Sprinter build thread

[Paul_E_D]

This is where I'm headed.

Behind the driver's seal will be a vertical closet with removable shelves. THe bottom on will protrude out to be a desk, and the top one will be recessed to store helmets while using teh closet to hang leathers, etc. Three board rack over the bed.

[Falko]

My parents had a Sprinter based RV for a couple years. It was pretty nice, but over done. With ALL the schtuff in it, the power was really lacking. Still got decent mileage, 23 or so. The main issue I had with theirs was the shower stall/bathroom was directly behind the driver's seat and pushed so far forward the seat could not lean back. Like driving a church pew. It was an awesome weekender though.

[Paul_E_D]

This is NOT an RV in that way. It's a minimal conversion. Very simple, no bathroom. That's just silly in a small van like this IMO. It does have a water tank in back with a sink and a shower you can hang out the back door.

Here's the elevation from the rear door view of my plan. Bed, board rack, closet/desk combo. And I have already ID'd that problem you mentioned about the driver's seat, so the side of my closet will be cut away enough to adjust the seat.

[TheIglu]

Shower sex will be a bit cold.... and awkward for your neighbors.

[loki32687]

Especially if it's just you.

[TheIglu]

Especially if it's just you.

There's another type?

[snwbrdr435]

Paul if your going to throw a propane tank on that thing grab a propex heater.

[Paul_E_D]

Not thinking about propane. Keeping it simple

[Mr. Kurtz]

This looks like it's gonna be an awesome project. I'm jealous.

[Paul_E_D]

Tonight's work, I picked up some 3/4 in plywood with maple veneer at Home Depot, and had them cut it to the dimensions I need for the bed extension.

I have two options here. I can make it a drop leaf with legs that swing down when deployed, or I can use it as a back to make a couch out of the current bed.

I'm leaning toward the couch model...



Obviously, I need to either make another cushion, or go with a futon mattress. I stil may need one hinged leg under this thing. I will add a rail to the bedframe, but the cabinets on the other side onlt have 2 spots where I can add supports for the bed, and they are both near the middle.

[breakdirt916]

25mpg!??!

that's better than a V6 toyota!!

[Paul_E_D]

It's better than almost any truck on the american market. It's criminal that we aren't driving turbo diesel's in this country. No smoke or smell either. Can't say enough about the motor.

[nhbubba]

25MPG is pretty good for a Subaru Legacy.. with a fraction of the payload or capacity.

How's it parking that little skyscraper? You say it is 118" wb? So it must be no big deal 'round town.

[Paul_E_D]

So far it seems more nimble than my station wagon. visibility is phenomenal and the fishbowl windows mean I don't HAVE to use side view mirrors for parking and backing up.

For all it's advantages, it is still a work vehicle, and feels like one. the body panels boom over bumps. The suspension hits pretty harshly compared to a car, and as you say, it's a skyscraper! I'm having a hard time getting estimates to paint, because it won't fit in most booths.

[nhbubba]

Ha.. Such problems. I read a lot of guys back those panels with sound deadening or peal 'n seal. May be worthy if you are pulling things in and out right now.

[snwbrdr435]

Put some FatMatt or other sound deading type materials in there! Bonus is it will be insulation too

[Paul_E_D]

I would have to disassemble the whole van to do that. I'm not quite going there. It's enough work to get it set up the way I want without redoing the whole thing!

[Kurlon]

So instead of getting it repainted, have it rhinolined. That'll act as external sound damping.

And it'll look boss with some fat knobbily tires.

[Paul_E_D]

I might rhinoline the lower part of the sides, but not the whole thing!

[snwbrdr435]

Oh rhinoliner..... the previous owner of my westy's one of many incompetent "mods" was rhino lining the dash.... that has since been removed and replaced with a new dash.

Monstaliner would be what I would use. Less texture then rhinoliner.

[Paul_E_D]

How's your van been? Are you restoring it?

[OneCheekRider]

Awesome! Add me to the jealousy list!

I highly recommend getting a Green Diesel Engineering (GDE) Tune. The guys that own GDE came directly from Chrysler and know these CRD/CDI motors inside and out. Aside from power gains, and HUGE MPG gains, I'd say one of the biggest gains is that it effectively eliminates the EGR which will cut down (or virtually eliminate) soot and greatly enhance engine longevity (primarily the rockers).

Yes, it's a little pricey but will pay for itself in MPG in no time (if you drive a lot). Will also save you down the road in repairs and greatly improve its drive-ability. I have a GDE tune on my CRD Jeep. It is worth every penny! Oh, and Keith at GDE offers excellent advice on anything CRD/CDI whether you buy a tune or not. I don't work for them, but I am definitely a happy customer.

http://www.greendieselengineering.co...+Tune&model=++

[Paul_E_D]

I've been sniffing around Keith's threads. The thing is, this thing might already have the tune. The motor is so ballsy and most people complain that they are a little flat. I'm going to call him at some point and see what he thinks.

[OneCheekRider]

He can run the VIN to see if it has the tune.

[Paul_E_D]

Shower sex will be a bit cold.... and awkward for your neighbors.

Cold, yes, awkward, I disagree