Timber and Tools

In a quieter moments over the summer, I pondered the idea of creating a raised floor in the tub. The tub is the area behind the seats, the van part of Degsy. The raised floor would be level with the top of the wheel arches creating a flat area from one side of the van to the other. The wheel arches run the length of the back and are seven inches deep. I spotted some 20mm square PAR timber on offer a few weeks ago so I bought it up. I have not really had time to mess about on the little project so the timber has been lying in the garage. After the lotttie and bees a window of opportunity revealed itself today. The weather was kind and H was out, leaving the drive clear.

I emptied the tub and got the timber and tools out of the garage. From this timber I made a frame to line the well between the arches. The framing created a place to support the floor. The floor was some 10mm plywood I had left over from another job. I had made the framing 10mm short of the top of the arches so that when the floor was fitted it was flush with the top surface of the wheel arches. The lip also had the effect of creating an edge to keep the floor in place. It was a small matter to cut the ply sheets to size, place on the framing and screw them down. What the framing also created was a space as wide and long as the tub and seven inches deep. Much like a deep drawer. This under floor space is big enough to take the forks and spades. It also takes the oil and Jerry can. I put the plastic boxes, in which keep all my allotment hand tools and bits and pieces, on top of the near side wheel arch. This is to be their new home. I cut a piece of the 20mm PAR to length and screwed it to the new floor as a fiddle to stop the boxes careening about the tub.

The tub is all neat and tidy now. I even have a small area to perch on when having a brew. I might see if I can get a bit of lino to cover the floor. I found a couple of unused bungee cords and with them I have been able to strap up the rake and hoe. The plan has come together nicely an for a few quid and for an hour or so of effort.