Grumman Olson Step Van build

[66788]

Starting a new project as the old one nears completion.

There is an RV dismantler nearby and I picked up a nice shower stall today for $60.00 complete with hardware and drain.

Pictures to follow.

 

[66788]

Made the first road test in the step van. 600 miles in 2 days, averaged 17mpg of diesel. Not bad for a large box with a 16 foot bed, 6'11" ceiling, and 6'6" width.

Not a speedy vehicle, but hums along nicely at 55mph. Kind of reminds me of my old split window VW bus. The shift points are about the same place.

Starting the build next week.

 

[kyonu]

I imagine the nice 17mpg will drop down to a slither at 10 to 12 mpg once you deck it out with living supplies and electronic components. But what about the pictures?!

 

[Bdog1]

Really? Can't see dropping 5 mpg with an interior conversion. These vans are geared to work hard.

 

[kyonu]

You're probably right, it really just depends on the full weight conversion ratio, which I am unaware with this particular engine (or most engines in general for that matter.)

Call me a pessimist, but I prefer to underestimate just in case!

 

[akrvbob]

The 4bt is legendary for it's high MPG. The only reason it is that low is step vans have all the aerodynamics of a brick going down the road.

You got an incredible deal on that Step van!! Almost criminal!!
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

The Diesels tend to be more stable, MPG-wise, than gas motors. My hunting buddy has an F350 4X4 Diesel, which gets 17MPG whether running around town light or carrying a bedful of cargo, and loses only a little when towing a larger trailer.
Whatever little bit of mileage the stepvan might lose, the livability makes up for it!

 

[66788]

Here are some photos of the current state of the Grumman. The right windshield is being replaced next week. I've removed the aluminum lower trim on the roof as well as the 1 inch fiberglass insulation. There is room for 1 1/2 inch styrofoam, but first I need to frame in the FanTastic Vent, install CB and 2 meter antennas, as well as a backup camera and interior lighting.

The 16 inch tires are all new, the back 4 were put on a week before I bought the van, and I matched the 10 ply LT Load Range E tires on the front.





[URL=http://s1232.photobucket.com/u...ums/ff378/d66788/th_cannoncamera043.jpg[/IMG][/url]

 

[kyonu]

Ah, the joyous blank canvas. Good luck with the build!

 

[Ballenxj]

17 mpg is GREAT! I cannot imagine it getting much poorer mileage either when built out as the biggest hit is the aerodynamics of it anyway.
Besides, it has been said that an RV may get poor mileage for a truck, but GREAT mileage for a house.

 

[akrvbob]

It really is the perfect base for a cozy little home!
Bob

 

[wagoneer]

Just stay out of Urban areas with that wht truck, the taggers not tigers will get you.

 

[Patrick46]

OK...


I officially now have STEPVAN ENVY!!!

This is the perfect base for building a fun, rolling home.

You lucky bugger!!!

 

[66788]

Stopped by an RV dismantler yesterday and found this awesome plush captain's chair with adjustable armrests in perfect condition to replace the utilitarian seat that now occupies the bridge on the starship Grumman Olson. Considerably less than a C note and it was mine.

 

[akrvbob]

Looks great! I am really enjoying your build, but it's hard for me to be patient, I can't wait to see it come together!!
Bob

 

[Ballenxj]

The seat looks good man! Nice Captains chair for the Starship Grumman Olson.
BTW, I like that description too.

 

[66788]

Spent the last 2 weeks checking over the suspension, brakes, and exhaust systems.

It now has new brake linings front and rear, 2 new wheel cylinders in the rear, new master cylinder, 4 new gas filled shocks, new steering damper, and new wheel seals. Couple that with 6 new 10 ply truck tires and she's mechanically ready to roll.

Now the fun begins. I have most of the interior parts in my warehouse now and will be starting with the floor, then walls, then ceiling.

Today I mounted the new captains chair seat from a late model Class A Winnebago and the pic below shows the final result. I must be a lucky son of a gun because the seat was a bolt in conversion and took about 20 minutes to complete. It is beyond nice!

 

[akrvbob]

Sweet!
Bob

 

[freenez2]

If (Perish the thought) I were to lose the van, I'd go that way... A Step Van has a lot of potential.

 

[Patrick46]

Woo-Hoo!! That turned out killer!!!!

I've always gone to the junkyards and gotten swivel high-backs from conversion vans to put in my stepvans...all 7 of them!!

yours is off to a great start!!

I'll hafta stop in next time I'm down that way to see my sister, and check out your 'handy-work' for mysself!