William's Super Ford Van Conversion

[william_k]

Hi. &nbsp;Thanks for stopping by my conversion thread.<br><br>I am a complete newbie at this and hope to be able to share some of what I learn here with you and maybe help some other complete newbie down the road get started on their own van conversion.<br><br>Here's my yet&nbsp;unnamed van, a 1999 Ford E-350 Super-Duty 7.3L diesel. &nbsp;It's an awesome van and I consider myself very lucky to have found it. &nbsp;It drives like a champ and should serve me well for my upcoming adventure. &nbsp;It has 152K miles and is from Florida, so no rust, just a couple of minor dings on the body.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1476060" class="bbc_img">

 

[william_k]

Here's what it looks like now..<br><br>There is a bit of mold on the floor that appeared while the van sat for 5 months during the Fall/Winter here in the Pacific NW. &nbsp;It was carpeted when I bought it and taking out the badly-stained carpet also took out the weather seal on the rear door which allowed water to leak in. &nbsp;This will be one of the first things I fix.<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1478335" class="bbc_img"><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1478336" class="bbc_img"><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://files.websitetoolbox.com/82529/1478338" class="bbc_img">

 

[william_k]

So what needs to be done?<br><br>Mechanically the engine is sound. &nbsp;It runs like a top. &nbsp;However there are a couple of issues:<ul><li>Both starting batteries need to be replaced. &nbsp;They are borderline failing right now.</li><li>The fuel filter needs to be changed.</li><li>The coolant needs to be flushed.</li><li>The side cargo door's plastic cable latch has&nbsp;disintegrated&nbsp;and the door does not open from the outside.</li></ul><br><br><br>

 

[william_k]

What about turning it into a home? &nbsp;What needs to be done there?<br><br>Well..<br><br><ul><li>Some kind of flooring needs to be added. &nbsp;I'm thinking vinyl sheet will be easiest.</li><li>Ventilation&nbsp;is needed. &nbsp;The only windows that open are the two up front.</li><li>House batteries need to be added. &nbsp;I'm planning on getting two 6V golf carts from Costco.</li><li>Said house batteries need to be wired to the alternator and properly isolated.</li><li>The solar power solution needs to be decided upon. &nbsp;(There's a&nbsp;separate&nbsp;thread about that in the POWER forum)</li><li>A bed needs to be built.</li><li>Furniture needs to be found/created.</li></ul>The big concerns here are the cutting into the roof. &nbsp;The roof is pretty high up there and I'm a pretty big guy so it's not exactly easy to work on.<br><br>I am going to take care of the mechanical concerns first and then I suppose the work on the roof, be it either a vent or solar panels or both. &nbsp;Once work on the roof is decided upon and completed I'll start on the flooring and furniture.<br><br>Stay tuned for updates. &nbsp;Any and all feedback is appreciated, like I said this is all new territory for me..&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[87mobiletraveler]

I had to get on top of a car trailer to work on a vent and it is pretty light duty,so I put a piece of plywood up there to lay on,it kept me from falling thru,or caving it in.good luck getting it fixed up.George&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[cb1504]

It's a beautiful van!&nbsp; I love the extra head room.<br><br>cb

 

[william_k]

I had to get on top of a car trailer to work on a vent and it is pretty light duty,so I put a piece of plywood up there to lay on,it kept me from falling thru,or caving it in.good luck getting it fixed up.George&nbsp;&nbsp;

<br><br>Thanks, George. &nbsp;Yeah, I worry about damaging it being up there. &nbsp;Like I said, I'm a big guy. &nbsp;I hope to be able to keep the majority of my weight on the ladder and just lean on it for the most part. &nbsp; &nbsp;