The Vanilla Transit

[86Scotty]

Couple more small mods:

Hatchet and flashlight mounted with QuickFists

Vanilla by 86scotty, on Flickr

The Transit doors are full of metal structure more so than Econoline so I'd really have to cut them up to add some storage in the doors. For now I just did this since I don't use the rear windows anyway. I can still see fine out of the side one.

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

And I added some red LED lights in the upper console. The way I placed them the console hides them from the opposite seat, meaning a passenger can turn theirs on to read or so and it doesn't bother me driving

IMG_6088 by 86scotty, on Flickr

I also added a power point for my tablet/GPS while I was at it

IMG_6089 by 86scotty, on Flickr

IMG_6087 by 86scotty, on Flickr

[86Scotty]

I'm spending a ton of time in my van nowadays and really need a desk to eat at, sit at my laptop, etc. I was pretty much sold on swivel tables after about 5 minutes in a Westfalia I recently rehabbed. I have no idea why that design hasn't been used more in our vans. These tables are just so versatile! I planned and planned how to build one and then in the end simply could not touch the quality and value of the Lagun table from Europe. These kits are only $169 shipped, you add your tabletop and they also sell extra mounting flanges and parts. My idea was to make it useable primarily from the passenger seat but also be able to swing it out the door when I wanted an outside table for a grill of whatever.

Also, The Transit has tons of pretapped holes for various options. I have no idea what the ones in the B-pillar are for but there were already 2 pretapped holes right where I needed them.

I took some 3/16" steel and formed up a strong mount after I experimented with a template out of plywood:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Drilled holes in the trim to expose the pretapped holes:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Flange mounted:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Closer to finished. Pro tip: Paint takes forever to dry when it's 10 degrees.

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

My birch tabletop mounted (not stained or T-molded yet):

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Swings outside for camp mode:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Stowed the way I usually leave it when traveling alone:
Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Here's the Lagun site with a demo of how it works:

https://www.rv-table-mount.com/?gcli...YaAgybEALw_wcB

[shenrie]

This is cool stuff man! Really like that swivel table.

Front view of these ans have grown on me but the nose is still hard on the eyes. Your doing well helping me see the light. Keep up the good work! I'm enjoying seeing you transform this thing.

[Pschitt]

Great progress!

[86Scotty]

Thanks guys

Shenrie, I couldn't agree more. I don't love it either but it's a compromise. I'm waiting on someone to design a front bumper that ties it all in and helps the look. So far no luck. I think the Aluminess one looks horrible. I love Aluminess, I just wish they'd try again on the Transit.

[tlg]

The recessed storage space behind the sink/burner is brilliant! Nicely done.

[BrianW]

A lot of people hated the 2008+ E-van front end when it first came out too...

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by tlg

The recessed storage space behind the sink/burner is brilliant! Nicely done.

Thanks Lee

Originally Posted by BrianW

A lot of people hated the 2008+ E-van front end when it first came out too...

Brian, you are right. I among them. I almost always hate new car designs when they come out. It generally takes me a year or two to get used to them. Still, I wish the Transit looked as good as the Sprinter. I'm getting used to ole Snoopy though.

[WhitH]

Sometimes form precludes function. It looks just fine from the side and rear and given the functionality....well we’ve all made reasonable compromises I’m sure in the past at some point.....

[Davidl13]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I'm spending a ton of time in my van nowadays and really need a desk to eat at, sit at my laptop, etc. I was pretty much sold on swivel tables after about 5 minutes in a Westfalia I recently rehabbed. I have no idea why that design hasn't been used more in our vans. These tables are just so versatile! I planned and planned how to build one and then in the end simply could not touch the quality and value of the Lagun table from Europe. These kits are only $169 shipped, you add your tabletop and they also sell extra mounting flanges and parts. My idea was to make it useable primarily from the passenger seat but also be able to swing it out the door when I wanted an outside table for a grill of whatever.

Also, The Transit has tons of pretapped holes for various options. I have no idea what the ones in the B-pillar are for but there were already 2 pretapped holes right where I needed them.

I took some 3/16" steel and formed up a strong mount after I experimented with a template out of plywood:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Drilled holes in the trim to expose the pretapped holes:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Flange mounted:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Closer to finished. Pro tip: Paint takes forever to dry when it's 10 degrees.

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

My birch tabletop mounted (not stained or T-molded yet):

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Swings outside for camp mode:

Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Stowed the way I usually leave it when traveling alone:
Untitled by 86scotty, on Flickr

Here's the Lagun site with a demo of how it works:

https://www.rv-table-mount.com/?gcli...YaAgybEALw_wcB

Looks great...

How does it stow when driving with 2 people?