Don’t be so tough on yourselves guys. You have clearly stepped right outside your comfort zone in search of your dream so everything is a learning experience. When I saw you start off trying to make the frame with a jigsaw I thought I would come on here and offer a key piece of advice but as I continued watching I saw you quickly learned the best piece of advice I could give you… Make sure you have the right tools for the job. You clearly learned that and it will stand you in good stead going forward. Good luck.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Ah yes that was not the tool for the job, we quickly realised! The right tools have helped massively! Thanks so much for your comment and support, we really appreciate it! 🙌🏻

What a great start, you seem really nice people and I look forward to seeing how you get on.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey Nick, thanks for such a nice comment. Hopefully it will turn out great, we are certainly excited about finishing so we can start travelling! Really appreciate the support. 👏

Great to see you getting stuck in and learning as you go. Looking forward to following the build. Subscribed 👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Arthur, really do appreciate you supporting us. 👏❤️

Well done for taking the plunge ! As a carpenter / builder for many years, I’m now 2 years into my Sprinter build and can say without shame, that the job has frustrated and delighted me in equal measure ! Get tools appropriate to the tasks being undertaken - they will make progress so much easier - witness the mitre saw. That tape measure needs to be your best friend - use it endlessly and if it lies look in the mirror .😊 As someone else commented, check out Greg Virgoe KZread van build series, its the best guide out there. Use it as a guide but not definitive way it must be done, but for inexperienced in any kind of construction such as yourselves, the skills, techniques, materials etc. Plan, plan and plan to get your build in the right order. Sketch out your ideas on paper using the measurements of the inside of the van then get in it, mark it up in pencil, cut up cardboard to tape together boxes to represent what you want to put inside and tape them in situ. How does it work? Alter and adjust until it seems right. You Tube, Pinterest, Amazon and Ebay are now your go to home entertainment - copious notes required !! Ask for help when stuck, join an online forum / club eg SBMCC , South east self build van group and ask. Go to Van Fests. Everyone has something to offer. Good Luck and happy travels.😅😅

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Tim. A heap of great advice there and all will be taken on board! Love this community, everyone is so helpful including yourself! 👏

Those old beams with rollers would have beenso good to use for a lowering bed in the back of the van, then you would have the option to keep your bed made all the time.

Thanks guys. REally enjoying your energy with your videos. I've watched 3 now and await part 2 of the van buuld. Im looking for inspiration to do the same project so this is excellent and I look forward to seeing how well you so. Thanks.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey! That’s such a lovely comment to read, thank you so much! You should definitely give it a go for sure - a great experience, if difficult at times! We’ve finally made some progress on the kitchen so should have a video up soon to give an update - we really appreciate you watching and are so pleased you like them, thank you! 👍🏻🚐

I came across your wonderful channel . I love watching van builds , I'm your new subscriber 👍 Can't wait to watch your other videos.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey Hope 👋🏼 they’re so fun to watch aren’t they, we love watching other peoples too! Thanks for subscribing, it really means a lot to us! Great to have you here 🙂

Good luck with your van conversion! Coming along nicely!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Phillip, really appreciate the comment! It feels like a long time but it’s getting there 🤞👍🏻

Been watching this and laughing out soooo loud. Am laughing because I see so much of myself in you guys. Love your enthusiasm though. I'll definitely be following up on your progress 👏🏿👏🏿

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Haha 😂 - thanks for the kind words and so pleased you will join us on our journey!

❤❤❤ Awesome guys! Great video and also brilliant project!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

👏 Thank you. Can’t wait to get it done!

