UC's Largest DD

[89s rule]

Well this followed me home today:
Thanks to Joel for helping me look it over and provide CL security.

From the CL Ad




Once I got home:



Specs:
1995 E350 EB 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 328K miles reman trans, no rust, some damage from being a work van.
Needs... glow plugs(included in sale), vacuum pump or pulley, AC repaired, and fix some of the doorways. Might go ahead and do injectors and valve cover gaskets when I do the glow plugs.

I get home and my wife says, " It looks like we just killed someone and dumped the body" I told her to appreciate the base, the bones of a build up. She then says, " I think its that I can see the bones." I don't think she is liking the cargo concept. I guess I better find some seats and windows quick. Should be fun. Kids and I washed out the back after we unloaded the "free" window a/c unit, dead mouse and all.

I know it doesn't fit everything I was looking for, but the price was right and will leave me enough $ to get everything repaired as well as get the interior done in my budget. I'll try to get some pictures of our "clean" interior in the next few days, definitely not spotless, but much better.

Few questions. how level do I need to get the floor where it is dented before I put flooring down? I am going to try to find a conversion van being parted out at LKQ, Craigslist or the like to pull some interior bits, (rear a/c, doghouse with cupholders, trim pieces, etc.) also headlights and doors with windows and door panels.

Called a guy about some '08+ manual E series van mirrors should have a shipping quote on them Monday. (I think a guy on Expo do a mirror swap like this?

 

[jbsmith54]

I don't think she is liking the cargo concept.

LOL, you have 4 kiddos! It's too late not to like the cargo concept! ;p

That was a fun trip, glad I could help and look forward to your progress.

I have a tan leather bench from a 2003-ish ford aerostar if you don't find anything at LKQ. About 46 inches wide.

 

[Trollhole]

Okay I'm not envisioning what your plans are for this vehicle. Any pics of what you are striving for?

 

[jleeFJ62]

Good Luck with the build.

 

[the gimpey one]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-F...05?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item3f2c0b5d31&vxp=mtr

Hey matt build it like this!

 

[profro]

What did you pay?

 

[89s rule]

Okay I'm not envisioning what your plans are for this vehicle. Any pics of what you are striving for?

Ujoint offroad woulg be my ultimate dream. Not so sure that the 4wd will happen, but we shall see.
He has pics of some of his builds here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/55074-UJOR-Build-Thread as well as on his web page: http://www.ujointoffroad.com

Wanting to do the interior something like this:

If I can find the Sienna seats cheap enough. If not I'll find some conversion van seats for the time being and run those. Plan is for 4 buckets (2 on each of 2 rows in the back) followed by a bench in the rear that lays into a bed. Leaving ~ 20" or so for luggage in the rear.
Also plans for some storage as well as a fridge/freezer.

I am in search of someone parting a conversion van to get some interior pieces as well as some doors with windows and power locks. Also plan to install several windows in the rear sides. Driver probably similar to what Gabe posted. Passenger I am still debating on what to do. Trying to find out if I can use RV windows or if I have to run the contured ones specific for a van. I prefer the frameless tyle like what Gabe posted but not sure if I can find the size I want.

This has been the background on my phone for awhile:

Pop top is big $ as is 4wd, I will probably no go with those at this point, because of $. Bumbers will be awesome, just cannot afford the Aluminess.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-F...05?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item3f2c0b5d31&vxp=mtr

Hey matt build it like this!

Gabe hit the nail on the head, Sportmobiles are sweet, but the nice and afordable ones are $20K. Wife hates the white, so might change it down the line as well.

What did you pay?

I prefer to not say, I think I got a good deal, but it will depend on where I end up on the diesel maintenance/baseline.

I hope to stay under $5K when done. This would not include 4wd.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I'm pretty sure Chris at UJoint makes aluminum bumpers too.

 

[89s rule]

I'm pretty sure Chris at UJoint makes aluminum bumpers too

He does, they are $1400.

Got insurance today, hope to work out a few bugs and have it ready for DD duty by Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[profro]

I prefer to not say, I think I got a good deal, but it will depend on where I end up on the diesel maintenance/baseline.

I hope to stay under $5K when done. This would not include 4wd.

Thats fine. I have thought about getting a cargo van much like this. I have a F250 with a Powerstroke and knowing how good they are I'd love to have a van with one.

