In 2020 I decided to build a van. Here are the steps to research, purchase, and build a conversion van.
Disclaimers
- I wrote these in a way that would explain how I would do it if I had to do it again. That could be doing it better, doing it right, doing it cheaper, or doing it more quickly and making trade-offs.
- I plan to do this again, so I prefixed the logs with Van 01 because Van 02 will come someday.
- I am far from an expert; please use caution and do things at your own risk.
- The prices reflect the MSRP of material and parts. Often you can find most items at a discount, you have most tools laying around or can borrow them, or you only use a portion of some materials. (example: 3M window weld, you need about 3–4 ounces of it and it comes in 16 ounces. So you pay $30 for it but use 1/4 of it. Moral of the story: You will have a lot of excess materials and parts, so build 4 vans at the same time to be more efficient, lol)
- There is always a way to cut corners and do something faster and cheaper. If you want to do that, just put a cot in the back of your minivan.
- If there is no link, then the log is not published or finished yet. But it is coming! Articles and photos may be updated or changed at any time.
Table of Contents
V01 L01: Table of Contents
V01 L02: Jumping In
V01 L03: Sprinter vs Promaster vs NV vs Transit
V01 L04: 2016 Ford Transit XLT Passenger High Roof
V01 L05: Cargo vs Passenger vs Crew Van
V01 L06: Momentum and Ordering Ahead
V01 L07: Gutting the Van
V01 L08: Seat Rail Removal
V01 L09: Sound Dampening Nightmare
V01 L10: Working with Air Bags
V01 L11: Floor Insulation
V01 L12: Floor Installation
V01 L13: Roof Rack Research
V01 L14: Roof Rack Installation
V01 L15: Side Ladder Installation
V01 L16: Fiamma Awning Install
V01 L17: Flat Line Van Co Review
V01 L18: Max Air Fan Install
V01 L19: Quarter Twenty (1/4–20) Hardware
V01 L20: Plus Nuts / Cross Nuts / Expansion Nuts
V01 L21: Cedar Tongue and Groove
V01 L22: Hemp Oil Stain
V01 L23: Ceiling Insulation
V01 L24: Ceiling Installation
V01 L25: Electrical, Wiring, and Solar
V01 L26: Storage Bed
V01 L27: Upper Cabinets
V01 L28: Base Cabinets
V01 L29: Butcher Block Counters
V01 L30: Sink and Water
V01 L31: Framing the Headliner
V01 L32: Curtains and Window Covers
V01 L33: Electric Heater
V01 L34: Hitch Install
V01 L35: Cracking and Replacing Windshield
V01 L36: Lift Kit
V01 L337: Purple Seat Cover
V01 L38: Tire and Wheel Upgrade
V01 L39: Dream Build
V01 L40: Van Do It Thoughts
V01 L41: Van Life Insurance
Resources
The internet was super useful in building this van. In no particular order, here are some resources to check out.
Far Out Ride: https://faroutride.com/
Ford Transit Forum: https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/