Good luck with the van build ……..and seeing your adventures when it’s completed… a van wkd worrier here lol. 👍👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks, Chris! We cannot wait to start our adventures and to get our weekends back 😂🤣 Really appreciate you subscribing! 👏

thats a bonny van that is and well worth converting. I'll look forward to following your conversion and adventures. Bessy regs-Kenny

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, glad to have you along on the journey! :)

Greg virgoe is a very good one to watch. He's very knowledgeable. Not sure how far you've got. But he informed me that sound deadening doesn't make any difference on the corrugated areas of. E. G roof & floor.. Also. Don't put battens down on floor. There's approx 14 there already. Metal ones. Glue pir board directly on top of that. Far more secure than wooden battens. Then glue ply down on top. Glue joints as well with polyurethane glue. And sand level after so joint isn't seen when you put flooring down on top. Best of luck. I've really enjoyed doing mine. My wife died last year. I'm 78 & wanted to do this for yrs. But my wife never wanted me to. We had a caravan on seasonal pitch for many yrs in Peak District. And loved it. But didn't enjoy it after wife passing. I'm thoroughly enjoying the ability now to go away anywhere at a moments notice.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hi David, thank you for your comment. Really sorry to hear about your wife, it sounds like you would have had some lovely times in the beautiful Peak District. Thank you for the tips too- always open to learning 🙂

We love your videos so much we bought a yellow van to convert too! Half kidding, it was a coincidence but big fans from the USA

@lifeadventureprojects

11 ай бұрын

Hey guys, just watched your video! Great job. You are in for a right treat, I call it a nightmare but some people love it! 😂😂 Yellow vans are cool 👌

Great stuff.

Great video. You are so authentic.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Gillian, really glad you enjoyed and it really means a lot to us to have you here!

i love your honesty and openness! I'm starting my van journey with zero knowledge and its super scary!

@lifeadventureprojects

6 ай бұрын

Good luck!! You got this. We still find it quite daunting but it started to become more fun than scary!

Great tips! Thank you

@lifeadventureprojects

8 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for watching!

Looking forward to following the vans progress. New follower here 👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for following - really appreciate it! Thanks for the support 👍🏻🙌🏻

Great video good luck on your exciting new adventure in life

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Cheers for the comment and support - thank you 🙌🏻🙂

Really enjoyed your vid! Good luck with the build! Looking forward with your progress! Just subbed.😊👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul - really appreciate the comment and the sub! Cheers 🙂👍🏻

Good luck with your project. I've just bought my own van for conversion to a camper, and am quite anxious about the whole project.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Don’t be anxious, honestly it is quite good fun once you get going and there is loads of great videos and books on this. Highly recommend Camp Quirkys build book. But my only real advice is take it a step at a time, research it and just make a start. You got this!

Well done guys your learning as you go , take your time , no one asks how long it took if you do a good job 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Micky - yeah absolutely, we want it to look as good as we can when it's done, which means we've got to go pretty slow! Getting there, though!

Hi guys just subscribed well done to both of you fitting the fan . Looking forward to the next vlog Steve b 🇬🇧 👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen and for the support. The fan turned out really well in the end, but it certainly didn’t start off that way haha 😂

Love your videos

I am a new follower of your channel Greetings from Sweden

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks ever so much for following us on our journey! ❤️🙌

@xxlalbatross3287

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects it's a pleasure😀

I love that your learning from Will’s videos!haha I hope he reads this and I can tell you exactly what he’ll say!…”don’t bloody copy me”lol 😂 just subscribed👍🏼 I enjoy van builds all the best with Ray!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

😂😂 Yeah he cracks us up, am certain that is exactly what he would say. Thanks for joining us, much appreciated! 👏

Lovely van I would have kept the bulkhead with the door but that's just a personal view. I shall enjoy watching your build, it's great building your own van as when things break you will know how to fix them. Have fun.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks David, really appreciate the nice comment. I agree it is nice building your own van, I have days where it does not feel so nice haha. As for the bulkhead door, I did ponder it if I am honest but we want swivel seats so can have a fair sized dining area. Thanks for watching! 👏

@captaindave47

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects oh that makes a lot of sense then, yes swivel seats are great and do extend your living space. The only bit of useful advice I can give you is measure twice 3 times is even better and cut once.😂

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hahaha - great advice, fallen foul on this one today already! Do you have your own camper?

I finished converting my DHL van (Lawrence) at the end of September and I have been travelling in it since, at the moment I am in Turkey. Very pleased with the van

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment Robert - that sounds like a dream! How are you finding Turkey for vanlife in terms of facilities etc?

