Ford Transit Van Conversion

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aannaa

Trad climber
colorado
Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 24, 2014 - 02:15pm PT
Hi guys! Does anyone know of a talented craftsmen in the Bay area that could convert a Ford Transit Connect into a livable van for a decent price?

Thanks!!
Anna
jahil

Social climber
London, Paris, WV & CA
Apr 24, 2014 - 02:18pm PT
Ford Transit ! OMG My dad drove a bunch of us to India from London in one of those in 1970. The axle snapped in Kabul, and they got it welded back together at a roadside mechanics.

I can't remember the name of the mechanic in Kabul - I was 11 at the time, but good luck with your van !

:)

steve
pud

climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
Apr 24, 2014 - 04:28pm PT
Cool idea.

Research and do it yourself.
Van conversion projects are fun!
It's not that hard. There are many prefab parts available online for almost any amenities you prefer. Bolt them in and go.
You will be happier and save lots of cash.
kev

climber
A pile of dirt.
Apr 24, 2014 - 05:34pm PT
You could DIY. What's your budget and what are your expectations for the setup? Are you just talking about some lights, a bed and some cabinets or are you talking water,fridge,sink, etc?
Roots

Mountain climber
Tustin, CA
Apr 24, 2014 - 06:47pm PT
Post some pictures please!
Indianclimber3

Trad climber
Apr 24, 2014 - 07:32pm PT
These guys have a slide in kit they send you
http://www.moreheaddesignlab.com/id4.html

They are selling one on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Transit-Connect-Camper-PKG-DIY-Campervan-Van-Cabinets-/281220953610?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT
John Mac

Trad climber
Littleton, CO
Apr 24, 2014 - 09:11pm PT
Check this out .... A tour of Honnold's Van

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CArfaGmYuGM
Majid_S

Mountain climber
Karkoekstan
Apr 25, 2014 - 12:43am PT
How much money do you want to spend?
BuddhaStalin

climber
Truckee, CA
Apr 25, 2014 - 03:51am PT
Wait for the proper transit, its on its way to replace the econoline. The connect is so crammy and small. The proper transit van has a floor without wheelwell humps in the cargo bay and has a full 4x8 space of flat not impeded by the wheelwells.
BuddhaStalin

climber
Truckee, CA
Apr 25, 2014 - 04:17am PT
Yup, not sure what model year it will be but from what I understand, it will be here very very soon. Way overdue, as the econoline is inferior to the transit in many ways. The rest of the world uses the transit, save for south america/mexico and such. Cant remember if they get econoline or transit.
Indianclimber3

Trad climber
Apr 25, 2014 - 01:35pm PT
The Nissan would also be great and is a little longer in the back
also comes in at $20k with either free shelving or full body wrap

http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv200-compact-cargo
Daphne

Trad climber
Northern California
Apr 25, 2014 - 01:52pm PT
It doesn't seem that the new Transit will come with an all wheel drive option. I was getting kinda excited until I saw that. Climbing only, not a ski season vehicle.
AlanDoak

Trad climber
Boulder, CO
Apr 25, 2014 - 02:39pm PT
I just got a used Transit Connect, and I'm pretty stoked. I averaged 26mpg on my recent trip out to Moab.

For me, I chose it for the economy that it offered, especially for frequent weekend trips where the ratio of driving to time spent at the destination is pretty high.
HighTraverse

Trad climber
Bay Area
Apr 25, 2014 - 03:58pm PT
Too bad the Transit van can't break 10 minutes on the Nurnburg Ring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiC03_wVjc

Ski mobile?
It's got FWD. Put good winter tires on it and carry chains.
Neat van, good to see they're finally bringing it to the states. I might even be a customer.
Flip Flop

Trad climber
Truckee, CA
Apr 25, 2014 - 04:04pm PT
I can help.
COT

climber
Door Number 3
Apr 25, 2014 - 05:50pm PT
We love our Nissan. Here is a video, I have shared before, about our conversion
https://vimeo.com/79569858
i'm gumby dammit

Sport climber
da ow
Apr 25, 2014 - 06:14pm PT
I'm in the process of helping my GF covert a sprinter van. It's got 14' of livable space in the rear compartment and you can stand up and still gets close to 20mpg (diesel). Look out for the BumbleBeast coming to a crag near you.
labrat

Trad climber
Auburn, CA
Apr 25, 2014 - 06:21pm PT
I've seen the video of the Nissan before. It looks fantastic! How tall is the open meal area? How much did it cost for the van and materials? How many hours of work?
WBraun

climber
Apr 25, 2014 - 07:15pm PT
Dave (COT)

You're a pro.

I can tell.

Very nicely done videos.

All videos should be like this .......
COT

climber
Door Number 3
Apr 25, 2014 - 08:22pm PT
Thanks All for the kind words about the van my video(s)!

After insulating the floor and ceiling the Nissan has about 6'1" of interior height.

I have all the receipts for the conversion, but have been afraid to add them up :) Big ticket items were the two side windows $800, solar panels/batteries/etc $2300 (only part of the conversion I didn't do), dc fridge $750. I bet it was close to $10,000 total

If I added up all the hours I spent it would be between 100-200! That doesn't count all the trips back and forth to home depot buying, returning, exchanging.

We bought the van in Vegas and I insulated it and put in the bed/couch then we moved out of our rental and hit the road. I am by no means a master craftsmen. I built it with hand power tools, drill, circular saw, and jig saw in several friends driveways over the course of the next year a little bit at a time.

I think people get intimidated by not having a "full shop" or tons of previous experience to do a conversion. It's really just like climbing, you just need to be psyched, have some time to do it right and deal with the mistakes you are probably going to make and in the end it will be awesome!
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