Fifty150

All good points. There are always good points when buying a more expensive tool. But only 1 point matters. It does the job better. I'm not trying to make a career out of this. I simply want to add a few circuits. No more than 3 -5 at most. Any more, and that is just way too much wiring to run (I'm lazy). Fuse taps have always worked in the past. I have a Channellock oil filter plier. I cannot quite articulate it. But it just works better. Does that justify spending $45, when Harbor Freight has something just like it for about $5? And for what it's worth, I cut, strip, and crimp wires with a Channellock tool. Hard to believe that is being sold for about $45. This is why some of us own Snap On tools, and some guys have tools from the bargain bin @ Pep Boys.. Click to open expanded view Channellock Channellock OF-1 2-Piece Oil Filer/PVC Plier Gift Set: 12-Inch and 15-Inch 4.7 out of 5 stars 23 customer reviews Price: $43.67 | FREE One-Day Click to open expanded view Channellock Channellock 908 8.5" Wire Strippers Be the first to review this item Price: $44.98 & FREE Shipping

That really is a big difference in price point, in comparison to the little $20 tools.

High 5 from NorCal.

In my experience with Econoline vans, 56K miles is practically a new car. I wonder if these Transit Connects were also engineered to go over 500K miles.

My motorcycle fuel tank cap does not have a key. Nobody's siphoned off my 3.5 gallons of fuel yet. I'm guessing that even for the really desperate, starting the siphon action by sucking up a mouthful of fuel through a garden hose hasn't been done since the 70's.

A prepared thief simply drills a hole in the bottom of the fuel tank.

So far, the tools that I've seen are for 14-28 AWG. Anybody actually find a tool for 12 AWG and larger wire? Iwiss IWISS Wire Harness Plug Crimping Tool Open Barrel Teminal Crimper for Molex, Delphi,AMP/Tyco, Harley, PC/Computer, Automotive, Weather Pack, Metri-Pack 14-24 AWG 3.7 out of 5 stars 16 customer reviews Price: $22.69 Free Shipping for Prime Members

Are seat belts planned?

which makes a lot of sense....... Some cars require you to do things like jack it up, remove the tire, remove the wheel well............while others require you to remove the bumper, remove the grille, then remove the headlight

Try this company's online parts search for used parts. http://www.lkqcorp.com/en-us/Inventory-Search

Any advice on which tabs pop off, in which order, and/or if there is a certain way to pull or wiggle it out?

I should have thought about that location. It will allow you to plug in whatever you want to charge, and keep it all hidden in the shelf. That way, you can leave your computer in the car to charge, and nobody will see it. Back in the dinosaur days, I installed USB ports in the center console of my Transit Connect where the OEM power port is located in front of the cup holders. A little more "conventional".

I haven't heard any compliments. I live in The City. These vans are everywhere. A large majority are operated for business purposes. Very few private passenger wagons. I think that the commercial vehicle buyer is more interested in these vans, than the average person who usually steers towards SUV and larger vans like the Dodge Caravan, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. None of my friends or family have even thought about this van/wagon. When they think of Ford Vans, they think of plumbers, and airport shuttles.

I tend to drive around with the 3 middle seats folded down, and the 2 third row seats up for passengers. Kind of gives it that "Poor Man's Limo" feel, with the tinted windows and red LED interior lamps. The phrase "Shaggin' Wagon" has been mentioned. And in this configuration, There is a lot of space for loading groceries and a cooler full of beer between the third row & the cockpit.

250 CC may be all that you need. There are small displacement bikes now on the market which seem really interesting. The Honda Grom & Kawasaki Z125 Pro look really interesting.. ...I've also been looking at the Honda Rebel & Harley Street. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjM-7CLhbjVAhUprFQKHXZLA68QtwIISDAF&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dvm8hIO_Z9YM&usg=AFQjCNEdcSSOBn5vEPX5J-jmF1nk7FIh9w

Ever been in the LA traffic at midnight, on a weekend, when everyone is out going to clubs & parties? That gets pretty bad too.

Are you doing the work yourself, or having it done by a custom builder?

Other small passenger vans, such as Honda & Toyota, engineer those vehicles for comfort. They don't even bother with a stripped down version or a cargo van version. My opinion is that you get what you pay for. 40K would put you into a much more comfortable vehicle, van, SUV, sedan, whatever. But at the price point of the Transit Connect, I am satisfied with what it does. You get a vehicle a little rough around the edges, that will provide basic transportation for up to 7 passengers, and can also handle light cargo. The Transit Connect, for me, is a lot more comfortable than a pickup truck or Econoline van. I'm never disappointed because I do not expect luxury car comfort.

Sorry to hear that you had to sit in LA traffic. When I'm down in The SouthLAnd, I try to ride a motorcycle whenever possible.

I usually load my passenger into whichever seat they want to sit in, then fold up the chair and place it behind the 3rd row. There is enough room back there to place a folding chair. But your set-up sounds pretty cool. Makes me think that I could use a motorcycle ramp to roll the chair right into the van.

That's actually pretty good mileage. I do all city driving, with the AC running, lots of stop & go, and a lot of sitting & idling. My milage has been in the teens.......15 - 18 MPG. Did you get a chance to stop over in SF?

Most dealerships and their techs focus on service items like oil changes, brake jobs, and the like. They could care less about trying to go into the vehicle's computer to program or reprogram options. They won't even bother with calling in to their own tech support line about stuff like that.