Thomas, you were smart to take precautions against a rear collision. On our first date many years ago my now wife and I were sitting in a restaurant at a window overlooking a busy highway. Outside a van waiting at a stop light was smashed from behind. The damage didn't look severe but the contractor's wife was speared by metal rods he had stored in the rear. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital and we drove the driver. I learned later the wife suffered grave injuries but eventually recovered. Bonus: my date and I knew from that interrupted dinner that we were the sort of people who would gladly sacrifice an evening to help a stranger in his time of need.

@AliasJimWirth

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Who would have thought of that? I can't say I would have. Says a lot about Thomas. Bravo, Thomas.

@CoroDan

2 ай бұрын

I built a 3 seat VW T4 Transporter campervan setup years ago & I mounted steel plate behind my daughter's seat to prevent anything going through her seat in the event of an impact.

Damn. Thomas is being all sensible and smart with his camper van. I was kinda hoping he'd go all Top Gear and build a 3 story camper like Jeremy Clarkson did hahaha

@airdailyx

3 жыл бұрын

Can’t forget the Zen garden! 😂

@aaroncarr5725

3 жыл бұрын

The best part was watching it go over the cliff while Jezza has no idea.

Thomas: Mentions 3D Software 3D Software: Isn't Sketchup Engineer: Hits the like button

“Oh yeah, that is as square as my Hasselblad 501cm.” Brilliant. :)

Very clean build so far. Also mechanical engineer here and I approve of your changes for safety. Your assumption that the low down bar will cause the frame to bend instead of thrust forward is correct!

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

That's reassuring 👍

@kathyjurgens7153

3 жыл бұрын

We were hoping an engineer would weigh in. Glad you did.

@a.w.thompson4001

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the confirmation!

@frankfisher99

3 жыл бұрын

This is remarkable. I'm probably one of the few people to have had a Delica written off from a rear ender. A model, on her phone, hit us outside the Trafford Centre in Manchester - we were stationary in traffic. The van went up and forward, we wrote off the 406 in front of us. We had a towbar, and yes, it went down and spread the chassis rails, hence the van was written off. From the outside the only damage was that the rear wheel arches were buckled. We were all fine, the occupants of the car in front were also ok, and she got out of her Vectra without a hair out of place, still on her phone, although her engine was literally touching the windscreen. Cops reckoned she hit us at 40+

@a.w.thompson4001

3 жыл бұрын

@@frankfisher99 Yikes! Glad you're OK!

Man you got some skills! Doesn't matter if it's a van build or photography you're a great storyteller.

This is called 80/20 here in the states and that's what I plan on using when I do my van build. I work in engineering and we use this stuff all the time for fixtures. If you liked playing with legos when you were a kid you'll have a blast with this stuff. We always called it tinker toys for adults.

@JasperJanssen

3 жыл бұрын

Kinda weird to call it 80/20 when the size he’s using is 4040.

@brianbilich6137

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have a link for the 80/20

@maryp2747

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianbilich6137 There are different suppliers. You can do a search to compare prices and the minimum quantity you need to purchase. For work we bought it from grainger. com

It’s looking good, Tom. Jason

Really impressed by the thought and planning that’s gone into your project, especially your decision to make changes when confronted with a safety issue. For someone who says they are “no engineer” you can certainly think like one. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the van build.

I can imagine you rubbing your hands in glee at the thought of the places you are going to go. Must be a great feeling.

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Holding my breath 🤞

I can’t wait to see the next three! So far I’m blown away by what you’re doing. Absolutely genius! Talk about perfection.

This approach to the conversion is just so smart, light weight, easy to build and modify. Love it!!

Love it Thomas!!! Though for a man who has (I quote) 'never built anything', you sure do have a well stocked workshop and tool selection!!

Nice! I love the aluminum idea vs wood.

I’m so glad you made the changes to the frame because I was having the same concerns when you were building it initially and breathed a sigh of relief that you chose to alter it.

I really like how you think about your safety, and the plan on how to fit everything. thank you for the inspiration.

The aluminium is such a smart way to go for this project

Looks really sharp mate. Grumpton will be green with envy as his interior resembles the forest floor.

My favorite landscape photog building what I would love to build. Doesn't get better! Thank you for all your content and contribution to photography as a whole!

