jagarcia89
Active member
I orignall posted this in Domestic full size expedition vehicles, but I think it probably belongs here(?) since I will be converting it into a camper. I recently sold my 2016 Ram Promaster that I had built out as a weekend get away camper primarily used for mountain biking and started searching for something 4x4. After looking at a lot of great rigs, I came accross this thing on facebook and now my flights are booked for a 1 way ticket to Pheonix then a 31hr drive back to Michigan.
I am venturing from my van-based roots to the type 1 for a couple reasons. One, it just seems easier to work on, and two I have a soft spot for square body fords as an '89 f150 was our family truck growing up and I had another '89 f350 with a cummins swap I regretfully sold for $5000 back in 2014. So when I found a 1996 type 1 power stroke with a pass through, in 4x4 in Arizona with 41,000 orignal miles I knew I had to scoop it up.
I just got a house with a big garage so hope to tackle most of the build inside during the MI winter and while I have been doing a lot of research already I still have a few things I am hoping some of the knowledgable folks on here can help me with:
Thanks, I am looking forward to building this thing out. It's rare I have had a base vehicle I am this excited on, a good space to do the work, and some cash from the van sale I can just start ordering parts. Let me know if you have any advice
I am venturing from my van-based roots to the type 1 for a couple reasons. One, it just seems easier to work on, and two I have a soft spot for square body fords as an '89 f150 was our family truck growing up and I had another '89 f350 with a cummins swap I regretfully sold for $5000 back in 2014. So when I found a 1996 type 1 power stroke with a pass through, in 4x4 in Arizona with 41,000 orignal miles I knew I had to scoop it up.
I just got a house with a big garage so hope to tackle most of the build inside during the MI winter and while I have been doing a lot of research already I still have a few things I am hoping some of the knowledgable folks on here can help me with:
- I am not sure who makes this box. Hopefully there will be some tag on it I can locate but the seller does not know either. In my research I have not seen one that has the 2 exterior storage doors on the back next to the rear access dors.
- Once I know who makes the box, I am hoping I can find some wiring info as well as framing because I won't want to waste any time figuring out where I can cut one or two 14 inch holes for a maxxfans as well as start getting my electrical sorted out
- Do these things typically come with insulation? I want to use as much of the high quality cabinets and storage as possible but I'm wondering if I will have to tear all that out to get insulation in.
- I'd like to replace every single halogen with cooler more efficient LED's, anyone know of direct swaps?
- There currently is no receiver hitch. I am hoping I can get something off the shelf somewhere but am not sure how different it is from a regular f350 back there
- Tires/stance: It currently has a pretty agressive knobbed tire with good tread but they seem a bit aged. I've never had a dually before so I gotta figure out what kind of tire options there are. Also would like to raise the ride height a bit but I'm going to see how she handles first. I'd probably wait until after the built out so I could get adequately sized springs
- Layouts: Most layouts I have seen on type 1's have been pretty basic keep everything but replace the bench with a fold out bed. I loved my van because it had a permanent bed so no making it every night and we kept the bikes below. Not sure I can do the same thing on this, but I'd like to see some other builds or links to threads or IG's I can get some ideas.
- Windows. On the van I could get front window covers and screens from any number of camper van parts companies. Not sure if thats the case here. I figure with the pass through door , i will probably want to just cut off the front from the living space when I camp so I'd like to possibly find windows that open as I think just the door window opens now. I also think I will end up having to custom make window covers unless I can find a source for pre-fabbed ones.
Thanks, I am looking forward to building this thing out. It's rare I have had a base vehicle I am this excited on, a good space to do the work, and some cash from the van sale I can just start ordering parts. Let me know if you have any advice