Fifty150

I suppose that living in a "no snow zone" makes my life a lot easier.

Some of us buy tires based upon performance factors. I suppose longevity is a consideration. But a lot of people buy based upon cost. Not everyone thinks they'll still have that car 5 years later.

Look for it, look for it, look for it......... See the CEL? Notice the mileage?

Yes. Cost is a major factor in aftermarket modifications. Especially if there is a commercial use for it. No different than spending over $1,000 for a good pickup truck rack with ratcheting cargo straps, or a hard camper shell. The tonneau cover on my truck (which really does nothing) was about $700. And you can look at $500 - $1,000 for a ladder rack, cargo rack, or cargo box. A big part of the over-the-counter price is installation. You could save a little money if you can source the parts and install it yourself.

From what I recall, rain water would get into the weather seals on the windows, then collect at the bottom of the door. This resulted in the doors rotting and rusting out from the inside.

Cool. Sounds like you can now enjoy your van.

hmmm......maybe someone would like to try to put a second generation motor into a first generation Transit Connect.......another build.

You can also sell all the parts you take out of the van.

Use this situation to leverage an even better deal on a newer model with less miles. Or even flip this into a brand new car.

Same here.

I keep toying with the idea that i want a cabover camper shell. But this conversion is a pretty good way to do more, with less space.

High Five

Here at the local public hospital, there is a psych ward. Police on patrol will have to physically fight with, and subdue then handcuff someone who is acting out violently. Then they bring them to the psych ward, take the handcuffs off, and leave that violent combative person unrestrained with a bunch of nursing assistants who are not anywhere near as big or strong as the cops, nor are they equipped with any weapons. Sure, they could give him a sedative. But they'll have to fight him, overpower him, and hold him down in order to do it. Imagine when the cops leave, and they're simply locked in there with a bunch of violent, crazy people. At least you guys in the correctional facilities have some muscle, and plenty of restraint devices.

I would suspect that the car of the future will have some sort of auto-pilot feature, which will help reduce accidents from human error. With any luck, those vehicle's will also be able to reduce gridlock and keep the flow of traffic moving, because stop & go is typically caused by people reacting and braking. A self driving car will not slow to gawk at roadside distractions like accidents. Computerized vehicles should also be able to use real time traffic sensors to choose alternative routing, so a self driving car will detour around heavy traffic, as opposed to adding another car to the traffic jam. A self driving car won't swerve or weave simply because you've had too much to drink. Now back to wearing my hard hat with a tin foil lining. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tin_foil_hat

If the fan is too expensive, or too much of a hassle to run wiring for the installation, then consider at least installing a vent. These are simple. Just cut, apply weather sealant, and bolt together.

First thing to consider is airflow. For paint fumes, you need a fan. Adrian Steel makes a really nice partition. The vans at work all have Adrian Steel dividers. I would imagine that once installed, it shouldn't be that hard for you to seal up any remaining holes. But you will never build something to keep funes out of the passenger area. You will still need a fan. https://www.adriansteel.com/item/cargo-vans/2016/PARTC-NW Composite Partition, no window, Transit Connect Home >> Cargo Van Equipment >> Partitions >> PARTC-NW Item #PARTC-NW Composite Partition, no window Fits Ford Transit Connect Introducing the partition that is all about driver comfort! There is a trend happening with cargo van owners in the market. They want a product that offers more value than the traditional steel partition provides. Something that quiets the cab area, provides more leg room and provides better climate control. Drivers that spend 8-12 hours a day working out of their mobile office want a more comfortable experience. Adrian Steel’s new line of composite partitions offers unparalleled comfort for the driver. Climate Control – Quickly cool down or heat up the cab area of the cargo van, reduce idle time doing so and save fuel! Sound Deadening – Reduce the harshness of the cargo noise entering the cab area. This reduces driver distractions and makes for a quieter environment to communicate when driving. Leg Room – Full seat travel and a comfortable recline angle makes the composite partition our most comfortable line of partitions we sell. Organize – Partitions are great location to hang your cargo. Easily add safety items like fire extinguishers and first aid kits, or hooks to hang your extension cords or hoses. Additional accessory kits are available to customize your Adrian Steel composite partition even more.

I think you're better off using the cameras. They seem to be working for you. No mirror will give you the view that your camera is giving you.........because you're now used to, and like the cameras. Instead of having two monitors on the left, try one of these for your actual rearview backup camera:

Solar panels on a car. Now that is creative. And a custom made Lexan window.

Since you have the luxury of staging, go with a light that is not affixed to your vehicle. Bring a little generator, and one of these: https://www.cepnow.com/product/5270/ Home / Portable Lighting / LED Portable Lighting / 5270 5270 7’ LED Portable Work Light Categories: LED Portable Lighting, LED Work Lights, Portable Lighting Description Product Description 51 Watt LED Panel Light 3 Panel Design with rotating wings for 360o directional lighting. 3000 Lumen Output white LED Illumination. Reduces eye stress and allows for better color rendering. Very Low Energy Consumption – draws 0.47 amps on a 120V circuit. ETL and CETL Listed for outdoor use. No additional guard required for Wet Location work. Impact Resistant for durability in harsh environments. 180o Tilt to provide illumination on various levels. Very Low Heat Output allows for use in tight work areas.

You should have put your money on Don Shockley

After driving Econoline vans at work for years, I've gotten used to the fact that the rear view mirror is useless unless I want to see my van's interior. Ditto for turning my head to look over my shoulder. I've learned to trust my mirrors. Which is the exact opposite of what you really should be doing. Trust but verify. Check your mirrors, then turn your head to look. But with cargo vans, there really isn't much of an option. Just like driving a truck. The only thing that you can rely upon when driving a truck is the mirrors.

In the effort to make America Great Again, I pick up as many as I can from my local Home Depot parking lot, and transport them right up to the front door of the INS building.

Tap Plastics is a great resource, as long as there is one in your area. I've gotten all sorts of "parts" from that place.

Ever try just wearing a hard hat lined with tin foil?