Hey gang,





Well that new photo uploader makes things easy. just posting an update to my E250 van that i have been working on for the last month to get up to speed and just worked hard to get inspected. Had airbag lights on(bad fuses and whacky wiring) and check engine(low temp sensor code so i replaced thermo/upper rad hose/diy flush etc). did bunch of body work too to get rid of holes and sharp edges etc. still plenty of rust underneath and creeping. put sheet metal over floorboard and cab mounts etc. replaced air filter and did oil change,. cleaned out rear diff speed sensor. still have a code for front wheel sensor though PO said he replaced..air in line?
did interior build out complete with bed and storage options. currently live in this 5 days a week as a guide and trail builder and part time sawyer and bang some nails too etc.
next up..please advise if you think anything is whacky, any suggestions are gladly welcomed, (i am coming from a Dodge Sprinter and 2 dodge vans prior so ford rookie though my girl has a transit that we have put 160k on and driven from east to west coast and lived and worked out of for 3 months last year)

-get brakes figured out? sensor dirty. bad wires, air in line?
-chassis saver app underneath, this thing is rusty so might do it for state of mind
-trans and diff drain/service
-spark plug remove and replace
-replace shocks..rotted out will do KYB cuz on budget and this thing will rot out before Billsteins
-interior work-Luan panels, memory foam matt etc





barebones











This is after phase 1 build out. next up, luan paneling, memory foam and few other things

 

The only solution I have found is to keep everything portable. A 4x8 sheet of plywood that fits in any Truck bed or Van with 2-2.5 foot high sides with a (any size) removable multi hinged top for a mattress foundation. It's just tall enough to hold 20lbs Propane tanks, Water tank, Battery bank, Stove, Buddy Heater, etc. It could slide from one Van to another or even be set off on stands and covered up. Add a 12v line and a portable Solar Panel setup and your done.............

 

You got it man! that is what i have for bed and then the storage underneath..everything on this build is modular..it can and will go to later vans down the road..maybe a big Transit..i can dream!

cheers

 

I have a good bit of experience with the floor rust you show around the dog house............

That's caused by the OEM mat padding absorbing moisture in the form of humidity----our bare uninsulated vans sweat, the moisture accumulating in that padding. It seems that material easily absorbs the moisture but never leaves, the result being the inside floor pan is constantly wet which leads to the rust.

I purchased an '03 cargo-only E250, upon first inspection the rear mat was thoroughly soaked, early signs of surface rust over most of the rear area. Flipped the mat over to dry but a week later it was still about half soaked. Another two days laying in direct sunlight finally had it completely dry but it was never returned to use---its still laying rolled up on my protected front porch.

Removing the seats and front mat found a similar situation---time for POR-15 treatment of the entire floor pan. After proper application a foil-backed radiant barrier insulation was glued in place up front, the by now dried front OEM mat re-installed. The rear area received a bare 3/4" plywood floor with heavy duty commercial great carpet over that.

Long story short don't use anything absorbent under the OEM mats OR completely treat/protect the existing floor with something to at least slow the rust process down. I have before/after photos of my own van if interested. If you already have the new flooring in place.............never mind!

 

absolutely right, i tore it all out and replaced with a different kind of vapor barrier etc foam and plywood combo, thank you so much for the feedback!

 

A few cans of Rustoleum brushed on will help slow down the rust underneath, I did mine before it rusted 2yrs ago and it still looks good (gloss black).........

 

yeah i have burned thru some paint under neath for sure..might do the chassis saver too. anyone use that before? heard good stuff mostly..