Projects
- Continuation of installation of diesel heater
Project Status
- Heater installation needs to be completed
Time Spent
6 Hours
Steps Taken
- Screw in 3 additional self tapping metal screws to mount heater into van floor (3 on each side of mounting plate)
- Cut provided interior heat tubing down to size to travel from heater to vent in DIY cover panel
- Measure area and cut aluminum composite panel to size for front of DIY cover panel
- Measure area and cut triangles for sides of DIY cover panel
- Attach 2 triangles to front of DIY cover panel with self tapping metal screws and metal brackets
- Run red, black, and LCD panel wires underneath plastic flooring and near A Pillar on passenger side for future routing of wires up A Pillar and then back into van on passenger side and down to garage electronics area
- Leave fuel pump power wire under passenger seat for future routing underneath van to fuel pump
- Use grinder to cut holes into passenger seat platform for insertion of DIY cover panel brackets
- Mount DIY cover panel on to passenger seat platform through brackets with self tapping screws
Plans For Tomorrow
- Install plastic black trim around edges of cover plate to cover sharp corners and for aesthetics
- Complete mounting of DIY cover plate on passenger seat platform with new larger washer
- Remove A Pill trim cover on passenger side
- Splice wire to length for installing LCD Panel on side of upper cabinet on passenger side and running red and black wires back to garage
- Route fuel pump power wire under van, mount wiring with plastic zip ties to fuel line tube, and plug into fuel pump
- Begin work on Undermount Air Conditioning system
Tools And Materials Used
MaXpeedingrods Diesel Heater
This diesel air heater supplies warm air to a vehicle interior. Its controller provides an interface for operating the heater.
View On Amazon: MaXpeedingrods Diesel Heater
DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
This cordless angle grinder runs an abrasive wheel for grinding and surface preparation. The handheld format reaches metal parts during fabrication and finishing work.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw
This cordless reciprocating saw drives a straight blade back and forth through the workpiece. Its variable-speed trigger controls the cutting stroke during demolition and rough-cutting jobs.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw
DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, Bi-Metal Set with Case, 12-Piece (DW4892)
These reciprocating-saw blades support cutting and removal work during a camper-van conversion. The set provides different blade patterns for changing between cutting tasks.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, Bi-Metal Set with Case, 12-Piece (DW4892)
DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
These DEWALT cutoff discs are intended for cutting metal with a compatible angle grinder. They can help trim suitable brackets and metal stock during a camper-van build.
View On Amazon: DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
This compact cordless drill/driver holds drilling and driving accessories in its chuck. Its brushless motor and short body provide a handheld tool for drilling and fastening jobs.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
This drill-bit set covers a range of hole sizes for compatible camper fabrication materials. Select the bit, speed and cutting method for each material and inspect concealed areas before drilling.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
These rechargeable replacement batteries store power for cordless tools. Their removable packs connect at the tool’s battery interface.
View On Amazon: Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
ZORUNNA 34 Pcs Woodworking Chamfer Drilling Tools Including 6 Countersink Drill Bit Set, 7 Countersink Drill Bit, 8 Plug Cutters for Woodworking, 3 Step Drill Bit and 8 Drill Stop Bit Collar Set.
This woodworking bit assortment includes countersinks, plug cutters and drilling-depth accessories. It helps prepare recessed fasteners and matching wood plugs for camper-van cabinets and trim.
View On Amazon: ZORUNNA 34 Pcs Woodworking Chamfer Drilling Tools Including 6 Countersink Drill Bit Set, 7 Countersink Drill Bit, 8 Plug Cutters for Woodworking, 3 Step Drill Bit and 8 Drill Stop Bit Collar Set.
DEWALT DCS570B Circular Saw
This cordless circular saw uses a rotating blade for cutting boards and sheet materials. Its adjustable shoe sets the blade depth and bevel for the cut.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCS570B Circular Saw
Falken Design Aluminum Composite Panel Black, 12"x 36", 1/8" Thick
This aluminum-composite sheet can be cut into lightweight trim or nonstructural panels for a camper-van interior. Its finished face can reduce finishing work when a black surface suits the design.
View On Amazon: Falken Design Aluminum Composite Panel Black, 12"x 36", 1/8" Thick
Stainless-Steel Angle Brackets
These L-shaped stainless-steel brackets connect pieces at a right angle. Their mounting holes provide fastener locations on both sides of the joint.
View On Amazon: Stainless-Steel Angle BracketsNotes
I built a DIY cover panel for the heater to make the heater vent be at a 90 degree angle to the van floor. Given the slant of the back of the passenger seat platform, mounting the vent on that platform would direct the flow of heat directly into the van floor with less room for the hot air to circulate around the van.
I had purchased some black aluminum composite panel from Amazon because I considered using it for the main paneling of the interior of the van, so I had this piece already. It was easy to work with and cut, and it looks nice as well. I also already had some of the self tapping screws and the metal brackets I used.
I cut out 2 triangles to mount to the DIY cover plate to cover the open gaps on the sides. Drilling the self tapping screws on the front of the DIY cover plate was challenging due to the slant of the back of the passenger seat platform. I put a hole in the cover that is unsightly and I will need to cover it with a larger washer.
Pictures
