Housetruck

Sharkey's Housetruck

1962 Chevrolet C-40

 

When I am asked "What will the inside of your new bus
look like?", I always reply "Just like the inside of my housetruck, only
bigger." For most people this is answer enough, but for those of you in Netland
who are curious, I provide this photo essay to spark your imagination.

 

Inside, the living space is decidedly non-automotive. In planning the interior, I toured motor homes, travel trailers and yachts, and found the latter to be most appealing, although the end result would never be considered "nautical". "Early Twentieth Century Studio Apartment" would be the most accurate description. Nearly all of the furniture, fittings and fixtures are collectables. Wood, brass, natural fabrics and leather predominate. Use of plastics is almost non-existent. A Vermont Castings 'Intrepid' wood stove keeps away the winter chill, and multiple skylights illuminate my daily activities.

 

In the kitchen (sorry...galley), semi-modern appliances are installed, including a gas stove and oven, electric water heater, and gas/electric refrigerator/freezer. I even have electric lights (solar powered, of course). In this photo, the wood stove has been removed for the summer to provide a bit more elbow room for the occupant.

 

A large skylight over the bed allows late-evening astronomical viewing and an early-morning check on the weather conditions. The headboard is the music stand from a 1860's era piano, found nearly destroyed in a rotting barn. Woods throughout the interior include Oak, Walnut, Mahogany, Cedar, Redwood, Ash, Birch and Maple.

 

A view of the pilot house, er, cab, which is completely restored with custom upholstery.
Note the dual shift levers, this rig has two transmissions, with twelve forward gears.

 

This is a friend's first attempt at a design for the paint. I eventually convinced him to tone it down a little.

 

Wendling, Oregon, 1982, after a trip to the Oregon Coast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original material ©1996-2024 Mr. Sharkey | All rights reserved

If you see kay spam
Bombs Away