Van conversation

[Hickey]

Yeah the Chinese ones aren’t expensive. They put out a ton of heat too. When I go up snowboarding I’ll just leave it on low all day and walk into a warm van anytime I’m ready for a beer or lunch. They are much cheaper to run than a propane rv style furnace too.

One thing I've learned from running those for 14 years in my work truck, don't run it for short periods of time (5 minutes or less). They need to get good and hot to burn off excess fuel on the ignitor/glow plug, otherwise you will replace the glow plug often.

 

[J-mobzz]

One thing I've learned from running those for 14 years in my work truck, don't run it for short periods of time (5 minutes or less). They need to get good and hot to burn off excess fuel on the ignitor/glow plug, otherwise you will replace the glow plug often.

That’s really good advice. I didn’t know that.

 

[Hickey]

That’s really good advice. I didn’t know that.

You can tell that the glow plug is going bad by the amount of smoke it puts out. At some point, it just pours smoke out and won't light. And stinks like hell.

 

[jeepin4x4james]

There’s an atomizer screen that usually gets fouled up, that’s was causes the excessive smoke and smell... Espar recommends a minimum run time of 30min every month to help prevent this, even in the summer.
Espar parts are crazy expensive too, just replaced a fuel pump on one the other day... $600 just for that 😦

 

[J-mobzz]

unfortunately I am no longer in possession of the last awd van I picked up but I did find another. It’s a 2007 same 5.3 drivetrain just is pretty hammered. Same plans as the last one. I did the hightop install today. Start pulling all the glass this week to prep for paint.

anyone have a trick to getting the door hinge pins out? I need to replace a door. I bought the tool but they are not moving and I broke the tool in the process.

 

[J-mobzz]

Been making some progress. Currently working on the stereo install. After I finish up the bumpers, sliders and rear swing outs I’m thinking I’ll let maaco paint it for me. single urethane paint job including color change with 3 year warranty will run me under $2k. I know it’s maaco but who cares I plan to have some Rocky Mountain pin strips all over it anyways.

 

[Greg]

I'd highly recommend you do the paint prep work, as that's 75% of a decent paint job. Maaco can do a decent paint job, but their prep is terrible.

It looks awesome, BTW!

 

[Hickey]

I'd agree on the prep work. They are pretty much just a spray and pray operation.

 

[Kevin B.]

Maybe I missed it, but where'd you source the top? What's involved in the install, just cut a hole and seal it and rivet it down? You're giving me terrible ideas.

 

[J-mobzz]

Maybe I missed it, but where'd you source the top? What's involved in the install, just cut a hole and seal it and rivet it down? You're giving me terrible ideas.

I found it at a self pull yard off 201 in magna. And yeah just used harbor freight electric shears sealed it and screwed it down just like it was on the Starcraft I pulled it off. It was actually really simple to install. Less than 2hours start to finish. Getting it off the old van sucked. That took a couple hours too but not fun.

 

[J-mobzz]

I finally have been able to get started on the fab work. @I Lean has Been helping me with the tabs and brackets what a rock star of a guy. Never stop being amazed by the people I meet from this site.

 

[J-mobzz]

I have never felt more cool in my entire life. Even if it is on a van hahaha

 

[Jesser04]

Do you still have the kidnapper van? You should check out dajibans if you haven’t already seen them.

 

[Herzog]

That's awesome! How is it latched? Looks like it should handle the load pretty well.

 

[J-mobzz]

Do you still have the kidnapper van? You should check out dajibans if you haven’t already seen them.

I sold it. I haven’t seen dajibans but a fast google search shows I need too.

 

[J-mobzz]

That's awesome! How is it latched? Looks like it should handle the load pretty well.

I used this 90deg style latch that just pulls it into a catch. I’ve put like 250 miles on it and it’s really solid and doesn’t vibrate or anything.

 

[J-mobzz]

Well I’ve been pushing hard to get it to a point it’s usable for the swell trip in a few weeks.
I installed a center console out of a 2018 Silverado. I drew up some brackets and had Carl cut them out.


threw together some simple steps/sliders

Have made some good progress on the inside


I have the aux power system 80% done. The aux heater is mounted I still need to get the fuel tank mounted to the tire swing out.
I replaced both front cv axles as well as did some new moog ball joints that help with the alignment after the lift. Alignment specialist was able to dial it in perfect!

but the thing I’m most excited about is https://www.fiberwerx.com/ has a new hd style hood, prerunner fenders and rear flares for these vans. They aren’t even on the website yet but I should be getting one of the first sets out of the molds. Really excited for that.

 

[Trate D]

Few weeks? Swell trip is next weekend.

 

[J-mobzz]

Few weeks? Swell trip is next weekend.

Time is hard

 

[glockman]

Lookin awesome Jake.