Right , Feed back time...
As the brackets prototypes looked OK, I when ahead and made the full bed, just to make sure it will work.
Always want to make sure it works before saying it does.....
So the Set of brackets where made and riveted.
Then I used 12 mm Superwood, (also called MDF)
Used 40 x 40 x 3 mm Angle iron for strength.
Used 25 X M6 gutter bolts.
One thing I wanted to make sure of, and that is that the brackets and full bed, can take the weight of two "Full Bodied" adults.
To do this, I fitted cross beams of angle iron, to stiffen the 1500 mm wide boards.
Now it may look a bit unfinished at this moment, but it is work in progress.
So the back rest has a beam across the top back to spread the weight of 3 "Big Boys" leaning against it.
The seat has two, one at the front edge of the seat, this not only stiffens the seat, but also has the fold up legs for the "bed"
The 2nd one is at the back of the seat, this also stiffens the back to carry 3 big a$$es as well as the bottom lip of the back rest, in the "bed" position.
Here you see the fold out load carrier beam, which can be used with heavy loads, to transfer the weight from the bed onto the base to the floor directly.
Right so here is the bed in seat form, note the angled back rest, the slight back slope of the seat
Now notice the bolt that my hand is taking out.... that is there to hold the fold-up legs in the up position, note the one overlaps the other, so that I need but one screw.....
So with retaining bolt removed, I let the legs out slightly then push the base backward, and rise the back rest off its support...
Letting the base with back rest slide forward, it neatly lays into its "Bed" supports....
Now I lift the seat and un-fold the Support beam under the seat, that will transfer the main weight to the floor of the bus....
The last thing to do, is fold the legs out to up-right position, and set the seat down to complete the bed...
And the bed is ready for man and his dog ....
A look from the tail gate hatch......
And yes, with the bed in full made up form, you can still get to the pillows and blankets in the base.......
Now that I am happy, I will get this bed stripped down, confirm dimensions, and have the other brackets made.
Should you like to be considered for a set, please put your name down, just to get some numbers, will not hold you to it, till I have worked out the price.
Also, please let me know if the interest is in the brackets only, or the full kit, I can also give you drawings of the timber and steel required, and you can have your local merchant cut and drill it for you.
The brackets will be assembled, and Plated, all holes drilled. the steel if wanted will be powder coated probably black, the superwood, will be raw, but I will have my upholsterer carpet it all before re-assembly into my bus. Seat covers will be made white, with Velcro to hold them in place.
Well, please pass your comments, good or bad, as we can only improve the product, to an acceptable level.
Please ask questions if my explanations are not clear, I understand them, so they must be confusing......
Herman
with them ever since.
