California Shops for Minimal Customization?

[Sandi]

So, we've purchases a 2006 E-350 cargo van that we'll be doing some customization with.

Our main requirement is installation of a high bubbletop (Fiberine?) and insulation/reskinning of the interior. We will probably be adding a second battery, a rubber mat, and a shelf over the cab. So, nothing particularly complicated.

To that end, we've looked here in NorCal, and the one shop we've found is a little homespun in terms of aesthetics.

SMB West in Fresno seems crazy-expensive, although the quality looks good.

We've also looked at El Kapitan in SoCal, which seems preoccupied with full conversions and shipping them overseas.

Several other shops seem to want to sell you the fully outfitted van with pre-set packages.

Help??!! Surely there are some van conversion shops in NorCal with good quality interiors, who don't insist on an entire $50K outfitting package!? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance...

Sandi

 

[Terrainist]

As far as the quality interior you mention, might check the CL adds, see if anyone is advertising their skills - cabinet maker, etc. Saw an add here in my area, guy advertising his recreational vehicle building and maintaining prowess. And/or run an add yourself, saying your looking for someone to do.... Lots of people looking for work, side jobs. There's a chance you could hook up with someone that way. I'm not aware of any shops in your area, maybe someone else is.

Could also pull someone aside at a shop and ask them if they would be interested in doing any work on the side. Don't pay anyone in advance, be careful about the money, materials.

 

[nwoods]

Though the focus on Land Rovers and such, these guys have a great rep and are always up for unique challenges. They own and operate the www.lrrforums.com as well:

http://www.cerronesons.com/

 

[Fish]

What about Sportsmobile in Fresno?

 

[redthies]

Yo Fish!:sombrero:

SMB West in Fresno seems crazy-expensive, although the quality looks good.

Sandi

 

[elysium]

Several other shops seem to want to sell you the fully outfitted van with pre-set packages.

Sandi

I've never done business with these guys, but were any of them on the list of folks you've contacted? They seem to be some of the norcal van converters.

http://www.happyvans.com/index.htm

http://www.personalizedvans.com/

http://www.classicvans.com/

 

[Fish]

Yo Fish!:sombrero:

Um, is "duh" an acceptable response?

 

[redthies]

Um, is "duh" an acceptable response?

Sure!

 

[Sandi]

I've never done business with these guys, but were any of them on the list of folks you've contacted? They seem to be some of the norcal van converters.

http://www.happyvans.com/index.htm

http://www.personalizedvans.com/

http://www.classicvans.com/

Elysium, all three of these shops are on our list. We've been to one so far, and hope to see the other two within the next 7-10 days.

Thanks.

Sandi