I'm stuck - making hinged lid

[hilldweller]

Hi there. I'm stuck . I've cut out the top of the seat/bed base as one piece of 12mm ply for each side and I'm unsure where to cut next. The plan is that the back part of the lid (ie the bit running along the side of the van) will be fixed, so, questions are: would it work better to have the front part as one long hinged piece opening into the two compartments below, or one for each compartment? And should the hinges sit on top of the piece of framing or just in front of it? Any other advice very welcome . Now, p'bucket willing, there should be a photo somewhere around here....

Progress to date has been slow due to limited time and skills but I'm enjoying it (despite frequently wishing for a van with straight sides and right-angled corners!). The plan is those seats at the back can be either two single beds for small rellies or an almost-queen sized bed for grown-ups. There'll be a single bed across the front.

[bobandjacqui]

G'day Hilldweller,
My thoughts would be to make the whole length lift up, that way you won't be struggling to hold up only half of the mattress. Just my two bobs worth ;D ;D

Cheers Bob

[atouchofglass]

Here's my solution
You will notice that the leading or front edge of the lid is over the framework by about 25mm.
The back is just on the framework so it is supported.
The middle section removes for easy access

vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=1473&page=6

Cheers
Atog

[sharpie]

Hi Hilldweller, I too would put the base in one piece, i would also screw the butt hinges on top and staple a piece of vynal over them so they wont scuff your cushions. This is the way we did it in our van.

Cheers Sharpie.

[hilldweller]

Thanks all, that was very helpful! It is done. Well sawn and sanded anyway, to open as one long length, with the back resting on the middle framework for support. Just need to cut some handles and then do the hinges.

Have to say I'm impressed with what a little $30 jigsaw can do

Atog a removable batten is a clever idea I never would have thought of - thanks. I think I can do that for the front seats and it would be good to have full-depth access.