Finished most of the bed platform.
We started by adding 1 inch foam in between all the 8020 extrusions. And before anybody asks if I'm worried about thermal bridge, there was only 1/2 of plywood before so I'm sure we're way better off than before!
The next step was to add the 3/8" plywood on...
I don't think 1 inch will make too much of a difference. Just imagine a normal truck loaded with a reasonnable amount of construction material or pulling a heavy trailer. It will most likely sag 1 inch in the back and still perform as it's supposed to. So I wouldn't overthink it. Especially if...
I finished mocking up and installing the surfboard rack. And then I removed it again to bring it to powder coating.
It doesn't prevent me from opening the storage box:
And it doesn't stick out too much from the side (these vans are surprisingly narrow at the top):
Yesterday I purchased all...
In addition, I decided to raise the bed 4" which will be just enough space to fit the SUP's storage bag. I'm also taking the opportunity to remove the old framing for the L-couch that we never used. Having a big open space will allow for plenty of storage and possibly bringing the fresh water...
One of the improvements we wanted to make was the possibility of bringing some "toys" out in our travels. The main ones were a surfboard and a SUP. Unfortunately, storage is pretty limited in a van so we would have to find a clever way to do this. So I designed a surfboard rack for the outside...
I had a similar problem looking for offset control arm bushings & bolts... please follow along.
If you take a look on the RockAuto catalog, you will see that your van requires BILSTEIN 24221948 B6 shocks (info here).
Usually clicking on the model number gives you options but it keeps it to the...
I still need parts to be able to do that. At the time (pandemic) they were back order. Plus, delivery of parts was extra complicated when I noticed this issue (Eastern Europe or Turkey... I don't remember exactly). That's why I switched to "regular shocks".
I do appreciate the "banter" but this...
Mine was horrible until I swapped the leaf springs for a Weldtec Designs leaf pack adjusted to the weight. Keep in mind mine is a 3500.
In regards to shocks, I used to have Fox shocks and they worked really good. Recently I put Monroe Gaz Magnum and they're ok for the price.
BTW, Fox shocks...
Thanks for the encouragement! And that's my exact thoughts. I think one of the things I say everytime I do a project/repair is: "Why does it always have to be complicated? Why can't it be simple for once!" 😆
This week was not super productive as I'm waiting on my parts but I did get some progress done.
First off, I tried to install LED taillights. The current ones are 25 years old, have cracks and the silicone around it looks awful and possibly leaks. The reverse light is on the passenger has a bad...
While I wait for parts for the bed platform and surf board rack, I decided to give the wheel wells a bit of attention. I had noticed a bit of the fiberglass threads starting to peak out. It wasn't too bad considering the van is 25 years old but I figure that it might be good to lock them back in...
Sorry for the drama in the past two posts. To be honest, that has been our dilemma for the past year or so. Keep the van or get a new vehicle more adapted to our actual travel habits. I don't know how many times we went back and forth with these two options.
But with the price of new campers...