New member saying hi!!!!

UJOINT · 02-19-2009, 08:57 AM

Hello SMB guys!!! I don't own a SMB, but I love them! I know several members here from the Portal, and I hope to get some ideas/share some knowledge here as I start my new interior project. My van is an 06 E350 that I converted myself. I'm originally from NY, then NC, and I spent the last 8 years in LA. I recently came back to NC so i can be closer to family, go to school, and relax a little. There aren't many 4x4 vans here in NC, so I'll get my fix here!!!!

Here are a couple shots of my van---- Chris

kinewave · 02-19-2009, 09:07 AM

Nice van Chris! Welcome.

What's the inside look like?

jage · 02-19-2009, 09:36 AM

Is that front axle moved forward?

canyonclan · 02-19-2009, 09:51 AM

Hello Chris,

I have enjoyed watching your van evolve...and appreciate you posting pics of the process. Anyone who has not seen the project should check out his site. The van is really amazing.

Look forward to seeing how your interior build goes. Talk with Seth here (Jammyauto) he's got some good ideas. I'm not thrilled with the mdf material SMB uses to construct the interiors. Down the road, if we ever rebuild the int I'd like to check out plyboo, or the bamboo plywood options for lighter weight, greater strength and pure aesthetics

Welcome to SMBf.

Cheers,
Jeff

UJOINT · 02-19-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks fellas! Yes, my front axle is moved forward 2" to allow for more tire with less lift. My fenders are also cut, so I can flex the 38's with no rubbing. I planned on doing my interior last. I wanted to get some trips completed, so I could make a better decision on exactly what I need/don't need. Right now, the entire floor is coated in Line-X, and I have a Tuffy slide out tool box mounted in the rear. I'm in the process of building a folding bed platform right now. After that, I'll gut the interior and put some walls up! Bamboo sounds interesting......

adventureduo · 02-19-2009, 11:49 AM

What's up Chris! Glad you could make it over dude.

**daveb** · 02-19-2009, 09:20 PM

Extreme! That’s a great picture coming off that hill.

calclimber · 02-19-2009, 10:20 PM

Ive followed your post over on the Portal, Welcome .

UJOINT · 02-20-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

Extreme! That’s a great picture coming off that hill.

Gotta show off for the cameras!! I was doing the photo shoot with another truck, and his open diffs were tearing up the hill pretty bad. So on the last run, I had to gain some extra speed. Halfway up, I said "why not" and just hammered it. Nothing like seeing nothing but sky!!!!

wannaSMB · 02-20-2009, 02:26 PM

Great looking van AND a great looking Stately Pleasure Dome! We used to spend a lot of time in Yosemite before our twins showed up. Missing it. Slightly dangerous place to park re: dislodged rocks.