Bed Frame and Firing strips

 If ever there was a more non-square, uneven, and difficult to work with surface than the inside of an e-series van, I have yet to see one. Lots of measuring was needed, but with the help of Nick and Carrie we collectively got the back half of the bed frame built and installed in the van. We used nut inserts so we could bolt in the frame for removal and finishing of interior or bracing at a later date.

For the frame we decided to go with 2" angle iron for strength and longevity. Nick and I both had a go at the welding and fab of the frame and wall brackets. Back half of the bed framing mounted, now on to the firing strips. Measure, cut, place and screw. Back the screw out and try another, then another, then another spot hoping this time to hit metal instead of one of the many holes in the support ribs and interior sheet metal of the van. It was a headache but well worth the trouble because I think our tongue and groove should be fairly easy to install now with a simple brad nailer and some creative cutting with the aid of our cardboard templates. We will see...