As I posted in the newbie forum, my van adventure begins with the acquisition of this 2003 Dodge conversion van, which I've named the Black Pearl. (Pirate flag to come. )
Overall it's in pretty good shape for the price I paid, though it does need some things. My first priority is to get it running safely and reliably enough to pass state inspection, since unfortunately that's a thing here in New Hampshire. I'm just buttoning the steering column back up after replacing the ignition switch, which was worn out and disabling important items like turn signals, power windows, and most importantly the stereo. The front brakes just started grinding so that's next. While I'm in there I'll pull the left front ABS sensor wiring, which is causing dashboard warning lights (and another cause to fail inspection) so I can replace it with the correct part. There's also some rust below the passenger front door, which I'll cut, paint, and rivet a patch panel into. The parking brake needs adjustment so that it works, and finally it needs tires. It's a bit of work, but the parts are cheap and I'm pretty handy at working on vehicles, so I can do all the work except installing tires myself.
Once it's on the road, it's time to deck out the interior. I plan to do a no-build build, at least for starters, just to try things out and figure out what I want and need. The van has already been lived in, with a plywood platform bed across the back. The previous owner was a woman who was undoubtedly shorter than me, since I can't lie down flat on the existing bed. I'll be moving and/or rebuilding it to fit my needs and dimensions, as well as adding something more than a 2" foam "mattress."
I have three goals for my build:
All this is very do-able. I just need to take it one step at a time, do it right, then test it out with some local trips. My goal is to have it ready to use for the Mount Washington Climb to the Clouds race in early July. I've got some time.
Stay tuned to this thread for the continuing adventures of the Black Pearl...
Overall it's in pretty good shape for the price I paid, though it does need some things. My first priority is to get it running safely and reliably enough to pass state inspection, since unfortunately that's a thing here in New Hampshire. I'm just buttoning the steering column back up after replacing the ignition switch, which was worn out and disabling important items like turn signals, power windows, and most importantly the stereo. The front brakes just started grinding so that's next. While I'm in there I'll pull the left front ABS sensor wiring, which is causing dashboard warning lights (and another cause to fail inspection) so I can replace it with the correct part. There's also some rust below the passenger front door, which I'll cut, paint, and rivet a patch panel into. The parking brake needs adjustment so that it works, and finally it needs tires. It's a bit of work, but the parts are cheap and I'm pretty handy at working on vehicles, so I can do all the work except installing tires myself.
Once it's on the road, it's time to deck out the interior. I plan to do a no-build build, at least for starters, just to try things out and figure out what I want and need. The van has already been lived in, with a plywood platform bed across the back. The previous owner was a woman who was undoubtedly shorter than me, since I can't lie down flat on the existing bed. I'll be moving and/or rebuilding it to fit my needs and dimensions, as well as adding something more than a 2" foam "mattress."
I have three goals for my build:
- I want to be able to work out of it. As a technical writer and freelance journalist, this means electrical power for my laptop and an internet connection. Much of this type of work is available remotely.
- I want to bring my dual-sport (on-road, off-road) motorcycle with me. The van doesn't have a trailer hitch but that's easy to add, as well as a motorcycle carrier that will eliminate the hassle and expense of pulling a trailer.
- I want to have a portable ham radio station. This is not only for fun, but also because I enjoy working communications for stage rallies and hillclimb events. I already have most of the radio equipment I need. I just need to figure out the best way to install it and power it in the van.
All this is very do-able. I just need to take it one step at a time, do it right, then test it out with some local trips. My goal is to have it ready to use for the Mount Washington Climb to the Clouds race in early July. I've got some time.
Stay tuned to this thread for the continuing adventures of the Black Pearl...