4X4 Van Build - Transformation in to Camper

Phase 2 of my Mitsubishi Delica Off-Road Camper Van Conversion build video. Today I add storage to my profiled aluminium frame, cupboard doors, locks and build a slide out desk. This is a really small van so I tried to take advantage of every inch of space. This small camper is designed for one person and the layout works best for my needs.
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𝐌𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: • My Van
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 & 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.
Black Aluminium Profile: geni.us/Profil...
Slam Locks: geni.us/SlamLock
Door Hinges: geni.us/DoorHi...
Maxoak EB240 Battery: geni.us/EB240
My Diesel Heater: geni.us/Diesel...
24v to 12v Transformer: geni.us/Transf...
Reading Lights: geni.us/yCkUEL
Aluminium LED Cases: geni.us/LEDCha...
Carpet & Adhesive: geni.us/Carpet
Custom Cut Wooden Doors: geni.us/Wooden...
Bike Chain Stuff: geni.us/PipeBr...
Custom Made Cushions/Mattress: geni.us/DkyR
Main Video Camera: geni.us/for-video
Aerial Footage: geni.us/aerial...
𝗠𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝘁 L𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗴: bit.ly/tomsgear
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𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 '𝐎𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧' 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: • Binge Watch EVERYTHING...
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
From Indigo - Justnormal
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Once I Was A Cat - Suffer City
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#LandscapePhotography #Delica #Vanlife

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

If I reply to your comment. Make sure my name is highlighted and has a tick next to it. There is a spambot out there claiming to be me, leaving comments about Whatsapp and Bitcoin. I'm certain no one here would fall for it, but just in case.

[@philippe-lebel]

Where did you get your "lock" at 11:34. The ones you use with the "Custom Cut Wooden Doors". Your conception is very good and I decide to do something alike. To use "profiles"... I'll never had this idea.

[@megleslie]

@@philippe-lebel I don't know where he got them, but they're called 'paddle latches', so that might help you find some

[@philippe-lebel]

@@megleslie Thank you knowing the name it is the good start.

[@donnahanfordnichols6573]

Omg. I loathe those trollers!

[@KaiTiura]

Thanks for the heads up! Sneaky little bastards!

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

Thomas mate, stop being apologetic about the Van build, it's fantastic! You've done yourself proud with the build as well as documenting it. Keep going!

[@dannyboy8474]

brits aren't happy unless there's something to apologize about lol Do you have a proper permit for that Van modification there Thomas lad??!?!?!?!

[@terrilawson2559]

I love this and can't wait until next week

[@WillsWhereabouts]

This van build is incredible! Not only the attention to detail in the build itself but also the way it has been filmed and edited together in these videos is a masterpiece, from the slow sliding shots, to the changes in music it’s bloody fantastic!

[@On_The-Trail]

Will get on ebay mate and get a 4x4 mitsubishi delica, and get this new build on the go. Needs to happen you will kick yourself over if you dont get a new van soon XD

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's very kind of you to say, thanks 👍

[@jecz83]

Came here to make a comment and found one of my favourite youtubers here, @Wil Whereabouts 👍😂

[@adrianhydephotography]

Ha ha great to see you here as well. It’s just like going to someone’s house and having a coffee.

[@adrianhydephotography]

Ha ha great to see you here as well. It’s just like going to someone’s house and having a coffee.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

If you give up photography you can start a van conversion business.

[@KennyTelfer]

Was thinking the same! Looking to place an order Tom!

[@brianrollins3245]

Could almost turn this build into a kit for aspiring DIY campers

[@majamogens]

Agree - tre result so far looks very professional.

[@bayleigh.winzenburg]

My thoughts exactly!

[@bayleigh.winzenburg]

This is amazing. You’re a pro at this. The design, product selections, colors, and DETAILS all stunning and beautiful!

[@Slewis71119]

I actually found this video more enjoyable to watch than your Photography videos. I cant believe you said you dont have enough carpenter skills, are you kidding me?? I was blown away by your carpenter skills. Looking forward to the next video.

