Meet VANessa

[ujoint]

I've done the hole saw before, no fun! Plasma makes it easy but your tight tig welds are beautiful. Here's a pic of the new shackle sleeve jig, works well to keep everything perfectly square to the spring hanger. Every kit will still have the existing templates, this is an upgrade to the tune of $50.



Email me some pics of this rig for the site! Thanks!

 

[squirelmurphy]

I don't get how everybody kills hole saws so fast? Take your time and keep spraying it with WD-40 or something similar (I used something called Power Lube), and they'll last a long time. I knew an old timer that used to stuff a wet paper towel inside the hole saw, that works great also. Once they get too hot, the teeth go away. It does take more time with the hole saw, it probably took a little over 2 hours to drill 4 holes.

I've had good luck with the Kobalt hole saws available at Lowes. I started with a fresh one, but it went right back into the tool box when I was done.

Chris, that jig looks like a good idea. The sleeve on my drivers side didn't come out perfect, it's not bad, but not perfect. I think that was because I didn't get perfectly centered on the hole. That's why I said if the template just gave center instead of the outside diameter, it would work better for the hole saw user. I think I just didn't get the true center when I drilled my pilot hole.

 

[martell06]

Van looks great! Any modifications on the interior?

 

[ujoint]

Chris, that jig looks like a good idea. The sleeve on my drivers side didn't come out perfect, it's not bad, but not perfect. I think that was because I didn't get perfectly centered on the hole. That's why I said if the template just gave center instead of the outside diameter, it would work better for the hole saw user. I think I just didn't get the true center when I drilled my pilot hole.

Justin came up with a great idea and I'll start cutting the jigs with a center hole that can be removed if you use a plasma. I'll post pics as soon as we have one done.

 

[squirelmurphy]

Chris, I think I can already picture how you're going to do it!

The interior of the van is all stock Chateau, which is 4 captains chairs and a bench. Only thing that has been done is some sound deadening and a 2 way race radio installed under the passenger seat. I plan on doing more sound deadening and fresh carpet. I also am going to build some cargo bins in the back that can be transformed into a sleeping platform. Still working on how I'm going to do that.

The real purpose of the van will be to tow my F100. Here's a link to my build thread on gofastbroncos...
http://www.gofastbroncos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2275

 

[bknudtsen]

Chris, that jig looks like a good idea. The sleeve on my drivers side didn't come out perfect, it's not bad, but not perfect. I think that was because I didn't get perfectly centered on the hole. That's why I said if the template just gave center instead of the outside diameter, it would work better for the hole saw user. I think I just didn't get the true center when I drilled my pilot hole.

Justin came up with a great idea and I'll start cutting the jigs with a center hole that can be removed if you use a plasma. I'll post pics as soon as we have one done.

This is a great example of how well these forums work when you have users posting helpful feedback about a product and a vendor that is willing to listen and improve their product when feasible. In the end we all benefit. Thanks guys!

 

[ujoint]

They DO work (this one at least)

Always looking to improve and make it easier to complete these conversions.

 

[hobietony]

Chris, I think I can already picture how you're going to do it!

The interior of the van is all stock Chateau, which is 4 captains chairs and a bench. Only thing that has been done is some sound deadening and a 2 way race radio installed under the passenger seat. I plan on doing more sound deadening and fresh carpet. I also am going to build some cargo bins in the back that can be transformed into a sleeping platform. Still working on how I'm going to do that.

The real purpose of the van will be to tow my F100. Here's a link to my build thread on gofastbroncos...
http://www.gofastbroncos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2275

Ho-lee-s#$%, that F100 is awesome!

 

[CodyY]

Funny, watching the install videos just now, I had the same thought about the pilot hole.

great minds and whatnot I suppose.

 

[squirelmurphy]

This van is now for sale in the classifieds. A great starting point for someone looking to get into a van.