2000 Ford 7.3L Motovan build (225's build cont'd)

[225]

Didn't really wanted to start a new thread, so I'll finish on this one.

I sold my old van because I ended up with 3 vehicles at once. Been looking around, wanting, for the last couple of years. Been low bidding on eBay for the last 6 months and I finally snatched up a decent one for the price.

2000 Ford E-350. 7.3L w/350k miles. Seats need replaced, also needs some touch up paint here and there. No rust, and in great shape.

I'm kinda on the fence about it being a 15 passenger van. The extra length is great (that's what she said) but doesn't look as good as a short van. Since I wanna sleep in it, with possibly a motorcycle in it too, I'll be happy with length. Plus when you add bumpers, 4WD, roof racks, etc, it will look better.

The only other thing I'm not happy about is no power windows. BUT it does have cruise control, which is a must for me. So I can't complain too much.

Luckily, I live 15 minutes from Ujoint!


Here she is, untouched, but not for long. Picking it up in 10 days.

Gonna 4x4 it after I get the interior and cosmetics done.

Roof rack, bumpers, OBA, the whole thing.

 

[dar395]

Room for 15! After the purchase of the same van I would not look for any other the long 10 foot of useable living space is great for any trip and we use every bit of it, Nice looking start for a van build.

 

[225]

Not picking the van up until next week. Since the van is in Indiana, and we're in Asheville, the wife wants to do the bourbon trail (again).

But I did order new seats since the seats on the van are toast.

Original seat:

Here are the new seats I ordered:

The bottom:

I am going to have to build a new frame to mount them on. And try to figure out a seat swivel for the passenger seat. Any good seat swivels out there that don't cost $300?

Also, 2008+ center console ordered too.

I'm also ordering a new head unit this week. Any good leads on a backup camera that's not license plate mounted? I don't mind drilling a hole somewhere to mount it.

 

[Raul]

Congratulations. I wasn't sure about the long body, but they look better once you fit bigger tires and lift. I do not like them with the OEM hitch carrier. Not that I'll do rock crawling, but it kills the departure angle.

On my old van I fitted the camera besides the hitch receiver. I like the fact that it is not obstructed when using a bicycle carrier or something like that, but the point of view is quite low. On the Rig Runner I am studying bolting a camera on the third brake light.

Nice seats. I am interested in swivel bases too, but the ones available are expensive and do not inspire any confidence in case of accident.

 

[FROADER]

Those seats look real nice!

My stereo and reverse cam were installed when I bought the van, but so far I'm happy with it. This wasn't my first choice of head unit, but it actually works really well and is easy to use. It looks like the site is having a sale this weekend, too. I wouldn't have chosen this because the price was so cheap (I'm pretty versed in car audio), but like I said, it's been great so far, and I haven't found a reason to replace it.

https://www.eonon.com/Other-Car-DVD-GPS/2-Din-Car-Stereo/D2115Z.html

This is the reverse camera that I have as well. It is a license plate mount and work great at all hours.

https://www.eonon.com/Car-Video/Cameras/A0119.html

 

[225]

Those seats look real nice!

My stereo and reverse cam were installed when I bought the van, but so far I'm happy with it. This wasn't my first choice of head unit, but it actually works really well and is easy to use. It looks like the site is having a sale this weekend, too. I wouldn't have chosen this because the price was so cheap (I'm pretty versed in car audio), but like I said, it's been great so far, and I haven't found a reason to replace it.

https://www.eonon.com/Other-Car-DVD-GPS/2-Din-Car-Stereo/D2115Z.html

This is the reverse camera that I have as well. It is a license plate mount and work great at all hours.

https://www.eonon.com/Car-Video/Cameras/A0119.html

Thanks! I ordered the camera.

I'm going with a Kenwood head unit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6NJ1V9/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2358WADSNXKPT&colid=1TVPESBT5PU89

 

[FROADER]

Nice choice, there. :ylsmoke:

 

[brushogger]

Not picking the van up until next week. Since the van is in Indiana, and we're in Asheville, the wife wants to do the bourbon trail (again).

But I did order new seats since the seats on the van are toast.

Original seat:

Here are the new seats I ordered:

The bottom:

I am going to have to build a new frame to mount them on. And try to figure out a seat swivel for the passenger seat. Any good seat swivels out there that don't cost $300?

Also, 2008+ center console ordered too.

I'm also ordering a new head unit this week. Any good leads on a backup camera that's not license plate mounted? I don't mind drilling a hole somewhere to mount it.

Are those factory or after market seats. If aftermarket, what brand? Those look great!

 

[225]

Are those factory or after market seats. If aftermarket, what brand? Those look great!

They're Toyota Sienna middle row take offs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/142339949154?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

You can buy the reclining ones for $1000 or buy these for $275. To me, the recliners aren't worth $1k for the driver/passenger seats.

Edit, $1200: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Sien...ash=item1ec6bb2272:g:ku0AAOSwY45UPLmu&vxp=mtr

I still have to build a base and find a seat swivel for the passenger seat.

I haven't got a tracking # yet for them, just the center console.

This swivel is $25 on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wise-8WD15-...ash=item3d39ce6f62:g:VBAAAOSwuMZZB-Yy&vxp=mtr

Thinking about giving it a try.

 

[Raul]

If that swivel base is going to be everything holding the seat, in a minor fender bender you'll have to scrape your passenger from the windshield.

I've been thinking about using those bases, but having some brackets where the seat latches when returning to the road position.

 

[225]

Just picked her up. The wife named it Betty Sue LOL...

5 minutes of ownership:

Visiting Bulleit Bourbon Distillery:

 

[onemanarmy]

Did you ever get to work on the roof rack?

I ordered those same JCR offroad roof rack feet today for a homebrew rack I plan on.

 

[225]

Did you ever get to work on the roof rack?

I ordered those same JCR offroad roof rack feet today for a homebrew rack I plan on.

Not yet, van isn't even home yet. Still on mini vacation.

So far, other than serious oil / air filter / transmission fluid change that's needed I've seen a few things that's needs attention.

The driver door and fender rub. Every time I open the door it pops and makes loud noises. It's driving me nuts.

There is a whistle, not like a turbo whistle, like a real whistle coming from the engine. Only at 65+ mph. I guess I need to tighten a intake hose?

Tires need balanced.

That's what's going on now. The door is the biggest issue.

Also, the gear shifter is one gear off. This is in drive. Any way to fix it?

 

[225]

Home today. Took the roof rack off and painted the grille black.

 

[FDM2012]

Might check the vacuum hose that connects to the MAF Sensor. It gets old and brittle at the source end.

And/or maybe a leaking plenum boot?