[@FKnoph]

For not having any skills, I have to say you are extremely skilled! :D But also... Please remember that to your avid fans, you are not only a great photographer. You are also a provider of dreams. (Feel free to use that phrase!). We all dream of going to epic locations to take photos. We all dream of getting a medium format camera. We all dream of make a living of our hobby. And we all dream about building our own van. So please keep providing us with any of these dreams, and we will keep following you! Thank you so much!

[@PMCN53]

Wholeheartedly agree!

[@kierenkd]

How beautifully written FKnoph

[@FKnoph]

@@kierenkd Thank you so much! 😊🙏

[@TheLeroy1981]

Don't be too hard on yourself mate. I'm a carpenter and think that for someone without any formal training you've done a very good job.

[@JACKSPARROW-cx8ll]

You are not only great photographer! You are great handyman! 😀👍

[@arielalejandrogarma3672]

Really really fantastic job congratulations

[@AndrewVaughan]

I'm with you on the rattles...keep fighting the good fight.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Yaas 💪💪

[@wikedwhich1]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Did you get away with that mad cap expedition across North Yorks Thom? ...If so any ideas on how to do it even better next time?..some suggestions were given and they are not always practical or too expensive. Hope all is well though!

[@keithsandercock1412]

For a guy who disclaims any DIY skills, the result so far is first class. Well done construct and video.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Thomas, to keep mold under control, think about drilling numerous small holes in the plywood under your mattress and cushions, as well as putting your cushions on something breathable that separates them from direct contact with the wood. They sell that stuff by the roll and you can cut it to shape.

[@ChrisNH2FL]

For someone that's "not good at building things" you killed this one. That is an undertaking that even experienced builders wouldn't have a clue of what to do. Great job Thomas

[@grzegorzploska1844]

Yes, yes, yes. You are Steve Jobs of van building with your almost obsessive attention to details. Watching your film was a real, rich feast both aestheticist and intellectual. Your build is on much higher level than most of van "carpenters". I cannot wait to see how it works on bumpy roads. Did you kill all rattling? Please do not make us wait too long!

[@TheBranston111]

Honestly probably one of the most unique van builds I’ve seen. It’s great, you’ve done a great job. Also a great job putting the video together, it’s much more story telling then all the other videos you see. Can’t wait to the finish product and see you use it.

[@GameDevAcademy]

Dude, find yourself a partner with carpentry skills and set yourself up as a van conversion business. This build is soooo clean.

[@monkeysausage2404]

TBF Tom, you've done a dam decent job so far. Well done.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@monkeysausage2404]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto on a completely different tangent. How did you get the spikes on your iFootage tripod. Dammed if I can remove the ones on mine.

[@robertparsons558]

@@monkeysausage2404 They have a reverse thread, to undo them you have to "tighten" them! Be careful though, if you turn them as if you were undoing a normal thread you could damage the hidden small neoprene sealing gasket on the threaded portion of the spike. The gaskets sit in an unthreaded section, they're quite difficult to remove, so take care if you do. They may not be suitable for replacement spikes. I'm not sure if Thomas also changed the part the spikes screw into, I've seen a video of his where the bottom of the carbon section with long spikes looks a different colour. Hope this helps. The reason for the reverse thread is so you don't remove the spikes when you screw the rubber feet. Replacement I assume invalidates the warranty.

[@robertparsons558]

I need to add: You can make gaskets for long spikes by stretching and wrapping a narrow length of plumbers etc. self amalgamating tape around the replacement spikes. That way you won't damage the originals.

[@monkeysausage2404]

@@robertparsons558 Thanks Robert, the though just never occurred to me. And not you mention it, well it makes perfect sense.

[@PossMcLeod]

I tell you what mate, for someone who gave us the disclaimer at the beginning of this series that you weren't much of a builder, you're doing a pretty damn fine job! lol. Way outta my league! haha. Nice Work!