@letour2024

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects it is great, water everywhere, LPG at most garages and plenty of places for black waste. When are you planning to go away?

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

@@letour2024 that’s good to know, we’ll keep that in mind when we’re ready to go. We’re hoping to finish the conversion by early summer - will start with some places in the UK and then over to Europe hopefully!

nice one..be building some soon...all the best

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Are you building one?

Great job guys going to enjoy the building of your camper van,stevie from rs cars of peterfield

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stevie! We are getting there, badly, but progress is progress 😂

You'll soon get into the swing of things 👍 I've been at my conversation for 2 years 🤣 enjoy the build 😎 One tip if i may 🤔 borrow tools if possible!! They soon add up 😮 Subscribed to follow your build 👍

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for subscribing, we really appreciate it! And yes, they certainly do add up don’t they! Think we will be borrowing some for the next stage of the conversion, but we shall see! Cheers and happy to have you along for the journey 🙂

Not bored after 25m of video, really looking forward to the next one :)

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Well that is the best compliment - thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying them, and cheers for taking the time to comment, we really appreciate it 🙌🏻🙂

@petewarby7158

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects I just binge watched them all 😂 eagerly awaiting the next one :))))

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

@@petewarby7158 should be out tomorrow!!

I'm doing a sprinter lwb high roof dual wheel build now...your van will be awesome

@lifeadventureprojects

9 ай бұрын

That’s awesome! It’s a great project to have, how far along are you with it?

Enjoyed the vid

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, really appreciated!

love the can do attitude! if you do anymore silicone, run some masking tape round for a neat finish :)

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Cheers pal! Yes that’s very wise advice 😆 thanks for the comment and for watching!

Hi Guy's 😂 actually I think that joke come's later 😂 I came across your channel last night after spending many weeks watching other van convertion videos. I'm slightly addicted to them now 🤦🏻‍♂️, you both seem like such lovely people and just normal, that makes viewing interesting and my wife has also been drawn in to, we have just started a van conversion ourselves on a much smaller van. Hopefully it goes well and next time we will upgrade the size to a sprinter type size, we opted for a smaller van to use daily but I would love to be able to have a bigger van one day. Anyway keep up the great work, and good luck

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Haha we are the same, very addicted to van conversions! The problem is KZread videos made them look easy, what looks like a 1 hour job is usually a 1 day job, sometimes weeks! Lol. We only went for a larger sprinter because for me the shower was non negotiable - I need to be clean! Haha Thank you so much for your support, really do appreciate it! 👏

@leecurry14

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects we have litterely just been watching you fit the roof plank's and rambling on at the end, brilliant channel, shame about your toilet tiles 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

let’s not talk about them toilet tiles 😂😂 Glad you are enjoying them! ❤️

Great work we are getting a Luton Van we have 400w of solar panels for the van & have the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with the EB for the van but defo going to buy some leisure batteries for a back up

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment - that sounds awesome! The Luton cans are great to convert, good luck with it! Yeah we picked up a cheap leisure battery just to check things are working as they should (and to give some light in the winter evenings!) but will be getting the full setup soon!

@zoltar666pz

Жыл бұрын

​@@lifeadventureprojects I was like you 2 years ago watching videos & Videos on van Builds it was Kieran & Alice & The Vanbitious Project on us buying a Luton Van & after that build want to do a bus in a few years haha should be fun

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

@@zoltar666pz ah yes we watched Kieran and Alice too, great build! A bus will be an immense project! It is all good fun, tough, but good fun once you get going!

lovable....you guys seem a couple of nutters,but I did enjoy your vlog.keeping fingers cross for you,and wish you all the best......dont give up and keep us posted.....love from the Nederlands

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Haha, we definitely keep each other laughing! Thanks so much for your comment, we’ll keep posting the progress, glad you’re enjoying the vids all the way from there! 🙂🙌🏻

You can stop the flashing hazard lights when the doors are open by unplugging a Programmable logic Module under the drivers seat. I am converting the same van with my partner and had a similar issue. Our issue was that one of the door latch electronic switches was faulty and would declare the door open while driving (even though it was closed) resulting in the hazard lights flashing and the throttle being restricted... while on the move... I think the throttle restriction is designed to stop the driver in a case where the door has been left open so the parcels don't end up all over the road. The programmable module literally just holds the electronic features that DHL want on their fleet vehicles, so in this instance unplugging it simply reverts all functions to normal operation. if you have a high end Sprinter, (i.e. not an ex fleet vehicle) unplugging this module may effect other factory features.

