Back to work with storage.
After hitting my head several times on the cabinet in a rental we had for a few days last year I decided I didn't want any solid cabinets at head level where the lower stuff was removable. Seeing as I'd like to have this van be reasonably easy to use as a cargo van that means no hard top cabinets.
I started with a tube of fabric bolted to the ceiling to hold the plywood base.
We then used the clips to take it in enough to make the bag the correct size. There were a couple revisions on this before I got it correct. Originally it was way too deep and made the counter below weird to use. Also on the first one I just used the canvas to hold up the weight and it sagged significantly. On V2 I used 3 pieces of webbing bolted to the plywood and through the top screw between the inner plywood and canvas to hold the bottom. This worked much better. I attached the back of the plywood with a L bracket connected to the wall L-track. So far I can't say what it feels like to bang your head on but with the rounded corner I don't expect it would be too bad.
The doors are just cuts in the main fabric with zippers on the side. there is a Velcro flap across the top to keep it all closed.
This is the sewing machine I purchased to do the upholstery in the van. It is a beast and you have to make sure to keep fingers clear as it would sew right through them. Though on this particular project I don't think there was anything you couldn't do with a regular home machine.
once I had the shape I cut the ends out and closed it up. My faithful helper returns for all these "lets lay stuff out on the floor" kind of projects.
In progress, but this shows how it works. Just one large compartment on the inside. We tossed the idea around of adding a middle divider and decided against it. Just one large compartment works for now. If I change my mind it will be easy to add Velcro one. There is a strap support on each of the screws on the ceiling. So the shelf could sit in place without any of the blue canvas. The canvas just keeps it from sliding off.
All buttoned up and ready for stuff. My paper towel holder is very sophisticated. A bungee cord between rings on the L-track. I have two rolls because the one with the design is a preloaded soapy one. Just get it wet and it has dawn soap inside. I'm not sure where I got them but haven't been able to find anymore. If you know please let me know as they are great for quick dish washing.
