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Old 05-26-2019, 08:28 PM   #1
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Meet Ron: Another Van Conversion Story

Hi Everyone,

Thought I should get started on a build thread!

This is Ron, he got his name from the movie Anchorman since he is mostly burgundy. The name kinda stuck.

Photos below are how we got him! All ready dog approved

Many thanks to everyone who contributed to my initial query regarding the van!

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...hts-23266.html
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Old 05-26-2019, 08:31 PM   #2
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This was my first trip with the van to flex it's 4x4 capabilities!

I had installed a new Red Head Steering Box as my initial one was leaking. Turn out it had a crack in it and I had to send it back for a refund. Ended up going with a Ford Reman despite preferring the feel of the RH Box. Oh well, maybe down the road when I don't have anything else to spend on the van.......

You can find more details about the steering box here:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...oes-23400.html
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Old 05-26-2019, 08:36 PM   #3
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I ended up taking out the bench seat and removing the storage that the previous owner made for the spare tire. It just took up soo much space.

We camped in it for a few nights with an air mattress. Moving everything in and out to set up our sleeping area was a pain but it was easier than pitching a tent!

First big upgrade was the tires! The ones I had were 11 years old! No cracking, but I was able to get a great deal on a set of new tires. I bought 5 new BFG K02's E-Rated LT285/75/R16.

First time with these tires and they haven't let me down yet. Haven't really used the 4H/4L too much yet.
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Old 05-26-2019, 08:43 PM   #4
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A short video of Ron and his new shoes. I typically go with a group, this was my first time solo taking my spouse and her friends to some hot springs in her birthday in a de-activated logging road.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jxwzs0jevq...61249.mp4?dl=0
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Old 05-26-2019, 08:52 PM   #5
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The next step in the build was a fixed high roof. Living in the PNW I wasn't sure if I wanted a pop top but more importantly I wanted 24/7 standing room. I was originally looking a Tufport product however that's where things got interesting and got to meet more of this van community!

Special thanks to @phish for letting me know about this high top at a local pick and pull and huge thank you to @Nrobert10 for meeting my down there to help salvage, load it and store it for me!

There was an interior shell between the roll cage but we opted to not to take it. It reduced the standing room substantially, at 5'10 I could barely stand fully.
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Old 05-26-2019, 08:58 PM   #6
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@Nrobert10 and I were able to lock down a weekend where we were both free. I drove down to WA so we could install the top on Ron. But before I headed down I ordered some goodies!

Ended up purchasing a Maxxfann and an RV Trim piece that we couldn't salvage from the top. Thanks to @shadetreevanman for letting me know what was used for his van! FYI you need about 32ft of the trim piece if you are planning to install a RB fixed top!

RV Trim Piece for reference:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/331297326470

Definitely not going to fit in a covered parking area again!
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Old 05-26-2019, 09:03 PM   #7
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Funny enough the high top was made in Canada. It was a very long and hot day but we managed to install it before my long drive back home.

We did a screw and glue method on top the old roof. We forgot to label to metal trim piece that we salvaged, ended up taking us an hour to figure out what way was what. Definitely recommend labeling everything !

We were also able to fit my full size spare back underneath the van!

Can't thank @Nrobert10 enough for all his help!
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Old 05-26-2019, 09:04 PM   #8
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With the top installed, off to my long drive home. My van on the right and Rob's on the left for comparison!
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Old 05-26-2019, 09:05 PM   #9
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Awesome! Great work
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Old 05-26-2019, 09:10 PM   #10
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I finally picked up my swivel seat base from @1der! Installation was quite simple and straightforward. I did have to trim some of the carpet since I have a passenger van model.

You can find them here:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...hem-15888.html

This weekend I re-installed the headliner after cutting a huge hole in it. I was able to keep the rear a/c ducts from the headliner. Very happy that I kept the rear a/c!

While I was in WA I was also able to get a folding bench seat! This solved my issue of wanting a bed platform and still be able to carry more passengers. Debating if I want to re-stuff and re-upholster the seat but my quotes started at $1500.... I think I will just find a nice mattress topper.

Still need to wire the maxxfax and build overhead shelving. For those with a keen eye I don't store my gas inside, it was just up there while I was vacuuming the interior.

Haven't taken the van out yet with the hightop or the bed platform yet! Very excited on our next adventure! That's it for my binge updates, they will be more spread out now hopefully because we will be out adventuring! Will be attending BC Overland Rally in Whistler, hope to see some members of this community there!
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