 

[89s rule]

My diesel mechanic friend was able to come over this evening and take a look at the van. Got a good list of items to do/buy/order. Good news is he does not think I need injectors which was a relief.

Hope to drive it to work tomorrow.

PS - If you drive a diesel van without the dog house is almost deafening.

 

[lt1fire]

Awesome find...... I'd be very scared if I bought a 7.3 diesel van my 80 would quickly disappear to fund the project...... IMHO a 4x4 diesel van is the ultimate go anywhere vehicle.


Have a friend back home that started off with one just like you have but black.

Added 1 window.... but tinted to match paint so you can't even tell its there from 20 feet.

Did all his own fab for 4x4 conversion. 6 speed from 99 super duty.

added a bunch of things in the back as well as the pop up tent on top.


I think he's put something like 150k on it since getting it and it had around 250k on the motor when bought.

 

[Kajun]

Found your paint job.

 

[the gimpey one]

"I pity the fool"! Lol loved the a team

 

[89s rule]

If my wife would let me pull off the A team van paint I would do it!

Went to pullapart in Columbia on Monday. Got a blower motor, resistor, and Explorer auto dim reaview mirror.
Going to look at a parts van tomorrow or Friday.

If I get much more on the way we might have to have a HAMOM on the van.

 

[89s rule]

Thanks for the info on the window, that's what I was afraid of. Anyone know of another resource other than Sportsmobile? I do not really want huge conversion van style windows.

Got home from visiting family only to find our rear driveshaft in the 4runner is shot. Plan to take it to a driveline shop on Monday and get it rebuilt. Spent most of the morning diagnosing that and getting the car cleaned out. Also had a package from Advance its my LPOP (Low pressure Oil Pump)

This afternoon I went and looked at a parts conversion van. It's a '94 Mark III e150 6 cyl under 100K miles. Skipping and will idle fine, but wont run long. Thinking a mix of old gas and ?? I was sort of disappointed as he said the interior was "perfect" to get there and see indoor/outdoor carpet and the middle row of seats missing. Interior is same color as my vans dash, etc. A/C blows cold (mine does not, although the resistor I got at the JY got me at least some speeds of my blower fan.) Front seats and rear bench are nice no rips or stains, rear bench lays down. (Seats are close in color to some I saw at the JY so these might all work until I can luck into some Sienna seats at a reasonable price.
Power windows and door locks, front doors are good. Rear and side are good structurally, but the door handles are messed up you have to pull the cables inside the doors to open them?? Not sure how easy a fix this is. These doors do not have windows that open and the trim is faded out, I know the rear doors only did it for a short time because of exhaust fumes, but what about the side doors?
Also both front and rear bumpers as well as drivers fender would swap over onto mine and clean up the few dents I have.
The good: Interior and exterior are the same color as my van and its rust and accident free. So I can swap most everything over and not look like a patchwork quilt rolling down the road.

The bad: doesn't or won't stay running. Guy selling it says the scrap yard gave him $750 for the last van he had without rims but this one is too nice to do that with. ( I agree its a nice van for what it is with low miles, but it would serve its purpose of parts for me.

I can get it for $800 and a guy at church has offered me $200 for the custom rims and almost new tires. So $600 net cost.

My question is this. Seems like a good price, if I can get a friend to help me get it home. Am I better off to swap parts from my van over and then try to sell this parts van as a complete "work van" or just strip this one and take it to the crusher for scrap? And if I scrap it how much can I realistically expect to get for it whole and/or for it as a shell with engine/trans?

 

[89s rule]

Got the fan relay from the JY installed. I now have 2 speeds. Maybe another or new one would get me all 4 speeds.

I went back and bought the Parts van last Sunday. Here are a few pictures:



Plans are to swap all doors, bumpers, trailer hitch, seats, and most if not all of the front clip. Still debating on the running boards and the rear body windows. After I get everything pulled I will probably take it to the crusher.
Unfortunately it does not have the 2nd row of seats of rear heat or A/C. SO I will have to keep an eye out for those items.

I have been having a few issues with idling and running when I come to a stop (very randomly). So I decided to start troubleshooting it. First step was to change the fuel filter.

Pulled it I did not think it was too bad, so looked into the fuel bowl.

Yeah it was dirty, so I dug in and pulled the entire fuel bowl.

