Thanks Phil. Ive been in and out of AZ so its been difficult to schedule anything. I will be back around the Xmas holidays so if your not busy around that time your welcome to come by and take a look, provide expertise or get your hands dirty...
My next tasks are mounting a subtank, figuring out the rear tire carrier which is now blocked by the overhang (maybe an atv winch)? and the 25 gallon water tank.
Thanks Phil. Ive been in and out of AZ so its been difficult to schedule anything. I will be back around the Xmas holidays so if your not busy around that time your welcome to come by and take a look, provide expertise or get your hands dirty...
My next tasks are mounting a subtank, figuring out the rear tire carrier which is now blocked by the overhang (maybe an atv winch)? and the 25 gallon water tank.
Things went a little slow over the holiday and i got another 3 days in. Most of what i worked isn't much to show off but here is a list.
water tank installed- ended up having to cut the rear part of the lower floor that protrudes outward in order to get the tank to fit. I also had to use a 5lb hammer and a grinder.. After hours of trimming, grinding and pounding I still had to hammer the tank in there using plywood. Its not moving! Its supported by the rear cross member and the tire crossbar. It a perfect fit. Dimensions are 11X9x60" 25 gallons!
Plumbing- For the pickup and breather lines for the tank I used the beverage rated hose from ACE. It enters vertically straight up from the tank and when it passes through the floor i have it encased in rubber and sealed with flashing sealant. After the pump all the lines are pex and crimped with sharkbite fittings. All lines were insulated and there is also a provision for a hosebib that exits next to the tank. This also has a shut off valve on the interior.
propane lines (brass w/ flare fittings)- i used the 3/8 ID Homedepot stuff rated for gas. There are 2 tees which allows hook up to the water heater, heater, and stove.
vent for the water heater- i had to make a heater duct from regular galvanized duct. After a couple of nice gashes it turned out ok.
I didn't have a chance to snap a lot of pics but Here is what I have so far.
I also included a pic of the top that was recently installed.
Woops.. I also forgot that i spent most of the time isntalling the subtank and retrofitting the dual filler to work at a more sideways angle. The dual filler would normally exit 4" or so up from the bottom of the chinook Floor. I had to weld up a way to support the neck and tabs to mount the lower section.
Spent a lot of time on the electrical stuff this time around. Including refinishing the Norcold. Here is a pic while in the process of painting and one with it in the chinook. Color was Fossil from Rattle can. Matches the interior Oak really well!
The metal frame of the original body had a channel running the entire length. I used this to contain all the wires. Everything is secured with zip ties and cable holders. Here is a relay for the pump. I don't know if it needed it as the gauge switch for the pump is rated at 8 amps but i
figured why not. I originally wired the relay incorrectly from laziness and burnt the fuse. I immediately had the oh s*** moment and thought i screwed up the install somehow and would have to go through the entire bundle. That couple with the bulbs on the lights making the lights inoperable was kind of a disparaging event. I took a break ate some dinner. After thinking it through it was a mindless fix. check bulbs and wire relay correctly... doh!
Here is pic of the lx450 Dome light! I have been trying to reuse as many parts as possible. I have the dome hooked up to the wiring that goes behind the front seats! On the opposite side I placed the rear dome.
Yeah, that's not bad at all. It's what my rig weighed with the empty trailer, but the sleeper installed with all my usual kit and unstuck gear, last time I was at the junk yard.
Here are pics of the lights ( 90's era vw), domestic digital thermometer, and sequest II gauges. The sequest measures propane, water, battery, and grey tank (not installed) and has switches for the water pump and heater.
In the other pic you will see an additional light and the 12V outlet installed on top of the dresser area. I have a total of 5 12v outlets throughout the rig.
I tried to think about daily use and function as much as possible. I decided it would be good to have some hanging hooks above the sink for drying. I welded some metal bar to the frame and also will have some additional hooks with magnets.
When closing the top the original design had tabs that were attached to elastic cord. The attachment points for these was more toward the middl e of the top and it seemed like it might get it in the way. I decided to run the elastic shock cord all the way around the circumference of the top and pull it somewhat taught. I think others have also used this solution but not sure where it originally came from...
This cord also acts as an excellent place to hang items...
Next up I created some tabs to lift up the storage under the seats. I was really excited to show you guys the cushions but my seamstress was dragging her feet... next time!
The PUMA 12V. I have been hearing so much about these.. I had to buy one! and tear it apart! The top of the unit fit perfectly next to the heater in the box. I forgot to snap a pic. The 12V supply is routed through the cab using 8 gauge. Three brass lines exit the cab and attach to the tank below. This area will be covered eventually. Im not sure i need it to be weather tight. Just enough to keep everything free of mud and too much dirt. You can see the water level sensor on the front side of the tank in the pic also. To the left of the dual filler are the airbag valves. Above and further back is the hand winch i used to secure the spare tire.. It works okay but i think the wire is going to eventually get cut by the sub tank...
Just above the tire you can also see a metal rod now welded between the upper supports and the frame.. I kept getting nervous the frame might slide with all the weight so this was just some reassurance.
