Hello all
I am very excited that I rediscovered this forum!
By way of introduction – i run a letterpress in Nashville – I love stepvans and custom built projects and the idea of rolling creations….
So …..
I am embarking on converting a 1978 p30 stepvan into rolling printshop!
A little different than the food trucks in final use but it seems the buildout of the truck will have many similarities.
Right now I have a rough plan and the will to move forward! This has been a dream of mine for years. I have many questions before the sparks start flying.
I have been stymied for awhile on how to attach my interior walls to the exterior skin of the truck. Much like backyard burgers van my truck has nothing but smooth 1/8 aluminum walls.
My ordinal plan was to run 3/4 plywood strips on the walls for studs and attach 1/2 plywood over that. I’d go with thicker walls but my press will just barely fit as is and the is no room for anything more. I am planning to bolt the studs on through the exterior skin and I’ll seal the holes with a marine/ rv grade sealant. Not excited about drilling adding holes but seems like it has to happen.
Looking around I see some folks using aluminum tubing and welding inside. I like it but i don’t have access to a welder not to mention the extra cost.
I could always bolt in aluminum I suppose – I’m just less familiar with working metal than wood. Is this a totally better plan than wood and if so why?
Also hoping to add a window. Do these trucks need extra bracing to compensate for the hole? I’m also looking for ideas on how to fab an awning window and sliding glass inside.
I’ll keep searching but if anyone has thoughts please feel free to chime in. For whatever reason figuring out c- channel and j channel has me a bit confused – I know I can do it once I understand the components and where to source them
Other to do items for later
C. Lighting/ electrical
D. Add generator – possibly building a box for it under the truck
E. Adding a roof rack platform to shade the truck and give me a cool place to camp in the summer when on the road.
F. Cab area build out
Thanks to all who have taken the time to post info – I have some experience building but this will be a lot of new territory for me. Sourcing parts etc.
Best
Bryce
Isle of printing
Nashville, TN