Converting a 1986 G30 Van for Expeditioning

[masterplumber]

Nice work so far. There was a guy at the last RTR that had one. He actually found one that was used as a flight line van and was white. He showed me around the inside and I think it is my favorite van to date. If I didn't already have a cargo trailer conversion I'd be in the market for one. He lived in his full time (single guy) and it seemed to be an ideal size. He also had a small piece of land with a sea container on it to store the stuff he didn't need on a given tour, and to give him a home base.

 

[arctic cat]

well while waiting for parts here what I have done.  PARTITION:  Well I suck at been a carpenter, but I needed to separate the driver compartment area from the rear so I built this little partition, still working on it something simple, but is already in place.

 

[arctic cat]

So this post will bring me pretty much up to date.   I own a ARB 35QT Fridge Freezer, something that I mounted on my Jeep but that I needed to be part of the van.  I needed to built a shelving system that would allowed me to open the drawer and take the reefer out.  The Fridge needed to be at the right height to allow taking the food out while cooking at the small counter space next to.    So the bottom shelve needed to be larger while the top shelves needed to smaller, but useful.  I use ammo can for storage.  They are fairly cheap, durable, water tight, and bear proof.  They needed to fit in the shelving but I did not want them use any more space than needed.  so here is the result of my little trial and error.  So now I'm up to date on my post.

 

[Matlock]

Looks great. I agree with using ammo cans for storage but do keep an eye on your weight. At some point those older springs are gonna groan for some help.
The ARB on a slide-out makes good sense with use of space. I'm still on the fence on which fridge /freezer to buy and like you I want mine to be accessed while I'm standing.

 

[arctic cat]

Looks great. I agree with using ammo cans for storage but do keep an eye on your weight. At some point those older springs are gonna groan for some help.
The ARB on a slide-out makes good sense with use of space. I'm still on the fence on which fridge /freezer to buy and like you I want mine to be accessed while I'm standing.

I have two more smaller can that could go on top.   As far a the weight we are not overpacker and we are very minimalist.  We make on not having TV or other amenities.   I do have a motorcycle, so at some point we we will take the bike with us inside the van.  and it will be set with removable system to transport the bike.    but now first thing first

 

[arctic cat]

Well here it is the new "Injector Pump" Rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America 

 

[arctic cat]

Did some minor work today inside and outside.  The van did have rust on the corner when I got.   I wanted to repaired and make serviceable but I wasn't about to spend a lot of money on that.    So I did cut out the cancer, painter the inside area and replaced with new metal.  Nothing high tech or spectacular,  just a little bit of field work to make it presentable and decent.

 

[highdesertranger]

that IP is diesel porn. good looking pump. highdesertranger

 

[arctic cat]

that IP is diesel porn.  good looking pump.  highdesertranger

Ha Ha Ha, it's a sexy little thing

 

[arctic cat]

Progress of the day.

 

[arctic cat]

This where I am so far

 

[highdesertranger]

looking good. highdesertranger

 

[rvpopeye]

I like it Cat !
I paint all new mods white too.

 

[masterplumber]

That's coming along really nice. I use the motorcycle chock linked below in my cargo trailer to haul my KLR. They make 2 lengths depending upon your floor support spacing. It works well and I like that it just folds flush so I don't have one more thing to store someplace when not in use.

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Rec...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

 

[ArtW]

lookin good Cat!

 

[arctic cat]

That's coming along really nice. I use the motorcycle chock linked below in my cargo trailer to haul my KLR. They make 2 lengths depending upon your floor support spacing. It works well and I like that it just folds flush so I don't have one more thing to store someplace when not in use.

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Rec...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I  like that one, I purchased one that is rear sturdy but I have to removed every time I use the van for something else.  Your is real nice

 

[arctic cat]

Well I have done little knick knack here and there.   Installed hooks here and there.   started working on the electric as far as putting a cheap stereo and CB Radio with NOAA station.  I did put a high security lock and installed it in such a way that I have to released the back doors from the inside.  Did it that way to make it harder to pry the door.   Installed a map, document holder and I was getting a little tired of not having anything to grab as I went in the side door, so I place one of those disabled tube that are used in the shower as a holder

 

[arctic cat]

Well today was a slow day, well not that slow.    Since you guys already know I have a diesel van.  The original fuel filter is a Stanadyne 80, and the base of that filter is problematic at best.  The same filter used in the military HMMVV.     Before I replace the injector pump I decided to repair the Stanadyne 80, but after thinking about future problems.   I decided to replace it with a Racor 230 base with R20P filter.    The filter have a sediment and water separator at the bottom.   The original plan was to place the R230 in the position as the Stanadyne 80.  After installing there I came to find out tha the bottom of the filter is a little less than 1/8 inch from the block and removing the dog house to drain the filter would be a major issue, not to say than the close proximity to the block would had been detrimental to the plastic bottom of the filter  So I set to find a new location to relocate the filter.   I found spot right under hood.    Thaht would allowed me to replace the filter when needed and at the same time it would be much easier to drain the water.    I haven't finish yet as I want to make sure that the fuel line are properly attached and not rubbing against anything.  I hope to have this done by tomorrow.

 

[arctic cat]

I haven't finish this yet, but replaced my Stanadyne 80 fuel filter housing for a Racor 230 and change the location, from been in the rear of the engine which could only be serviced by opening the dog house to the front. 

 

[highdesertranger]

nice. highdesertranger