@lifeadventureprojects

7 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for feeding back. I did unplug the module actually, it all seemed to work expect I am sure I am still speed limited! 😳

@ASiX4

7 ай бұрын

​@@lifeadventureprojects the speed limiter is a remap job I think. The guy who had ours before us had it removed so we haven't had to deal with that.

glad you sealed the side panels,but hopefully you took out the rubber bungs underneath the van to drain the water ,seen mel the van lifer drain 5 litres out of his

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey, hope the new year is starting off well for you! Yeah I pulled the plugs out to make sure no water was in there, we were all clear! 👏

Check out Paul’s van he’s done a lot to his and think he mite have seats and things to help you out , it’s my partner’s brother ❤

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Oh right thank you, that sounds good - is that the name of his channel? 💛

The engine dose sound a bit rattly keep the van well serviced I’ve seen these vans on 300k running perfectly they are bullet proof. Can’t wait to watch the build process it’s gonna be good

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

We have serviced and MOT’d it recently, all came back good but yeah, I still think it has a rattle so may get a second opinion.

remember to get undercoating on the van if u guys are thinking of going to norway on holiday, there is still salt and stuff on the roads aroud here and it helt proventing rust on tose sprinter vans :D

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Oh good tip! Thank you, yes we will need to look into all the requirements for European travel at some point but we’ll note this down! 👍🏻🙂

Good luck , stuff insulation in all the holes in the support ribs , and insulate the floor too , and have a curtain hanging down behind the front seats , I forgot this initially with my build and quickly discovered the heater in the front won't heat the whole space on cold night drives or the winter , the bulkhead used to stop the heat escaping into the cargo area 😅

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Cheers John! We have done all the ribs, walls and floor. Good shout on the curtain, think that sounds like a must!

Did u keep all the bits u tool out great video BTW

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey Steve, sold most of the bits we took out. Have the pull down passenger seat left and that is about it. Thanks for watching 🙌

If you replaced the metal hull of your van with wood, you could rename it a Mercedes Splinter.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

hahaha!

Sweet Jesus !! 😂😂

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

We say the same thing most days 🤣

Where did you get the van from ? I’m looking for something similar

@lifeadventureprojects

4 ай бұрын

That is a good question. We visited a small garage in Hemel Hempstead (A&M Cars South) that was selling a van, then visited a place a bit further out in Milton Keynes which had loads of and loads of vans. But finding one with right mileage etc was hard. We left it a day and decided to go negotiate with the place in Hemel and that’s where we got Ray.

how did you remove the bulkhead?

@lifeadventureprojects

6 ай бұрын

hey, it was an ex DHL van so was a partition with a door, it had bolts in there and was quite easy to remove. However, exDHL has welded metal pieces to hold the bulk head which needed removing from the ceiling and the floor - it is quite a tough job unless you get a welder in. But the bulkhead piece is easy!

do you know what the paint code is?

@lifeadventureprojects

6 ай бұрын

Hey, we used Broom Yellow 1212.

Isn’t it an L4 size ?👍

@lifeadventureprojects

10 ай бұрын

What’s an L4? 😂 It is an LWB, around 7 meters.

Hope you get back up on the roof with silicone and blue masking tape and tidy that eyesore you created fitting the maxi fan, A PRO job might take extra time but pride in the work is well worth the effort, enjoy your conversion .

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Lol - this is a common feedback. It is a job to be revisited in the summer, it was one of the earlier jobs and 100% needs a relook. Thanks for watching! 👏

How much was the van..?

