I've always wanted a conversion van...

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cjmccormick

Active member
Joined
Jul 19, 2011
Messages
29
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Location
Upstate NY
Hey everyone. My name is Chris or CJ for short. I am 29 years old. I am from Upstate NY. I currently have been unemployed and living at my parents house for the last 3 years doing jobs here and there with a family friend. Last year was a big scare for us, my younger brother had a near fatal car accident on his way to work and broke his in two, arms, feet, knee, forearm. A year later he now is walking and doing really good as he can.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>The last few days I have been browsing around here on the forum and and other pages of some of the stories that others have went through and started their own conversion process. I have for the longest time been interested in conversion vans and frugal living, although I am a bigger guy. I find that it will be challenging.</div><div><br></div><div>I recently found a decent Ford E150 Series Van for sale for $850. You can check out the pictures of the van here on craigslist and more info.&nbsp;<a href="http://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/cto/2423793899.html" target="_blank">http://fingerlakes.craigslist.org/cto/2423793899.html</a>. I have already put down a down payment of $450 and hope to have it buy the end of August.</div><div><br></div><div>I personally think this van is worth the price. It is a little rusty, but it can be fixed. Here in NY, we have to expect some rust on vehicles. Frame is intact and sturdy. Starts right up, nice and quiet. A lot of new parts were installed. Small dent in the rear. Blue interior, 3 captain chairs that will eventually be pulled a bench in the back that goes down into a bed, a porta potty. Not sure what style or make. It looks pretty roomy, but then again. Im a big guy, we will see lol.</div><div><br></div><div>I want to try to come up with some design plans and ideas. &nbsp;I have copied a few good ideas and put them in a word document for later viewing. I havent yet got the van. I am pretty excited and have some ideas. I can't wait to get started. Anyone here have a Ford e150 style van that have complete gutted and redesigned it? Im looking for some good ideas for this specific van type. I would love to get a topper eventually.</div><div><br></div><div>If anyone can point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. It being websites that have parts and where I can get ideas from, pictures..etc</div><div><br></div><div>I love this forum and hearing every ones stories and progress. It gives me the motivation to get this moving forward.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
 
<FONT size=3>Hey CJ, Welcome!&nbsp; </FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>One of the websites i was most impressed with was </FONT><A href="http://www.smallblueprinter.com/floorplan/floorplan.html" target=_blank target=_blank target=_blank><B><FONT size=3>FloorPlanner</FONT></B></A><FONT size=3>, submitted by forum member 4x4Chvy&nbsp;(Who also has a great shower in his cargo trailer)</FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>There are so many great conversions out there... I don't know if I could pin point just a couple.</FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>You've&nbsp;looked through the conversion thread?&nbsp; I can spend hours daydreaming about mods while browsing those threads.</FONT><BR><BR>
 
<div>Hi Cyndi, Thanks!</div><div><br></div>Yeah, I actually book marked that website for the floor planner myself. I am reading through them as we speak. If I come across any other website with conversion ideas or plans I will share them with everyone.
 
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: nowrap; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: nowrap; "><br></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: nowrap; ">When I get it I am going to get everything tuned up and running smoothly check everything over and make sure its good for awhile, then eventually see how much it would cost to get some body work done.&nbsp;</span></div>
 
<P>Here are a few layouts from Sportsmobile.&nbsp; Theres a PDF file on their website with a ton more, but I didnt know how to attach it to this.&nbsp; Im doing the RB50 plan. </P><P>Lots of resources on here.&nbsp; Good luck. </P><P>&nbsp;</P>
 
4x4tour said:
<p>Here are a few layouts from Sportsmobile.&nbsp; Theres a PDF file on their website with a ton more, but I didnt know how to attach it to this.&nbsp; Im doing the RB50 plan. </p><p>Lots of resources on here.&nbsp; Good luck.</p>
<div><br></div><div>Nice, I visited the site and checked it out. Nice to see a few set layout plans. Too bad they don't have the demensions and sizes for certain vans <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div>
 
Hey guys, been busy trying to earn some $$$ the last few weeks. Finally got my van. 1992 Ford E150. Needs some work on the body and tune up, fluid change. I have many ideas which involves money. Going to totally customize it. Will take a lot of time, but hey, it will be a fun experience.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Here are some more pics. Let me know what you think.<br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>
 
hehe no worries my friend <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> We all have those days!
 
stude53 said:
Hey, CJ<br><br>What kind of roof is on that van? It looks different from stock. When you are ready<img border="0" align="absMiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/idea.gif">&nbsp;You may be able to score a hightop donor in a pick'n'pull yard to extend yours for stand-up room ... cheaper than buying new.<br>
<div><br></div><div>It is a regular roof with an added air flow thing towards the front. N ot sure exactly what it is. I would love to get a high top. Just think that it is gonna be a lot of work trying to find one and put it on.&nbsp;</div>
 
<P><FONT size=3>CJ, according to the RTR's Facebook link, Sandy the wonderful guy who wrote about the high top instlall is plaanning on being at the gathering this year.&nbsp; Knowing what a wonderful guy he is, I'm sure he would be happpy to advise.&nbsp; Also, at last years RTR he did an informal description demo type deal (without the actual&nbsp;installation)</FONT></P>
 
cyndi said:
<p><font size="3">CJ, according to the RTR's Facebook link, Sandy the wonderful guy who wrote about the high top instlall is plaanning on being at the gathering this year.&nbsp; Knowing what a wonderful guy he is, I'm sure he would be happpy to advise.&nbsp; Also, at last years RTR he did an informal description demo type deal (without the actual&nbsp;installation)</font></p>
<div><br></div><div>Yeah, that would really be nice to go to and see, but unfortunally I wont be able too do to my income. Thanks for the info!</div>
 
I have finally got my Van on the road.today! Everything is running smooth..it being an older Van. Loves the gas though..wow. Fixed the side mirror at a local glass shop for $12...now to figure out why my horn isn't working? I see someone installed a push button for the horn, it works sometimes..but I would prefer the horn to work on the steering wheel. Anyone have any clue or idea what I can do or check?
 
Well, it has been awhile. Life has been throwing a few curve balls here and there. I no longer have this van, had to turn around and sell it. It wasn't worth what I paid. I got too ahead of myself. I am now on the lookout for a decent Ford or Chevy Conversion van in my area so I can get things rolling <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">
 
Welcome back CJ. Sorry to hear about the experience with the lemon, but glad you're still plugging away!<br /><br />
 
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