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Old 09-13-2022, 03:47 PM   #1
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Join Date: Sep 2022
Location: Nor Cal
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Hello from CA

Hey all! I've restored a few classic cars and picked up a 1970 VW bus with a subaru engine before covid hit with the plan to fix it up and start doing the van thing with a decent engine. So I began the process of stripping it down and fixing it up. Shortly after we had an unexpected addition to the family which dramatically reduced my free time to work on it and made me realize the bus wasn't the most practical or safest way to go.

I wanted a newer vehicle, not a trailer or full blown RV and that's when I ran across the E350. Seeing all the cool pics of these out in the wild with their rugged look and interior options was enough for me. I'm a newb when it comes to RVs and 4x4s and have to admit that I didn't do a lot of in depth research into common issues or things to watch out for when it comes to owning these. But based on previous projects I figured as long as it's not a rust bucket and is technically sound, someone out there has dealt with any issue I will run into and buying used gives me a slush fund for the work I can't do on my own.

After a lot of shopping around I finally found the vehicle below that checked a lot of boxes. It's a 2006 v10 with 65K miles, electric pop top, hot water, propane heater, Fiamma awning, front and rear luminess bumpers, 12K lb winch, front sway bar disconnect, Trail kitchen and cabinets, 200amp house battery, inverter, backup camera, rear floor storage, and air compressor. Clean CarFax, inspection, smog, and oil change prior to purchase. Drove it 150 miles back home without issue but there are things I need to address.

--Windshield had a crack that is being replaced today.
--The dash gauges and lights jump around and flicker when the ignition is in the accessory position. Have a new ignition cylinder and switch coming today to see if that fixes it.
--Full tune up scheduled for next week

So that's my story so far. Any advice and guidance is appreciated. I'm sure I will end up redoing the interior in some fashion but I want to get it out there and start figuring things out before I do.

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Old 09-13-2022, 04:35 PM   #2
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Sweet Rig!! I am in north county san diego if you want to see my home build, I built my own 80/20 kitchen and copied the RB50 layout.
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Old 09-13-2022, 04:45 PM   #3
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Thanks, I'm in NorCal but have family down that way so hoping to make a long trip down there at some point. I'd love to the see the 80/20 setup. Seen a couple impressive threads here on that. The trail kitchen stuff is nice but doesn't leave many options for layout.
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Old 09-13-2022, 05:32 PM   #4
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Welcome from the Bay!

Looking forward seeing your progress/ adjustments/ ideas!
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Old 09-13-2022, 06:10 PM   #5
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Bet you're excited!
Couple things I would consider doing first (other than changing out all the fluids so they are fresh - Engine Oil, Trans, Coolant, Transfer case, Diff's, Brake, & Power steering):
1. Grease the pop-top tracks and the silver posts attached to the crossbars

2. While the top is up; clean the canvas & the windows (inside & out), and apply a protectant
https://www.amazon.com/303-Fabric-Gu...e%2C78&sr=1-24

https://www.amazon.com/303-30215-Cle...88&sr=1-6&th=1

***You can use the same on your Awning
***I would also apply a zipper wax to the pop-top window zippers so they slide freely
***WATCH the pop-top hooks when you raise the top, they have been known to 'catch' the latch and if you're not careful you will/can bend the cross bars. Couple Threads sharing ideas how to guard against this.

3. After a good cleaning, you can bring the Aluminess stuff back to life with Woody Wax (also good on Bushwackers, Tow mirrors, running boards, etc) - I apply it about 3 times a year.
https://www.amazon.com/Woody-Wax-16-...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

***If you have scratches on the Aluminess you can use the same spray paint they use to cover up (If your Aluminess is heavily faded you may have to paint the whole thing, but I would try buff it back to life first):
https://www.amazon.com/280706-Americ...12&sr=8-3&th=1

4. I would sanitize the water system. I personally don't use the water system in the van for drinking water (carry a 3.8 gallon Waterport and a couple Scepter runts on the top of the Aluminess box at the back of the van - they fit perfectly)
https://www.amazon.com/WaterPORT-Sel...%2C101&sr=8-11

5. If you Have a CO2/smoke detector installed - look at the date (they recommend replacement every 5 years - should be a date printed on the front of it). Would also look at the Fire extinguisher.

One of the best upgrades for the Van is installing new Headlights that actually shine some light down the road - I'd recommend Vantage Optics (Scott is also a member here). His units make a huge difference.
https://www.vantageoptics.com/shop/F...Kits-c25728076

This should get you started...Follow along with the Threads that pop up - Lot of useful info, but you'll also get sucked into all the enticing upgrades/additions members share that you'll want too!
Congrats on your new toy.
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Old 09-13-2022, 06:35 PM   #6
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Thanks for the info, definitely excited. The CO2 sensor is outdated so I've got some searching to find one that fits the existing cut out. I'll hit the pop top items when I clean the interior and take care of the out side next. Running boards could also use a coat of paint to bring them back. Also plan to clean and seal the under carriage as there is surface rust / chipping in several areas but nothing serious. Not looking forward to that, it's a dirty tedious job but worth it. I'
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Old 09-13-2022, 08:46 PM   #7
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Your running boards look similar to mine (not sure since there really isn't a good pic), but if they are rounded on the outer edge and have rubber matt on the top you may consider another option.
The paint on the rounded outer can be very slippery (my foot has slid off several times getting in & out of the van). So, I used 2" wide outdoor non-slip traction tape. Ran the edge along side of the rubber insert on the top and then gently folded it down over the rounded edge - fits perfectly, and haven't had issue since.
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Old 09-13-2022, 11:09 PM   #8
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I will be spraying black Raptor in a few weeks. If you want to hop on drop me a pm and we can align. Guess will be around mid Oct. central Bay Area
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