Rebuild kit:

Cleaned:

Then reasembled. The fuel pressure regulator screen was almost completely clogged, total of probably a teaspoon of crap in the bottom of the bowl.
I accidentally dropped a hose clamp down one of the intake tubes that runs into the head. I hope to get it pulled out today. Worst case senario for it is I have to go ahead and do my valvecover gaskets and glow plugs.

I also ordered a LPOP through Advance Auto, with the coupon code it was $65.

Hope to get it installed soon as well. My oil pressure is a little low at first startup and this is the fix for it as well as some idleing issues. Hoping a combination of these plus pulling my fuel tank and cleaning it will take care of the few issues I have had thus far.

In my order of the rebuild kit I also ordered this:

TS 6 position Chip. BF special: $200 shipped with tunes! I got stock, 50, 75, 100hp as well as the security mode. Main reason I bought it is fuel mileage. Reviews looked good so I bit the bullet. I will wait to install after I get everything back together and running well.

Considering how much noise the 7.3 makes and that this is supposed to be a family vehicle I have to do somethign about the db level. I was goign to use some coupon codes for BF and/or cyber Monday but ended up getting a better deal with a guy on eBay who only wanted local pickup. Even with shipping it was cheaper that the discounts.

Yes I could have bought something less expensive, but I don't want my van smelling like roofing asphalt. So I went with second skin damplifier pro. 96 sq ft. shoudl be enough to get me started. Debating on getting some other products to fill voids I cannot reach or cover well with a mat type product. (Spray and/or foam). Considering the DIY Lizard Skin: http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/160411/
Will follow everything with Reflectix and/or a BedRug. Not sure about plywood in the rear or not. I have seen builds either way.

Also bought the rest of the needed items for an oil change. I had already ordered the fuel and oil filters through Advance with coupons. Rotella T for oil at Wal-Mart $55 for 4 gallons:

 

[89s rule]

I was excited to get the conversion van and have a parts van sitting next to mine instead of who knows how many trips to a junk yard. I pulled the rear bumper off of the E350 this week, was excited to see there was no damage underneath the crunched bumper. I plan to wait on installing the conversion bumper so I don't scratch/mess it up which doing the interior build.
Still debating on the windows, I may go with the larger in the driver foward space. I asked locally for a quote on the following:
FW904RS
VW21601L
VW21601R

Hope to hear back from them early next week. These are a shorter (height) window.

I am rethinking my interior layout. Thinking hard about going with a Sportsmobile EB27 style layout.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/1_eb-27.html
I think it might be a good fit for number of avalible seats while still making it have useful space.
Been reading Hal the Van build over on the Sportsmobile forum. Not sure I can pull off the goucho/dinette like he did but that is the best example I have seen to this point.
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3336

My 4" Diamond Eye exhaust came in this week. I was able to get it on eBay. There was a special for 4x eBay bucks for purchases over $150, with the extra bucks I get back it made the exhaust $250!


I bought some gauges a few weeks back but forgot to post up about them.


Glowshift 7 color - EGT, Boost, and Trans. temp. It came with a F series 3 pod pillar. I need to sell the pillar pod and buy a E-series 3 hole gauge pillar. Cheapest I have found shipped on the e-series is Summit or eBay, if anyone has seen them cheaper than $73 shipped let me know. Also If you or someone you know needs a Tan F-series pod let me know.
.
I recently ordered a new GPR ( Glow Plug Relay ) as you know I was having a hard time starting in cold and want to get as much baselined as possible. (Fuel system cleaning, LPOP, GP and GPR for sure)After researching on the Powerstroke forums it sounded like OEM was not the route to take. So I went with the recommended White Brothers 586-105111

Everyone in cold climates (which I am not) raves about it. I also have some autolite GP that came with the van. (I have heard mixed reviews about these but they were free and I figured I might as well do it while everything is appart.) It sure will be nice to crank and idle without worries.

Few other goodies on the way, but hope to start finalizing som decisions here in the next week or so. I have off for Christmas starting this afternoon until January 2nd, so I hope I can at least get it back drivable.

 

[89s rule]

Got a little bit done on Saturday. I didn't feel like being greasy up to my elbows again so I started tackling swapping some parts over from the parts van.
(I'll post some pictures up in a few days.)
Front and rear bumpers pulled and swapped, Pulled rear hitch, bolt holes did not line up when I tried to swap. Maybe E150-E350 are different?
Headlight panels pulled (Switching from sealed beam to composite beam).




