Newbie from Los Gatos, CA - E350 extended

[squashyo]

Hi all

I am driving home a bare boned 2007 Ford E350 Wednesday. My plan is to turn it into a sweet camper van. Should be quite the project but very excited! I am coming in blind here so if you guys have any must see videos, links, or advice on recommended first steps, processes, pitfalls, what-nots...please let me know. My hunch is that these topics are all over the forums so will try to do some scouring but not super sure how this works as I am new here. :d3: I have been all over Youtube soaking it in...some fantastic build and ideas so far.

I do believe the first thing I will do is clean it thoroughly, make sure it's running safe, then look at adding a pop top from these guys in Fresno: Penthouse Top Exterior Van Options - See Pricing Options

Anyhow...maybe not the best place to start my conversation but just saying howdy and look forward to taking this on and gleaning from you experts! :d8:

Thanks!!

 

[EmMay]

Pics please... and welcome aboard.

 

[86Scotty]

Welcome. Yep, lots of ideas and good advice here. Just start reading and jump in with questions when you need. There are a lot of great ideas you can get from looking at actual Sportsmobiles and a lot more for home built stuff in the homebuild section.

I'm not sure SMB will put a pop top on a used Econoline anymore but someone here will know.

:b5:

 

[Zappo-SMB]

Welcome bud!

 

[squashyo]

I'm not sure SMB will put a pop top on a used Econoline anymore but someone here will know.

:b5:

Say it ain't so! They sent me a quote package but who knows. I'll post pics as soon as I have ownership in 2 days. Keep a diary in the forum somewhere too. Thinking about a big ole build video just for kicks in hopes it can help other who are clueless but motivated.

Thanks all!

 

[Nimzero]

1der has a great penthouse from Colorado...definitely consider it...somebody have the name???

 

[Blowby-SMB]

I am lined up for Pop top installation in November at SMB for my 2010 so I would imagine it shouldn't be an issue for yours!

 

[Fork-N-Road]

1der has a great penthouse from Colorado...definitely consider it...somebody have the name???

Colorado Camper Vans

Very nice looking top, more details in the following thread:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f24/colorado-camper-van-questionable-customer-svc-20382.html

 

[1der]

Say it ain't so! They sent me a quote package but who knows. I'll post pics as soon as I have ownership in 2 days. Keep a diary in the forum somewhere too. Thinking about a big ole build video just for kicks in hopes it can help other who are clueless but motivated.

Thanks all!

Happy to help out, probably worth a trip to SF to see and discuss.
SMB top vs CCV top? CCV top with no hesitation. Get on their waiting list now. We can discuss mid vs high top +/- 's.

I can help out on sourcing quite a bit of the stuff you will be looking for, too.

Ray :b5:

 

[EmMay]

I'm postive Bobo is going to love your forum handle...

:b6:

 

[86Scotty]

Say it ain't so! They sent me a quote package but who knows. I'll post pics as soon as I have ownership in 2 days. Keep a diary in the forum somewhere too. Thinking about a big ole build video just for kicks in hopes it can help other who are clueless but motivated.

Thanks all!

Oh, sorry. I'm probably wrong. Carry on. If they gave you a quote then I'm sure they will do the job. CCV tops are nice too, though. Check em out.

:b5:

 

[squashyo]

Thanks all! CCV sounds worthy of research but I am no where near Colorado. Fresno is more manageable I think. But I'll check it out!

Hey...My new Van pic below (more to come I'm sure). Paid $1500 and got a clean bill of health from the shop. They said...all checks out but you need new wipers. 210,000 miles. 2007 v8-330 5.4L SOHC. Let the games begin!:

Couple things. What do you guys think of this: Introduction | The Vanual

Also, this dude lives near me and we might be chatting soon...what a sweet build!

 

[86Scotty]

That dude has life figured out. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

Edit: Watch the last 10 minutes where he talks a little about himself, philosophy, etc. That's that best part, what a guy!

 

[Twoxentrix]

I want to be just like him (Lee) when I grow up!

At first glance I noticed the video was almost an hour long, and instinctively assumed its just one of those drawn out home-made video's with a small portion of useful content - but seemed like all of 10 minutes by the time he finished.
...Very inspiring & insightful. Drawback is the renewed motivation to go back and re-evaluate your own setup.