Update 2.0

Hello there! It's time for an update again.

First of all: The idea of a "full-time project" somehow doesn't work out completely. Besides having 2 dogs, working 15 or 20 hours a week, a few private appointments here and there, and definitely predominantly catastrophic weather, there is often less time than originally hoped for.

But, since I, Maja, (for most of you no surprise that I write the texts here)... since my 2nd vaccination appointment is not until the end of May, it's not that bad that we're not making progress as quickly. It wouldn't start anyway before that.

If there is time, we might do a trial tour to the Black Forest :)

Okay - but now. What have we achieved?

After many steps (sanding, rust converter, primer, paint), we were able to complete the rust treatment - drying times at significantly lower temperatures unfortunately take significantly longer than at optimal temperatures.

The plastic claddings on the outside were removed, the holes sealed, a part of Red Rocket and the plastic parts were painted with Raptor paint. A lot of work, but it was worth it!

The driver's cabin insulated, floor insulated, wooden substructure installed, the old floor panels put back in. On top of that, when it comes to interior construction, the proper flooring will be installed.

And then we started cutting holes into the body. We started with the smallest hole for our diesel parking heater. It worked quite well. Then the roof window and side window. That worked well too :)

And theeeeen - we finally decided to go for the fender flares. We had actually cancelled them for financial reasons. But somehow we're just about going all out with everything at the moment. However, this attitude doesn't really fit into our travel budget. So if anyone wants to donate something - the PayPal address is available on request!

Unfortunately, the fender flares were factory fresh in white. So we had them wrapped in black. Then another 2 big holes in the sheet metal and in with the flares. Looks good and definitely gives Jannis the necessary space he needs to sleep sideways.

Our roof rack also looks good. Self-made from aluminum profiles. Two photovoltaic modules will be installed on it, so we always have electricity.

Speaking of electricity. I have to say goodbye to my hair dryer. Tzzzz. If necessary. I can handle it!

In general, Jannis is having doubts whether he wants to go on the journey with me. I'm already freezing all the time. Being outside and especially taking cold showers will be on the agenda for the time being, as the component for hot water is sold out everywhere! Perpetual freezing is already making me really angry during the conversion - how will it be while traveling?! But honestly - what is this?! Snow in April. The weather is definitely against us!

Insulating definitely helps against the cold in the Sprinter. After some research, we decided to additionally insulate the hollow spaces with sheep wool in addition to Armaflex. Easy to process, a bit dusty affair and smells like a farm. Hopefully that will go away!

For the furniture, we cut out a substructure from sturdy wooden slats, screwed and glued them together. Should hold. So the interior construction can start soon :)

Next week, we will finalize the wiring for the electricity, with a little help from the specialist Jonas - big thanks!

Otherwise, we still have to take care of the upholstery of the ceiling, felting some areas, laying the floor, installing the parking heater,...etc. There is still a lot to do. From May onwards, Jannis will not be working that much, which means we will have more time in the (hopefully) last few weeks to make big strides towards our goal!

Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention. One highlight: We are now proud owners of a table saw. I never expected to be so excited about tools. But quite handy!

And what else?!

I tolerated my first AstraZeneca vaccine well. Having a side job in kindergarten pays off in today's time!

And Fiete?

The goofball recently chased after a deer and injured his paw. Limping a bit and wearing stylish socks were necessary for a few days, but it's slowly healing well. Running freely in the forest is temporarily not possible anymore - too many rabbits and deer out there. He still loves to hang out in the Sprinter. His place is the driver's seat. We still have to make him understand that this will be difficult while traveling.

The next update will probably be when our Red Rocket is ready to travel :)