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Old 08-12-2022, 12:26 PM   #41 (permalink)
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It would probably fail a cost comparison, but rather than the lumpy, squarish conversion top I'd want a stitch-and-glue 1/4" plywood blister. That would produce a sweeping curve.


kayaplanse.blogspot.com/2016/06/stitch-and-glue-plywood-boat-plans

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Old 08-12-2022, 01:15 PM   #42 (permalink)
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It would probably fail a cost comparison, but rather than the lumpy, squarish conversion top I'd want a stitch-and-glue 1/4" plywood blister. That would produce a sweeping curve.


kayaplanse.blogspot.com/2016/06/stitch-and-glue-plywood-boat-plans
i was thinking of that as well. it seems relatively straight forward.
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Old 08-12-2022, 04:31 PM   #43 (permalink)
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Stitch with Zip ties. If every other tie is backed with a ring of 3/4" PVC pipe it holds the edges in alignment.

Use a veneer face facing inward, add insulation and fiberglass to the outside?
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Old 08-12-2022, 04:51 PM   #44 (permalink)
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Stitch with Zip ties. If every other tie is backed with a ring of 3/4" PVC pipe it holds the edges in alignment.

Use a veneer face facing inward, add insulation and fiberglass to the outside?
Yeah I've been reading about combining a stitch and glue approach with a vac bag - so you do just 1 side at a time to the basic interior shape, then the foam will remain flexible on the other side and you can stitch it and glue, using a vsc setup to make sure there are no pockets.
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Old 08-16-2022, 12:43 AM   #45 (permalink)
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that is another great thought - i had not considered that!

my main train of thought is that with something to help with getting up to speed combined with lighter weight and better aero might get me to crack 15+ mpg.. which is all i really want (i mean, we all want 50 right? but my wallet isn't that deep, and my skillset isn't either )
This will do 15 mpg at 70 mph on flat ground stock. I averaged 17.7 mpg on my 45 mile round trip commute last week.

2011 Chevy Express 4500. 6.6L Duramas paired to a 6 speed auto. 23 feet long and built of welded aluminum to meet federal side impact and rollover standards.

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Old 08-16-2022, 07:06 AM   #46 (permalink)
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This will do 15 mpg at 70 mph on flat ground stock. I averaged 17.7 mpg on my 45 mile round trip commute last week.

2011 Chevy Express 4500. 6.6L Duramas paired to a 6 speed auto. 23 feet long and built of welded aluminum to meet federal side impact and rollover standards.

yeah i've been thinking pretty hard as of late about getting a cab and chassis and building on the back of it for a camper - or - as redneck as it sounds, transplanting a camper unto the back and then replacing the rear walls 1 by 1 with fiberglass composite panels, since i can use the original skin as a template for the panel(s) but glassing everything will make sure it stays water-tight.
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Old 08-18-2022, 02:56 AM   #47 (permalink)
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Doesn't sound like a bad plan at all. On a sidenote, let's suppose you could fit a FWD (or e-AWD) hybrid setup from a Toyota into a chassis which was originally RWD, there would be plenty of space not only for the batteries of a hybrid setup but also for some RV-specific features such as the water tanks (fresh, gray and black). Seems like most cutaway van frames have much unused space between the frame rails, which you could take benefit if you were considering to make a full-hybrid hybrid RV.
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Old 08-18-2022, 07:18 AM   #48 (permalink)
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Doesn't sound like a bad plan at all. On a sidenote, let's suppose you could fit a FWD (or e-AWD) hybrid setup from a Toyota into a chassis which was originally RWD, there would be plenty of space not only for the batteries of a hybrid setup but also for some RV-specific features such as the water tanks (fresh, gray and black). Seems like most cutaway van frames have much unused space between the frame rails, which you could take benefit if you were considering to make a full-hybrid hybrid RV.
yeah looks like TONS of space between the rails. i like the idea of transplanting something like that - I'm just not sure about the feasibility because of weight disparity.

that got me thinking about all kinds of stuff, like hub motors in the front, transplanting motor assist like the insights have, electric motors that replace the torque converter, etc.

not sure how those fit my technical skills and budget, though.
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Old 08-18-2022, 08:25 AM   #49 (permalink)
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The Vixen motorhome was a 30mpg affair, could check out what was done to accomplish
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Old 08-18-2022, 10:46 AM   #50 (permalink)
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The Vixen motorhome was a 30mpg affair, could check out what was done to accomplish
A friend has one. They used a 115 hp BMW diesel and reduced aerodynamic drag by keeping the height at 6 feet.

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