This is amazing. Inspirational doesn't begin to describe it. Making me rethink how I wanna approach my build when I finally get the funds. Thanks for sharing!

I always enjoy your videos, and this is obviously quite different, but it was a joy to watch! I appreciate how much time and effort it took to film and edit this! I've watched tons (far too many) van life videos, and you are one of the very few people who spent so much time explaining the planning/design phase, which to me is one of the most interesting parts! Thank you. Looking forward to the rest. Side note: the profiled aluminum is a genius idea! I could see that being useful in my workshop...

Great stuff. I would never have thought about the implications in a rear end shunt. Good work and very neat.

@jibbajabba4597

3 жыл бұрын

I would have thought that if someone hits you hard enough to shift those bars you've probably got bigger things to worry about than where they'll go but you can never be too safe I guess.

Beautiful build, Thomas. You're winging it better than many pros.

WOW! Best build I have ever seen! So clean! Thanks Thomas!

As a engineer, and 15 years into car modification I must say, very nicely done Thomas ! It's good to have concerns about the safety as you had. Try to use the cars original fastening points for seats and seat belts, they are strong and meant to support large loads. Looking forward to the next episode.

@pat6703

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for you input. That is good to know!!!

Well, I must say the aluminum framing is a lot better than any wood framing I have seen on You-Tube van builds. First of all it is light which saves on weight second it is more flexible to work with as you demonstrated with all the connectors. It is also a clean finish over all. I must admit that you have demonstrated a good workmanship beside photography that will add to your video adventures. I will not be surprised that there will be many others who might get inspired on their own van built to follow your example. Good workmanship, cheers.

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

That's very kind, thank you.

Woah, this is a breath of fresh air among van builds. Way to go!

Well done Thomas. You have planned and executed this very well!

This video is a Masterpiece, waiting for the next part.👍

I need to stop watching van build and photography blogs and go out and do both for myself! Thanks for the great walk through, has given me the confidence to possibly attempt this myself.

@eclectictomboy6873

2 жыл бұрын

You and me both. I’d do it right now if they made a 6 cyl. Awd or 4 wheel drive midsize with a high ground clearance in a midsize and trailhead worthy van available in the USA. Unbelievable. The Sprinters and Transits are too long. Frustrating.

@lachlankerr7339

2 жыл бұрын

@@eclectictomboy6873 These vans are available in the states, although more common over there is the L300 (earlier model of this van (which is an L400)). Do some research but i think you'll find these L400's become more readily available due to your 25 year import rule. GOod luck mate

@eclectictomboy6873

2 жыл бұрын

@@lachlankerr7339 Thank you.

I absolutely ADORE this kind of video, thanks for taking on the extra effort of filming the whole process!

Damm Thomas - I’m a finish carpenter in southwest USofA, and I’m WHOLLY IMPRESSED! at the job you’ve done from start to finish - so far. ABSOLUTELY looking forward to video 2 of the van build. Miraculous, yes indeed!!! And as usual you are such a fun spokesman for your passions, both camera and saw&hammer (so to speak).

Interesting material choices. Everybody seems to use wood because it is available/cheap and vinyl flooring as it is waterproof. I'd be interested to see how well the cork floor lasts as I was told it is not so hard wearing.

Would love to see a cost breakdown of the frame work.

Wow, Thomas is a bona fide craftsman as well as a great photographer. That looked as professional a job as you could get.

Cracking job Mr Heaton, can't wait to see the finished job . One of the interesting properties of wood, it doesn't conduct heat or cold, and cork is just nice to touch too!

”I have never built anything in my life before” 😂 The results really don’t look like it.. Well done!😎👍

Loved this Tom! square as my Hasselblad has to be the best reference ever...

@filippkashirtsev7170

3 жыл бұрын

Haha yea I liked that reference as well

Well done! So glad you're including the van build, really enjoying it a lot!! Please continue with your build and videos!!!!!

Also that voice over with the music choice is spot on.

Been waiting for this 🙌

Lovin it :)

You are quite the DIY enthusiast. Looking great so far!

This is going to be the ultimate landscape photography adventure van for one! Well done and looking forward to next week!

It's coming together nicely Thomas!

