@@shaw9673 Excellent! It’s great having a project, and You Tube is magic for getting ideas and tips - it can be a massive time sink tho. Estimate how long it’ll take then double it 😂. It’s brilliant building to your own requirements tho - I’ve got a diesel heater fitted now so looking fwd to weekends away over the winter 👌
Thanks for watching :) Yeah, I debated about the bulkhead - def pro's and cons. With it in, I like the drive better, def a quieter drive, and it's better for stealth/wild camping - doesn't look like an obvious camper. The cab heats up quicker in the winter, but you do lose a bit of space. Having it open, ideally with swivel seats, really opens up vans like this. I hired a T5 a few years ago and that had swivel seats, but it was a nightmare, you had to undo 4 bolts, then try to swivel round 2 of the front seats - really awkward - took about 15 mins of effin and jeffin to get it done. My Ducato was brilliant, just hit a handle and spin it round - but that only had the 2 seats up front instead of the 3 in the Custom. Re the windows, totally get that mate, I was glad my mate did them for me. The windows I got were affordable and have been great tho - would recommend them (link in the description) - and watch as many YT vids as you can for tips and tricks. Tips I'd offer: I'd do the windows early on in the build if you can, pick up all the wee shavings cause the can cause rust. Make sure the surface for the bonding agent is crazy clean, I washed it with soap and water, then degreaser, then isopropyl alcohol - drying with a fresh microfibre cloth between each. Take your time, measure twice and cut once and all that :) have a spare pair of hand to help out, and you should be fine. Best of luck mate - feels great having a self build once its done :)
Brian, just stumbled across your youtube channel. Glad to see you are alive and well! I don't think the internet was even invented last time I saw you! Cheers Alan Phillips
Alan! How are you doing? Great to hear from you! Hope you’re well. Im still in Edinburgh, lost a few stone since this video was made - enjoying an early mid life crisis :-). Had a cycle down the Terrace a few months back and was thinking about you.
@@brianbathgate4944 I'm fine thanks Brian, been up in Aberdeen for the last 15 years drilling for oil and gas! Great to see you have a wee one running around!
Hi Brian, brilliant video. I was just wondering how you measured and cut out all the extra wall and ceiling panels and also how you fixed them to the roof and walls
Thanks mate :) The se are the links below for the panels and the rivets. The panels came in two halves and pre-cut, so really straight fwd... no measuring, but ideally a 2 person job. I did it myself but it took a lot of effin and jeffin - ha ha. Ply Roof & Floor www.customshopdesigns.com/product-page/copy-of-2013-onward-swb-ford-transit-custom-van-3-6mm-ply-roof-lining-trim-kit Ply Roof Rivets: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273890601414?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=IkpvIq3XTAW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Thanks very much Mike! Great getting some nice feedback :-). I’m still constantly watching van conversion videos on YT, love seeing the different layouts and designs and ideas folk have put together
Hey, thanks mate! Appreciate the shout :-) it’s great having a wee project to work on. You Tubes perfect for seeing what other folk have done. Good luck with yir build!
Also, if you haven’t got a van yet, def worth joining owners club on Facebook and find what real world problems they have. Some Customs have wet belt issues. Def want a solid base for your masterpiece :-)
Excellent! What van have you got mate? I’m loving the custom - it’s been a great buy - ideal for what I’m needing - and loads of wild camping in it - crackin :-)
@@brianbathgate4944 💯 that's the only problem having a car is that the bike always on show plus not ideal for more than a day trip unless having to book in places. How long does the ebike take to charge from the solar?
@@shannonmtb Yeah, I had a bike stolen from my garage - they either followed me back from Innerleithen or clocked it on the bike rack when I was driving back - so def wanted to get my bike outta sight. Re the solar, the Bluetti charges just as fast as the mains, it’s more capacity I need to manage. My bikes 700w and so’s the Bluetti I have, but I never run my bike to 0%, plus the top up from the solar, it works great. You can get bigger capacity power stations tho if you need to store more. With the 200w panel, I can charge Bluetti I can charge it from empty in 3-5hrs so long as there’s sun
Thanks mate. It was from a different seller, but think it’s one of these you’re after? www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225894906837?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NoL4nAjCRru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Fantastic! Struggling to get a bed to fit do I need to build one or pop to ikea or something? my van will be used for fishing trips, thank you. Mine is also a custom limited swb.
