by Cikan Vuz
When I bought my 1970 Volkswagen Kombi back in March of this year, I knew I was going to make her into a camper, but I had no idea how she would turn out. I tired a few things, but they inspired me to try other things and little by little, she came together. Her interior is now 95% done and I sure she will never be completely finished as I will always be adding things here and there.
I used an old sewing cabinet for her sink stand and drawers. I drilled a hold and installed a copper sink and a bronze hand pump. Beneath the cabinet and behind the curtain are two 6 gallon water containers. One for fresh water, hosed up to the hand-pump and the other is for grey water. They are easily accessible and changeable. I store cooking and heating fuels; as well as utensils, clothing, toiletries and other necessities in the drawers of the cabinet.
The cabinet has a fold-up extension, which has an old Ouija Board velcro’d to it. This gives me a place to cook and eat. I have a butane stove top, and an antique Coleman camping oven for cooking in.
For lighting, I installed LED lights and I have super bright, or just enough to see variations.
Her bed is a rebuilt VW Z-bed form a different VW camper bus. It pulls out and forms a full size bed when wanting to stretch out at rest time. I padded it with memory foam and it is quiet cozy.
I have an antique porta-potty for emergencies, but can always use a restroom at a campground, rest-stop, business, or a local gym as well as shower there, though it is easy enough to properly wash inside my bus. She has tinted windows and under the rug is rubber flooring and a drain hole.
I made screen doors so I can sit with the rear hatch and slider door open when weather is nice out, without worries of pests. And, when it is cold out, I have a small gel fuel ventless chimnea to warm the “room” though it is so small that a candle really does the job most nights.
Since the windows are tinted, I really have no issues with sleeping in her. I have even pulled into a handicap space right in front at a local gym and slept with no one knowing a thing.
I love my “Cikan Vuz” and she is the best tiny and cozy home in the world. I love my home on wheels. My only worry is what will happen to her when I pass away as my kids do not want her and everyone I know who does want her is older than me so I need to find a good friend I know will love her just as I do and will keep her as she is and care for her.
I also created out of my own mind a shelving system, with galley railing that is on both sides of the living area. It has a “head-banger” section that goes across from side to side to the rear of the Z-bed bench. I use it to store blankets, clothing and other items I need and it really adds to her charm and gypsiness. The ceiling tiles are faux tin panel that I found on Ebay and are glued in place. All curtains close and I have curtains that go across the front section as well, for sleeptime privacy.
You can read about my journey with her, and find pics at http://cikanvuz.weebly.com/blog.html