How much crap do you have in your van?

I've been wondering about that too...the tools are pretty cheap at least.

Hey Terry, a little help.

take out the passengers seat in you van

I think he was looking for help with plastic costs...the seat removal isn't a terrible idea for a solo cleaner.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23869&catid=705

tools and welders http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.aspx?catid=698&gclid=CMbhuL78jbwCFeo9QgodNRMAog

Yep that shelf can be made with those materials for around $75. Add labor cost and a RC could manufacture and sell those for $175.

4x8 sheet of 1/2 inch htpe is around 130 to 150 dollars depending on how much material is used and supplies the cost for your fist one is well over 500 dollars after you have the tools then the price does go down. Time is your factor for duplicating that kind of shelf I would dado cut for the bottom shelf for strength. If you already have a table saw bonus.

http://www.amazon.com/Mibro-416371-8-Inch-Stacking-Blade/dp/B000HE87VI

500 is ridiculous for a shelf. I don't see that shelf as being a 4'x8' sheet. Why in the world would you want to build a recovery tank out of this with the cost that high?

how much plastic are you going to buy at one time?

The stuff is not cheap you have to buy the tools if your going to do this yourself those cost money. If some one is only going to make a one of a kind that is expensive. If you cant find the material local then shipping costs ad up. I have to make a 200 mile round trip to buy what I need to make small projects and keep a supply on hand.

"500 is ridiculous for a shelf" there you go "Add labor cost and a RC could manufacture and sell those for $175." that's after the costs of making the first one. It might take some time to recover the initial investment.  Ok get some one to make one for 175 dollars.

I'm not making them or even one. It's not worth it. Unless I make one for myself.

If your only going to make just one it's not worth it but if you had to make a bunch of custom shelves and boxes that's another story

you could make one out of plywood and paint it white.

No one said just because it's plastic it's cheap?


There you go you have all the info you need to make or not make one yourself.

It's obvious that a plastic shelf is not reasonable alternative to the aluminum style. Thanks for the input Terry.

On a side note, how much are you gonna have invested in that plastic recovery tank?

I only make the tanks for myself so the cost does not make a difference I still don't trust them if I was to make one for somebody.

here are some ones that are bolted together I don't know the price?
http://www.hotheatexchangers.com/vanshelving.html

you can also have a shop cut the metal and you can bolt them together.

or buy the plastic and bolt it together much more time saving than welding no special tools needed.

was just gonna say why not just screw it together, does have to be that strong

this is what I made a chem shelf out of, not super cheap but lighter than composite decking material

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Royal-Mouldings-12-ft-x-6-in-x-1-in-Cellular-Vinyl-Trim-Plank-Moulding-0731112003/100004781?N=ara1Z1z11cv1#.Ut3tc7SIaUk

pre drill and it screws together pretty nicely

Being resourceful is important. Sometimes being resourceful loses to having enough time. Which is my case most of the time. But I like to complain about crap costing so much. It is ridiculous. I do talk about the great deal too.

Removing that middle shelf has helped out big time. I can use the space behind the bottom rake to place am extra gallon of PS of it's needed. The wall of the van and the back ledge if the self creates another shelf.

If you look at the picture I have, you can see I have two gallons sitting like that.

Anybody take on this project over the last several weeks? I have enjoyed the new set up, especially the room from removing the middle shelf. Although it's time to clean out the floor again. Doesn't take long to get dirty.