Monthly Archives: October 2021

NV200 Van Conversion – Phase 1

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A couple of weeks ago, we dropped our van off at GTRV in Sebastopol, CA. GTRV specializes in converting all types of vans into campers.

There were vans from Utah, Texas, Colorado and other states being converted. I did not expect to get a call this soon to bring in the NV200, so it felt a little like winning the lotto!

Here is the NV200 as purchased — pretty bare bones.

A couple weeks after dropping off the van, I received an update text with photos. Wow! Window panels have all been cut and are ready for glass installation. It’s going to be nice to have all that light and actually see out the side when making lane changes.

Yep, it’s going to have a pop top too. It’s called the ‘Westy’ version. This will be so cool as I will actually be able to stand up inside! It makes a small van seem so much bigger. A 100V solar panel will be mounted on top for interior lighting.

The rear inside has been gutted and is ready for insulation and other support infrastructure.

Here is the fabricated interior wall unit. It’s equipped with sink, stove, and storage.

Can’t wait for the next update. It is really moving along and is going to be so awesome!

Very exciting to see the progress! Guess we better start planning some trips!

Pumpkin Fun!

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Halloween is always a great time of year. If you let your ‘spirits’ run free, you can really get creative – especially when it comes to carving pumpkins.

One year a friend saw a picture in a magazine and said, “You can do this.” So, I gave it a try and this was the result. We were both really pleased at how it looked illuminated. Glad I took this picture before it was snatched off the front porch by goblins.

For many years at work, we used to have pumpkin carving contests. The VW bus was one of my entries. I found this design on line and copied it.

Do you see the image of musician Frank Zappa below? This was a very unusual pumpkin. When it was not illuminated, it looked like, well nothing but holes. When lit up… his eerie image appeared.

Another work pumpkin entry was a Pumpkin Planetarium. This was a foam pumpkin with lenses and a strobe circuit board inside. The pumpkin moved and really projected beams of light. Here it is on display at a local Space and Science center. I know, who would do it?

Probably my most ambitious pumpkin project was this Totem Pole. It began as only four real pumpkins (illuminated on the right side). They looked so good, I bought a bunch of Funkins (foam pumpkins) and made a larger totem pole and stand. I know, who would do it?

You should do it… that’s who. So what are you waiting for… get carving and have fun!