Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

The Tardis factor (interiors , awnings, roofs etc)

Moderators: User administrators, Moderators

Locked
User avatar
col.decker
Registered user
Posts: 90
Joined: 29 Oct 2012, 12:58
80-90 Mem No: 12055
Location: Newport, Shrops
Contact:

Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by col.decker »

Morning all.

I've got a bit of a storage space crisis in my van, its an Auto-Sleeper VT20 so its all seats and no cupboards in the back ...


Image


I'm toying with the idea of breaking out my carpenters toolbox and making a set of storage units that will be fixed on top of my parcel shelf. They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror, probably only 150mm or so but just enough to put cups / plates / food / other small things in etc.

Here is the shelf ...

Image

Obviously I'll need to do something clever with the current cupboard door too.


Has anybody done something similar to their vans so I can borrow / steal your plans and ideas? My quick google suggestest there isn't and 'off the shelf' (joke ba-dooom tish) solution.








[btw: Moderators, I wasn't sure where to put this thread, feel free to move it :) ]
1986 1.9 Petrol DG, VT20 Auto-Sleeper ... 18" Sub Woofer in the back.

User avatar
AdrianC
Registered user
Posts: 2975
Joined: 29 Dec 2010, 21:57
80-90 Mem No: 9144
Location: Living in Hay whilst the Sun pours down.
Contact:

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by AdrianC »

col.decker wrote:I'm toying with the idea of breaking out my carpenters toolbox and making a set of storage units that will be fixed on top of my parcel shelf. They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror, probably only 150mm or so but just enough to put cups / plates / food / other small things in etc.

Here is the shelf ...

Image

Make sure whatever's on there is tied down PROPERLY. Not just sat there.

A few years ago, we lost a good friend when he was in a relatively minor collision in traffic - a box of stuff from the back shelf took the back out of his skull.

You'd be better doing something underneath the shelf, mebbe?
A year and a half living in a Westy hightop... http://www.WhereverTheRoadGoes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

shepster
Registered user
Posts: 1672
Joined: 12 Oct 2005, 11:14
80-90 Mem No: 1342
Location: Wolverhampton.

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by shepster »

I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?

Also what would you do when the beds down?
2.1 DJ running on carb and LPG.

User avatar
col.decker
Registered user
Posts: 90
Joined: 29 Oct 2012, 12:58
80-90 Mem No: 12055
Location: Newport, Shrops
Contact:

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by col.decker »

Jeez :shock:


Yeah I was thinking of screwing / bolting the bases boxes to the shelf as a perminant fixing. I had thought about just buying some shallow plastic boxes and sticking some Jail Bars across the front and back of the shelf ... but after reading about your friend perhaps not :!:
1986 1.9 Petrol DG, VT20 Auto-Sleeper ... 18" Sub Woofer in the back.

User avatar
col.decker
Registered user
Posts: 90
Joined: 29 Oct 2012, 12:58
80-90 Mem No: 12055
Location: Newport, Shrops
Contact:

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by col.decker »

shepster wrote:I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?

Also what would you do when the beds down?


Nope, no over head locker. As for putting the bed down I was thinking I'd leave the parcel shelf in place and sleep the other way around ... feet at the door end. :mrgreen:


[E D I T] unless by over head locker you mean the two little pigeon hole things. Yup we've got them
1986 1.9 Petrol DG, VT20 Auto-Sleeper ... 18" Sub Woofer in the back.

Ralf85
Registered user
Posts: 4447
Joined: 13 Jan 2010, 12:42
80-90 Mem No: 4418
Location: West London - 1985 westie pop top, LHD, 1900 DF engine

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by Ralf85 »

shepster wrote:I can't see from the photo's but have you got a overhead locker?


I was thinking that, but a full width one would stop the cupboard door on the left from opening further limiting storage space. You might need to remove some furniture (and store it somewhere else) so that you can install more storage space. what about using a toilet sized box for storage of dry goods. That's what I do now, as the storage in my current T25 westy is not as generous as my old T2 westy.
:) :)

User avatar
keehotee
Registered user
Posts: 130
Joined: 07 Aug 2011, 18:26
80-90 Mem No: 10044
Location: South Glos

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by keehotee »

col.decker wrote:They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror......

Just box in the whole space and fit one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-REAR-VIEW ... 8d1&_uhb=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
1988 1.6TD Caravelle pure homebrew :)

User avatar
AdrianC
Registered user
Posts: 2975
Joined: 29 Dec 2010, 21:57
80-90 Mem No: 9144
Location: Living in Hay whilst the Sun pours down.
Contact:

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by AdrianC »

keehotee wrote:
col.decker wrote:They can't be very deep becasue I need to see over them in the rear view mirror......

Just box in the whole space and fit one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAR-REAR-VIEW ... 0939063505" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Syncro mirrors, then reverse it on the mirrors, just like you would if it was a "proper" van. A little practice, and it's just as easy as using the interior mirror.
A year and a half living in a Westy hightop... http://www.WhereverTheRoadGoes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

User avatar
Oldiebut goodie
Registered user
Posts: 7264
Joined: 18 Apr 2008, 01:19
80-90 Mem No: 11135
Location: Eastern Angle

Re: Getting more storage space (parcel shelf content)

Post by Oldiebut goodie »

^^^^^Spam post above. Some aussies don't know where the UK is - they are as thick as some of the yank spammers!
1.6D 2019 VW T-Cross
200hp VW T6
1̶Y̶ ̶1̶9̶8̶7̶ ̶H̶i̶-̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶C̶a̶r̶a̶v̶e̶l̶l̶e̶
5̶0̶8̶d̶ ̶M̶e̶r̶c̶

Locked