VintAGE-Vans

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BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


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Gothboy
Space Truckin
NoBiggie
wideload
dodge man
BILLS66
dix
southern man
12 posters

    Update on my progress

    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

    Update on my progress Empty Update on my progress

    Post by southern man Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:46 am

    I haven't posted pictures in awhile and thought you guys would like to see where I am. (I realized after I posted these that they are actually in reverse order of my progress, but I'm sure everyone can figure that out!)

    This was originally a Coca cola delivery truck and the cargo area had a 4' X 8' piece of diamond plate welded to the floor. PO also covered the whole floor (and doghouse) with spray on bedliner (mercifully it was a VERY good tape job, because it would have been a real pain if I had to remove overspray from the entry points). As such I had to build up the floor around the edges so the final layer would be perfectly flat for the hardwood.

    Roof vent is from an RV supplier, with reversible multi-speed fan. PO fortunately cut the hole right where I would have wanted it anyway, making this a simple replacement for the original vent (older style and the interior trim piece was missing). I was going to paint the interior white trim ring either yellow (to match the outside paint) or flat black, but once I mounted it I think it looks pretty good as it is. Something to do down the road if I want, but for now I'm leaving it. The fan has been real nice on some days when I've been working inside and need a little more ventilation.

    Lot's to do yet, but at least I have tunes now! The stereo sounds awesome! The subs under the bed area will rattle your teeth, in fact I have to dial back the settings on the stereo head or the bass can overpower everything. I may put some rigid foam insulation back there to see if I can "tune" it, but I'm not sure it will help me with some of the resonance (no rattles though!). After a LOT of thought I ended up mounting the regular speakers in the ceiling. Part of it was esthetics, but before I mounted them I wired everything up and moved the speakers all around to see where they sounded the best. A couple of spots had to be abandoned because of depth issues (like in the back doors) but I'm real happy with how it all turned out.

    The seats are from a '90 Miata. I was going to recover them with a leather kit but frankly I tried painting them with upholstery paint and they came out great, so for now I'm leaving them as-is. (They were faded but otherwise in excellent condition.) These are very comfortable seats and fit well.

    Fred Carello fixed me up with the carpet set for the front floor, wheel well arches and front fascia. PERFECT fit! Dash skirt was a copy someone here referred me to, and it came out very nice. Really makes a difference in how the dash looks.

    I also rewired the whole thing with a Ron Francis kit. Pricy, but for an electrical first timer like me (other than stereos and household stuff) it made the whole job a breeze. I was intimidated at first, but just taking it step by step, with one wire at a time, it was pretty easy. And it's comforting for me to know EVERY inch of that wire, and where to go if something starts causing problems. Frankly this was one of the more rewarding aspects of this build. I learned a lot.

    I need to figure out a way to get more air into the carb. I plan on cutting some of the air cleaner horn off and running a hose down underneath, but haven't found suitable hose, or something that would collect air underneath. Like I said, much to to, much to do...


    Update on my progress Grill10

    Update on my progress Front_10

    Update on my progress Dash_w10

    Update on my progress Dash11

    Update on my progress Ceilii10

    Update on my progress Sub_wo10

    Update on my progress Floor_10

    Update on my progress Ceilin10

    Update on my progress Ceilin11

    Update on my progress Buildi10

    Update on my progress Fittin10

    Update on my progress Sub_fl10
    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

    Update on my progress Empty Re: Update on my progress

    Post by southern man Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:51 am

    Oops! Meant to post a picture of the engine compartment. (Also, the right side of my pics were cut off. The stereo head is mounted in the glove box, or what used to be the glove box.)

    Update on my progress Engine10
    dix
    dix
    Moderator 1st Class
    Moderator 1st Class


    Number of posts : 8726
    Location : pittsburgh pa
    Age : 66
    Registration date : 2008-05-29

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    Post by dix Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:58 am

    southern man every thing is looking great. just take your time and it will finish very nicely. what seats did you use..


