The cabinetwork in the Overlander will be mostly veneered in a American black walnut. I am making some chequer-board inlay in walnut with contrasting maple. The process involves making solid blocks of timber, gluing in sequence and then cutting and gluing again, finally cutting the very thin strips of veneer. These pictures illustrate the process.
The fresh water tank goes in its original position under the forward seating.
This is the main kitchen unit taking shape, constructed from very strong birch plywood but designed to be as lightweight as possible. The cool original sink is in perfect condition and has cleaned up really well. I have fitted a pure white solid resin Worktop and a tap incorporating a water filter.
This marks a milestone – the beginning of the interior fit out, starting with the rear double bed frame. The frame shown here will support the bed base and the walnut surround which is scribed to the curved walls. The frame has to allow unrestricted access from the rear luggage hatch to a large storage are under the bed.
The task seems endless but the finish is worth it! Even the dog is exhausted.
Just started the final stage of polishing. The finish is amazing but check out my reflection, covered from head to toe in the black stuff that flies off the polishing machine.
The two new axles, bolted onto the chassis with reinforcing plates:
It took a bit of effort getting the bolts undone after 46 years but here are the old, heavy axles removed and ready to be replaced with modern custom built axles complete with overrun braking system.
Along with the new inner skin, wiring has been added for the main lighting. I am using 5 watt led lamps and custom built switches. Each switch is fitted with a Perspex spacer, illuminated with a red and blue Led giving a cool halo of light.
A new inner aluminium skin is being fitted. We are using skin pins to hold the panels in place while rivets are fitted, but its still a two person job. Fitting the skin will require over 1000 rivets.