FOUND IT, THE VAN ! !

Ballenxj · Jun 29, 2013

I hope it's an easy fix this time. Let us know what happens. -Bruce

Ziggy Moon · Jun 29, 2013

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Fireman. If you where somewhere close I'd offer to help out if needed. This is one of my worries... I want so bad to just get up and go out to see my oldest son in TX and I want to travel in my van, take my time, and just enjoy it all. I've drove my van all over Florida and up through Georgia - Yet, with the mystery 'stall' problems I have had in the past months (haven't had a stall in a nearly a month since doing some minor repairs/replacements/maintenance - Knock-On-Wood), I'm hesitant to go outside of the 100 mile tow range I have with AAA. Not to mention, I've never considered the possibilities of problems that may occur due to change in climate, as you've stated. Good Luck, Fireman!

Fireman428 · Jun 29, 2013

Thanks Bruce, the easy fix is the engine hasn't messed up since I turned around and went back to the Firestone store.  I have noticed the tranny shifting odd and unable to hold in overdrive over about 60~65mph.  So we talked about heat related vacuum problems, (cracked hose, fitting, seals...) may cause the modulator valve in the transmission to not work right. And yes Ziggy heat related climate changes effect all us older things, I've tried to post this three times ;-)      On a conversion note, the Fan-tastic fan has been blowing air in on mid speed for three nights and using a Fluke meter the battery voltage is still 12.02.  I have only been able to use the "suitcase solar" a total of maybe 5hrs since I can't set it up traveling. I have been vigilant to set it up anytime I knew I was stopped for more than just gas.  It's been interesting the comments and questions I get while doing that.      The LED light strips I put in temporary will become permanent with the addition of two more when I put in the ceiling.  These are in the Autozone store accessory aisle, the SuperBrite white LED flexible strip lights.  If I remember correctly about $29.  Lots of bright white light little current draw. One more suggestion for folks, I am running my laptop charger off a 100watt inverter plugged into one of the 12vdc ciggerete (sorry I mispelled that I smoke cigars) recpt wired to the house battery. I figure that wasted current is much lower on the 100w model than on the bigger 1000w inverter and therefore may get longer time before charge. Layla sez it's nap-time, I maintain being as smart as my dog. Fireman428, out.

Fireman428 · Jun 29, 2013

Had to wait till dark to show the LED light strips. I just think they worked out well. For permanent install I'll put two strips on one switch and two on the other, dual level lighting for you know when the mood's right. <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...0-h450-no/LED+flexible+strip+light01small.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img">

Ballenxj · Jun 29, 2013

Fireman428 said:
Had to wait till dark to show the LED light strips.

Sounds like you need some window covering. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">  Looks good. -Bruce

Fireman428 · Jun 30, 2013

yeah, had to make some out of cardboard for tonight. Parked in front of repair shop in what might be a rough neighborhood

Seems the radiator just won't make it. So stealth mode for sure tonight.

Gotta go walk Layla before dark.

Fireman428 · Jul 2, 2013

Added to the conversion/rebuild list is now a new radiator!  I should have this thing rebuilt by the time I get back to Kentucky.  It is running great now, still a little shift problem, staying in overdrive at highway speeds.  Gonna go spend the night in the Mark Twain Nat'l Forest where I hope to get a couple of small mods done while sitting still.

Fireman428 · Jul 13, 2013

Recovered from trip and starting back to work on van. Put 1" styrofoam in one of the long side windows, and both of the back windows. Also put down one section of subfloor, foil-backed celtex. I think I'm liking it so it may stay.  That will be covered with layer of 1/4" insulating board then 1/4" plywood and then the flooring.  Not sure what type of flooring yet, I'm open to suggestions.  Remember Layla hates cleaning up when I have *accidents*.   ;-) <img style="width: 640px; height: 480px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...C6tAnrxRKs/w640-h480-no/sub+floor+section.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img">

