
> figuring out how to secure wood to the vehicle.
>
> thanks
>
> Doug
