My Toyota HiAce Power Van (project camper)

**colt45 gto** · 09-12-2010, 09:35 AM

Those on my FB will have seen pics of the van as its transforming into a camper, truth is i just need to keep my bored hands happy until we can get back to the states.

Now i'm not much of a wood worker, i prefer steel and grease but i kinda figure that a 1997 Toyota Van isn't worth much on the resale market as a van, obviously i/we need to raise cash to get back into the USA si i figure there is a good market in campers/day vans.

the van is small in american terms but its a good size here but not quite big enough to make it an all out camper. but i'm doing my best with the little money we have. i'm hoping it wont cost more than £250 GBP to complete but anyway here are some pics from before to now.

i fitted one section of the new floor to put the carpet on so its not ridged

i had to cut out for and fit the side windows. unfortunately one of the sliding windows that came with the frame for the sliding door was missing so i left that one out.

**colt45 gto** · 09-12-2010, 09:36 AM

and then start to cover the inside of the van with leatherette and wadding to pad it a little also provide insulation.

next i fabricated and welded in the frame to hold the units of the camper, i done this as a safety feature. to ensure that if the vehicle ever comes into an accident there wont be a huge mass of furniter crushing the driver.

i then cut the board to form the units to fit the shape of the van, first attempt sucked, i corrected it with another piece.

then i had a rethink on the head lining and wanted it plush looking with a cushioned effect and buttons. and fitted the units again once that was put up.

this is where i am at now.

have to raise a little more cash to finish fabricating the bed/seat and buy some seat belts to anchor them in for rear passengers. i also need to speak with a neighbour about some carpet he has to line the floor with.

so far Thanks for looking

**FastOldGuy** · 09-12-2010, 10:59 AM

Nice job! good project! Try cutting card board templete to fit then make the wood its a little easier sometimes than using wood to get the fit..

**colt45 gto** · 09-12-2010, 11:30 AM

haha i tried the cardboard trick first but done it wrong, nextdoor neighbor came over and cut a strip of cardboard, put a hole in it adn then followed the contor of the van with a pencile in the other end on cardboard while i held it, we got a perfect shape, i use the fucked peice elswhere but we got it eventually.

**colt45 gto** · 09-14-2010, 04:10 PM

carpet is now in.....

**TUFFTR** · 09-14-2010, 07:24 PM

That's fantastic! All you need is a slimline couch on the other side and that is one pimpin van.

**colt45 gto** · 09-15-2010, 08:47 AM

i have designed and made a pullout bed, its a consetina type thing, push it in its a double seat, pull it out and its a double bed. just have to finish that and make the seat cushions for it, then the inside is complete.

**EZnTn** · 09-15-2010, 12:01 PM

Nice job, looks great.
Brings back memories of vans I had back in the day.
Lots of tricks to fit up flush around / along irregular surfaces.
Looks like you mastered em.