Looking to start a project

[Thugg]

I would like to start a mobile food truck business in the Durban area, but I am finding it difficult to make this dream come true for financial reasons. So getting the correct vehicle and being able to build it to the way I want it is proving a problem. So I thought I would put the idea out to the guys and gals on this forum to see if there is anyone with advice, recommendations and help on how to get this dream off the ground on a verrrry low, almost nonexistent budget.
I would like to do something along these lines, I have considered a trailer but it’s not ideal:

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So as a starting point I would be looking for the following:

A vehicle that would be suitable for a project like this.
I’m not sure whether to start with a vw pickup body, a kombi or to just go with a camper / auto villa; it doesn’t need to be a split screen as in the pics, in fact it could be any sort of old school van as long as I will be able to stand inside the back comfortably. I would like to be able to move between the cab and the box body to make moving, driving to the next venue and setting up easier.
It would be nice if it was running whether with an original motor or something else is not relevant as long as it is reliable.

Can anyone recommend anywhere that might be able to build a box body to my specs at a reasonable price?
I would like to redesign the box body so the openings work the way I have them pictured in my head too best display my products. And for the ease of loading, filling gas bottles and water tanks etc.
Could I get a frame made up for the box body and then just epoxy glue and rivet sheet metal to the frame or would welding it be better?
Once I have these sorted I can look into a few of the other necessities:
Electrical supply / Charging
Running an aircon or something to keep things cool inside
Display units with cooling
Lighting
Interior
Water and waste water tanks

I would like the vehicle to be self-sufficient and not have to rely on an electrical point to be able to operate, because this is not always going to be available, at the same time I don’t want to put too much strain on the engine and it’s charging / battery system. As a starting point my products will not be made in the van but elsewhere and will only be sold from the van, so no need for ovens etc.
Any help and or advice in getting this dream off the ground will be greatly appreciated.

[jolas]

An Autovilla would seem to be the best start for you, simply for the standing room and space to play with. Fig might have some ideas for you. I don't know anyone "vending" from a bus at present. Bugger might also be of help to you if you decide to go with a standard bus.

[Cyndi Kritzinger]

HI THUGG.

I REALLY ENJOY PEOPLE WITH A DREAM AND SOME VISION.
SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA, AS ALL IDEAS DO.
I THINK JOLAS HAS GIVEN THE SAME CONTACTS AS I WOULD HAVE BUT I'M ALSO GOING TO GIVE YOU SOME ADVICE.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AT LEAST DOUBLE WHAT YOU THINK YOU WILL NEED TO GET YOUR DREAM UP AND RUNNING.
FINANCIALLY YOU WILL HAVE TO HAVE A FAIR DEAL OF FREE CASH TO BUILD UP A SEMI-DECENT BUS.

PLEASE DON'T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY. I JUST WANT YOU TO BE PREPARED.
AS FIG MENTIONED ON ONE OF OUR PREVIOUS POSTS...DON'T BECOME ANOTHER ONE OF THE "ROMANTICS".

BE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE. SET REASONABLE GOALS. BE PREPARED TO HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR TIMEFRAME AND EXPECT TO SPEND FAR MORE THAN YOU THOUGHT. DON'T GIVE UP, THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM AND IN OTHER'S THAT WILL HELP IF THEY CAN.

I LOVE THE IDEA. I SEE IT HAPPENING AT THE BEACHFRONT ALREADY WITH THE COFFEE GUYS BUT NOT WITH THE CLASSIC CLASS OR STYLE YOU INTEND TO ACHIEVE.

GOOD LUCK!

I LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOWING THIS PROJECT.

MARK