'99 GMC Safari camper build

[Taylorpdx]

Got around to starting my camper build over the last couple days. I am starting with a rear facing bench seat/storage unit. I removed the bottom piece of trim from the driver side to allow my aux battery to sit tight against the wall directly in front of the fuel filler.

The whole unit bolts to the middle bench seat brackets with 2 U-bolts fitted with wing nuts for tool-les removal.

The bench top is two pieces, a 45" hinged lid on the passenger side, and a removable lid on the driver side for battery access. The side cabinet that I will add next will partially sit on top of the small removable piece.

I used 5/8" poplar plywood I found for $25 a 4x6 sheet. the bench base is some half inch sanded ply I had sitting around.
Next step is a 12" wide cabinet along the driver wall from the rear bench seat to the back of the driver seat and a folding bed platform to connect the two bench seats.

[Taylorpdx]

[mdmead]

Looks like you are off to a great start!

[Krrunch]

Looking good! I did not realize that the bottom part of the trim could be removed - will have to check that out, as it uses some of the all-important Space Available.

[Taylorpdx]

Yeah, The bottom piece comes off really easy without removing the top two pieces. Just a couple screws, some clips that pop out and the courtesy light by the driver door step which I just disconnected from the wiring without unscrewing from the trim. I can pop the trim back in if the cabinets are removed and it stays solid without having to screw it.

I built the wall cabinet last week, but need to finish some of the cabinet door latches and handles.
Looking for some recessed pull handles right now that won't get in the way or snag on anything. Got magnets on the top doors, and tried two of the standard kitchen cabinet roller catches on the bottom door which is beneath bench/bed level and folds down towards the floor, but they don't catch as smoothly and securely as I would like. Anyone got suggestions? something hidden/flush to the face preferably.
I'll post some photos as soon as I get the chance to take them!

[Taylorpdx]

Alright, worked on the bed frame and top today. Here are some photos of the work done since I posted last.

Bench seat lid brace

Heavy duty magnetic catches

Flush set pull handles

Wall cabinet

[Taylorpdx]

Guides for bed frame

Brace for top of bed

This piece is pressure fit between the rear bench seat/mount bracket and a cleat on the wall cabinet to right of the photo. More guides for the passenger side bed frame on the left.

[Taylorpdx]

Last piece slides into place locking everything in tight and solid

Bed platform in place. I hinged the two pieces in the center after the photos where taken.

And with the uncovered foam mattress. Once again two pieces, one stays on the bench for a seat cushion, and the other rolls or folds up and stashes away.
I am a little over 6 feet and my feet just stick over the end of the bed in between the two front seats. I can easily and comfortably fit in between the front seats and rear bench seat at a slight angle or curve.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Nice wood working! Looks great!

[mdmead]

Nice wood working! Looks great!

X2!