Thanks :-) I bought one from Van Furniture. You could no doubt build your own if you’re handy - but this was easy flat pack. I’m delighted with the one they supplied, it’s ideal, and the foam is as comfy as. Here’s the link mate: www.vanfurniture.co.uk/shop?category=Sliding%20Beds
Hi Brian, just been watching your video again and noticed you have a threshold step cover on the back step, just wondered where you got it from? I've fitted the 12mm ply floor but on top of that also some 8mm thick rubber matting so wondered if it would fit over the top. Cheers Chris
Hey Chris, thanks for watching :-) I got mine from eBay… just did a quick search and I think it’s this one (I’d double check with the seller it’ll fit your model and year, but think they cover all Customs >2013) Mine covered the ply and flooring just fine 👍 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226250587897?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NoL4nAjCRru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Its the SWB I’ve got. If you’re after any bit and pieces, try the links in the description mate. I think the pre-cut flooring and roofing all had SWB or LWB options. Good luck with the build!
Hey, yeah, sure mate. It’s fairly basic tbh, wouldn’t trust myself with electrics :-) I got the Renogy panel (link in the description) and that comes with a MC4 cable. My first portable power station was the Bluetti but I’ve since upgraded to an EcoFlow Delta 2. That’s got a XT60 solar cable input; so you just need the MC4 to XT60 converter and you’re ready to rock. Each portable power unit can have a different input connector tho so double check that before buying a cable. The Bluetti came with the right one but the EcoFlow didn’t. Being in Scotland, I wish I’d gone for the 2 x 200w solar panels, you can connect them together and maximise the input (search You Tube for “serial vs parallel solar” if you’re wanting a breakdown on that). The portable power stations are great, they just work out the box - which is what I was needing :-). If you’re looking at them, the Bluetti AC180 is a good option for a small van, or the AC200Max is a classic piece of kit with more power storage. Some good deals still lingering on the back of Prime Day too 👍
@@azzzza1045 Thanks man - glad you enjoyed the vid :) The vans a 2015 and was sitting on 100k when I got it, bit higher than I liked, but had FSH and the best I saw in my budget. I’ve put 11k miles on it and no major drama yet… touch wood :)
Thanks! :-). Absolutely loving the van. Just got my diesel heater fitted last week so away this weekend - can’t wait :-) It was HG Degreaser, excellent stuff! amzn.eu/d/8f7Xz0o
@@brianbathgate4944 😂😂 I just watched ur van conversation video last night as I’ve bought a van exactly like ur for the same purpose and then driving along the high street today and though I saw u and ur van outside Wetherspoons 😂 they guy was ur double 😂😂
Just come across your video very helpfull debating weather to convert my renault traffic as no longer needed for my work
@@shaw9673 Excellent! It’s great having a project, and You Tube is magic for getting ideas and tips - it can be a massive time sink tho. Estimate how long it’ll take then double it 😂. It’s brilliant building to your own requirements tho - I’ve got a diesel heater fitted now so looking fwd to weekends away over the winter 👌
Great video thanks, perfect for what I want, keeps the van functional as a van still. Just not sure if I'd open the bulkhead a bit as we have dogs.
Just not sure about fitting the windows myself.
Thanks for watching :) Yeah, I debated about the bulkhead - def pro's and cons. With it in, I like the drive better, def a quieter drive, and it's better for stealth/wild camping - doesn't look like an obvious camper. The cab heats up quicker in the winter, but you do lose a bit of space. Having it open, ideally with swivel seats, really opens up vans like this. I hired a T5 a few years ago and that had swivel seats, but it was a nightmare, you had to undo 4 bolts, then try to swivel round 2 of the front seats - really awkward - took about 15 mins of effin and jeffin to get it done. My Ducato was brilliant, just hit a handle and spin it round - but that only had the 2 seats up front instead of the 3 in the Custom. Re the windows, totally get that mate, I was glad my mate did them for me. The windows I got were affordable and have been great tho - would recommend them (link in the description) - and watch as many YT vids as you can for tips and tricks. Tips I'd offer: I'd do the windows early on in the build if you can, pick up all the wee shavings cause the can cause rust. Make sure the surface for the bonding agent is crazy clean, I washed it with soap and water, then degreaser, then isopropyl alcohol - drying with a fresh microfibre cloth between each. Take your time, measure twice and cut once and all that :) have a spare pair of hand to help out, and you should be fine. Best of luck mate - feels great having a self build once its done :)
The van looks quite vivid, it could use a little more grey.
