I got the bug to build the "Road House", when I found the 1985 Ford E250 Econoline Van, pictured above. I paid $650.00 for the raw van. I then rebuilt the auto trans. and fixed the radiator and replaced the water pump battery and the starter motor. The breakes and tiers were next and I then insulated the walls and purchased 3/8 " plywood to cover the walls with. I wanted walls I could drive screws in and make things stick. I replaced the torn buckets with a pair of used but comfy high back captins chairs that I paid 40 bucks for and at the same time added a type 5, 5,000. LBS draw hitch to tow just about anything. I tinkerd and rebuilt the carb. Then my plans changed. I did not need this van as I was moving out of state and had no room for the van, my boat and my new ranger 4x4 pick up at my new home. I called a buddy and asked if he could give her a good home. He said he could and I sold the rust bucket that day. What will follow is my account of building the new road house. A cabover camper that will be made like a boat with a stressed skin of plywood and fiberglass cover that will be strong, light (I hope) and cheap. I began by finding an old camper that someone dumped in the woods down the road from me (pictures below). I was able to salvage three windows (no glass in them), a lot of bolt headed screws and 1x2's that should save some cash as I reuse them. I took apart and then rebuilt the front wall (right hand photo) of this low sleeper salvaged
camper and remade it into the front lower wall of my new cabover, The Road House II. Please take a look at my pages and come along on a Road House Trip, with me |
