{"id":32225,"date":"2024-01-15T15:02:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T02:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/?p=32225"},"modified":"2024-07-11T13:10:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T01:10:42","slug":"converting-quirkys-dinkiest-camper-kirk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/converting-quirkys-dinkiest-camper-kirk\/","title":{"rendered":"Converting Kirk, Tegan&#8217;s Adorable Ex-Quirky Camper!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;I knew I wanted to travel NZ in a campervan and loved the idea of having one that was custom-made for a solo female traveller&#8230; so Kirk was born!&#8221; <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read on as Tegan tells the story of how she designed and built single-berth Kirk, one of Quirky NZ&#8217;s previous campers for hire. \ud83d\ude0d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-240x135.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Kirk-Youtube-Cover-Photo-1.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 770px) 600px, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting Kirk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How did you find a van you wanted?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was luck mostly! I knew I wanted something small so I narrowed my search on TradeMe and Marketplace and Kirk popped up at the perfect time. She was in Dunedin, so I had to make the trip over to pick her up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was living in Queenstown, so there weren\u2019t a lot of options nearby. Searching in bigger cities is the way to go (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch etc.)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"32266\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-102-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 770px) 600px, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"32267\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Feature-1-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 770px) 600px, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kirk&#8217;s super comfy bed converts into a seating area by day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Planning the Build<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Did you have any initial hesitations about converting Kirk by yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course. The entire project! I was quite new to building at the time &#8211; I\u2019d only just started my apprenticeship and wasn\u2019t even sure where to start. Kirk had a huge wheelchair lift in the back (as she was previously used as a mobility van) so I couldn\u2019t even picture her as a camper and I had no idea how I was going to turn her into the comfy, cosy dream home I wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"875\" data-id=\"32264\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1.jpg 679w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1-140x180.jpg 140w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1-600x773.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 679px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kirk&#8217;s rear, before&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1270\" height=\"1704\" data-id=\"32270\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM.jpg 1270w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM-763x1024.jpg 763w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM-768x1030.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM-1145x1536.jpg 1145w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM-134x180.jpg 134w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2024-01-21-at-11.38.24-PM-600x805.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 770px) 600px, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">and after! \ud83d\ude0d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><br><strong>Looking back, were those concerns valid? How did you overcome them?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For sure. I think it\u2019s normal to be hesitant when doing something for the first time. For me, I just looked at heaps of other campers that had already been converted to get ideas and inspiration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Breaking down the build into little baby pieces helped as well, i.e. Step 1. Draft design ideas. Step 2. Choose final draft. Step 3. Figure out the logistics of each area (lid, drawer, open wall, closed wall) and so on. Focusing on one thing at a time helped me not feel so overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What resources did you use to answer any self-build questions you had throughout the build?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My boss and colleagues were a great help, they were full of tips and tricks (almost too many if you know what I mean). \ud83e\udd23<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick-Fire Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What inspired the name \u201cKirk&#8221;? <\/strong><br>Her number plate KRK600<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Did you have a conversion buddy? <\/strong><br>My fianc\u00e9 was a great side kick, bringing me wine and snacks for smoko. He also did the plumbing and electrics which was fab. \ud83d\ude0d<br><br><strong>What\u2019s your favourite part of Kirk?<\/strong><br>The wall paper I found for her interior! It\u2019s pink with flowers and cute little bumble bees on it. It just captures my personality so perfectly and really reflects how much love I poured into her. My absolute favourite compliment has been \u2018oh this van is such a Tegan van!&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"627\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32254\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture2.jpg 627w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture2-138x180.jpg 138w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture2-600x781.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 627px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The moment I first laid eyes on Kirk&#8217;s soon-to-be wallpaper!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long did the conversion take? <\/strong><br>A looooong time, haha! I was working full time and only did a few evenings and weekends at a time so it took about a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How would you describe Kirk in three words? <\/strong><br>The Roadie Queen<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Van Build<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Talk us through the build. How did you do what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I drafted a few design ideas and ultimately chose the one that I thought utilised the small space best and had a nice comfy bed setup (I looove being cosy so that was my top priority). