WVvan
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Joined: 07/08/2009
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Hello Everybody,
First post.
I camp a lot in tents but after spending three days straight in a tent in the rain at Dolly Sods I swore I'd make a change.
Here it is.
Bought it Wednesday.
Drove it home today.
1999 Ford E-250, 6 cylinder, 125K miles.
Was a home builders work van. Some slight surface rust.
Cargo doors a bit dinged up.
I'm planning on doing a full conversion. Most of the work I'll do myself but some will be beyond my abilities. I'm giving myself a deadline of no later than spring. Van won't fit into my small garage so that will affect how/when I can work on it.
I've been reading this and other conversion forums for a few weeks. It's been a huge help so far. Learned quite a lot already but there's still a lot I don't know. Counting on the pros who frequent this forum for some advice.
Advice like: The previous owner drilled some 3/4 inch holes in the floor for bolted down shelving. Whats the best way to cover these holes from underneath? Should I treat the metal edges of the holes before I start?
Thanks for your time, now and in the future.
WVvan
P.S. I'm thinking of call it "HAL the Van".
Why HAL? Well since my name is Dave....
Dave Bowman: Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
HAL: I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.
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heitjer
Houston, TX
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Joined: 06/22/2006
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Nice project - keep us posted with pics - I suscribe to this topic to see your progress.
Good Luck!
"...we're on the road again..." MODS & More
2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab Laramie, 6.7L Cummins, 6 Speed Auto, Exhaust Break
2006 Sunset Creek 298BH by SunnyBrook, 33 1/2 ft
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ARcruiser
Benton, AR USA
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Joined: 12/19/2001
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Hey, sounds like a nice project!
Got one myself that I have been working on off and on for three years! 
It was 90% finished last year, and I haven't touched it since... health issues, squirrels ate into wiring under van, etc., etc,.. more excuses are really necessary... blame the rest on severe procrastination.
Anyway, my point is that you CAN do all the work - unless maybe if you want a top installed.
Look at my project here.
Terry converted a couple of Fords... see his 2007 over here.
Bob posted a few pics of his in this thread.
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ennajean
Wisconsin
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Joined: 05/19/2006
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Looks like you came to the right place for getting information.
Welcome and good luck on your project.
Anne and Dick
DABEE a 2006 Ford Sportsmobile Penthouse top.
States we've camped in.
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tvme
Medina, Ohio
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Joined: 04/10/2007
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Dave,
Looks like a good project. I'll be watching too.
Bob
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Hit The Road Jack
Treasure Coast of Florida
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Joined: 10/20/2005
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Welcome to our CVC forum WVvan...
Ask and you shall receive...
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david_42
Oregon
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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Why not use the holes to anchor your modifications? If there's any rust, just brush the edges with a rust converter.
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WVvan
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Thanks for all the replies.
To answer a couple of questions. There will be a camper top installed.
I'm going for the "Full Monty", aka Sportsmobile Penthouse Pop-up.
That's one reason I went with the older van so I could afford the Penthouse.
I'd use the current floor holes but they don't line up with my designs.
Would rather fix the holes than change what I envision.
Open the pod bay doors Hal.
Once I exit Hal, this is what I do.
WWW.WVBIKE.ORG
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bananadanna
Cambridge, MA
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Joined: 11/30/2005
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Welcome and enjoy the DIY experience.
Since you're used to tent camping I'd think your deadline is optional since you'll be able to continue camping during most stages of your project
A 1999 van is old enough that you might justify some fancier items like inverters and electronics if you think they'll be reused in you next van.
It sure is fun to build something!
Dan
02 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 long tall home brew conversion
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hoosiermark
Batesville ,Indiana
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Joined: 06/23/2008
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If you decide to go with a fiberglass raised roof, you may want to talk to mobility van convertors. I found one in the area that would install a fiberglass roof for a price much cheaper then Sportsmobile. (I have been to Sportmobile in Indiana and know the do good work) The place I talked to converted vans for wheel chair use and had some helpful tips also.
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