Brian, just stumbled across your youtube channel. Glad to see you are alive and well! I don't think the internet was even invented last time I saw you! Cheers Alan Phillips
Alan! How are you doing? Great to hear from you! Hope you’re well. Im still in Edinburgh, lost a few stone since this video was made - enjoying an early mid life crisis :-). Had a cycle down the Terrace a few months back and was thinking about you.
@@brianbathgate4944 I'm fine thanks Brian, been up in Aberdeen for the last 15 years drilling for oil and gas! Great to see you have a wee one running around!
Hi Brian, brilliant video. I was just wondering how you measured and cut out all the extra wall and ceiling panels and also how you fixed them to the roof and walls
Thanks mate :) The
se are the links below for the panels and the rivets. The panels came in two halves and pre-cut, so really straight fwd... no measuring, but ideally a 2 person job. I did it myself but it took a lot of effin and jeffin - ha ha.
Ply Roof & Floor www.customshopdesigns.com/product-page/copy-of-2013-onward-swb-ford-transit-custom-van-3-6mm-ply-roof-lining-trim-kit
Ply Roof Rivets: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273890601414?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=IkpvIq3XTAW&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Absolutely wonderful Brian. 🤠
Thanks mate :-)
👍🏻@@brianbathgate4944
Congrats. Cracking wheel arches 💦
Loved the vid Brian, Nice build
Thanks very much Mike! Great getting some nice feedback :-). I’m still constantly watching van conversion videos on YT, love seeing the different layouts and designs and ideas folk have put together
Cheers mate cracking conversion thinking of doing similar soon. Thanks for sharing 👍
Hey, thanks mate! Appreciate the shout :-) it’s great having a wee project to work on. You Tubes perfect for seeing what other folk have done. Good luck with yir build!
Also, if you haven’t got a van yet, def worth joining owners club on Facebook and find what real world problems they have. Some Customs have wet belt issues. Def want a solid base for your masterpiece :-)
@@brianbathgate4944 cheers mate appreciate the advice will defo do plenty of research👍
Minted build, one day i hope to do the same
Nice video mate. Will be doing similar video soon
@@leoprinceUK Excellent! It’s great having a project like this :-) best of luck with the build!
Cheers Brian....great job mate well done😊
Thanks Andrew :-).
Work done mate I am going to copy your style with mine van conversion 👋
Excellent! What van have you got mate? I’m loving the custom - it’s been a great buy - ideal for what I’m needing - and loads of wild camping in it - crackin :-)
@@brianbathgate4944 bud I M going to buy soon and live off grid , fed up of the renting and landlords taking a pi….. love your work . God bless you 🥰
Very nice....deffo looking at a van next year 👍
Excellent! Cannae beat van life. If you’re going feral with a bike, it’s nice to be comfortable…. And have a beer fridge :-)
@@brianbathgate4944 💯 that's the only problem having a car is that the bike always on show plus not ideal for more than a day trip unless having to book in places.
How long does the ebike take to charge from the solar?
@@shannonmtb Yeah, I had a bike stolen from my garage - they either followed me back from Innerleithen or clocked it on the bike rack when I was driving back - so def wanted to get my bike outta sight.
Re the solar, the Bluetti charges just as fast as the mains, it’s more capacity I need to manage. My bikes 700w and so’s the Bluetti I have, but I never run my bike to 0%, plus the top up from the solar, it works great. You can get bigger capacity power stations tho if you need to store more. With the 200w panel, I can charge Bluetti I can charge it from empty in 3-5hrs so long as there’s sun
@@brianbathgate4944 absolutely perfect that them isn't it 😍
Nice van! Where did you get the trim for the floor at the back?
Thanks mate.