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the floor base, I used plywood, and for everything else, offcuts of MDF and plywood that I managed to snag from work. I tried to keep them all the same depth, so you couldn\u2019t tell that they were different materials once they were painted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"776\" data-id=\"32255\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture3.jpg 590w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture3-137x180.jpg 137w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 590px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"431\" height=\"747\" data-id=\"32260\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture8.jpg 431w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture8-104x180.jpg 104w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 431px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"452\" height=\"802\" data-id=\"32257\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture5.jpg 452w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture5-101x180.jpg 101w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 452px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I put the toilet, storage box and sink in first, as they go in an L shape at the front. Then I could work on building the slat bed, making a pull-out drawer for the kitchen, and finishing off the shelving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shelving was always going to be the hardest part, as it runs along the car and had to be cut to the same shape (everything else was a box). It actually ended up being the most fun part of the build though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"447\" height=\"792\" data-id=\"32258\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture6.jpg 447w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture6-102x180.jpg 102w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 447px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"610\" height=\"784\" data-id=\"32259\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture7.jpg 610w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture7-140x180.jpg 140w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture7-600x771.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 610px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"454\" height=\"802\" data-id=\"32256\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture4.jpg 454w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture4-102x180.jpg 102w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 454px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How did you find the conversion overall?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stressssful haha but so satisfying! Kirk showed me I can do whatever I set my mind to and it really felt like we were on this journey together (is this what it feels like to have your first child?\ud83e\udd23).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"727\" height=\"989\" data-id=\"32262\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture11.jpg 727w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture11-132x180.jpg 132w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture11-600x816.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 727px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"856\" data-id=\"32261\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture9.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture9-137x180.jpg 137w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture9-600x790.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Highs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What was the most satisfying aspect of the van build?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The finishing work for sure! I love making products LOOK nice so I really had to remind myself throughout the build when she was multi-coloured, multi material (multi everything!) that the finished product would be very different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"32268\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-120x180.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-106-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"32269\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-120x180.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-103-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What was the most challenging aspect of the build?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can I say all of it? \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Lows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What was the most frustrating part?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Really having to let go and understand that building a van is not like building a house! Things aren\u2019t going to be level or cut into the dimensions you have on your plan because it\u2019s not a straight cut slab to begin with. My perfectionist brain could not embrace the \u2018what\u2019s 10mm between friends\u2019 gag\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Functionally, the toilet and storage box lids lift up to 90 degrees before they hit the back bar so if you\u2019re parked on an angle the lids won\u2019t stay up. That\u2019s the only practical thing I would change. I\u2019m so proud of myself and Kirk so other than that, I wouldn\u2019t change a thing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Meg-119-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 300px, (max-width: 770px) 600px, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Tips for Rookie Converters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Remember, <strong>vans are not straight and square.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clamps<\/strong> are your best friend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Work out how many electrics you will have first<\/strong>, as this dictates the size of<br>your solar panel and battery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The more complicated the floor plan, the more complicated it is to put<br>flooring down later. (<strong>Avoid building crazy nooks and crannies on the floor<\/strong> because you&#8217;ll have to navigate them later!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have a detachable hose to fill up the freshwater canister<\/strong> so you don\u2019t have<br>to take it out. It\u2019s very heavy to put back in.<br><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And another little thing! Plan a practical space for toilet paper &#8211; nothing comfy about having to scramble while you\u2019re on the loo! \ud83d\ude1d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All in all&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I found building Kirk to be a much more emotionally challenging experience than a physical one! Take all the time you need, make sure you enjoy the ride and that you&#8217;re building things to how you want them. Change your mind, change it again (we all do it!) and watch your little home on wheels come to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Converting a campervan yourself? Join our 23K-strong <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/2554536671235020\">Self-Build Community<\/a> for daily tips and inspiration from fellow converters and experts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or want to rent one first to see what you like? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/campervan-hire\/\">collection of bespoke, self-contained campervans for hire here!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;I knew I wanted to travel NZ in a campervan and loved the idea of having one that was custom-made for a solo female &hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-wrap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/converting-quirkys-dinkiest-camper-kirk\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Converting Kirk, Tegan&#8217;s Adorable Ex-Quirky Camper!<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":32855,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,71],"tags":[69],"class_list":["post-32225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-tips-for-converting-a-van","tag-campervan-conversion-story"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Converting Kirk, Tegan&#039;s Adorable Ex-Quirky Camper!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www..com\/nz\/converting-quirkys-dinkiest-camper-kirk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" 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