Doug,

I hope I can explain this reasonably well.   I put a 2" X 6" on edge across
the front of the engine compartment.  I screwed a 2 x 4  to the top edge
giving me a 4" top edge (all dimensions nominal).  I cut a 2" X 4" section
out of the top edge of 3 more pieces of 2 X 6 and screwed them to the front
piece.  They extended backwards across the engine cover, one on each side
and one in the middle.

I covered this with plywood, just over the 2 x 4 on the front piece which
left the front 2 X 6 exposed.  Now the engine area is covered, but you can
access the area below the plywood from the rear tail gate.  Just the right
size for a Coleman stove among other things.

Next, I  made a 2 x 4 rectangular frame with a center support post that
stood near the rear of the center seat area and extended from one side of
the bus to the other.  I then cut 2 pieces of plywood that extended from the
engine compartment front 2 X 6 to the rectangular frame.  I then drilled
both the plywood and the 2 x 6, and the 2 X 4 frame and inserted 3/4" dowel
rod and cut it off flush with the top of the plywood.

This allowed me to pull off the 2 front pieces of plywood and lift up the
frame to break the bed down and have storage space available.  I even moved
the center seat forward and rebolted it so my (then) young kids could sit in
it.  I left the rear seat in and folded it down.  I ended up with a lot of
storage space in the rear seat foot well, under the bed.

I used 3/4" plywood, but I think that was overkill and that it added too
much weight.  I used a queen size inflatable mattress.

In the end, I believe a better solution is to install a "Weekender"
interior, but that will involve a little welding if your bus did not have
that option from new.

Walt Spak
Pittsburgh,  Pa.
wnsopc3@3rdm.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Demarest <Dldemarest@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 11, 1999 12:56 PM
Subject: Making a Bed--any advise?

> I'm looking for tips on building a stable sleeping platform in my Vanagon.
> Its just plain bench seat version.  I've removed the seats and want to
build
> a platform suspended somewhat above the engine to maintain room for
storage
> underneath.  Has anyone done this successfully?  I'm having a hard time
> figuring out how to secure wood to the vehicle.
>
> thanks
>
> Doug