E350 7.3 MG Metalworks Conversion

sakurama · 02-05-2018, 06:31 PM

I just asked a question about door seals and when I hit “post” I saw it was my first ever post... oops.

So this is my intro then. I first saw a Sportsmobile 20 years ago in the infield of the NHIS race track in NH. I was towing my race bike with an older lifted Discovery and it was a horrible tow vehicle. The SMB rig was lifted, bumpers, top and about as cool a rig as I’d ever seen. I looked up the price and the shock banished the thought. I bought an F150 and was happy.

Fast forward to the present. I discovered that MG Metalworks was close to my new home in Portland and I finally decided to bite the bullet and get a van. I searched for a year hoping to find a high roof, large window, extended van in white with a 7.3 diesel. I finally found one in TN for $3800.

It’s now almost a year later. MG did a great job and I’m getting around to working on the smaller issues. I have a build thread on Expo forum because I thought this forum was only for the legit SMB owners. I hear rumors that you’re a more helpful crowd.

Anyway, here’s a few after shots. The build is in the other thread.

Well, that’s a quick overview. Lots more detail in the thread on Expo.

Gregor

**BroncoHauler** · 02-05-2018, 07:07 PM

Welcome Gregor, and its nice to see a van get a second, and improved life.

Herb

86Scotty · 02-05-2018, 10:23 PM

You finally made it. Welcome.

WhitH · 02-05-2018, 10:57 PM

You know, youre the spitting image of Jsweezy....and come to think of it your shop looks just like his too. Well, either Josh has multiple personalities and a van for each or he’s helping out a bit. Either way, congrats and welcome!

Bbasso · 02-05-2018, 11:06 PM

I would have jumped on that van...
Nice find and improvements.
Keep the pictures coming.

Jsweezy · 02-06-2018, 07:47 AM

Glad to finally see you on here!

Zappo · 02-06-2018, 10:29 AM

We;come bud!

marret · 02-06-2018, 03:34 PM

Welcome. Nice van.

larrie · 02-06-2018, 05:03 PM

Welcome to the group and to the Portland area.

sakurama · 02-06-2018, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhitH

You know, youre the spitting image of Jsweezy....and come to think of it your shop looks just like his too. Well, either Josh has multiple personalities and a van for each or he’s helping out a bit. Either way, congrats and welcome!

Ha, yes, Josh is the muscle behind the MG Metalworks install. I'm just the guy behind the lens.

I have plans for the van but I'm not sure i can handle two build threads - Josh is the one that convinced me to get over here so thanks Josh. I'm tearing the rear apart right now so dirt bikes can wheel in without any trouble and then I'm going to pick up seats and a floor system from MG and fix up the interior.

Then bumpers, then roof rack... lots to do. But it is killing it right now. Tons of attention and it works great. This summer we'll really get the thing off the grid.

Gregor