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Old 12-05-2013, 02:09 PM   #1
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Location: San Jose, CA is home
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Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Like most of the closet dreamers here, I have been reading and wishing for several years. Happy to say, our time has finally come. Unloaded our '88 VW Westy, Aluh, and jumped in with both feet.

Been wanting to post our introduction but hesitant with so many already posted. Saw how much love Sherman and Uncle Scotty recently received so am just going for it.

Love Sherman's story so will do a similar introduction. Hope that is ok Steven. "Ryder" a 2012 all white EB arrived November 26, 2013. Unlike Sherman, Ryder was a premie, but with a big heart 6.8L V10, and will need to spend several weeks with John at Quadvan to get his immune system and such pumped up some. Here is a picture of Ryder before going to Quadvan.

Here are couple pictures since he has been at Quadvan. Will be heading up to Oregon next Thursday for pick up. Will post more pictures then.


Anyway, so very excited and just wanted to share with those who knows exactly what I am feeling. Much more to come as we look to you all for inspiration, help, and feedback on the planned build out. Thank you to everyone for all the amazing information, phenomenal pictures, and stories. These all helped keep me dreaming and the drive alive. Until next time, stay warm and happy holiday.

Danh prononce "Yon" in San Jose, CA-
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Old 12-05-2013, 02:52 PM   #2
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Great looking van! Whats the plan for the interior?
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Old 12-05-2013, 02:55 PM   #3
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

We also moved from an 88 VW Westy for a Ford EB SMB. Very happy with the change, extra room, and so much easier to get parts and service!
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Old 12-05-2013, 03:05 PM   #4
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

welcome to the matrix... your money AND your life
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Old 12-05-2013, 03:57 PM   #5
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Welcome! Great looking van, too! Congrats on your new adventure and please post more pictures of those steps/sliders when you get a chance. Are those Aluminess?
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Old 12-05-2013, 05:17 PM   #6
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Quote:
Originally Posted by lndshark
Welcome! Great looking van, too! Congrats on your new adventure and please post more pictures of those steps/sliders when you get a chance. Are those Aluminess?
Yep, I like those too!

Nice rig

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Old 12-05-2013, 06:32 PM   #7
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

If our vans ever meet it'll be Yin and Yang. Look forward to seeing your build. If you want to chat about the build email me.
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Old 12-07-2013, 12:06 AM   #8
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Quote:
Originally Posted by 86Scotty
Quote:
Originally Posted by lndshark
Welcome! Great looking van, too! Congrats on your new adventure and please post more pictures of those steps/sliders when you get a chance. Are those Aluminess?
Yep, I like those too!

Nice rig

Yes, they are the Aluminess steps. Will get you more pictures next week.

Thanks to everyone for the welcome. More details to come on the interior layout. I will no doubt have many many questions and looking for feedback.
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Old 12-08-2013, 08:38 AM   #9
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Welcome aboard, mate. Nothing better than a good van buid (my wife calls is 'van porn'). Feel free to also elaborate on where you plan to venture out towards. Some of the best comments and suggestions come from people with your same family size, and who take similar trips.
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Old 12-09-2013, 09:34 PM   #10
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Re: Introduction and Beginning our Adventure

Will be heading down to SMB West February 18th for the big transformation. Now, a quick bio on the family. Forty something couple with a 9 and 6 year old. We live an active life and enjoy most things outdoor. We bike (as in Ryder) in the summer and ski in the winter. We also windsurf, surf, and more recently, SUP. The kids are big into soccer and swimming. Lots of down time at tournaments and swim meets. We loved the Westy for those reasons. Will take it up many levels with Ryder.

Currently not planning on doing those crazy, but amazing, 4WD journeys. Having say this, love to tag along on some of those less intense trips. The goal is to get off the beaten paths, find some remote locations, and meet up with everyone. The trip reports and especially pictures are incredible.

As you all know how cheap all this fun is. May need to complete the build in couple phases. Phase 1 will be simple with the top, floor, and seats. With a few must haves, am open for most ideas and love to hear your feedback.

4WD, check, mainly for winter skiing, xc, and snow shoeing. Like to try some remote van camping as well.
4 captain's chairs, preferred the forward facing setup for the kids
sleeps 4

Everything else is open for discussion. This is what we have in mind so far. Very similar to the EB-70 setup with a rear shower. Also close to Stevens layout. Like to ask about how you like the open bath/porti potty area. We are thinking about doing the full enclosure.



The walk through layout will be nice incase we need to throw in some boards. Leaning towards the voyager top for winter options. We are short people but nice to also have a stand up shower and height. From the outside, Blackeye's van is the inspiration.

3 days and counting. More to come after the pickup.
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