The heat is on, it's on the street

Some of my best ideas, and worst realisations, happen in the middle of the night. Last night I realised that I'd installed the heater back to front, d'oh. So this morning I got a pile of paperwork out the way and went out to finish the job.

Heater unbolted, fuel pipe disconnected and then the fuel pipe hole in the floor had to be redrilled and the plastic interior trim cut back, and the main wiring loom moved out the way, so the heater would fit with the outlet facing forwards. This will allow the warm air to be directed out into the main living space rather than simply superheating the space under the bed.

Watch the video at the bottom of the page.....

I found that there was a bit of a pong from the heater, assumed to be from first use but no, it was from the exhaust fumes coming in through the now redundant original vents. I did my trick with the plastic bags behind the vent covers and Job Done.

I have 2 important jobs to finish before I can say Elmer is converted bar the fettling and finishing.

1. install the wiring for the rear/living area along with the split charge system
2. varnish the plywood.

So, after a bite of lunch, and a quick dog walk, I went out and fired up the heater (which worked perfectly of course - I'd sucked in 3/4 of a filter full of fuel using an extra bit of hose) and cleaned out all the dust and bits while the 'van warmed up. Jacket off and get varnishing ... took about 45 minutes to get it all done, all the while lovely heat was blowing out the heater (the varnish needs more than 10c to soak in). In 4 hours it will b ready for a 2nd coat and then 24 hours to cure.

Later this week I'll get the wiring done & then I can use Elmer as a camper and potter at the remaining jobs (in no specific order)

• complete the kitchen/stove drawer
• choose and fit vinyl flooring to the 'living room'
• make insulated window blinds