Build Pictures only an expectant owner could love?

MikewTV · 03-13-2008, 06:06 PM

Well I got my first 'build' pictures from SMB Indiana and thought I'd show 'em here. Meet "Minerva." Okay, not a power name like some of the rig names I've seen but, we're weird like that. (Our Subaru is named Viola, the Tahoe's named Tessie, as in two-ton Tessie.)

Anyhow, what's done so far is the Quigley 4x4, Penthouse & windows and not much else. Admittedly, she looks a bit gangly in her stock wheels & tires but we still think she's a 'whole lotta woman!'

I've gotta stick with the stock wheels at first just to keep initial costs in check. But I'm watching all the threads about wheels on here so eventually come birthday or xmas time I can buy her a new pair of shoes.

Due date is in July. (Indiana could do faster but I told them I didn't want till July.)

Txn2daBone · 03-13-2008, 06:44 PM

Well Minerva is quite the looker! She just may have a long lost sister as I ordered my SMB yesterday...very same color.

Enjoy!

sdwindansea · 03-13-2008, 07:04 PM

Looking good Mike. I've really fallen in love with the Pueblo Gold color. Easy on the eyes, stays cool and most importantly hides dirt well.

We also stuck with the stock wheels/tires on our 2007 SMB for the same reason you described. I'm really looking forward to upgrading both, however, the stock setup has done well on our offroad excursions so far. Granted, there has been no rock crawling or mud.

I've already gotten at least $300 out of the current wheels/tires which is all SMB would've credited had they changed them out. Plus, I will be able to get a new set for less than they charged. So all around we've come out ahead.

Looking forward to seeing more pictures of the progress.

MikewTV · 03-14-2008, 09:17 AM

Congrats on the order txn. sdwindandsea, appreciate the comment on the wheels. Helps me feel like we're making the right choice. Truth is I should look at these stock wheels and say "they're beautiful" since because of decisions like that I'm making this SMB reality now instead of just a dream for the future.

Pueblo Gold is looking good to me too. We live on a dirt road off of a dirt road and learned a long time ago...your car might as well be dirt colored when it comes out of the carwash cause it'll be dirt colored by the time you get home.

Good to have this forum to share the pix. Because at work I tried to show 'em around and the answer was "And these pictures excite you?" My staff is mostly female and they don't get it at all.

AEJ · 03-14-2008, 07:37 PM

Mike,

Congrats! The van looks great. I love the color but I don't think I've actually seen one yet. I know when I was getting mine, my friends and family got a chuckle over how obsessed I became over the smallest function. They don't get it!

Al

MikewTV · 06-28-2008, 03:44 PM

Well, I just got a new set of build pictures from SMB in Huntington. (Very nice of Nancy to take and send them.) The excitement's amping up for us since we're at less than a month till pick up now. (Picking her up July 17th!) It's great to see the plans, the materials and colors all actually coming together. So, here are some progress pictures from various angles if anyone's curious to see...

We wouldn't change a thing (except we may take off that 4x4 decal)

July 17th can't come soon enough!

Txn2daBone · 06-28-2008, 04:53 PM

Thanks for posting those pictures Mike. It's like getting a sneak peek at what my build will look like. I went with the same color and EB 50 also. Just got word that my van will arrive in Fresno July 1st for the 4x4 conversion. Liz said about 2 weeks there and then it'll be shipped to Texas to be finished. I was being very patient when I didn't know where the van was or what kind of time frame it would take from the factory to SMBW but now that I actually know whats going on...the days of being patient went right out the window!

Anyway, great to hear about yours!

Ric

danamrak · 06-28-2008, 06:12 PM

Oh I remember when our baby was being built...DABEE is now over a year old. Your right only other SMB owners will understand the ezcitement of the build and delivery.
Congradulations to our two new sone to B owners.

Ford_6L_E350 · 06-29-2008, 09:40 AM

Since you have new Quigley 4x4, you have the 17" wheels on 8x170mm bolt pattern. That means you can buy a new set of F250/350 takeoff wheels and tires. The 275/70-18s are 33" tall and work quite well on our van. Best part is the price ~ $7-900 for wheels and tires from eBay.

For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-200 ... enameZWDVW

Of course, if you want some 35" tire you're on your own.

Mike

MikewTV · 06-29-2008, 10:49 AM

Thanks Ric, Dick & Anne & Mike. Yeah, it's exciting and yeah, it's hard to get the nonconverted to understand. My co-workers saw the pictures and said..."Um, we don't get it." And one said, "Wait, can you back up and go over that one part again...a whatta-potti??...you're joking right?"

I do look forward to the day I upgrade the wheels but, I don't have to rush and do right away.