windguy

thanks Mustang. it's kind of flimsy if you ask me and not very good looking. you can see a piece of the same material inside the opening where the slider ends towards the B pillar.

@mustang, I was under the impression that this panel was also converted until I looked at my van and I'm in agreement that this part is not altered in processing. I think the windows they remove are the windows on the slider and rear doors. My van looks identical to yours so I believe no glass was changed on them but don't know for sure since the slider windows are static. But if you look at a cargo van without windows, they add a panel where the glass goes. Very easy to do at a processing facility. I think that would convince you that this is added later on and not at a factory. Take a look at the threaded holes above the slots where the seat belts would go and you can see the hole was used and not factory fresh. It's no big deal but more of a curiosity thing. It's a great van either way and I'm totally stoked to have it. BTW - how are you going with all the snow? My mom's in NH (more inland) and she said she hasn't had that much snow this winter so far. lucky for her.

thanks for posting that. I'd love to see a video of them making the transformation and/or a list of changes they actually make in the conversion. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, after removing the seats they add back the platform and then obviously the cargo mat and four d-rings.

On a cargo van, anyone take a look at the black styrofoam that's above the sliding door on each side and wonder what's its purpose? see picture attached to show what I'm referring to. The styrofoam is in two pieces and not very secure. I'm not sure what's actually holding it up. There doesn't appear to be anything behind it and can't figure out it's function. I'd like to add a storage shelf for gear above the entire ceiling and the foam is in the way. I'm more inclined to remove it unless someone convinces me otherwise. thanks.

@mustang - I not 100% convinced my cargo van didn't start out as a passenger model. the threaded holes on each side of the van where the seat belt would attach to the frame appears to have been used compared to other threaded holes that haven't been. the paint around the hole shows some wear like a washer was used and perhaps was touched up with paint. hard to tell. I'd be curious to know for sure that this conversion is no longer happening.

I bought a keypad from Ford parts and the instructions only tell you how to set a personal entry code, not how to marry the keypad to the TC. After some discovery, I was able to put the TC into programming mode using the instructions in the youtube video attached. The only difference from the video is that the door won't unlock to let you know you're in programming mode, you will hear a chime twice instead. You need to turn the key to the run or II position (second click, one before the van starting) 8 times. My problem at first was that I wasn't doing this fast enough. You need to do this quickly, within 10 seconds. Once you do, you'll hear two chimes, which means you're in programming mode. Then you have to quickly hit both the 7/8 and 9/0 keys on the pad at the same time to enable it. You will again here two chimes. After enabling only the keypad I found out that my FOB no longer worked. I realized that when you're in programming mode, you have to enable all remotes at once, FOBs and Keypad. This is mentioned in the video but I wasn't paying attention to that part, just wanted to first get it into programming mode. I had gotten two extra FOBs as a factory option, so I needed to push a button on those and the two that came with the van. I guess when you're in programming mode, the van creates a new programming code so all remotes have to be set again. The keypad is pretty slick so I'm glad it's working now. Next step is to find a spot to mount it. Will post a pic when I do.

@mustang, thanks for the additional info and parts diagram. Is it a T50 bit used for the D-ring tie-downs? About how long are the bolts? I'm assuming there isn't a nut on the other end but just a threaded hole on the frame. I'm assuming that once those four D-rings are removed, there is nothing else holding the vinyl mat in place other than being tucked under some trim molding. I really want to lift that mat up and see what it looks like underneath and explore options for adding storage compartments, if possible thanks!

@mustang - thanks for sharing that. This is the first I've heard that Ford has stopped doing this. On my 2015 Cargo van, the rear black panels on both sides have a cut out for the seat belts on the top part. looks silly. I would have thought Ford would at least have a plug to cover them up. But if this is leaving the factory as a cargo van and not a wagon, then it's even more strange. I can slide my hand just a little ways under the platform and I can feel the carpet continue back below it. I have a feeling this carpet goes all the way back just like on a wagon model. I like being able to store items behind the seat but the platform is right up against the seat back unless you have the seat moved pretty far forward. I'm going to peel back this cargo mat one of these days. I need to buy a T50 socket bit (I think this is the right size) to remove the D-ring tie downs (4 of them).

