The bug has bit, '08' Quigly, Let the games begin!!!!!!

[SWbySWesty]

Nice van and work!

[poriggity]

Very nice work on that top! Van is looking great!

[kingkong414]

Damn that thing looks great. I cant believe you found such a badass helper. Thats pretty amazing that he muscled that top up there with just one working arm. I really think you should take him out for steaks and lobster and whiskey and strippers to properly show your appreciation.

[Hoosier Daddy]

And thus, the helper is identified....

I should probably go too, you know ... in case he needs to tip two ladies at the same time, but can't because of the bum arm and all, just sayin'.

[kingkong414]

Sounds like a plan....Jason....aka Latetobrake....is buyin....

[Latetobrake]

Its hot here in Big D, but I have been getting some work done. Finally scored some hoops from craigslist, 2 bills and they were off to get powder coated

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Next was to get the top finished off, I just wound up using #8 bolts and running them thru the old roof sheet metal, when I took the topper off they had used screws, but for an extra $10, this thing is secure. I cut plywood strips and placed them in between the topper and the roof flange, this seemed to work well with the fitting of the top. I used about 4 tubes of polyurithane sealant to finish the job.

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I also installed the aluminum door cable ends, to say that it was a pain is an understatement. I know I will have to get behind a long line of people to meet the Ford guy who designed them but to give him a swift kick in the juevos is only fair considering the aggravation I had to deal with. On the other hand, the guy milling 10 cents worth of aluminum stock and selling them at $20 a pair is making a killing, God Bless America!!! Anyways, this gave me a good opportunity to get to know my doors so I filled them full of foam. On a side note, Home Depot was having a sale on great stuff and although I have seen a post that a guy used it to insulate his van and the walls popped off, I wasnt buying it. So I just started filling all the gaps that I could. I even drilled a couple small holes around the window frame and shot it in there. I dont know if it will help kill that much road noise, but you really can tell a difference with the sound of the doors shutting.

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I used 2" strips of diamond plate as a trim all the way around, just riveted them on and the exterior is almost complete. I now know what they mean by shade tree mechanic

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Since it has been in the 100's lately, it was time to get the a/c squared away. I got an 8k btu stand alone unit after deciding not to mount a window unit in the back. It runs off my cheap 2k watt genny so the Yamaha 2400ishc of my dreams will go on hold till this one dies. I vented it out the back door and just put a simple grate over the hole untill I find another one I like. I hard mounted the exhaust adapter and all I have to do is attatch the hose when Im ready to use it.

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Hast Luego

[Latetobrake]

Thx for the compliments and I am really diggin the other builds going on right now. To answer the pm's about the a/c, it is a Soleus, bought from lowes. It has a 3 speed fan and can really push some air, I will say that it works good, just dont put anything over the exhaust. Even the plastic grate put over the exhaust hole caused it to over heat and cut off. I pulled it off and it works fine again. Guess I will just buy a cover for the outside and go that route.

[LukeD]

I just picked up these seats off craigslist for $80 and will install tomorrow.
Attachment 90806

Any info on these seats? What did they come out of, direct bolt in? I am trying to find suitable replacements for my 03, Loving the build!

[bknudtsen]

Nice work! The only concern that I have is the reflectivity of the diamond plate on the rear of the topper. That stuff could be blinding for drivers behind you, which could lead to unwanted attention from the fuzz. Call it a professional hunch...

[Latetobrake]

LukeD, The seats are out of a Tahoe as best as I can tell. I had to drill the 2 front holes in the ford seat frame but they bolted right up, only about 3/4" difference. I just did a search on craigslist under "auto parts"...........Bknudtsen, good point on the reflectivity of the back. I have plans for that area but havent gotton around to it, if all else fails I will pull all the diamond plate and powder coat it. I am hoping that the goodies I have in store will adequately cut down any glare.....Lol