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

We will share this in a cost breakdown video at end of the build.

Legally, to park on the road at night you should have sidelights on…. No one ever will, but be careful !!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Drew. Luckily we are parked next to the house and not in a place that is over 30mph. Thanks for raising!

@WiresFanDrew

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects In the case of any larger vehicle with a maximum loaded weight greater than 2.5 tonnes (for example, a LWB Sprinter), parking lights are required if it is left on the road overnight regardless of the speed limit.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

@@WiresFanDrew hmm, valid point that. We are planing to move somewhere with a hidden drive so should not be a problem for long!

@WiresFanDrew

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects the hidden drive should make it easier for content filming too, maybe, no nosey neighbours asking what your up too etc 😂 Be good though to see the channel grow as the content comes 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Don’t forget…. Legally, you need to do slower speeds in a van!!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

For sure! We’ll be driving economically to save fuel anyway!

I’d check the service history the mileage is just a number no service history is worth nothing and it’s unpredictable and can die at any moment

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

we had a full service done on it before purchasing :)

Haha..I see where this is going ,Gl out there bro an welcome...Spartan

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

We are SPARTAAAAA!

Great content and a new subscriber. You should check out @Mel's Big Van Small World youtube channel, especially his new video, as this might be helpful for your van build.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hey Steven thanks so much for your comment and for subscribing! Ah yes we love his videos they’re great! We’ve picked up a lot of tips from him!

The silicone is shocking but I suppose you got to start somewhere ,I hope you don't get wet

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

haha - luckily no leaks and rain has been heavy. However it is certainly getting a revisit in the summer!

Christ guys, you look a little young and unworn to be leaving the rat race just yet lol,I take it you both are office workers ?? Anyway cant blame you and good luck.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Hahah! Andy will be pleased you say that for sure 😄 get out sooner the better, right, why wait til retirement! Thanks for your comment - really appreciate it!

Why must everyone name their van!!

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

😂 🤷‍♂️

It shows why people with no experience skills in woodwork, metalwork and craftsmanship shouldn’t attempt these projects. What a terrible mess of that roof vent. Cleaning rust and painting it with red oxide won’t do anything to slow it but actually help it spread. Needs to be cut out, welded back up and then rustproofing. Plus, does your driving license cover you for driving that lwb sprinter? Might need a C1 license depending on weight.

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

If you can take metal back to bare then the rust has been stopped, we didn’t just “clean” rust or paint over it. Agree on the roof vent, may revisit that mastic in the summer 😂 oh and only need a C1 for over 3.5t which an LWB is not and we are monitoring weight for the build. Cheers for watching!

@kinross24

Жыл бұрын

Hope you get a good outcome and possibly some help along the way. As an ex Defence mechanic and Optronics engineer I fully understand all aspects of vehicle maintenance and refurbishment and as a current Sprinter lwb minibus driver I know how much and how fast they rust so please keep on top of these issues. Keep the engine ‘over serviced’ and same with the brakes . Cut down on slow, short start stop driving as it’ll cause longer term carbon build up on egr valve and other items. As a previous‘courier’ van it’s likely to be exactly that sort of usage it’s had which is bad for that engine so start having long high rev runs. Looking forward to the progress. Please keep up the wearing of correct PPE, as other channels often don’t. 👍

What the hell am I seeing lol leave it to the professionals that mastic 🤦🏼‍♂ no good for my ocd

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

😂 yeah needs a revisit don’t it! Def one on the agenda! Us amateurs. Lol

@datboy9521

Жыл бұрын

@@lifeadventureprojects I've watched more videos and your getting better though! Get into it

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks bud, I have days where I ask myself “what are you doing man, you work in IT” 😂

Another brilliant video guys 👍👍❤️ @bettyourcampervan xx

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, really do appreciate it. 👏

Now you have the mitre saw, Cut all your frame ends at 45 degrees. Much easier to measure

@lifeadventureprojects

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the tip Jon! We'll definitely give it a go!