Height difference is not exact with this pic since the driveway is a few inches higher, but its obvious in getting in/out, especially in the rear




Swapped in the rear floor trim as I didn't have anything back there. My door areas are a little damaged, not sure what I will do there. I do have the parts van so I guess I could cut what I need to fix out and weld it into mine?
Pulled rear doorpanels, trim and swapped aftermarket speakers (testing fitment). I need to paint the faded plastic window trim at some point and also insulate so I went ahead and pulled everything. I wanted to swap out the rear doors but I figured it would be helpful to have help before I tackled them.


This these are shot?

Not perfect, but I pulled these out of a car at pull a part a few years back. Hoping they will sound decent.


Didn't know if the ford covers would work, but they fit like a glove!



This is where I ended the day. Add rain and Christmas events for 2 days and it all still sits for now.


I do have a few questions, I want to try and intergrade some modern vehicle features into the van and not 100% sure how to do some of them. I tried google searchign but didn't find much.

1. Cruise/Tilt wheel...Parts van has CC and tilt, however the engines and years are different. ('94 6cyl and '95 PSD) Is it possible to use what I have or at least part of it?

2. Power Windows and locks..I think I have this one under control. (Door and wiring swap)

3. Door well lights / puddle lights.... I want to illuminate the ground and steps when the door opens. Not sure if I want to have this 100% or have it on an extrernal switch as well.

4. Timed delay on accessories staying on after the switch is turned off and until a door is opened. . (In-laws Cadillac STS has this and its a great feature.)
Guy on Expo suggested this: A time delay relay for #4 (and possibly #5 too)... I found one here for my heated super duty mirror project: http://www.wolstentech.com/products/...delayrelay.php

5. Auto off headlights (Our '99 4Runner has this, they stay on until you open the door.)

6. Auto up/down windows (4runner and Cadillac have them. I found a little info about this in Fords but never any full writeup.)

#7 - Keyless entry and remote start.

I do not have to have all of these, but its a wish list, might expand it to more in the future.

If it matters I do plan on having at least one house battery. Probably will run it where I can charge it via a switch inside from the factory alternator. Considered a dual alternator setup as well.

 

[89s rule]

Spent most of the day doing a parts run for the van. Picked up an RV dinette for the rear from a guy off Craigslist. It will need some rework so it will mount over the wheel wells, but overall it will work for what I need. Needs to be recovered at some point, but couldn't argue with $100 including the table and seat belts. It will lay out into a bad as well.

Then decided I would swing by the u pull junk yard on the way home. 3rd van I looked at was a cargo conversion. It had a queen bed in the back, full carpet everywhere. Only thing already gone were front seats and vent in the roof. I look at second row and it has swivel seats! Sweet, I've been hoping I would find a set. Seats were red, so they were a no go, but the swivel setup was nice. I need to take one apart as it looks like it got water in via the vent missing. It should work well once I get it lubed up. Whoever did the conversion did some insulation as well had some foam on the ceiling seems a lot like luxury liner or similar. Downside is he put it up with contact cement or the like, it was tough to come down. I pulled some of it as well, but not sure where I will use it. (They didn't charge me for the foam.)

I finally get both pulled and seats off. started looking around some more and found a '90 Econoline Conversion van loaded out: swivel seats in 2nd row that can also be removed with a lever, tables with RV flush floor mounts and poles for tables, etc. I got the tables and one swivel base pulled, ran out of time before they closed. Also got some nice Kenwood 6.5" speakers for $15. Strongly considering going back in the AM to get the 4th swivel. Wish I could go back on Saturday as its 1/2 price day, but we already have something with family planned. I thought about getting the sets out of this van as well, but decided to just stick with what I have as neither is what I really want. I think I'll just mount up what I have and keep my eyes peeled for something nice later on.

I am also going to try and pull the mirror and wiring out of a Tahoe, it has temp and compass and seems to be an easy swap. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/compass-temp-auto-dim-mirror-swap-detailed-lots-o-pics-952705/ I had pulled an explorer mirror with autodim and was going to do the explorer overhead console swap for the temp and compass, but I think I would rather go with the Tahoe unit and save the overhead space for a shelf or possibly switches, etc.

I got home and unloaded the dinette into the van, I think it is going to work out nice. My Waeco cf-35 also came in today.

I will post pics in the next day or so.