4x4 Van Build: 1997 Airstream B190

[Jb1rd]

So sweet!!

4 days is a pretty epic turn around!! Can't wait for the end of Aug to get here so I can get started on mine. Thankfully the house closing seems to be moving along as planned. :sombrero:

 

[draaronr]

Man that does look good. It's amazing the lift and tires balances it out

 

[dar395]

Sweet Improvements so far, keep us posted!

 

[hurstjd]

Jb1rd: What all do you plan on doing on your rig?

 

[Jb1rd]

pretty much exactly what you did, lift, 4x4 bumpers, maybe solar, need/want a roof rack for SUP's, Sienna seats to replace the Captains chairs, and reupholster the couch. I already deleted the shower/tub and have a temp semi outside rigged up to see if I want to install one permanently.

 

[hurstjd]

Where do you get the Sienna seats? If possible, I would like to get the passenger seat that has the built-in recliner.

 

[Jb1rd]

Craigslist and MG on this forum makes a mounting bracket specific for the E series, maybe he can chime in on another avenue for purchase of the actual seats. I do a searchtempest a couple times a week looking for various items. Can't wait to see more pics of your rig, do you like the advanced set up? Is it similar to the Ujoint kit, I am not familiar with it at all? What have you noticed since acquiring the rig, any improvements that arr absolutely pressing?

Where do you get the Sienna seats? If possible, I would like to get the passenger seat that has the built-in recliner.

 

[mgmetalworks]

I've found all of the Sienna recliners for my projects on Ebay. Warehouse Salvage used to have a ton of them but they seem to be cleaned out now. There's a seller from AZ that I've used recently and I know of at least 3 others who have gotten seats from him as well. You can always check local wrecking yards too. car-part.com is a good place to find not only the parts but also a list of salvage yards that you didn't even know existed in your area.

 

[dcguillory]

Wow! Car-part.com is sweet.

 

[hurstjd]

Ok. I've decided that part of sharing my build is to share the costs of the build as well.

I want people to see that going this route is not quite as expensive as you may think. I'm hoping to keep my total build under $40,000. You don't really have to go the

SportsMobile route to get something that is comparable. I would even argue that since mine is an AirStream I actually have a better interior and probably better

insulation than a SportsMobile.

Here is the current run-down:

Cost of 1997 B190 Airstream E350 van (56,000 miles) - $16,500
Four wheel drive conversion - $10,700
Aluminess Front Bumper - $2,150
Warn M9500 Winch - $1,300
Rear Stabilizer - $275
Rancho RS9000XL Shocks (Rear) - $220
PIAA 520 driving lights - $270
New cushion-step linoleum for floor - $130

Current total: $31,545

The 4-wheel drive conversion consists of:

4 inch lift
Dana Spicer Front Drive Axle
NV 271 two speed transfer case (with hi/lo range)
Manual locking hubs (Warn)
1350 Spicer Drive Lines
Front steering stabilizer
Rancho RS9000XL shocks (Front)
New leaf springs (front)
1 additional leaf spring each side (rear)

Future improvements:

I am currently replacing the carpet with linoleum. I will send pictures when that project is finished.
Solar panel upgrade
Car stereo upgrade
Multi-camera system
Toyota Sienna front seats

 

[Stroverlander]

Looking good and I added the B190 to my list of potential future vehicles. Thanks for sharing the costs too, that is always helpful!

 

[Jb1rd]

Thanks for sharing your build cost it helps a lot to see it in real life application and not just a theoretical number being tossed about! Interested in the flooring, the PO of my 190 had already pulled the carpet and replaced with peel and stick vinyl tiles, not great but I am sure waaaaaaay better than ratty stinky old carpet:sombrero:

 

[scoutkid]

Want.

 

[86scotty]

Very nice, and thanks for sharing your cost breakdown.

 

[Presto88]

Hey Hurstjd, how 'bout a few more pics of the exterior of that van? That one exterior shot that you posted really doesn't let us see what it looks like now.