Our 2012 E150 Homemade SMB "Margot"

[FCAshevlle]

Allow myself to introduce myself. Name's Kris and this is our new to us E150 w/ the 4.6L V8 and just 53k miles. We're pretty excited to jump in this new project!

Previously a furniture delivery van and the dealer gave us $500 off to peel the wrap. It wasn't easy but 3 1/2 hours later it was money well earned and a good first step.



Driving her home;


Mid peel;


Job done;



Cleaner her up, pulled carpet from floor, did some sound proofing, ordered Havelock wool, and will be dropping in the plywood subfloor first. We have a massive checklist of 'to do's' of course.

[FCAshevlle]

Almost forgot the most important pic....This is Shiva. She's BIG, lazy and weighs 145lbs. She's sleeping in there too.

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by FCAshevlle

...We have a massive checklist of 'to do's' of course.

Your enthusiasm is now permanently etched on your face, as can be seen in your second photo!
As for your list, you'll need more paper - too many creative members here. Once you think you've got it figured out, you'll see someone develop another brilliant approach...which will motivate change(s).
Welcome.

[marret]

Congrats. Well done. Off to a great start. Shiva looks like she’ll be comfortable wherever you are.

[Jack K]

Originally Posted by Twoxentrix

Your enthusiasm is now permanently etched on your face, as can be seen in your second photo!
As for your list, you'll need more paper - too many creative members here. Once you think you've got it figured out, you'll see someone develop another brilliant approach...which will motivate change(s).
Welcome.

Isn't that the truth! I've lost track of great ideas gleaned from the knowledge base here. Just when my list starts getting smaller, along comes another innovative modification... Yes, welcome to the creative fun you will be having.

[JWA]

Congrats on everything here---I'm impressed with the wrap peeling---that had to be almost like work.

Not to be a dream killer but the 4.6 engine will need to be kept in mind as you go along with your build. I'd suggest completely stripping it to its as-delivered new state and weighing the front and rear axles---as you progress this will be important to keep the van near its max weight rating and just as importantly how balanced it is.

And yeah HUGE SEG very apparent in the one photo---like this:

Do keep up updated---we love this sort of thing!!

[FCAshevlle]

Interesting...based on the GVWR for the 150 I wasn’t too worried about weight. We are doing a fairly simple build, no pop top or high roof, and nothing heavy like motorcycles. Just two mountain bikes.

My only plan was to put it on a scale at when done. Not that it would do much other than give me a number at that point. Basically because I’m not thinking we will get anywhere near the max. How do you weight the axles individually? I guess worst case we could beef up the suspension, right?

[JWA]

I like that Sony multi-media player---very clever way to add a larger screen in a single-DIN opening.

The total weight is important only when/if you're build will be extensive or add a lot to the vehicle's total. As long as you don't exceed the GVW you'll be okay suspension-wise. Your E150 is rated for 8,600# right?

My concerns were more towards the engine because the 4.6's are a bit down on power as they approach the upper limits of the GVWR.

Empty weight gives you a base line which most likely will be useful once your build is completed AND again when your van is loaded for a typical trip. Not for nothing but my '05 E350 extended body with raised roof weighs just at 6,200# as delivered, it now weighs a whopping 8,400#---I've done a few suspension upgrades along with adding Hellwig anti-sway bars front and rear, adding an extra leaf to the rear springs and use Bilstein short wheelbase motor home shocks---load control is my goal.

Find a close-by CAT scale and they'll be more than glad showing you how to measure the front and rear axles separately---its simply a matter of where you park on the scale. Here's a link: https://catscale.com/cat-scale-locator/

[BrianW]

Looks like the paint is pristine under the wrap! Good score with those low miles, too [emoji119]

[Tracker926]

Nice! I too have a 2012 E150. 51,000 miles on it. I installed the Decked pull out drawers in the rear for storage of camping items and I found some cargo doors with windows on Ebay and installed them. My E150 is the perfect weekend camper. Enjoy yours.