I decided to stop by a local dealer and check out the floor mat in another cargo TC. The mat was equally tacky to the touch, just like mine. I'm starting to think this is added to prevent things from sliding forward. For me, it doesn't feel right but I haven't pursued a way to clean it. I think the whole mat design is pretty poor in general because it doesn't have a solid feel underneath and compresses easily in many areas, not very industrial or long lasting. I also looked at a wagon model to check out the flooring in the cargo area. I like the carpeting material used. I also made an interesting discovery, which is shown in the detail area on the diagram on page 11 (attached to this post), but it didn't make sense to me without seeing it. In the cargo van, there is a step up in the flooring behind the front seats, about 6 inches. In the wagon model, the flooring under the front of the middle row seats is on the same level as the front seats. There is a step up behind the middle row so the flooring under the third row seats is higher. I believe this is done because underneath is the gas tank and spare tire. So when converting a wagon to a cargo van at the Maryland processing facility, not only do they remove the windows (if required), rear seats and seat belts. they also add a step up platform so that the cargo area is all one level. There are two different size platforms for SWB and LWB. Makes sense except this area could be better utilized as a storage area or compartments, depending on how you use the van. I'm still not sure why the diagram says "storage" for these added platforms since the mat covers them up. I'd love to stash things like jumper cables, tools, emergency supplies that I wouldn't need every day. I"m guessing that's about 5 cu-ft of storage area. Anyone else make this discovery and have any thoughts on it?

Brenda - welcome to the forum hopefully you're close to a major city in Florida. I would do a web search on "van conversions" and the major cities in your area. You probably won't find someone that specifically does TC's, but vans in general. Do you have a Gen 1 (<2014) or Gen 2 (2014, 2015) TC? There are lots of Gen 1 pics and video on the web and a few forum members here that have made camper conversions.

that's a very good point. I noticed that as well and considered that a big negative for how I would use the van. I parallel park at the beach a lot and sometimes parking is really tight and the car behind you stuffs you in, so having a bigger than 50% door could be a pain. not sure how the 60/40 door would change your rear visibility. With the 50/50, the center area is blocked out so it limits your visibility somewhat. I'm used to having a tailgate where you have a nice open glass area for a clear view out the back.

thanks guys. haven't driven the van since picking it up last Saturday, so nothing new to report. @keywestles - glad you're enjoying your van. would love to see some pics of how you customized the interior. I guess being in Key West you won't be having any heater problems. @johnyguy - my wife's car has an auto air system and it does the same thing. It turns off the recirc sometimes on it's own. drives me nuts. I prefer a manual air system without any intelligence. I can see how that ac feature can be a pain. I'm just hoping it isn't. I don't use ac very often.

@easy - sorry to hear you have the drive shaft leak issue. please keep us posted on how the repair goes. would be nice to see a copy of the Service Advisory covering this.

thanks for the link Carb28. On page 11, they show the detail of the flooring under the mat between the sliding doors. Anyone know what "storage" means as shown in the detailed drawing? the mat really compresses in so many areas since there is nothing backing it up. I'd really like to know if someone has removed this mat and how they did it. Still need to figure out a way to get rid of the tacky feel until I put something on top to cover it.

thanks. was there supposed to be a link?

This question is for the van model owners that have a black plastic mat in the cargo area. I'm assuming this is installed in Maryland when they convert the van from passenger to cargo, taking out the seats and belts. The mat is really spongy. reaching underneath, it has some thin foam attached to the underside. In many places there is no backing so if you press down it sinks a lot. just a really crappy solution. There are recessed areas for the cargo tie-down d-rings, which don't really lie flat. very stiff to move. The number one issue I have is the mat is really tacky, kind of sticky over the entire area. I tried regular water on a rag to remove and then a degreaser in one area, but neither worked. It seems more like an adhesive residue. Anyone else have this issue or a remedy? I know once I get beach sand in there it's going to be a mess to remove. Goof off is good at removing adhesive residue but that's a large area to clean. What's odd is that you can almost see a pattern to the tacky spots. Is it possible that they laid down a template then sprayed this on so that the flooring wouldn't be slippery to remove liability in case some cargo slid forward if braking hard? just a thought. What's underneath this mat? I guess it would the regular flooring that's in a wagon/passenger model less any added carpet. not sure. Has anyone tried to remove it? I plan on putting a more rigid surface down, like plywood and then perhaps cover it with indoor/outdoor carpeting. Was wondering if it was better to remove this first or just lay the plywood right over it. Seems like it's only being held in place by the d-rings and tucked under the edges of the trim all around. Leaving it in place would provide a good moisture barrier. thanks

