Beginning the Build...HighTop Done, new pics 8/12

[Nomadcat]

I've got a couple of really thin fluorescent fixtures that I installed and just plugged into my AC outlets. Really thin.

I'll look them up if you're interested. They run on AC, though. Not DC.

[GreyDawg]

Originally Posted by my3kids

We have the same van (year, color, engine) except ours is the passenger version. Can't wait to see how your build comes along.

Ray

Ditto: mine is a 2006 RB E350 passenger van, silver, with the 5.4L v8. I've removed all the seats except the driver and passenger, and my interior build is relatively simple -- I'll post picture in the near future... when it's "done."

FYI... Over 15,000 miles I've averaged right at 16.5-17 mpg, much of that running on highways at about the speedlimit (ie., 55-75 mph). Didn't see much of a drop off in the mountains of UT and NM, but sure took a hit -- down to about 13mpg -- battling strong wins in east NM and west TX.

Running around town, however, I get about 12 mpg. Glad it isn't my daily drive!

[Sandi]

Originally Posted by AndrewST

Sandi,
Regarding your question n° 1, I would advise E-low.
Low profile aluminium with foam in between (similar to refletix)
Andrew

FYI, this is what we chose, based on another insulation thread...same product that Second Skin Audio installs, but less expensive...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/heat/sound-ins ... 10475.jcwx

Sandi

[Sandi]

OK, in regards to window coverings, the shop uses this brand:

http://unitedshade.com/product.asp?cate ... ightshades

Anyone used them before?

Dave convinced me that my prejudice against shades was unreasonable, and we should go with them.

We're also putting in a curtain rod between the cargo area and the cab, with a blackout curtain. It should be good for a dark night's sleep.

Sandi

[my3kids]

For the front (front windshield + driver and passenger door windows) we're using a windshield cover made by Camco called SunShield. For Ford E-series that would part number 45156.

Somebody else makes a very similar product, I just happen to choose this one. For the rest of the OEM glass I haven't decided what to use yet. (As always too much to do at work then at home.) I may get around to it during the winter.

Hope this helps™,
Ray

[Sandi]

Ray, thanks for your suggestion.

We've decided to go with a curtain between the cab and cargo area instead. Neither of us likes the windshield & window covers. The upside - we can use funky industrial curtain material - very Germanic/Bauhaus.

Some options we evaluated last night (remember, silver van, gray interior panels, black rubber mat):

http://www.barkclothhawaii.com/big/honolulu.html#crepe

http://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/ ... 470311.htm

http://www.housefabric.com/ProductDetai ... ctID=46074

http://www.housefabric.com/ProductDetai ... ctID=47690

http://www.melinamadefabrics.com/Store2 ... abric.php3 - the "Modsense" B&W, 3rd row down

This is fun!

Sandi

[Sandi]

So, we had to order the last of the pop-out windows for the Ford - we had one, found two in the junkyards, and no luck on the fourth.

So we ordered it yesterday. It comes ONLY as an entire assembly, with latches and gaskets and glass - for $245 (and that's the SMALL cargo barn door!). It makes me REALLY happy we found the other two we needed at junkyards.

Sandi

[WVvan]

the "Modsense" B&W, 3rd row down

Wait I've seen that pattern before. Shower curtains At the Bates Motel. Last I saw, Norman was wrapping something in it.

[Sandi]

Originally Posted by WVvan

Wait I've seen that pattern before. Shower curtains At the Bates Motel. Last I saw, Norman was wrapping something in it.

Ha! You're funny.

Sandi

[billwilson]

FWIW

we have the day nite shade from Camping world
(pretty suee they are from united shade)
doors, and side windows
Would do again, i like them

top side windows
hawaiian print fabric
wife sewed in the plastic dealybobs to fit a track screwed to window frame
my choice
would not change

front window
will oufit same as side top windows

driver and windshield
rig had existing male snaps from factory
wife sewed up a wrap around from matching material
hawaiian tribal barkcloth
snaps from lowes hardware, come in a kit with male and female parts and small anvil and set tool
i prefer this to the outside cover and interior shields
i had a expensive exterior cover, with roll up parts, build in screen, etc, very cool
BUT removing it when wet and dirty and storring it was a PITA

we have a suburban heater
have camped in the snow (see gallery)
yes we have heat loss, but wife can still move around in sleepwear vs artic wear

i like the reflecix deall, will prob do one day
but one more deal to install/set up/take down
as i have to run the heater for the wife, not in a hurry

bw out at 5 am