I tried the left A pillar gauge pods and found them too distracting--decided the overhead would be better since I'd be running them in conjunction with the factory cluster read outs. Mostly need/want oil pressure because the factory sender is just an on/off switch, doesn't really indicate anything more than pressure above 7-8 psi I believe. Best case scenario for me would be a whole dash full of Auto Meter GS series gauges instead of the factory cluster.

Audio wise I'm looking to upgrade that again myself---might go a bit more exotic this time around. I'd like to find a truly high performance radio that has an auxilliary input for my iPod-like device and of course ports to feed an outboard power amp with sub woofer too. Currently have AM/FM/CD player, HD Radio converter and 12 Disc CD changer, all Sony brand. Since I've learned to load my MP3 player eliminating all the mechanical playback devices won't be an inconvenience at all.

Henry having once owned a body shop we dreaded seeing any conversion van with custom graphics---almost always impossible to match colors and sometimes the style too without photos anyway. Things are a little better today but it can't be any less frustrating seeing an obvious mismatch in paintwork.

 

As those early '80's vans had plastic dashes I just pulled the dash panel and zip zip with a hole saw and installed Auto Meter 2" wide sweep mechanical gauges. I just don't trust idiot lights/guages (electrical)
Part of the reason for the dual battery setup in "The Oven" was to power the dual amplifier to support the 8 speaker output.
In both my van and my Jeep I had such a backlog of analog audio that I went with AM/FM Cassette Pioneer units, and, what with the mp3 revolution, I'm using a turncast radio for all of my digital format audio. With Pioneer's Supertuner I do have to dumb down the signal using the "Local 4" position when I'm in high radio traffic areas but otherwise it works well.

 

I'd love to see a photo of your refitted dash Turbo! Got anything handy?

 

I too found the A pillar gauges distracting. The same for overhead ones. At night you kinda get blinded from street lights, at day from sunlight. I ended up redoing my overhead console (conversion van) and integrated Conversion buttons, 3 or 4 gauges, some other things (such as the aux power controls, mic, etc). I added a windshield visor outside to help with vision. Again, the bicycle tire ended up being my best friend -- metal clips holding the windshield-long console started to squeek and using ruber (cut from bicycle tires) to separate metal from metal ended up being the savior.

I agree another instrument cluster, incorporating more gauges is dreamy. I am also looking into aftermarket gauge clusters (like 3-4 gauges into one smaller housing).

In terms of Head-units: as long as the OEM amp (located at passenger's kickpanel) is bypassed there are many choices. Oh yes, more on the overhead console -- I also installed a Video Selector, which switched various types of Audio/video inputs, such as Ipod, TV, Satellite Radio, etc which could be played through the Head Unit. Ironically the most used device was actually the microphones/intercoms I incorporated, which allowed the driver (me) and family in the back seat to communicate. Before driving into an area, I read up on the area. I am not a history bluff, but learning about people and history of the area -- I find very interesting. When we approach / get there I would start the mic and give people a little tour by mic. Wife and kids love it.

Another way I tried is through speech-recognition software. This is software you use to read outloud, for example Wikipedia articles. Since we are in the discussion of dreams/fantasy, a nice feature would be to mash-up Wikipedia or other online articles with GPS. I think there a couple of add-ons on Google Maps app.

Let's say you are driving on I-395 (Eastern Connecticut) and you pass by Danielson, CT. You can set up this application (program) to detect "uh, I just entered the Danielson area, let's read the Wikipedia article on Danielson, CT" and gives you the highlights. I started doing this with my Verizon-wireless Internet enabled laptop and it is fascinating what things you can learn about places that you drive-by all the time, but never knew the facts. I have yet to find an elegant way to do this, so yes, it is another dream.

 

The wiring for the radio gear, new radar jammer and GPS is still in a state of flux, havent gotten around to sending it through the headliner, but here are the gauges;

 

Wow Henry--your audio/video systems sound more like an AWACS plane!