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    BILLS66
    BILLS66


    Number of posts : 1383
    Location : Salem Or.
    Age : 63
    Registration date : 2008-05-17

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    Post by BILLS66 Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:00 am

    southern man,you have been very busy! Your van is looking great! nice job can't wait to see more pics as you go. Bill
    dodge man
    dodge man


    Number of posts : 2036
    Location : ohio
    Registration date : 2012-08-08

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    Post by dodge man Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:45 pm

    nice job, looke great, Cool
    wideload
    wideload
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    Number of posts : 1388
    Location : Kevil, Kentucky
    Age : 70
    Registration date : 2008-05-11

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    Post by wideload Sun Dec 02, 2012 1:03 pm

    Looks GREAT !!!!!!!

    Just for future reference when you post your pic's if you select the 640 px for websites the pic's won't be cut off. The option is in the scroll down menu for resizing image.

    NoBiggie
    NoBiggie


    Number of posts : 726
    Location : Naples, FL
    Registration date : 2012-09-26

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    Post by NoBiggie Sun Dec 02, 2012 1:05 pm

    Really nice!
    Space Truckin
    Space Truckin


    Number of posts : 1278
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    Age : 68
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    Post by Space Truckin Sun Dec 02, 2012 1:27 pm

    Looks very nice bounce bounce bounce , I commend you on the wiring job, I myself am intimidated by the whole rewire process. With your work it gives me a bit more confidence to tackle my wire issues (45yr old wire/connectors). Again cheers cheers cheers

    By the way what sound deadener did u use becool/dynamat?
    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

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    Post by southern man Sun Dec 02, 2012 2:19 pm

    The sound deadener is Fat Mat. Several members here have used it and while it might not be quite as effective as Dynamat it's about a third of the price. I put it in a couple of years ago, and if I remember correctly it came in a roll for about $150 (anybody please correct me if they know) and it was enough to do the whole van (well, most of it). I would have liked more across the nose and maybe the front floor, but otherwise it was enough. The van was MUCH quieter after I installed it, and since I'm using foam panel insulation behind every roof and wall panel I think it will suffice for my needs.

    The wiring was easier than I had thought. The biggest hurdle I had to get by was wrapping my head around the fact that it wasn't going to mimic the factory wiring. I was planning on leaving the old stuff in place while I put the new in, sort of as a safety net. But I realized real quick that it was just in the way. Once I took the plunge and ripped out all of the old harness it was like starting with a totally clean slate.


    One thing I did that I was really glad of. I spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted to route the main bulks of wires out from the new fuse box (I put it on a panel behind the speaker grill). Frankly some of my best, and neatest work, is all covered up now, but there shouldn't be any pinched wires, or a lot of excess hanging out anywhere. I also ran the taillights and power for the overhead lights and vent fan up through the drivers pillar, and all of the stereo stuff up through the passenger pillar to reduce (hopefully eliminate) unwanted static or noise. None of the stereo wires cross wires from the electrical system.

    Update on my progress Fusebo11
    All of the wires are labeled about every 12" as to what they are for, so it is very easy to keep track of what is what. (I'm sure other wiring kits do the same.)

    Update on my progress Dash_w12



    This picture was taken while I was doing my final clean up. I encased all of the wiring bundles (zip tied together where needed) in that plastic covering that you can buy in any auto parts store (and very cheaply at Home Depot!).
    Update on my progress New_wi11
    Gothboy
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    Number of posts : 714
    Location : So Cal Baby!
    Registration date : 2012-07-02

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    Post by Gothboy Sun Dec 02, 2012 4:20 pm

    Wow! That came out absolutely beautiful. Keep up the good work mang! Smile
    vanny
    vanny
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    Number of posts : 14775
    Location : Ashburnham, MA
    Age : 64
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    Post by vanny Sun Dec 02, 2012 7:16 pm

    Looks fantastic! I'm especially impressed with the dash skirt. Was this something purchased as is or did you have to create it from some kind of kit? I love the way it hides some of the underdash stuff and gives it a more polished look.
    Good stuff king Nice touch with the front grille as well. What did you use?


