Our VINTAGE CAMPER VAN (full tour + 10 reno ideas) | VANLIFE 

HELP US!! What do you think we should do with our remodel??

Do not use the toilet . add an outdoor shower water bag . Wallpaper can be heavier vinyl wall fabric or other furniture fabric . change the Shag carpet . watch You Tube videos how to recondition the van. check the Tires age even if the tread is good . fix motor oil leaks if there are any . a sound system not needed Use a phone and bluetooth speaker . dont waste time or $ . the propane tank looks rusty , get a separate camping small cook stove . time for a New water tank . Brighter LED lamps inside . Carbon monoxide detector ! Most important ! Do not over do the remodel in work or money or time , get on the road!

Love the couch/bed set-up, the whole van is actually beautifully done 😍

I'd suggest you contact the Travel Beans, a couple from the UK (on RU-vid as well ) They bought exactly the same mark and type retro RV, also just a week or so ago and are currently facing exactly the same challenges as you do. Couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the van you just bought.

I have basically the same camper. Mine is a 1991 Coachmen on a Ford chassis. Love mine but just haven't used it much. It's my third Motor Home. Good luck with yours.

I have the same sit-in step tub in my 84' Horizon camper van. I've used it for years. You sit while taking your shower. I'm 6' 3". And, it works just fine for me.

I’m having flashbacks to the early 90’s when it was my job after road trips to clean out that wooden cup holder in the front. It looks exactly the same. What a trip

Move the fire extinguisher add fold up table for drivers side desk and extra prep area

I have the same van but 1989.......check check check for water leaks around the windows. I had to remove all the RV style windows and re-install with new water proofing tape including have the top bunk front windows completely custom made. We gutted the interior and installed new stained wood panels for walls and ceiling etc... It was very hard to get larger sheets of wood and materials into the van for install so keep that in mind. I would completely re-do all the electrical breaker panel, charging system and water tank and pump etc... convert everything to 12volt so it can be ran off solar and battery... Its a lot of work but wellllll worth it. We love our van. These old steel beasts are tanks and if the frame and body are in good shape then they are worth overhauling... if you can afford the gas at around 8miles per gallon.....The engine upgrades that I would recommend are, new exhaust manifolds (ford used Iron metal and they crack under the heat). New larger radiator, new larger alternator to better charge batteries, secondary radiator fan on the front end of engine... basically don't run this machine hard and she will treat you well. best of luck.

Excited for the transformation and journey

This is a cute van, I am on the process of a full renovation on my 1971 Ford Econoline...!! so much fun!!

My suggestion for the upper bed area would be to completely eliminate the upper bed, and then turn the area directly above the driver area into a large Storage area. Make the Shower an outside shower by replacing the current shower hose with a longer one, and creating an outside shower between the back doors, with a curtain rod, and shower curtain attached to the top of each rear door.

So glad to have found your channel! My 19yr old son acquired a 1989 Ford E250 Falcon camper van. Pretty much the same floor plan as yours and it has been hard to find relevant videos so we will be following you for sure!! So excited to see where your build goes!

This is awesome! It looks spacious. It definitely needs TLC but I know you guys are going to make it great! You have some great reno ideas! I don't recall you saying what color you will be painting the interior. We will go with white. As you know it makes the place look bigger and brighter. You will definitely have to build a custom table.

BRUH. Watching 08:11 to 08:23 on loop, amazing and such a classic looking van. Damn. Excited to follow along your van adventures!

Holy hell this is the perfect design for a small van I'm obsessed ❤

Nice, I am so happy to see you happy with this amazing proyect, I'd suggest you use the outdoor shawer and I think that I'd paint the inside of the van as if it was a tree house, I just love nature and if you could put a roof that at night you could remove just to be laid down watching the sky, I think that would be sick, wish all best for this proyect, cheers.

This makes me wonder what Hank Hill would think of your plans. He'd definitely approve of the use of propane and the DIY project.

Awesome Awesome Awesome Awesome. Congratulations guys. Enjoy your beauty....all you need is a Golden retriever ...........

🌿I just discovered your channel today and fell in love with the beautiful & cheerful sense of partnership that you guys give off on your videos... I'm so excited to follow along on this new chapter of yours and I wish you the best experiences throughout the whole project!! Greetings from Guadalajara, Mexico ❤

Hi Eric and Sarah, your recent video was very ebullient. You appeared very enthusiastic and overjoyed about your new purchase. The van looks real good. The exterior looks well maintained as well as the interior too. You should be able to get some ideas as how to repair the damage to the front door by asking a few dealers that sell that type of van. You can get some ideas about how one could use the fittings in the van’s floor for a work table. I am sure that a dealership that sells new and preowned vans could be helpful. Again, you got an unbelievable deal!

