Fred the Van. The More We Explore's Adventure Van Build Thread

[sixstringsteve]

I'm trying to decide on which steps I want for the vans. Any input from fellow Ford van owners? I'm not crazy about the look of the aluminess ones, though they do seem nice. I'm able to fab my own, but it's just another project I keep putting off. Anyone have any pics of how theirs mount?

Also, since I've got a '97, it doesn't have any grab handles up front. I hear that the windshield frame is a little weaker on these older models, so adding a handle will actually end up cracking the windshield over time. Any ideas/suggestions for this?

Thanks for your patience everyone, I've got a new video in the hopper. Hopefully it's done soon.

 

[Navi]

I like the look of the steps on Vandiana. Something like that, built strong enough to be legit sliders.

 

[jjohnny350]

I know they are a bit more expensive steve but I think AMP steps look the best. Id do just one side, I wonder if you can buy them just 1. I think most steps dont look very good. I love that amps tuck away neatly.

 

[DzlToy]

AMP steps are nice, a mate of mine has them on a Dodge 2500 truck on 35's.

I would be concerned about off roading with them and would prefer a beefy slider for anything other than a dirt road and pavement travel.

Better to have them and not need them than the other way 'round and crush a rocker panel or dent a door on a nice rig.

 

[mikracer]

Someone on the SMB forum is selling a new set. http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16337

I inquired about these steps from this company a while back and you can buy just the passenger side if you want.

If you want a real slider, WeldTec Designs is selling fabbed sliders for the vans.

N-Fab http://www.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/60/sfID2/86/sfID3/131/productID/426

 

[mk216v]

I like the look of the steps on Vandiana. Something like that, built strong enough to be legit sliders.

Thanks much Navi. Mine are Dodge Power Wagon steps/sliders which Brad customized(built custom brackets to bolt to the frame) from White Knuckle Motorsports. He added FatMat between the "step" platform on the slider and the actual full diamond plate "step top" which is what you actually step on. Very very well done. I can take more pics if you'd like Steve.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...s?p=1853747&highlight=Power+Wagon#post1853747

 

[sixstringsteve]

I've tried searching around, with no luck. Has anyone had any luck swapping in the fuel tank from an E450/box truck into the rear of their E350, where the spare sits? I'd love a big tank back there. I imagine it'd affect handling a bit. Anyone done this?

 

[Abitibi]

They've done it on my ambo, probably factory too and I don't see why it wouldn't work?

 

[mgmetalworks]

I've tried searching around, with no luck. Has anyone had any luck swapping in the fuel tank from an E450/box truck into the rear of their E350, where the spare sits? I'd love a big tank back there. I imagine it'd affect handling a bit. Anyone done this?

I'm in the process of doing this...






Making my own cross members because I have other design features I'm incorporating into them.

It is a pretty extensive modification. Factory cross members have to come out of the frame first. The fuel fill is in exactly the wrong place if you have rear A/C. I'll have to either relocate the fill tube on my tank or spin the tank 180 and go out the passenger side. The 55 gallon tank will fit in an EB van but not a RB. There is also a 40 gallon aft of axle tank that mounts the same as the 55 gal but it's just a bit shorter. Tank hangs down about as far as my spare tire does now. The tank and straps are pretty robust pieces of metal. I plan to make a skid plate for it but as-is you'd have to hit it pretty hard to wound it. It is a very thick beast. Newer tanks are plastic, I wouldn't want one of those.

As for weight... diesel is 7.3lbs per gallon* (according to google) and the tank and straps are roughly 120lbs... that's just over 500lbs. Considering that the rear seat in an EB passenger van is designed for 4 adults and the seat right in front of it is 3 adults, plus the weight of those seats... A big tank of fuel is nothing compared to 7 of your buddies sitting behind the axle.

The bottom line is, it will absolutely work, it just isn't an easy task.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Great input. I have rear A/C, and I'd like to keep it ideally. I'll be curious how you get around that.

I wonder if I could pull this off without pulling the body.

 

[GNTY]

Very curious about this as well. Not only in my mini class C but in my RB diesel which i have the body off right now. For many of us with 4wd our spare tires are to big for underneath and being re-located to the rear bumper, leaving that perfect void for something useful like fuel.

 

[mgmetalworks]

Great input. I have rear A/C, and I'd like to keep it ideally. I'll be curious how you get around that.

I wonder if I could pull this off without pulling the body.

I'll get around it by moving the filler neck on the tank back several inches or spinning the tank around and poking the filler out the passenger side. I'm leaning towards moving the filler neck because I'd prefer to have the tank fill on the driver side.

You can do all of this with the body on. Cutting out the rear cross members will probably be the worst part with the body in place. Ujoint does it often though, he might have some advice.

 

[mk216v]

Why metal tank vs the plastic?

 

[mgmetalworks]

Why metal tank vs the plastic?

I feel better about metal. I know its properties and limitations better than plastics.

 

[mk216v]

I feel better about metal. I know its properties and limitations better than plastics.

Properties like rust-in-the-tank you mean?