Cockpit Removal and Upgrade

[Joe Cannarozzi]

I drew out a few things in pencil and then fashioned a jig for a router.

I wanted to try and save some things so the interior design would retain the flow as originally designed. This wall I am routering through is a full 1inch thick and it is laminated on both sides. I wanted a clean cut no chips either side and without burning the laminate.

My newest best friend Sawdust coached me, Thanks Eddie.

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I plowed out a cavity on the top and down the side for rope lighting behind smoked glass to match what is between the windows on the rest of the bus. It will be enclosed with laminated bull nose I have removed and will recycle.
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Starting to look like something. That little potty room is definatly GONE.
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This leading edge I have exposed will be laminated with a match to the existing.
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[Joe Cannarozzi]

Here is the simple jig needed for that forward wall. I started at the ceiling and followed the face of the cabinet to where I am pointing.

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Then I followed the radius I mounted.
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A trick is to make many multiple passes it keeps the bit from heating up and melting the edge of the laminate. It took 6 passes for me to plow through that 1 inch wall.
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[phorner]

Lookin' real good, Joe...... you must have been itchin' to do that for quite some time!

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

Very Nice Joe.

How did you keep the large piece you were removing from breaking off and ruining the job before the final cut to the end???

JIM

[hobobimmer]

WOW, Joe! Looks like you are having lots of fun. I am impressed with your skills even more now. Keep the great pictures coming.

Deb

[Joe Cannarozzi]

Jim I clamped them.

This is another one of those jobs either it will kill me or make me stronger, hundreds and hundreds of hours.

Paul it took the 3 years we have had it to figure out really what we wanted to do but yes now it is time.

[dalej]

Looking great Joe, thanks for taking time to keep us posted and taking photos.

[Joe Cannarozzi]

We by chance noticed how well that vac fit in that spot so that is what the lowest cabinet will hold the vac It will be curved cabinet doors. As I was pondering things today it occurred to me I have all the elements in place right here for a water feature, Debbie wouldn't buy it
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The next tier will house a drawer and the top will be simply a shelf
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These tops are temporary templates they can and will be tweeked numerous times.
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The tops will overhang enough to put rope lights on the underside
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You will not see this kind of thing anywhere else in the industry
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I am going to have to brake down and spend the first cash on this project. Curved wood pieces.

[Darrell and Linda]

Joe, Thanks, your picture posts are more valuable that you know it. Its very much appreciated.

[lewpopp]

Hey Joe, you have the MLWD with the rope lights. That stands for "Mad Liberty Whorehouse Disease".