Canada Roadtrip: Making the Bronco Cozy
Blackout curtains, tie back and tension rod
It’s getting real, once the bed went in, it hit me that this is actually happening.
Privacy and easy access while overnighting is paramount, so I’ve poked around the internet to find ways to feel comfortable.
Blackout Curtains: I cut down a cheap store bought pair and hung them with a tension rod anchored by a copper pipe hanger, we bent it into a z shape and wedged it between the plastic molding and the fabric headliner. It seems secure, I’ll be careful to not pull on the curtains too much. Its easy to secure them to the side while driving by tucking them into a piece of bungee (VW bus style) by the seat belt.
Bed: I bought an 8” memory foam twin mattress, then promptly ignored the threatening tag about not removing the cover, and removed that dang cover. I cut the foam to fit exactly behind the drivers seat, (the larger back seat fold). A sharp serrated bread knife cut it easily. I put the cover back on the mattress and whip-stitched it back together on underside. I plan to keep the passenger side back seat as a seat, that’s where I’ll enter and exit the bed, get dressed blah blah…With the drivers seat forward I can stretch right out, lots of head and foot room. (I’m 5’10”) I can also sit straight up in bed, it’s surprisingly roomy back there. The really big bonus is that I can keep the mattress in place when I drive, my seat just compresses it while on the road.
Window Panels: pics coming soon, but I essentially traced all the back windows with paper and cut them out of cardboard. I’ll spray paint these matte black and cover the edges with black duct tape so they’ll fit right in the window. If someone tries to shine a flashlight in, they’ll see a black wall.
Simple custom shelves, the legs are different lengths because the headliner is higher in the center of the car.
So useful!
Shelving: I really wanted a set of shelves to fit in the 12” space not taken up by my mattress. Dave built a super easy 3-shelf unit, it even collapses slightly for easy removal/installation. He spray painted it black because aesthetics are important. I’ll store my camp stove, some food, COFFEE, clothes and things I want easy access to. (My book, art stuff, tarot cards, journal etc). I have compression packing cubes (like for suitcases) for my clothes, I’ll keep what I’m taking to a minimum. The legs are different lengths because the headliner is curved, being higher in the center.
More updates tomorrow as some of the details come together. Don’t worry the photos will get better!
Woo!