Devon interior - ever thought about it?

[Dutch_Diver]

Just for you Herman...... Not really but this is an idea of whats involved and in the plans.

This model is known as a "curved" interior. It has all the following items included........

Fitted on left of bulkhead is a water storage unit,next to this has a sliding door unit with a drop down door below and a bench seat with access for storage.
Between the bench seats is a hinged magazine rack which when folded out forms part of the bed. Above this is a fixed board used to attach the three legged table. At the rear is another bench seat with storage below, next to This is the "curved" unit that stores the cooker and the gas bottle below. At the rear of this there is an upright board where the gas light and mirror are located and forms part of the rear wardrobe. On the rear shelf there is another storage unit with three upward sliding doors,and above in the rear roof area is where the other table is stored,between two shelves. Also a cooker unit located on the right cargo door which folds out to accommodate the cooker and storage below. On the other cargo door there if a fold down shelf for wash bowl etc.

Kev's comments.....

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE WOOD
Now in 5th year making Devon interiors, we constantly try to improve the original look of all interiors.
The patina is the only thing he can't achieve at the workshop as this is very time consuming,as is the rest of the build.

I start by studying all the original parts i have and all the images and gathering as much information as i can.
Then i would start to design a practical version to build.
I could make it identical but as so many parts are no longer available it would not be very practicable to build them this way.if you have the og cooker/cooler etc we will try to get it as close as possible.
Once we have done this we have to break down all the measurements to work out the best way to proceed. Then we can start to order the the various types of wood,veneers and Formica needed and ingredients for the French polishing.
Then we would prepare the wood for use,cutting,planing etc.
One of the first jobs is to set up a steam wood bender to make all of the curved pieces needed and allow them to dry out completely before use.
Then we are ready to start construction of the individual units.
Usually starting with the the most complex ones,wardrobe and curved unit.
But first we cut the solid oak pieces from oak boards planed and cut to size and shape and prepare the joints to hold it all together.
Then we would cut the plywood to a rough size and using templates get the required shape before assembly.
It can then be put together to make sure all is as it should be but without glue nails or screws. A dry fit.
After this all the pieces would be sanded some of the veneer applied and reassembled. There are about 20 items to construct to complete an interior some as simple as a shaped board up to the complex construction of a curved unit. Add to this the slight variations for each customer.
After everything is constructed and checked with fitting into a bus there is the long process of French polishing. We have tried various techniques to get the same finish as the originals.
The colour we use is the same as the original started out in the 50s but due to time and some renovations using varnish over the years they look quite different these days.if you can find an original to compare with!
The main reason we use veneer instead of oak faced ply is the fact that the grain is matched better to an original Devon item and it can be repaired/restored many times before you see any wear in the surface as it is much thicker.
The areas for sleeping and seating ie bench seats are constructed using "tulip" wood also known as "poplar" in USA instead of the pine that Devon used as tulip is a light hardwood so is stronger for longer. And it doesn't have a tendancy to split or bend like pine,although it is more expensive but will assure longevity to your interior.
This all amounts to many hours of work to achieve the look of authenticity.
And will look even better with age.
I keep the templates used for original parts which helps speed things up a bit so any changes from original mean extra time to design and build.
There are some subtle changes from original I can use to make them more suited to your needs. Ie cooker sink and fridge arrangements.
Its only possible to make around 6 complete interiors in a 12 month period(with help)
I hope this gives a better understanding of what I do and the detail I try to achieve. I only do splitscreen interiors as they are my passion as you may have noticed:)

[Dutch_Diver]

Morning all.....hang over today, some serious partying and a Braai with 20 others!

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[Dutch_Diver]

A bit of progress for today's update.

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So all the individual pieces are made and are broken as dry fit has been done. This is after the first sand and initial polish.

[Dutch_Diver]

So fancy some pictures with the French polish done?

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Tomorrow's update will be start of final assembly into Mo

[Dutch_Diver]

So now final assembly, enjoy....

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[Dutch_Diver]

Want an update today or should I wait a few days.......?

[Ron&Gill]

Want an update today or should I wait a few days.......?

Please wait a few days...

[Dutch_Diver]

Done.....

[Ron&Gill]

Thanks...

[Dutch_Diver]

Sorry, too excited, can't help myself.....

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[Dutch_Diver]

Ok, another update.......this s accelerated but I know how no one liked waiting

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[Dutch_Diver]

Collection day

You all ready or this?

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Mo's all home again. The pictures don't do the new interior justice! I'm so pleased, Kev is amazing. I could have never wished this to be any better than it is.

Only got to get the curtains in now (job I'm doing myself).

It's also that annual time again, MOT test for Mo and I know she's going to fail.....I will report but I think this year is going to the highest spending year so far.....don't ask this years running total so far and more to come!

Anyway, I wouldn't have it any different

[Ron&Gill]

I have to say, there is nothing I don't like about that. It is very cool. Very well thought out and very well executed. Well done!!

[Dutch_Diver]

Thanks Ron. When Mo comes back from the mechanic with MOT, I'll set up the bed and outside dining to show all the different lay outs.

I've also been very busy restoring the roof rack myself and I finished that tonight ready to get fitted when Mo's back too.

[jolas]

that interior looks super Frank !!!

Good luck with the MOT and all the rest ..