    Last edited by vanny on Sun Dec 02, 2012 7:21 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Forgot to mention the grille that I liked too.)
    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

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    Post by southern man Sun Dec 02, 2012 8:12 pm

    Falcon vans (passenger, higher trim level) had a fiberglass dash skirt, and they are a bit hard to find. I looked for a couple of years and lost out to a couple on e-bay. Then a guy on this forum (can't remember who he was) made a few from a mold of an original. Some said his had some issues, but mine fit just fine. I don't know if he made many of them, and perhaps now there are other sources. This was at least 2 years ago.

    The grill was from a company that Mike Cook (vanishing breed) turned me on to. Just give the guy your dimensions and what you want and he'll make it up for you. (Bars and tubes are his stock in trade.) Again, I can't remember who he was, but I may be able to dig up the name if you are really interested. Price was less than you might imagine, and he turned around my request in a couple of weeks.
    wylee
    wylee


    Number of posts : 917
    Location : middletown,ny
    Registration date : 2009-04-03

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    Post by wylee Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:54 pm

    very cool............................
    vanny
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    Post by vanny Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:54 am

    Thanks southern man, if you happen to come across the info, if you could post it for future reference, that would be great. Seeing as how I don't have my van yet, there is no rush at all. When I had my 66, I had found an old falcon and retrieved the dash skirt and a couple of doors off of it. Looking forward to seeing more pics as you complete your project.


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    EconoCarl
    EconoCarl


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    Location : Beaumont, TX
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    Post by EconoCarl Mon Dec 03, 2012 5:30 am

    It's all lookin' real good Southern Man.

    I haven't installed my dash skirt yet and I'm liking how you painted yours black. I might just have to steal that idea! Wink
    I've got the dash skirt guy's phone number somewhere. I will post it here later.
    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

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    Post by southern man Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:55 pm

    Guys, this stuff was recommended to me by my body shop friend, and I'm telling you it is FANTASTIC stuff!!! Kind of pricy at around $13/can, but well worth it. It goes on very well, and has just the right sheen. Not too flat and not too glossy. I've used it just about everywhere that I wanted a uniform appearance (not only the dash skirt but the steering column, steps into the van, , all of the seat brackets, etc., etc.).

    At first I didn't really believe him - is this stuff really that good? So I bought 4 other brands of flat black paint. I sprayed test spots on some of the walls (covered up by fat mat now) and nothing else even came close. I was sold, and never looked back.

    My original plan was to paint the dash skirt the same yellow as the rest of the van, but when I was test fitting it I realized it might look just as good - maybe better - black. Couldn't hurt to try, right? I'm very happy with how it turned out and I've abandoned my original plan.

    You almost can't screw up the way it dries. No orange peel or streaking, and I've never had more than a couple of runs. (And those were totally my fault. I simply wiped away the excess and re-sprayed.) I cannot recommend it highly enough. (My son told me he saw another big recommendation for this stuff on a BMW forum he frequents.)

    Update on my progress Sem_fl10
    dix
    dix
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    Number of posts : 8726
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    Post by dix Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:03 pm

    thanks for the tip...


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    Number of posts : 87
    Location : Morgan Hill Ca
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    Post by chicanoline Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:47 pm

    looks awesome all around. What are you doin for heat??
    Just curious.
    Nice little cream puff,
    Johnny
    southern man
    southern man


    Number of posts : 486
    Location : Columbia, South Carolina
    Registration date : 2008-05-21

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    Post by southern man Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:55 pm

    I left the heater box out! The core was bad (well, at least the control valve) and the fan didn't work.

    I don't really need it for most of the year here in the sunny south, and I preferred the cleaner looking floor. I had a '66 parts van with the heater mounted to the fascia, but it was too rusted out to salvage. If I ever add heat back to it that will likely be the path I take.
    vanny
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    Post by vanny Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:59 pm

    It's got that polished clean look. Very nice!!! It went from a Coca-Cola van to a Mellow-Yellow van Very Happy Rolling Eyes cheers


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    BILLS66
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    Post by BILLS66 Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:10 pm

    I have just got to say ( again ) after looking many times again wow your interior is looking great . Bill

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