Yeti the LT is Gee’s ongoing passion project.
Yeti the LT is a journey of craftswomanship, resilience, and turning dreams into reality through hands-on creativity and determination.
Yeti the LT is Gee’s beloved long-term project, reflecting her dedication to hands-on craftswomanship and her drive to learn new skills. This van has been transformed inside and out, from changing the gearbox and respraying the exterior to completely gutting, insulating, and reimagining the interior.
Bought as a personal challenge to develop her mechanical skills and resilience, Yeti holds a special place among the many vans Gee has worked on over the years. Determined to take on as much of the work herself as possible, she’s tackled every aspect with care, creativity, and a whole lot of figuring it out as she’s gone along.
So far, Yeti boasts a full power setup, including a 415-watt solar panel, an extractor fan, an inverter charger, and a sound system. Currently, Gee is hard at work building a custom kitchen, set to be installed this spring. This project is a labor of love, showcasing not just her skills but her passion for turning dreams into reality.
Interior
So far, Yeti’s interior features a thoughtfully designed layout that includes a sliding door to accommodate swivel front seats, ply-lined walls, a sliding window, and a skylight. Gee has installed a CNC-designed pull-out raised bed and Moroccan-style overhead bedroom cabinets, complemented by ample interior lighting. The ceiling is crafted from tongue-and-groove panels, finished with Osmo oil for a polished look. A mix of plywood has been used, with a focus on lightweight poplar ply to keep the van efficient and easy to handle.
Currently, Gee is in the process of building the kitchen and a storage cupboard. The water system will remain simple, and the van is equipped with a Dometic fridge freezer, perfectly balancing functionality and style for life on the road.
Gee installed a comprehensive power setup in her van, combining shore power and a 415W solar panel system. The setup features two 215Ah AGM gel batteries paired with a Victron MultiPlus 800VA 12V Inverter/Charger, ensuring efficient energy management. Additional components include a battery protect system, split charge relay, and smart shunt, all meticulously integrated to provide a reliable and versatile off-grid power solution.
Electrics
Respray & Mechanics
Gee has undertaken significant mechanical work on Yeti with the support of her skilled mechanic. Major upgrades include replacing the clutch, flywheel, exhaust system, gearbox, and cambelt. At the same workshop, Gee took a hands-on approach by sanding, treating, and respraying the lower part of the van in a timeless VW Beetle Jade Green. She’s also learned to fully service the van herself, embracing the ease and charm of working on an older vehicle. This journey of maintenance and restoration reflects her passion for learning and keeping Yeti in top shape.