Fireman428 · Jul 14, 2013

It was late, I realized I left out rear window pics. I actually liked the way they turned out the 1" panels fill them up nicely.  And, yes the captain's in the background with her watchful eye. <img style="width: 640px; height: 480px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-...i8/w640-h480-no/rear+window+insulation+01.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img"><img style="width: 446px; height: 595px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...TQ/w446-h595-no/rear+window+insulation+02.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img">

Fireman428 · Jul 15, 2013

New Captain's chair.... <img style="width: 462px; height: 616px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...FZITwg/w462-h616-no/New+Captain%27s+Chair.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img"><img style="width: 462px; height: 616px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAfw/vnrxVaD-Wps/w462-h616-no/On+watch.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img"> I mean really,,,,,, Whadda ya expect   ;-) This actually solved the problem of her not wanting to ride up front.

Fireman428 · Jul 16, 2013

<div style="text-align: left;">Replacing these two mirrors was going to be $25-$75, local junk (sorry, scrap) yard to retail prices. OR, 1 can white primer and 1 can white appliance epoxy.... $12. sandpaper I had already. And this is only first coat of appliance epoxy. <img style="width: 640px; height: 480px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAgo/nI-WvCr40oQ/w640-h480-no/Old+Mirror.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img"><img style="width: 640px; height: 480px;" rel="lightbox" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...pUIKYz944/w640-h480-no/Old+Renewed+Mirror.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img"></div>

ilovemyvan · Jul 16, 2013

Looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!  Sorry you had so much difficulty on your first outing. I enjoy following your progress. All the best Nicole

Fireman428 · Jul 16, 2013

Thanks Nicole,  I'm counting the first outing as just a sTrEsS tEsT <img src="/images/boards/smilies/idea.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> For the van not me, Layla and I just camped wherever the van made it to until the money starting getting close. I was sad we didn't make RTR but there's others. AND YES I THOUGHT THE MIRRORS TURNED OUT GREAT!! I'm not a painter so I was exicited, I can hardly wait to see what the second coat looks like. Hope to see ya on the roads somewheere. Dan

stude53 · Jul 16, 2013

Dan, Yes, the mirrors are turning out great, and so did the captains perch. The look of approval is evident. Bob

Curtis · Jul 16, 2013

Appreciate the pics Fireman, good job!

Fireman428 · Jul 27, 2013

Working on the Phoenix a little at a time... This weekend working on it in the Daniel Boone National Forest... <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...M/w640-h480-no/workin+on+it+in+D+B+Forest.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img"> I have to say that the campers that were before me were most likely NOT vandwellers.... <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...uf2m4rszulw/w640-h480-no/Not+Van+dwellers.JPG" class="uw xO bbc_img"> Shame, shame, shame.  I guess their momma didn't teach 'em better.

rokguy · Jul 27, 2013

Looks good Fireman, sometimes you just gotta spend the bucks to get them running correctly before the fitout starts. Will be a great van when your done. Geoff

Fireman428 · Aug 12, 2013

Finally got the ceiling in place.  Gonna add some trim later... <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...zI1-d41s/w462-h616-no/IMG_20130810_183525.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img"> Yeah the boss is as wore out as I am.  And, framed one wall (test panel attached). <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...ykbRP0YM/w462-h616-no/IMG_20130811_152055.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img">Hope to have everything in place by Oct. GTG in Tenn.

Fireman428 · Aug 12, 2013

Woo-hoo,  got one wall section in place this morning ! ! ! <img rel="lightbox" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...fCdLpI84/w462-h616-no/IMG_20130812_120614.jpg" class="uw xO bbc_img">

Patrick46 · Aug 12, 2013

Alright Fireman!! Good to hear things are moving foreward again!! I love this pic... <IMG style="WIDTH: 462px; HEIGHT: 616px" class="uw xO bbc_img" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAfw/vnrxVaD-Wps/w462-h616-no/On+watch.jpg" rel="lightbox"> I had the same set-up for my traveling buddy in my semi tractor. He was a great listener...but not much for conversation!! <IMG class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif">

FOUND IT, THE VAN ! !

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