The waiting game is finally over. Hard to believe huh? Picked up the van on Saturday 01/10. Order Date: 07/14/14 2015 Van Production Started: 09/02/14 Van Produced: 10/30/14 Van Delivered: 01/09/15 Van came in without any noticeable issues so all went well. I did have to pay the increased amount per Ford's sticker increase, but I may take that up with Ford later. Not sure it's worth my time chasing but more of a principal thing. If you order something for a set price, then that's what you should pay when it's delivered. I drove the van home in a driving rain at night (about 40 miles) and had no idea where any of the controls were located. Little bit of a white knuckle ride since it's all freeway driving. At one point I guess I turned the AC on trying to get the defroster on. If you turn the temp all the way to cold the AC comes on automatically without having to hit the AC button. Seems like a good feature. Wipers are kickass in this van. headlights, not so good, but someone recently posted about them pointing down for an unloaded van, so that may be the reason why. I kept wondering if they were on but could see a headlight on symbol on the dash lights. The pouring rain hitting the bare roof was loud when parked, but once moving the road noise overcame that. will need to work on quieting this tin can down a notch. The van seems so big compared to my old wagon, yet it's only 4 inches longer. Fits in the garage with no problem so all is good. I have lots to write about so I'll be back with more later. I do have a few important first questions but I'll post them in the appropriate forum topics. Stay tuned for more posts and pictures.

@earbrass - welcome to the forum. congrats on your new van. please share a pic when you have a chance. Do you have a van or wagon? Which island are you on? Regarding roof racks, I feel your pain. I scoped this out before ordering and your estimated costs are spot on. Pricing is absurd. I also have the need to occasionally but boards and gear on top so I'm looking for a good option. I was pissed I couldn't add this option when ordering a van model. See the link below for a discussion on roof racks on this forum http://fordtransitconnectforum.com/topic/2406-roof-attachment-points-on-2014-transit-connect/ Below is the link to the company I think SHEP is referring to. http://www.americanvan.com/ladder-racks/full-size-van?p=2 Also Try Vantech http://www.vantech.us/J-Series_c21.htm Most of the ladder type racks I've seen so far are for Gen 1 TC's but I haven't looked in a while. Please keep us posted on what you find.

thanks for sharing those articles. While I enjoy a good discussion, I think calling someone's opinion "off base" is a little harsh for this forum. Ironically, both articles provide statements that actually support the TC as being primarily a cargo van design, Provided below are a few quotes. If Ford never offered a passenger version of the TC, then they couldn't skirt the chicken tax unless they took the path of the Sprinter and unassembled the van for export. I think the Gen 1 was primarily marketed as a cargo van. With Gen 2, Ford is trying to expand into the passenger van market with the unminivan compaign. "Ford launched the Transit Connect in 2002. The compact commercial van with a distinctive raised roof was designed to haul goods through urban areas with tight streets." "When gas prices spiked, Ford saw a market among small-business owners in the U.S." "On a recent afternoon, a handful of vans passed through the warehouse unmolested as passenger wagons. But the vast majority were lined up to have windows pulled out, and they all had their rear seats removed." "Even though most of its customers order the two-seat, stripped-out commercial model, Ford ships every Transit Connect to the Port of Baltimore in five-passenger Wagon trim" "He even referenced our own first drive review to demonstrate that the vehicle was really designed to carry cargo, not people."

good question. I'd like to know the same answer. of course the stock conti tires probably wouldn't do very well in off-road driving, I'm guessing. Perhaps the stock shocks too. It would be nice to have a setup that you can 'air-up' for light offroad use and keep at regular height for every day use.

@easy - thanks for the update. good luck with your service call. please keep us posted if things get heated one way or another

understand. more of a curiosity thing for me. not a requirement for me but I can see times when it could be useful. it would be great if Carlb28 can get this sorted out by Ford as a design change.

@bret1197 - thanks for the update. glad you're working through the kinks. hopefully smooth sailing for a while. enjoy!

very cool. thanks for sharing

good research. if the rear cabin lights come on when any door is open, then where does the wire for that originate? my guess would be under the dash where all the other door switch wires end up and it seems like you would be able to modify and add a switch, no?