I have used drawer side plywood to build the drawer boxes. Plywood normally has alternate layers of wood grain in different orientations to give maximum strength in all directions. Drawer side plywood has all layers of wood grain in the same direction, to give maximum strength along the side of the drawer. This means that much thinner material can be used (11mm) and with dovetail joints the result is an extremely sting and lightweight drawer box.
Here is the first piece of the inlay I made being applied to a drawer front. The inlay is layed up with American black walnut veneer and then placed in the vacuum press. The final picture is the result, after the tape has been removed and the face sanded.
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.