@opelgang89

3 жыл бұрын

Just like yours, Mark 👍

@GeorgeLoch

3 жыл бұрын

@@opelgang89 I kind of feel like we are seeing UK vs American style when it comes to these two different builds. We are spoiled with space here in the USA ;)

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. Kind of wish I had a Sprinter though.

@MarkDenneyPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I was actually thinking the same about yours! Seems like your setup will be much more maneuverable than mine. Guess one of each would be the perfect scenario!

@ian_worth

3 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about converting my 2010 vauxhall corsa after watching this. 🤣

Haven't even watched the video 😂😂, still know it will be good

Your attention to detail and skill set is excellent Thomas. I like the gas strut safety clamp.

I could watch this all day long. Nicely done.

Could we have a price breakdown, particularly for the aluminum and its fasteners?

@VentureVlog

3 жыл бұрын

Yes please

@petefloydeh7112

3 жыл бұрын

YES .. This.. a breakdown of frame cost.

At 7:10 I thought I’d tuned into crap gymnastics for beginners. It’s looking good so far.

Brilliant.... what a pro you are. You made that look so easy. Can’t wait for the other 3 parts! Very enjoyable watching

Absolutely stunning work! Your skills are certainly not limited to just photography. Apparently you’re also quite handy with a tool bag. Truly impressive, Thomas!

Brilliant! almost as nice as my conversion, lol. Okay, so what I'm going to do Tom is watch all of the videos and then find out what you wish you had done differently. I still want to put a real fireplace in mine as I think the pumps on those heaters are quite loud?

@wallybeep

3 жыл бұрын

Adam. Today's post of yours is, as always, a genuine pleasure to watch. Fireplace? Great idea! One of those Costco flickering light jobs. Perfect for the next road trip to Vegas. (Horrifying!)

@QuietLightPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@wallybeep yeah a Dickinson Fireplace, my buddy Jeremy has on in his camper, it's awesome.

@chrisroot7182

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry Adam. I think Thomas has raised the bar on landscape photographer Delica builds!

@ThomasHeatonPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

I can't wait to see your build. You have the better van, a wood burner would take it to another level. Check out Slim Potatohead's channel. He build a tiny wood stove for his camper.

@jxmai7687

3 жыл бұрын

make sure you can do BBQ with it.

Hi Thomas - great work there, and definitely gives some more food for thought on our next build :D Did you use 30x30 or 40x40 profile, and what supplier did you use for yours? Thanks! 👍👍

@vitor.buchli

2 жыл бұрын

I‘m here to ask the same question actually. But since you haven‘t got an answer in a year I don‘t think I will either😂

@jacobscoville2044

Жыл бұрын

I made the mistake of ordering 20x20 which he falsely has linked in the video description 😅. Wayyyyy too thin.

Wow, that looks an incredibly sturdy build!

Awesome! I'm currently looking at getting a Transit medium roof and converting it into a camper. So impeccable timing as always. Thanks Thomas!

Nice job. Can I ask were you ordered the extruded aluminium/ 8020 profile from??

@User6327

2 жыл бұрын

80/20... perhaps.

Tom, can you send me a link of where you purchased the framework? I’m on with a similar build - just can’t find 8020 in the UK! Thanks!

@gary5926

3 жыл бұрын

RS sell a version

@_7cm

3 жыл бұрын

@@gary5926 thanks, I figured out he used KJN 👍

@bg45420

3 жыл бұрын

I'm in the USA but I work with Swiss equipment that uses a similar aluminum extrusion called Item. It is very similar to 80-20 with various profiles and fittings. Both are awesome to work with.

@stacyturner5463

2 жыл бұрын

@@bg45420 I would love to get a link for the products you're talking about here in the US. And can you order them in pre-cut sizes, like he did, to speed the building process along? TIA

Brilliant! The first ever KZreadr who considers safety! WELL DONE!

Well done, Thomas!! I've built a Sprinter van conversion and your work is clean, methodical, planned, detailed, and looks really good. Looking forward to the build videos. Great job! Cheers!

It looks like Thomas blew his budget on colorful socks and ran out of money for shoes. Do we need to start a GoFundMe??? 🤣 Great design work and video.

What do we want? "More voice overs!" When do we want them? "All the time!!!!"

I don't know why it was so satisfying to watch. Good job and great planning!

Looks great Thomas!! Love that you mocked it up w cardboard, that’s the way to do it!!

