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Old 10-08-2014, 11:43 AM   #1
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New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Great Forum everyone...I have recently been reading posts and studying pictures/layouts as I have taken the plunge on my first van build...I thought you would all get a kick out of my unique find when looking for a good van platform: 2000 e350 XL - de-commissioned TV/News broadcast Van

The goods: Extended body, roof rack, roof lights, more electrical outlets than my house, built in 5500W gen, built in battery system, roof AC

The OK's: 205K on the clock, lots of hours on the gen,

Fixes I have found here that I have ordered: Steering suspension stabilizer set-up...waiting for it to arrive

Plans/Ideas: Action Van suspension lift, baja or nice upgraded front bumper set-up, new black rims/tires, complete interior redo with Gaucho couch, fridge, micro, storage, new stereo with back-up camera, awning, fantastic fan, solor panel tied into existing batteries

Next step: working with an outfit to take all the broadcast electronics and 40ft. telescoping mast and related compressors/etc. out of van...will then bring the rough project to a few local van specialty shops here in San Jose, Ca area for estimates on the re-do...may go with them for portion or complete re-do

Excited about making progress to get out and about on some adventures up/down California

Have a great day!
-Steve
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Old 10-08-2014, 12:29 PM   #2
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Welcome.

Love the mast and hate to see it go, but I don't know what you'd do with it either unless you were into amateur radio.

The mast and the generator coming with the van I can understand, but I'm surprised all the electronics came with it too.


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Old 10-08-2014, 12:31 PM   #3
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

BTW, after removing all the gear, you may need to rework the suspension a bit. I would think the conversion company probably beefed up the suspension, and it may ride a bit stiff after removing a lot of weight.


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Old 10-08-2014, 12:41 PM   #4
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

That mast is so awesome... I'd be reluctant to move that until I just had to. Lots of fun to be had with that, and a world-class "security" item! Wow and congrats!
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Old 10-08-2014, 12:59 PM   #5
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Replace that camera with a laser.

Not quite as cool as a shark with a laser beam on its head, but a close second.

"A frickin' laser beam"


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Old 10-08-2014, 01:54 PM   #6
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Replace that camera with a laser.

Not quite as cool as a shark with a laser beam on its head, but a close second.

"A frickin' laser beam"


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Old 10-08-2014, 01:58 PM   #7
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Thanks guys...the mast is awesome but it is also a serious beast...lots of warnings and stickers that it is illegal and a $50K fine to drive while the mast is up...something about risk of electrocution from power lines ...not to mention that it's massive mounting hardware and dedicated compressors, etc take up most of the last 3rd of the van.

My 13 yr old and the little kids in the neighborhood have had a blast firing up the camera and the internal tv's and then having everyone take turns being "on tv"...they will be bummed when all that goes away.

@Herb...the electronics are 10 years old...and not digital...so even though they look cool and were $$$ back in the day...very little value today. Good point on the suspension...it will be interesting to see how it rides when empty. Local tires shop said shocks are original, but not sure if that is accurate or they were working the "upsell"...I've almost ordered the Action Van suspension kit already...but trying to stay calm and not rush too many things...I figure interior first...then suspension...then if any $$ left I can splurge on rims/tires...and the rest of the laundry list.
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Old 10-08-2014, 02:18 PM   #8
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

haha thats so cool! half the work is already done for you man!
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Old 10-08-2014, 08:15 PM   #9
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

Once the mast is removed, the big hole in the roof is a perfect candidate for a high top or a pop top.....

If you were here about 7 months ago, you could have picked up my used action van lift kit.....

Are you in So Cal? If so, The FAM vans parts store (not the van store) may still have a partial action van lift kit. PM me for details if you are interested.
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Old 10-08-2014, 08:50 PM   #10
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Re: New member - my unique find for my first build - TV-Van

This should be an interesting thread to watch - looking forward to it.

What's the "Remember!!!" sign behind the driver's seat say? Looks important.
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