Gonna be an amazing project guys good luck 😊

What a great van and project for you! Love it. Regarding your kitchen drawers. You might consider using just the fronts since they are vintage, but use the glide metal pull outs with wire baskets. Just an idea. Regardless, I'm sure you will come up with a great plan. Happy Trails!

Gonna be a great experience. You'll be glad you did it. Make sure you get that propane tank looked at. There's a lot of places, especially in BC and Alberta that won't fill you up with a tank looking like that.

I live in my trailer for months at a time- highly, highly recommend getting a two way fridge so you can either use it running propane for boondocking or electric if you happen to be at a campsite!

It has the feeling and layout of a class A mtr/hm. Such a great use of space. I would just paint t h e cabinets white or pale yellow to brighten up the interior but not change the Floorplan. My kitties would love the loft with all the windows 🪟. 😻

This channel got even more interesting. I love to watch van life videos. I am even planning to turn my car into a micro camper

So excited for you to travel thru BC, that way I can see the province since I can't visit it myself. If you do wallpaper, I'd go for a small print in a light color. My choice, instead of wallpaper, would be to have someone paint a design or mural or something creative on the top sections. I personally hate to wallpaper, especially in a small place. The outdoor shower sounds like a good idea. My son suggests checking into blue tooth or another way to listen to music, if fixing the sound system costs a lot. Good luck with everything. Oh, the propane tank under the van looks quite rusty, maybe get that professionally looked at.

I am sure that you already thought of this, but be sure to check where the leaks are before starting any interior improvements. I would also recommend that you have the propane tank checked thoroughly as it can do worse damage (if there is an issue) than what the previous owner had happened. Happy camping!

Have a similar van with an airstream 190 that I did over,it has same layout inside,use a 12 volt fridge works much better,with solar it will work awesome,also have a small Honda compressor for power when I can’t plug in. Toilet is like yours very convenient with huge black and gray tanks ,also have microwave,but the shower is useless like yours to small,you will love that van when done,perfect for 2 people

Check out Pick'n'pull/Pick-a-part for interior items too! We had an 87 Volvo wagon that needed some interior work as well as engine, and Pick'n'pull had what we needed!

Very nice find. I'm working on my (new to me) 2007 chevy express. You two have a stand up model. My not so much. Yet. The only thing I don't like about your model is bed placement. But whatever you like. I'm putting a bed in back all the time bed. Beautiful find can't wait to see how you like it. Don't let anyone talk you out of a good generator. The new models are extremely quiet and you don't need as big as most think. Last month I was in Florida in mine a guy ran his generator because well it is Florida it was 🔥 hot. Anyway my point is it was so quiet I didn't know it was on till I walked my dog close to them. Some advice from a mechanic get ahead on rust. They make a rust converter it's called POR 15 amazing stuff. One other thing paint your walls with kilz it stops mold it's primer. Nobody talks about it in van life. I promise it could save your life. Look it up. I'm a mechanic but when I was young my parents had a motorhome dealership. I was raised fixing motorhomes before it was cool. Any questions feel free. I don't know solar but mechanical or structural I'm good. (Just not fast at typing) Good luck. 👍

Yo this is a dope camper! Bouta check out some of y’alls other videos! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏿

Nice thx sharing/ type van I’m looking for / happy travels

I love it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Here is an idea for wallpaper, your favorite shots printed out or something like that, love the content! 😋

My family has had many ford E series vans and Chevy express cargo vans over the past 30 years. The problem with these is the reliability and power. When you add a lot of weight inside the van will struggle up mountain roads. These type of cargo vans are notoriously difficult with reliability issues.

I just started waching and im alleeady falling inlove with you guys..😆

Wow nice

I have a diesel heater too it's very efficient

Bonito bonito amigos suerte en su aventura esta hermomisisima esa ban

Just found your channel i am looking to get a camper van for next year so i will be following along with you guys !

I got some harbor freight solar panels over 4 years ago still work perfect but you should get LEDs

diesel heater,take paneling off double doors(there is storage there)

Me enamore de su camper van ❤❤❤ felicidades por disfrutar Esa experiencia tan maravillosa saludos y abrazos desde chile

Just bought a 87 at Auction. It is in great chaoe inside. But refrigerate is nasty. We need to get the transmission fixed.

This is great! So much goes much more work goes into it than you'd ever think. Were renovating an 86 Toyota motorhome over on our channel. Almost time to pull our hair out haha Keep it up! Cheers!