2024 Heaton: I'm selling my 4×4 van because I haven't been using it to its full potential and I've decided to go for a sprinter.

@codedresults

3 жыл бұрын

2024 Heaton: Petrol/Diesel is too easy for me, I miss too much of the process. I'm selling the 4x4 and getting a horse drawn carriage :)

@VangelisMatosMedina

3 жыл бұрын

I was looking for this comment, see you all in the future rsrs

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet." Orson Welles

Probably been said... your overall design engineering and then the crush consideration adjustments are genius! This clip is a great example of the engineering of how the toes and important safety considerations for any home brew customizations of a van type vehicle. Well done sir!!!! Oh by the way... being an older person, who used to be an Appalachian Trail backpacker, I finally have time to pursue my photog passions and watching your vids are so enjoyable and are helping me fast track the development of my skills... of course the results will be another topic at a later date!. :)

Very well thought out build, Thomas! Really enjoying seeing this come together!

Thomas, why on Earth watching your videos is so satisfying? 🤓👍👍👍

I dont know Thomas Heaton and nor have i seen his videos but this chap is bloody marvellous! Content excellent, his style is real easy viewing and the end product is great! Well done Thomas Heaton.

Thomas! Very nice and clean work indeed! I can't wait to see your next video...

Thomas, your engineering skills are way better than you let on. Excellent job all around. Well thought out and well executed.

It's very nice if we also have campervan like this... We are beginer campervan from Indonesia... We want to explore indonesia and share to all people... Thank 's for your video... It' s very cool....

For a photographer, you’ve got a nice set of power tools! Looking forward to the rest of this build.

You’re funny, much better at crafting and fabricating than you initially led the viewer to believe, and an inspiration for a guy who’s thinking of doing a similar build in a 2020 Toyota RAV4. Kudos!

Life just gets better with a campervan. Great stuff.

I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to! I suppose it's always nice to watch somebody building something worthwhile. Looking forward to the rest of the series :)

Can't wait until next week to see how this is coming along! I'm impressed!

wow this build is coming along so nicely! love the look and simplicity to it!

Absolutely brilliant install and so clever. Thanks for sharing.

Using the carpet as a template for the floor! That is a clever trick I've never seen before, nice

Looking great Thomas can't wait to see the finished project

Thanks for editing that video and not "just" uploading a timelapse. Must've been quite some work. Much appreciated and a joy to watch. :) All the best for the next phase!

Very impressed with that Thomas. Seriously tidy job you've done there. Can't wait to see the next video.

Now im shure i want the 8020 System in my Volkswagen T5. I was struggling between 8020 and plywood but this looks way more secure for me! Thanks for the video, cant wait so see the rest.

Eeewww! It’s getting so exciting! So much fun watching it all come together.

absolutely beautiful build already!

Looks great Tom, looking forward to your continuing adventures in the hopefully near future!

Your ideas rock. I am purchasing one of these vans. I am so excited to follow your ideas

using the carpet as the template is simplistically brilliant and was one of my largest concerns for accidental waste walking into this project. I also hadn't stopped to consider the outcomes of being slammed into from the rear in a wreck, so now I'm engineering breakpoints and considering a metal plate behind my seat.

Love the camping stove to heat up the brackets for bending. That aluminium looks great. Never seen it used before like that!!

Absolutely fantastic idea love the alloy profile ....can't wait to see it finished ... Dave

Fabulous, it looks like it will be safe and cosy, great attention to detail, you're a very smart man xx

I am impressed by not only the thoughtfulness and through approach to your build, but also by the thoughtful comments - so rare on KZread. What's more, the spelling, the grammar, and the well-expressed thoughts in the comments point to an educated, intelligent following. I suspect they are a reflection of the content of the channel.

Wow, the van is already starting to look great! Can't wait to see it when it's finished!

Neat, chill, Brit.Gotta love it. Cheers from France!

Best. Music. Ever. I am constantly hating the crappy unneeded music on videos, but this song...over and over...I feel like I'm in a 1963 hollywood movie. Fantastic. Cheers and Aloha!

Well done. Almost as skilled a craftsman as photographer. Pleasantly surprised!

Such a brilliant design!

Mate really enjoyed this video for some reason..... for someone who hasn't built anything before what you come up with looks perfect. The colours and the industrial look is spot on.