I removed anything that was really bad, and sprayed what was left or couldn't be removed with VHT rust converter. I'm hoping that this body last about 8 years ideally. By that time the van will be over 20 years old, and I'll be ready for an upgrade. Even if I have to do some small repairs for the last few years to keep it inspectable, I'll be satisfied.

 

Truly a big transformation!
Thats a lot of hard work!

 

I myself used POR-15's system for my relatively small rust issues, those caused almost exclusively by the OEM rear cargo mat saturated by humidity. I'm not familiar with VHT's products for that use but once converted and properly protected your aim of 8 more years should be obtainable.

 

Good work! I'm hoping to drive down to my brothers place in the southwest where I can continue building mine during the winter months where it is considerably warmer

 

I am definitely watching your build! I want a high top like yours very much! For heat I've found a very small air tight wood stove which will also take care of moisture issues.

JWA I'd very much like the links you have mentioned.

 

Which one is it? I'm almost tempted to consider the Kimberly one

 

Which links are those please?

 

I couldn't afford the Kimberly in my wildest dreams but I'm not a fan of the modern look anyway. This is still modern but looks like a woodstove and much more affordable:

Cubic Mini Wood Stoves - Mini wood stoves

I also like it(tiny woodstoves in general) because if I can't find dry firewood I can always stop at the local hardware store and pick up a pressed log or 3.

I was trying to find the link of a guy that had a woodstove in his E150 extended but I haven't a clue where that is now. Anyway he removed the little rear most window on the drivers side and welded a patch from a wheelbarrow(additional note below) over that window hole then cut the proper size hole for the stove pipe. He had also made a spring loaded cap with a seal so when he had to travel he popped off the pipe and snapped the cover in place. It was genius. Keep in mind you won't be able to travel while a fire is burning in the stove so I'm going to keep a metal bucket with a secure fitting lid in case I need to shovel out burning coals to dump water on them. Also keep in mind that there is no separate air intake. Some people have drilled a hole in their stoves(not the one I linked but others) to pipe one to outside air. I've contacted the company asking if they will create stoves with them in the future but haven't heard back yet. I'm going to have a hole drilled in one if they don't make them by the time I want to buy one. If you can pop open the window in the closest rear door to the stove it won't be an issue. I'm assuming it will get plenty warm in there.

I'm sorry, I mixed up threads in my reading. In post #5 you brought up sending a link and I assumed it was links for the van to camper conversions you had mentioned in other threads.

A side note for anyone needing metal for body patches or if you come up short: if you find you need some and don't want to spend a gajillion dollars to buy a sheet or can't wait for shipping head to your local hardware store and buy a metal wheelbarrow.

 

Or snag a street sign.

 

I remember seeing that video not too long ago in my YouTube list I think. I'm not a big fan of the Kimberly either, but I hadn't seen that Cubic Mini one before and I like it much more. I'm thinking of making a mini horizontal rocket stove for mine that I can use as a cooking surface too if I want to.

 

PM sent, check your Inbox!

 

I'd love to use wood heat! My maine problems with it though are that it isn't exactly stealthy to have a stovepipe, (this van isn't going to be completely stealth but I don't want a stove pipe puffing smoke if I'm in a more urban area) and it takes a lot of space. From a woodbox you have to have certain clearances from all sides, including the back, where my propane heater will be able to be flat mounted on a wall. Besides that the fuel also takes up a lot of space haha.

I have heard of people using a woodstove in a van effectively, and it is definitely sweet. I never even thought about it helping with the moisture issues.

 

If I saw a van with smoke coming out of it, I'd call 911!

 

It's people like you that saved my as s once lol it wasn't on fire but it had overheated and dumped coolant on the highway and someone thought it was on fire. Funny thing was I saw the FD on the other side of the highway lights and sirens a blarin and I thought to myself, "wow, someone's having a worse day than me" and then they showed up behind me lol at least they gave me a ride home!