Okay just some suggestions, first rip the carpet out of the front and put in all weather mats for easier cleaning and maintenance, have the mechanisms of the captains chairs looked over and think about reupholstering if needed cloth can pick up some funky smells that wont come out. The propane tank looks pretty roached I would scraping that tank altogether because if you live in or pass through an area that has snow road salt not to mention other possible road debris are not kind to exposed under vehicle tanks. I would suggest using the bottom half of the shelf unit you want to install in the back for a replacement 5-10lb propane cylinder tank and re-route your propane system through that. The tank will be protected and can be refilled or replaced with far more ease that way. I would definitely go with larger Lithium batteries, solar isn't bad for charging but it's really only trickle charging I would have a hook up run to your alternator so you can charge while driving and make sure to have a converter set up as well. Don't do wallpaper it's a hassle to put up and remove I would do paneling it's easier to put up and replace. Do go with a Lagoon table system for the spot near the captains chairs. You should be able to find an RV table for that second spot without much trouble. Move the fire extinguisher to another accessible spot and put a folding table in it's place and repaint or replace the panel on the back of the sink facing outside. I would get the cloth removed from the doors and replaced with panels. For the panels on the 50/50 split passenger side doors and rear doors I would get Molle panels which will allow you to carry anything that uses the Molle system such as various sized empty bags for storage, first aid kit, and other things. For your bed replacement metal rails are a must as well as a new mattress also a step ladder to make getting in and out of the bed easier. If there was an electrical fire have the entire electrical system looked over for any possible or future problems. Replace the AC unit with a more current one which should be more energy efficient, replace interior lights with LED's even if it's just the bulbs and not the fixtures. I would also see If you can get a awning rail installed outside and get a bat wing style awning which would provide overhead cover for the passenger side entrance and the rear of the van and get the enclosed awning siding option for the rear that way you can have complete privacy for when you shower or need another place to change clothes. Get a new water tank and look at at either composting and cartridge toilets to replace the one you're tearing out. Replace the tires with all terrain's like the BF Goodrich Ko2 if able you don't need a 4x4 to run all terrains and a lot of Vanlife people are starting to replace there tires with an all terrain. I like the KO2 because they've been around forever, last a while and are one of the better all terrain tires for everyday driving on and off road. The final thing is more of a long term thing and that is updating your entertainment system in the dash at some point. You can get away with a cup phone holder and a charger for your phone but that dash will need to be updated at some point and also check if you can get an emergency start system installed which will allow you to jumpstart your van using the camper's batteries incase your engine battery died. Almost forgot get a Jackery generator as a portable backup energy supply they can be charged through an outlet or by solar and are handy to have around. I think that's it, good luck on your project and I hope you have fun.

Make it a duelie. Those are known for rolling over at high speed when you half to slam on the brakes and killing people. They have to much over hanging rear weight. They're notorious for that. Do the front end at the same time" beef it up" and have all the same tires. It'll cost you a couple grand but well worth it. It will drive so much nicer too. Don't take my word for it, research it yourself. If you can't afford it just remember to be really careful and know the risk and drive accordingly. Friendly advice.

Hi I just found your channel and I'm really enjoying your videos. Here are some thoughts! #1 Bed - just note at the highest part of the van it's going to get really hot in there during the summer. Consider bug screens for the windows as you might want to open them at night and adding small wired/battery operated fans. For the mattress be mindful of having it in sections as the cracks can lead to hip/shoulder/knee/elbow pain if in the wrong location. #3 Decor - I get the sense that you love the the retro feel so I'd so say keep as much of the brown/beige/neutrals originals as possible and then add a sky blue colour as an accent on the bits you don't like/needs replacing.(I think the blue in the kitchen tiles is too dark). You can get patterned contact paper that would easy to apply and change. I think it would be good to add this to the top half as it will add colour while still keeping it light. Keeping as much of the original decor as possible means less work for you. For paint, definitely think about what can be wiped down (e.g. gloss paint). You're in a small space and it's likely somehow dinner is going to end up splashing on the walls! Conversely you could paint somewhere with chalk paint if you want a white board. They come in all colours. Maybe on the side of the fridge? Side note I would really recommend against adding any rattan. While it fits the colour theme, it's impractical - attracts a lot of dust and is difficult to clean. #4 Table - check out this cheap alternative to a Lagun table - ru-vid.comUgkxCwUazKtAkF92qhTsT34EtFeIcuvs4k0I Large enough this could work for both the passenger seat and the couch seat. If place the pipe/anchor of the table behind the driver's seat, you could size the table so it isn't wider than the couch. This means you can leave the table up permanently as you swivel it over the couch and can easily get past it. If you want something larger you could add hinged pieces to extend. Also try to make the size so it easily can be stored (e.g. behind the driver's seat) if you want to use the couch as a bed. Potentially you could add a lip to the edge of the kitchen unit for stability or some kind of foldable leg under the table I would recommend rounding out the corners of a table like this given it doesn't need to be completely square like in the original video. Rounded corners mean less painful whacks in hips, knees etc! #9 I've seen a lot of vans use bidet attachments or trigger heads as a shower head as they use a lot less water. Also consider putting something to absorb moisture in the closet. You can make your own with salt. Good luck with the reno!