It was from a different seller, but think it’s one of these you’re after?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225894906837?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NoL4nAjCRru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Fantastic! Struggling to get a bed to fit do I need to build one or pop to ikea or something? my van will be used for fishing trips, thank you. Mine is also a custom limited swb.
Thanks :-)
I bought one from Van Furniture. You could no doubt build your own if you’re handy - but this was easy flat pack. I’m delighted with the one they supplied, it’s ideal, and the foam is as comfy as. Here’s the link mate:
www.vanfurniture.co.uk/shop?category=Sliding%20Beds
@@brianbathgate4944 thank you very much for the reply, i'll have a look at that 👍
Hi Brian, just been watching your video again and noticed you have a threshold step cover on the back step, just wondered where you got it from? I've fitted the 12mm ply floor but on top of that also some 8mm thick rubber matting so wondered if it would fit over the top. Cheers Chris
Hey Chris, thanks for watching :-)
I got mine from eBay… just did a quick search and I think it’s this one (I’d double check with the seller it’ll fit your model and year, but think they cover all Customs >2013)
Mine covered the ply and flooring just fine 👍
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226250587897?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=NoL4nAjCRru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VlZwT6leQQ6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
@@brianbathgate4944 , Great thanks.
This is exactly what I want to do. Can you tell me if the van is a Swb or lwb one. Thanks.
Its the SWB I’ve got. If you’re after any bit and pieces, try the links in the description mate. I think the pre-cut flooring and roofing all had SWB or LWB options. Good luck with the build!
great vid buddy..can you please do a full run down on your solar and the power bank gadget setup for the lay man/idiot.....
Hey, yeah, sure mate. It’s fairly basic tbh, wouldn’t trust myself with electrics :-)
I got the Renogy panel (link in the description) and that comes with a MC4 cable. My first portable power station was the Bluetti but I’ve since upgraded to an EcoFlow Delta 2. That’s got a XT60 solar cable input; so you just need the MC4 to XT60 converter and you’re ready to rock. Each portable power unit can have a different input connector tho so double check that before buying a cable. The Bluetti came with the right one but the EcoFlow didn’t.
Being in Scotland, I wish I’d gone for the 2 x 200w solar panels, you can connect them together and maximise the input (search You Tube for “serial vs parallel solar” if you’re wanting a breakdown on that). The portable power stations are great, they just work out the box - which is what I was needing :-). If you’re looking at them, the Bluetti AC180 is a good option for a small van, or the AC200Max is a classic piece of kit with more power storage. Some good deals still lingering on the back of Prime Day too 👍
Great job Brian, nice day van, we had a VW Campervan & although we loved camping it was just too heavy for day use, picnics etc 👍
Nice! I’d love a VW…. One day ….. :-)
Mint video mate, what mileage and year was the van at when you started the conversion? Great stuff
@@azzzza1045 Thanks man - glad you enjoyed the vid :) The vans a 2015 and was sitting on 100k when I got it, bit higher than I liked, but had FSH and the best I saw in my budget. I’ve put 11k miles on it and no major drama yet… touch wood :)
Which de-greaser did you use? Great conversion!
Thanks! :-). Absolutely loving the van. Just got my diesel heater fitted last week so away this weekend - can’t wait :-)
It was HG Degreaser, excellent stuff!
amzn.eu/d/8f7Xz0o
18:28 Safety Squints!
@@TiberiusWallace 😂
Are you selling the arning, nice build
Thanks mate :-). What’s the arning?
Did I see you in Galashiels today ? 😂
Afraid not mate - it was maybe my evil twin - ha ha
@@brianbathgate4944 😂😂 I just watched ur van conversation video last night as I’ve bought a van exactly like ur for the same purpose and then driving along the high street today and though I saw u and ur van outside Wetherspoons 😂 they guy was ur double 😂😂
Brilliant Brian, you renting it out?!
Absolutely - get your people to speak to my people ;-) ha ha
Nice 💪🏾
Good basic build, you must like grey ..... 😀
Ha ha, thanks mate :). Yeah, didn’t want to go too Barbie 😂
looks great - multi-use - I love it
Thanks mate! Yeah - simple, but practical :-)
That shit makes no sense
:-). Which bit? Happy to elaborate if I can