Re: Swiss van for the time in the US: Version 1

[AndrewST]

Finally here is some news about my project and the first steps.

The plan was to pick up the van, register it, find the materials needed convert it but that was to simple...

As the van has been sitting for some time, the batteries where down and after charging them, had to go on Monday to a Ford dealer to clear the engine light... once connected the computer showed a EGR valve problem... they replaced it with the upgraded one including a grid.
Got the van back on Tuesday drove during the day and the check light came again added to the dash lights blinking as a better x-mas tree...
Wednesday morning went back to the dealer and they had to change a part activating the vanes in the turbo, to solve the flashing lights a dimmer switch was ordered.
While diving Wednesday the engine light came on again but didn't get to the dealer as I am 100 mile away now.

Registering the van was also a pleasure... first checked by phone how to do when a tourist with no US driver license, they said not easy lots of paper work to do. Decided to go directly to a DMV office to check and they said no problem.
Got an insurance that accepts a tourist and went back to the DMV and was out in 5 minutes all done.

With some delay, I went to look for the material that I could use for my build.
Before heading to the work shop where I arrived Wednesday afternoon..

I started to explore the van, measure it and see how much material I need to build my plans.

Next step buy it and start to works if the Ford garage let's me have it... some more repair to do

[floorguy_724]

Nice van!! What are your plans for it? Is it 4wd yet? Looks like a good canvas!

[saabman]

Originally Posted by floorguy_724

Nice van!! What are your plans for it? Is it 4wd yet? Looks like a good canvas!

If you look carefully at the first photo of Andrew's new van you can see the front axle trailing (not sure if they are trailing in front ) arms and it is written "QUA" i.e. Quadvan so it is definitely 4x4

CONGRATULATIONS Andrew for that nice van! Sorry about the troubles you've had though, I guess standing is never good for any vehicle ...

and look forward to the build!

[floorguy_724]

EDIT: Just read your other thread Andrew, so disregard my previous question(s).

Thanks Saab for clearing that up for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AndrewST]

A little more information about the van and what I plan to do with.

2009 E350 RB cargo window van, 6.0 PSD and already 4x4 converted by Quadvan.
The van has 20'000 miles and has a 3 bench installed.

I am planning on doing a home brew rv conversion including a pop top.
Now I am measuring it and trying to find the materials I need to do it.

More to come as it goes on...

[AndrewST]

Just received yesterday my Dualtop air and water heater.
It is slightly damaged so will see if Webasto will send a new one or spare parts.

Now I have to find a place to fit this monster...


On the last picture you see on the black plastic a white spot, that's one of the broken parts.

[billwilson]

nice looking unit

i support having the hot water

we can all do w/o it but...

dishes and hands get clean

my limited use of the ext shower has been
the Worlds Greatest, showering with a Killer view AND hot water

ps
Microwave
i did not want one
wife put in the build
i took it out
she busted me
went back in

GREAT to have
ex: last trip
she spend 90 min in our kitchen
boxed up in plastice tupperware style boxes our meals
(keep in mind my wife is Thai, therefore Thai food which reallly works well with this)
we had great meals for 2 full days with minumum fuss

On our Tour de National Parks in June
we are planning to prep and slice and dice food every 2-3 days
and do the same

I know our Brother and Sisterhood runs from
No water, no propane, use a backpack stove and a down sleeping bag
to Cut Crystal and Egyptian cotton sheets

I like my microwave, water heater and propane space heater
I will include them in future builds

besides, the 'wave helps heating my Son's food

[AndrewST]

Regarding the heater, Webasto is sending me a new unit, hopefully not damaged this time.

Did the templates for the floor. Now I just have to wait until I receive the aluminium rails that will hold them down.

[AndrewST]

Started the side panels.

[GreyDawg]

Andrew --

Your van has full windows all around, like a regular passenger van. However, it appears that you are covering the aft side windows with plywood paneling. Correct?

Are you adding any insulation to the walls behind the plywood panels? Or between the windows and plywood?

Cheers!