Vandetta

[Toolman]

The Mojave Road rejuvenated my love for the van. After the trip the van was pulling to the right when I hit the brakes which lead me to believe I had a problem with the drivers side caliper. I pulled it apart and I found that a rock had a party with the piston and destroyed the caliper. I changed it out and everything is back to normal, for about a day.

I ordered the cross over steering kit from UJOR, installed it this past Saturday. THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST UPGRADE I HAVE MADE TO VANDETTA YET. I can't believe what a simple geometry change in the steering can do for the overall ride of the van. I got it aligned yesterday and found myself just driving around looking for the worst streets to test it out on. I can't wait to get this back in the dirt. If you have a UJOR kit on your van I highly recommend the cross over steering kit. I can't find the words to articulate how much better it drives and rides. I took some pictures of the knuckle replacement but they didn't come out right, there was a lot of glare for some reason. I will snap some more pics and upload later on. Here are a couple that kinda came out.

Before



During


After

[scoutkid]

ugh.... now i have to spend MORE $$!!

[Toolman]

ugh.... now i have to spend MORE $$!!

It's worth every penny. You will enjoy driving you van even more than you do now.

[SoCalChaos]

Nice! Chris recommended I add those to my kit as well. I've got nearly all the parts ready for my build [initial lift] just waiting on rear gearing to complete the rear axle refurb then it's build time. Hoping by this weekend it'll be up and running.... it's been one long month waiting to get this first part done.

[Toolman]

It's very nice. Take your time, enjoy the transformation and say good by to living the life of obscurity. The minute you raise that monster people will notice you EVERY WHERE YOU GO !

[Toolman]

update.

We've been using the van for weekend get aways and we are loving it. Since the steering upgrade and the multiple uses I have been inspired to work on the van again, so his weekend was upgrade time.

About 2 years ago my Dad gave me a 12v pump, tank, sink, and mini 12v tankless water heater assembled nicely in a stand alone unit. Until last weekend it was wasting away outside my house, in fact it almost went into the trash can several times. I took it apart cleaned it up tested all the components and they all work. I had a bigger tank laying around 12x12x20 (12 gallons I think) I fabbed up a skid plate for the tank mounted the pump and heater wired and plummed it all in and now I have hot water on demand out the side barn doors, and out the rear bumper cold water only. I connected the heater to only be used at the side door for washing hands and dishes. I have plans for the rear door later connection later. After a few trip's to the hardware store's and I had it going, and much better knowledge of the sizes of fittings and their uses.

I searched all over the web for the mfg of the h2o heater but came up with nothing. I'm looking into remaking one, it seems like it's all parts from NAPA. It's enough water to wash your hands or a cup of soup of coffee or nice warm wash cloth. It draws way to much current to be taking a shower with and there's no temp control. There is a safety so that if no water is running it won't turn on, haven't figured that part out yet.





It's really nice to not have to lug the scepter can anymore. I have a feeling I'll be selling a few very soon.
I'll get some more pics of the under carriage later.

[Toolman]

My Dad retired last year, so I have employed him to execute one of my designs. His wood working skills far exceed my expectations, he had some serious input in the design and has some really great ideas for this.

This will fit in the van on the cabinet I made and also be able to come out on go onto a table outside for use. It's modular design, and extra components allow the end user (Me) to arrange the drawers and shelves any way I choose.
We are still working on the face, it will drop down to create a cooking area / shelf. The bottom center section was designed to house a single burner butane stove to pull out for boiling water inside the van.
Chuckbox

[bknudtsen]

Nice design and execution! Can't wait to see it in the van.

[Toolman]

Thanks. I wanted my Dad to make it so that I wouldn't just trash it or sell it after a couple of years. This will go into any rig I have and when I'm done using it I'll give it to my Nephew(s) that way it stays in the family. Dad's putting the finishing touches on it in the next couple days and hopefully it will be in the van and ready to use in October.

Toolman's Design Lab is open for business.
I've been taking orders on my over head consoles and have delivered one to Chris for V4. I've had many messages regarding these, so I decided to go ahead and start offering them for you fine folks.
Send me a message and I can go over the details with you. I can tailor it to your specs and needs.

I'm also able to offer a wide variety of services including full conversions, 4x4 conversions, electronics installation, H2O and OBA systems, etc.. etc. You name I can install it for you at a reasonable rate. I'm confident that I can provide quality service and installation as I have been customizing RV's, big rigs, boats, cars and homes for about 25 years, for myself, friends, family and professionally. If I am unable to execute yours vision, I'm confident that my resources can help you achieve your goals.

For the DIY people, If there are specific materials I use on Vandetta or other builds that you would like to purchase I have everything readily available for you.

I'm in Torrance, California and I welcome the opportunity to serve you.

toolmansdesignlab@gmail.com

I'm currently working on a website.

[ujoint]

Love it, can't wait to start seeing more stuff from the "Lab".