Watch the travel beans channel. They had a similar style van that burned to the ground on their first trip. Make sure to get all the electrical Thoroughly checked out so you stay safe❣️

MICROWAVE OVEN!!!

Hi Guys - new subscriber and I can't wait to see the renos. Definitely get a 2 way fridge that will run off electricity and propane. Keep the interior colours light but with some retro highlights in keeping with the era of the van. Check out the reno project on Endless Adventure.

I like your van

I have a Kia Van. And installed a woodstove in it...but im in Northern Quebec..lolol very cold

I would more in less take the stuff out the van that would come out easy. Most of all check for insulations and cracks. Some of the stuff under the van looks rusty. Check to make sure they don't leak. Sometimes you can paint stuff like that. I would paint the inside two tone instead of wall paper. You might be able to find a shower to fit in that spot. You would definitely need to fix the boards for the bed. I would measure the space for the refrigerator. Check online, second hand stores and savage shops for some of this stuff. Also couch covers and chair covers for the time being. If you think; some people might travel with you; while remodeling put a few seat belts on the couch that could be pulled out only when needed. I am looking forward seeing your finished product. Good luck.

There are lots of things to do. Two that I noticed right off. I would remove the carpet in the front of the van. It will always be a problem to keep clean. I'd replace with weathertech floor mats if you can afford them. Secondly, please get that propane tank checked and probably replaced. it really looks iffy...and at some point you may well have refusals to fill it due to the age/condition of it.

That camper van reminds me of Ben 10 classic cartoon.

So interesting- I'm so happy for you...and envy you..but, you know that 😊 I could easily imagine having such a van, live in it and working online from it (I wonder if this would require a global 'digital nomad visa' - probably..), driving around Ecuador , south- and central America for the rest of my life 😊 Happy working on your new home 😊😊

A vehicle upholstery specialist would have fixed that burnt door card up in no time

Might be purchasing the same van but 1988. Any advice?

I would love to come on inside so welcoming from the young lady looks so clean i bet it snug. and cosy

Go with the propane refrigerator 👍

Home sweet home and a very nice ride _ Pretty handy floor-plan, especially like the facilities _ i have a new-ish to me rv, but a 22feet-6inch '84 mini-winne that i am getting trip ready _ Mine / named Maybellene, i bought for the same reason, i think, is that i love the floor-plan too _ So i am curious as to what you two do where and when, hence subbed - and always a thumbs up. . . :>/

Have the ford falcon campervan! Looks almost identical!

❤ how much did it cost? Is it driveable?

Great camper van ! As far as color choices I would keep it simple. Pick a neutral color you like and paint all the walls. I would Not use wallpaper. With a neutral color you can add in prints and additional colors you like and make you feel cozy. You can always switch it up by adding curtains and decorative pillows. Please check out Dave’s RV Life on YT he has a wealth of knowledge on pretty much everything RV related. He has renovated several RV’s and has tons of videos on repairs and solar with battery installs. Love your video and can’t wait to go watch more. New subscriber here ! Super happy for you both ❤

I HAVE A 1993 Greatwest.

Did you buy this from a person in Portland? I seen this exact van for sale last year.

Im sooo jelouse...😆

How many miles does GORD have? How many will it have when the tour has ended?

how much noise can you hear from outside when youre in it?

With all of the unwarranted laughing I thought this was a parody account for the first 2 minutes.

The travel beans van burst into flame and quickly became an inferno as they were driving. They were lucky to get out alive.

The travel beans just bought a very similar van! Check out their video to get an idea of what the table was supposed to look like. I will be interested to follow your channel to see what you do with this Ford and how it differs from the beans who I already follow.

Rock n Roll!!! Bra, Babe!!!/Chic.../Dude:et!!! Keep in-Touch & Keep me up Too-Date + B-Safe

Where in BC do you live as I am on disability and would love to go camping with you

Hey I see tons of white smoke when you drove past. If this keeps blowing smoke all the time you might have a blown head gasket. Which means your coolant is entering your engine. Not good.

Get a diesel heater, ditch the propane. Propane adds moisture and moisture ruins your van

Wher can I get a van

First thing you need to do is tear that carpet out

If ford was smart they’re go back to the classic looks they want improve sakes just saying

Go to a junk yard

I'm so sick of seeing these trendy yuppies show off their crappy old vans!

Prayer to your go fund me account