[me&z]

So named because my grandfather sardonically but accurately noted “we’re off like a herd of thundering turtles” at the onset of any family expedition. Z and I aren't any faster.

Thundering Turtle is our third “camper van”. The first was Pontiac Montana. Just a platform to lift the mattress off the floor with space under for our luggage. Worked very well for several years but when the odometer hit 220k miles, we moved the mattress into a Chevy Traverse. Technically there was more space for luggage (after we removed the seats) but it was more awkward to get to.

The Transit is palatial by comparison. In our turtley manner, the build will take a long time. Z will get it plated tomorrow, I'll start on the window shades, and the first project will be the puppy perch. I'm not traveling with a 38 lb dog on my lap and he hates the floor because he can't see out the window. Need a ramp for the dog too. He torn a ligament this spring.

 

[me&z]

This is the Thundering Turtle when we picked it up from the auction. Can't see how smashed the side was because it's behind the open door. But it is where most of the damage was. Got it from the shop today. Still missing a plug in the front bumper but it is on indefinite back order.

Edit: found the before picture that I wanted to share. Turtle had a pretty crunched shell.

.

 

[me&z]

Thundering Turtle came home today with ceramic tinting on side and rear windows. No scientific measurements but the calibrated hand says it helps greatly.

The calibrated hand also told Z: "oops. Didn't think about that did you?"

The high gloss paint in the back sections does a fantastic job of mimicking windows but it gets HOT in sun load. Hoping insulation helps but we probably need to get in the habit of parking with rear facing the sun.

 

[dustboy]

Tell us how you went from having no side window to having one. Was it done by the body shop along with the faux (black paint) windows?

 

[me&z]

Yes. Technically the body shop cut the holes and then had the glass shop they do business with do the installation. But they handled all the details.

We wanted windows behind the seats for better visibility while driving, to make the dog happy (he hates not being able to look out but is a wonderful traveler when he can see), and to keep the back from feeling like a cave. But the bed will be transverse, so we'll always have privacy shades there. Paint was cheaper than 2 more windows.

 

[me&z]

The ponderous and plodding pace of progress on the Thundering Turtle has slowed to the speed of a galloping glacier (during the Ice Age; not during the climate change age). We've gotten some insulation installed. Window shades are cut and partially sewn.

We've made slightly more progress on non-Turtle projects: Travel pup finally got his TPLO surgery (covid-delayed), Going to be a long 10-week recovery and bouncing around in the back of the Turtle is not recommended. Swapped cars with my mom last week and took it to the shop for her after a fender bender. Z's planning to bike back to the shop when it is ready. Travel pup can stay home and crated while I drive Z 1/2 way so he only has a 75-mile distance to pedal. (That's a compromise: he was planning to bike the whole distance). While there, he'll get the shop to sign the mileage certificate in BOTH places and then we can complete the title and plates.

Today's plan is a little more insulation installation after we repair a drain leak in the laundry room. I think I'll throw on a mask and deal with the accumulated laundry in one go at the laundromat.

 

[me&z]

More plodding progress but nothing picture worthy. Slight diversion as I try to evict a wasp that is attempt to move in and set up housekeeping in one of the center air vents. I think I moved quickly enough that the pandemic rules don't apply.

 

[me&z]

Finally some visible progress. Rear insulation panels and privacy shades.

 

[me&z]

We have a ceiling!

Black push pins need white paint and screw washers need covers.

 

[me&z]

More slow progress.

 

[me&z]

With picture.

 

[me&z]

Visible progress.

 

[me&z]

Not finished but there's a bed and room for the bike.

Good enough for the first trip.

 

[me&z]

First night in van. We reused the mattress and platform from our prior "camper", so sleeping was the same. But room to stand up! What a difference.

Have already discovered the benefits of autolamps and auto whipers. As we bought the van at auction, we had no idea it was equipped with that. Should have remembered that lane keeping was on the Transit for 2020, but I forgot, so that was another pleasant surprise.

 

[ejbleen]

Please keep your little updates coming. I am enjoying both your leisurely pace and your style of writing ....

I am always engrossed when I see builds here on the forum that look permanent or at least semi-permanent. I'm afraid I don't have either the skill-set or the kind of foresight that permits such an approach. In the 3+ years we've had our van, we must have swapped things around six or seven times ....

Regards,
EJB

 

[me&z]

After allocating space for Z's bike (requirements: inside, no wheel removal and easy to get to), reusing the mattress and platform from the previous "camper", and creating the storage space/puppy perch there really aren't that many ways to change things around. My requirement was nothing above the windows. I was highly influenced by the openness of MsNomer's build. Not to mention my paranoia about high cabinets and wood ceilings slamming into us in a crash.

Unlike @MsNomer, we have no carpentry skills to speak of - hence the use of bus tubs as drawers. We also have a very, very small budget.

This week's project is bug screens.

 

[me&z]

Well, we're not getting any fall camping in. Mom broke her wrist and Travel Pup ripped his other ligament. I REALLY can't wait for 2020 to be over. Maybe the weather will stay warm enough that Z can get a little Thinsulate into the doors on his own while I'm nurse, chef, and chauffeur for my folks and Travel Pup.

Could be worse. None of us have covid.

 

[MsNomer]

I am honored that you like my style. ☺

Those bus tubs should serve you well. If they are from Sam's (or similar) you could dedicate one to an indoor shower like mine.

 

[me&z]

I am honored that you like my style. ☺

Those bus tubs should serve you well. If they are from Sam's (or similar) you could dedicate one to an indoor shower like mine.

Your shower design is certainly in the back of my mind as a someday project. It is brilliant. I'm hoping that we'll to get travel the Great River Road next fall. People in my family have got to stop breaking wrists and Travel Pup can't tear anymore ligaments.

 

[me&z]

After 6 weeks of elder care, I get a reprieve for 3 weeks. The totally self-isolated kids drove 650 miles to deliver my also self-isolated sibling to the folks. No airplanes, no trains, just automobiles. Z will do the return trip on Thanksgiving. Not perfect but as safe as we can be.

We lucked into unseasonably warm weather and were able to get thinsulate in the rear doors and slider today. Remains to be seen how much reduction we get in road noise and in temperature swings. But the doors now close with a very satisfying high-end thud rather than a hollow tinny clank. We still need to do the front doors and over the cab.

High on the To Do list is a safety net for Travel Pup. He has been tolerating being on the floor but we know he prefers looking out the window. Maybe he'll be happier sleeping on his perch too and not guilt us into letting sleep in our bed. Still need to build his ramp too. After 2 TPLOs, he is NOT allowed to jump any more.