I have considered adding a rearward facing camera once I've upgraded to an E350 extended body van--that might be helpful. Since I'm not big on traveling GPS is of no interest but OMG what a nice toy/device some of those are.

Gauge-wise look at the offerings from Auto Meter for a nice add on two or three gauge pod. I've already purchased and painted one, just waiting to spring the money for their GS series of gauges----uber pricey they are! What I like about that series is the green OEM-like backlighting and white legend on a black face. This might soften the distraction of different colored gauges and lighting---being overhead for me and running in conjunction with cluster "gauges" I'll have a second, more accurate indication of operation.

Along with OEM-like appearance the GS series are full sweep electrical gauges although there are short sweep and mechanical types available in that series----a bit less expensive. I'll add oil pressure, coolant temperature and probably amp gauges. Although I could economize or perhaps use the Glow Shift brand I like Auto Meter's quality and designs. This would essentially be a one time purchase anyway so that's a convenient "reason" (excuse) to get what I want, not what I need!

My '00 E250 couldn't utilize the great use of space for additional gauges on the 91's and lower---the cluster seems to interact with the ECM at least as far as transmission shifting goes. I'm sure somewhere there are custom cluster creators but that's not of interest at this time.

Apart from occasional seat removal for engine servicing there is more than enough room for an external stereo amp and sub woofer. I won't add additional speakers apart from the door mounted but might pay closer attention to the area just behind them. I'm certain there is a way to easily enclose the speakers more in line with better acoustics. Its getting more difficult to find a nice "high end" radio/head unit without all the video capability---maybe Crutchfield is concentrating more on them? Looking for Blaupunkt, Alpine etc etc the video part seems to be all the latest rage-----not what I need or want in that area at all. Looking at the audio/video fourm here seems more about the factory integrated systems more than aftermarket----additional research is definitely needed in this area.

And so it goes on and on..................

 

On rearview camera: I played around with a few points to mount the display. I personally liked the ones that go over the rearview mirror. I ended up with a 7" (diagonal) display.

Mounting of the camera: first I mounted it above the center-high brake like, but the light was somewhat blinding the camera, so I ended up putting it below the light. On low-tops like yours, it might be more problematic since there does not seem to be enough space under the center-high brake light.

I found the rearview camera extremely helpful, especially for parking in the city; many times I keep bicycles in the rear.

Although integrating many functions into 1 single device saves space and is elegant, when the device breaks down, it causes worse problems.

 

On my CJ 'Black Betty' I did go with Auto Meter gauges,



but when I saw how much they wanted for the pod extensions I just went out and got a foot of 2" black pvc pipe, calculated the angle and using my trusty miter saw cut the three extensions to allow clearance for the wiring and other behind the dash panel, polishing the surface of the black pvc yielded a nice dull shine, additionally I used my Dremel tool to bevel the ends to give a more factory look.

 

Dang Dave. You almost have the twin of my van. Green 'n all. I don't have a pix of the outside but here gives you an idea of the 11-12' of interior space.





...and I had to add cameras so I could see out the right side and to the rear.

 

Funny - I don't have much trouble sighting those lines, but then again, I have windows.

I learned to drive in a '74 Dodge church van. I came home from school one day and discovered that Dad had taped newspaper on the inside of all the windows so I couldn't use them. We then took a drive up to a small picnic area where I learned how to back up using only my mirrors. It was made even more challenging by a nice layer of slush & mud. Devious old man...

 

Oh heck, I thought you had a cargo van( no windows).

The right side camera is for seeing traffic coming when making a LEFT turn. I pull a 10,000# boat/trailer (about the size of your trailer) so I have to make sure it'll be clear.

I looked for a year for an ambulance I could convert. Most of them were on the opposite coast. Then I lucked out on this diesel van. under 70,000 mi.

 

Isn't it funny what we start looking for and what we find?