Abitibi
Explorer
Hi everyone!
Warning, this build will start sloooooow and will hopefully pick up in due time but let's get going anyway This ambulance is very similar to my 1st one hence the name, AmboEvo (which might change along the way?). For reference, this is the build thread for my 1st ambo: https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/ambuland-build-thread.103768/
This new one will follow a similar path as my 1st one but very different at the same time. It starts with a 2008 E350 Crestline, extended body, 6.0L diesel engine and new to me, power mirror and windows! I bought it out of town, had to fly in and drive back 2 full days, can't argue with a roadtrip for the maiden voyage! The truck runs awesome even though it has 275k miles. That mileage might scare a few but when properly maintained these beasts go on like the Energizer bunny!
The day I picked her up for our first date and maiden voyage.
Made it home without issues. First thing I noticed is that this ambulance saw a lot of gravel road in its life. Once I got home I scraped from underneath years of dirt! With all the carpet, doghouse and seats removed I sprayed a healthy dose of cleaner and hosed down everything with the garden hose. I didn't shy out!
I also took care of some light surface rust with some Por15. Luckily, she's pretty clean overall. The old wrap was mostly removed but it was still sticky so by the time I got home it was covered in dust, it's a pain to clean!!! Patched some holes on the roof and walls where the emergency lights and antennas used to be. I used Eternabound tape, works great! As you can see in the background, my neighbors just got himself a sweet truck as well, he's gutting it big time and re-building from ground zero, will look awesome!
I've already gutted the box, removed all the electrical, keeping only the wires for the brake and signal lights. I'll re-use the wires I removed as needed but I found with my 1st build that it's way easier to start from scratch.
The main plan:
1) Completely gut the box (checked!)
2) Raise the roof by 6-8"
3) Add a clam shell poptop (home made)
4) 4x4 (home made)
5) Full camperized interior including full time bed, full kitchen with dinette & compact shower.
6) Wood stove and diesel heaters
7) New paint along with bumpers and all.. Way more in the list but I'll bring it up as I get closer in the build.
As I said, it may take a while before I get more progress as I first need to do the 4x4 conversion so that I can pass the mechanical inspection and register it in my province. Once the interior is done I'll register it as a Motorhome which I recently did with my 1st one (saves me a couple hundred $ on my insurance).
I got a few more pictures coming...
Cheers
David
Warning, this build will start sloooooow and will hopefully pick up in due time but let's get going anyway This ambulance is very similar to my 1st one hence the name, AmboEvo (which might change along the way?). For reference, this is the build thread for my 1st ambo: https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/ambuland-build-thread.103768/
This new one will follow a similar path as my 1st one but very different at the same time. It starts with a 2008 E350 Crestline, extended body, 6.0L diesel engine and new to me, power mirror and windows! I bought it out of town, had to fly in and drive back 2 full days, can't argue with a roadtrip for the maiden voyage! The truck runs awesome even though it has 275k miles. That mileage might scare a few but when properly maintained these beasts go on like the Energizer bunny!
The day I picked her up for our first date and maiden voyage.
Made it home without issues. First thing I noticed is that this ambulance saw a lot of gravel road in its life. Once I got home I scraped from underneath years of dirt! With all the carpet, doghouse and seats removed I sprayed a healthy dose of cleaner and hosed down everything with the garden hose. I didn't shy out!
I also took care of some light surface rust with some Por15. Luckily, she's pretty clean overall. The old wrap was mostly removed but it was still sticky so by the time I got home it was covered in dust, it's a pain to clean!!! Patched some holes on the roof and walls where the emergency lights and antennas used to be. I used Eternabound tape, works great! As you can see in the background, my neighbors just got himself a sweet truck as well, he's gutting it big time and re-building from ground zero, will look awesome!
I've already gutted the box, removed all the electrical, keeping only the wires for the brake and signal lights. I'll re-use the wires I removed as needed but I found with my 1st build that it's way easier to start from scratch.
The main plan:
1) Completely gut the box (checked!)
2) Raise the roof by 6-8"
3) Add a clam shell poptop (home made)
4) 4x4 (home made)
5) Full camperized interior including full time bed, full kitchen with dinette & compact shower.
6) Wood stove and diesel heaters
7) New paint along with bumpers and all.. Way more in the list but I'll bring it up as I get closer in the build.
As I said, it may take a while before I get more progress as I first need to do the 4x4 conversion so that I can pass the mechanical inspection and register it in my province. Once the interior is done I'll register it as a Motorhome which I recently did with my 1st one (saves me a couple hundred $ on my insurance).
I got a few more pictures coming...
Cheers
David