DPMV Build (Yeah that's Disney Princess Monster Van)

[CamaroMike]

So we took the family, about 7 kids...i loose track, to Monster Jam and it was decided that we needed a Monster Van that we could all ride in for the next years Monster Jam. Couldn't stop thinking about it and also wanted a camper so the search for a van began. I came up with a 2002 E350 15 passenger 7.3. We needed a name for the project and well lets just say I lost. DPMV it is. Disney Princess Monster Van. Well at least it won't be pink and I reserve the right to change the name if I come up with something better.
Here it is on the way home the day I bought it. Hope to meet some good contacts on here for advice, parts, and motivation.
Cheers,
-Mike

 

[Deshet]

congrationals you must have all girls. You should have at least settled on Lion King.
Maybe you can get some of those van eyelashes.
I am just joking enjoy them while you can. It will be no time before they are embarrassed to even get in the van.

 

[CamaroMike]

I think I may have to drive it off a cliff if they want eyelashes
Yes two girls, the rest are cousins. Not all mine thank goodness.

 

[CamaroMike]

Started tearing things apart a couple of weeks ago. Decided to go with the Ujoint 6" leaf kit. Rounded up a couple axles and Trans/xcase, time to get it done. Frame was pretty dirty so ended up wire wheeling to bare metal, that was fun!

 

[CamaroMike]

Attempting to paint for my first time and it's a bit of a challenge... as in it blows so far. too hot, too cold, water/oil in air lines, etc. Looked great to start then got too hot and paint dried before it hit the metal, then of course, I painter over that. Sanded, cleaned again, then the next time I apparently had water vapor and got a bunch of spots. Never had these problems with a rattle can.
Ordering a new filter and will try again on Monday or Tuesday. It's not too bad but after going through all the prep work I really want this to come out clean!

 

[CamaroMike]

Finally got the frame paint completed today. I used SPI epoxy primer, came out a nice smooth low to medium sheen finish. Big difference!
Next..
Time to put it back together, hope I can remember where everything goes.
I need to put the front axle back together and install. Plan to keep the stock 3:73 gears for now. From reading through other threads on here it looks like I will likely want to change them out before too long, probably 4:30's.
Before I stripped the frame, I installed the front spring hangers, welded in the rear spring hanger frame sleeves, trimmed the engine cross member, welded in the front upper shock mounts and mocked it all up. The Ujoint leaf kit has been straight forward so far and fairly easy to install. Thanks to my buddy Dave Wright for help with the welding! Also, thanks to my dad for all the help with paint prep.
Here are a few pics.

 

[CamaroMike]

Nothing done the last two days, hate when life gets in the way of Van work!
Looking forward I am planning on a front clip swap for the '08 and up front end. Any tips would be appreciated and if anyone can help with parts that would be fantastic. I have been looking at all the local pick-a-parts but nothing so far. Maybe someone on here is set up with Ford for parts?
Also looking for bumpers. I really like the looks of Chris/ Ujoint's new front bumper. Light and not as bulky as some of the other's. Does anyone have one? Like it? Trying to keep costs down but all the accessories are $$$. I think the bumpers, racks, tire carrier, etc will be more than the entire cost of the van and suspension.

 

[B-Excurgin]

THAT LOOKS AWESOME SO FAR. good work. I'm about ready to Ujoint my second van. But my first install was no where near as clean as you just made it.

 

[CamaroMike]

THAT LOOKS AWESOME SO FAR. good work. I'm about ready to Ujoint my second van. But my first install was no where near as clean as you just made it.

Yeah, that was no joke....just wanted to clean the frame a bit and turned into a huge deal. Pretty sure that is going to be the most time consuming part of the conversion. Now i'm going to have to paint the van to make it look as good as the frame, never ends

 

[CamaroMike]

I spend way too much time reading all the threads on this site and not working on the van! Time to get crackin... next up, install front springs and complete/ install the axle. But first have to take off the D@m# pitman arm, wont come off.

 

[CamaroMike]

Making some progress...
Front end installed for the most part. Everything went together very nicely. Stage 6 axle with my PPW upgrade , Ujoint hangers, steering, etc. all went in without issue and seem to be ready to go.
NV271 bolted in with the Ujoint cross member.
Next up. Cut the floor for the transfer case shifter and center/ set pinion on rear end, remove to make it pretty and put it all back together. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

 

[CamaroMike]

Finally ready to test drive and.....Oops, well this isn’t going to work!

 

[CamaroMike]

....and neither is this...

 

[CamaroMike]

Maybe this??

 

[CamaroMike]

And finally made it out of the garage! Time to test drive, paint, and add all the trimmings.