This is the first one I have seen that covered the mechanical nightmares one can encounter while renovating these older class B units. Most only show the cosmetic upgrades. I did a 1988 Fiesta high top on a Dodge chassis. It has the carbureted 360 engine which is a little easier to do emergency repairs on the road than the late magnum engines with FI. One thing that could ruin a trip is that little bypass hose at the front of the intake manifold. I have had a 2000 dodge van, 3.9 V-6 magnum style, & my son has a 96 W/ 5.9 magnum. On both of those we installed a high quality silicon hose. Changing that on the road could be a challenge. Good idea installing the plenum plate, they work. On the fan shroud: sometimes it is easier to remove it from the bottom. That doesn't apply to all vans but it works on some that have a 2 piece shroud. An aluminum replacement radiator works better than the original brass unit, better heat transfer. If you should have to change a serpentine belt, tensioner, water pump, or alternator on the road with that magnum engine you would be in for a real trial. I replaced my rear springs with a set off of a heavy duty van that came out of a salvage yard, they had 3 more leafs than my factory ones. The van sits level now. A question if you don't mind me asking. Did the rear sway bar help much, especially in cross winds? My Fiesta is a beast in crosswinds, 100 miles & I'm worn out. We made a rt 66 trip from Oklahoma to California this last spring and going across western Ok, Texas panhandle, New Mexico & part of Arizona was a test of my driving skills. So bad that we drove way north & returned through Colorado & Kansas. Constant 40 to 50 mph cross winds, very bad. The 318 is a very reliable engine and you are probably running 3.91 or a 4.10 rear axle if you have the 4 speed 46RH or RE trans. Why change the steering gear? Those Chrysler steering units that they use in their trucks & vans are rock solid reliable, very tough. What was the advantage in that? Good video, I would like to locate a decent Roadtrek to redo but everyone wants a bunch of cash for them, even the rough ones. Thanks for the trouble putting this together. Nice interior work.
I will have to do a video on my mods. As a preview I bought a 1996 190 versatile with 33,000 original miles in 2014, she now has 61,000 miles. Replaced AC, replaced hot water tank, replaced water pump, added 200 watt flexible solar, added 3000w sine wave inverter, added shore power multi battery charge controller to replace battery isolator. Replaced all shocks and steering components added a ride rite suspension system. Replaced ac unit, new one works with inverter for about an hour. Have 100aH LiPO4. Replaced fan with max fan. Redid all screens, even resewed in the latch zippers. Replaced all custom shades with blackout. Multiple plumbing replacements. Stereo replacement. Rear view mirror upgrade with navigation. Lots of storage and trinket upgrades. I use the shower….
Thanks for the video, very interesting. I am attempting something very similar replacing AGM with Lithium on a 2019 Bay Star. I am looking for some more information on the jumper wire you removed. Is that all you had to do to stop the alternator from changing the house (now lithium) batteries? Did you have to do any other changed to the BIRD or just that jumper. With the jumper removed do you still have all the other functions to house batteries (generator charging etc.)? Any help appreciated. Grant
Hey there, if I can remember, I took that jumper bar out and it solved that charging from the stock alt. I cannot remember 100% though, you can pull the bar and put it back if it doesn't do what you want. I remember the Baystar manual being less than helpful. Good luck!
I'm so jealous! If I had the skills to do everything you've been able to do, I would have been able to keep my old girl, (96190V). Unfortunately I had to sell her instead😢
Yes I am fortunate to have the skills and if you aren’t using these vans on the reg they just develop issues, so I often fix them up and then sell them. Good thing is there many more out there!
Yes, it was noticeably unsteady on the highway, especially when haulers drove past. The sway bar + steering gear + Bilstein HD struts helped alot. The sway bar required custom welding due to the plumbing drains and yes I had a shop do the steering box install (I had a van rental coming up so I needed it done fast)
The best Sprinter have a bathroom and shower at the back side of the Van and a lift up bed on the front side of the van. Check out the best van build by Nicole and Edden. Cheers.
Cool vídeo, how long ago did you seal the sky lights windows? I need to do the same with my 95D190V. If you don’t mind me asking why made you go with the sikaflex 221?
I sealed them after replacing the rubber seals on those upper windows. They shrank again after about a year and started leaking so I just pulled them out and put in a bead of the Sika. I've used the Sika 221 on my van builds for years and its never let me down. The windows are well sealed but you'll never be able to separate them from the frames! Another way to go would be to use the 3M marine silicone. Traditional silicone would work too but may not have the longevity.