[@erikajeansalazar7464]

I had a high school classmate before and she does projects suuuuuper clean just like this guy. I think there are people with gifted hands that are so gentle that they can create anything and it would look seamless. I am not that type of person. You'd see every flaw in any crafty work I do. ahhahahahah!

[@trevorwilkerson3508]

i came to this chanel because of the van build and stayed for the photos! fantastic work thomas

[@rodmackay7566]

Awesome job Tom! Not sure if it's my OCD kicking in but seeing the carpet covered panels getting fitted was one of the most satisfying things I've seen since lockdown started.

[@Jay-qq7so]

As a cabinet maker I’m very impressed with your meticulous eye to detail. But as you see, start it off right and the rest will follow nicely. Good job 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@stuspawton]

Top tip for a future van, remove the interior wall panels to give yourself about 6 inches. It means you can insulate behind them because cars don't really get insulation

[@fanikurti2420]

We can not wait for freedom to be given to us. We have to fight for it. Otherwise they will always create the emergencies on purpose to take our freedoms away. That's the dream of the global elite. Amazing built btw. Love your photography too. Cheers Heaton

[@svjatoslavskabarin1173]

Tom: "That Slam Lock is very heavy duty and should stop all those burglars" *This is the Lock Picking Lawyer and today I saw a video... "

[@peterholub7662]

stops burglars not lawyers :)

[@Larstig81]

We have a click on 1, click on 2 and a click on 3, ...

[@besser.gleich.richtig]

Tom: That Slam Lock is very heavy duty,.... Burglar: just lift up, the wodden inlays,....😂

[@chandlerh]

Side hustle idea: build out vans for people. This is really awesome work.

[@tdg9281]

I don’t know if I’m the only one but it makes me so happy seeing this van turning perfect, even if I will probably never see it in person, it still makes me really happy

[@thefirst555]

Fantastic build. fantastic build vlog, perfect blend of cinematography and documenting the process. So fed up of seeing other van builds, with irrelevant cinematics thrown throughout of them walking their dog or making coffee.

[@CultureAgent]

Measure you're success with my jealousy....It's off the scale! Hope you have many happy trips.

[@louscannonmagoo9989]

Stop knocking that tabletop. The entire build is leagues ahead of some dedicated van builders end results. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ian-robinson]

I remember the Volkswagen advert with chap trying to locate the mysterious squeak. This will be you if anything starts rattling.

[@offairhead]

I absolutely HATEEEEE rattling. It drives me fricken crazy so I am thrilled that you addressed that with the carpet.

[@cidercreekranch]

The item you referred as bicycle chain looking is typically called pipe strapping which is used to secure/hang pipes from floor or ceiling joists.

[@lukeybaby45]

I also know it as punched banding, and we sometimes use it to secure small ductwork sections.

[@Lindsay_Brunton]

When i worked for a plumber's merchant we called it galvie banding.

[@liamblackphotography]

It’s also called O band or all around band

[@iamat33]

I simply have no words to describe this build - I’m just In AWE

[@SubiTrekker]

As a person not easily impressed let me say that I am totally impressed with this. I believe you now have a "plan B" if this photography thing doesn't work out for you.

[@Leffe49]

You are amazing Thomas! One can´t even buy a Camper Van with that detail of work you put into it. Your Wife must be very happy, cause now you can fix everything if probs occur in your House also. Great astonishing work!!! 👌👌👌👌👌

[@fionamadjar8155]

I’ve watched hundreds of van conversion videos and your conversion is, I think, the most awesome of all. Thank you.

[@christophergrove4876]

I think you'll be tasked to redo the kitchen after this! As far as "skills"... you have the skills! It is simply a matter of tools and workspace that becomes the difference. Manliness!??? Come on! We've seen you tough it out, wilderness camping in a very small tent in the chill! I DOOOO wonder about your choice of socks, though! 😆 Cheers, Thomas!

[@grahamr610]

Well, if ever the photography fails, THOMAS HEATON PHOTOGRAPHY CAMPERVANS. Well done Tom. Great work & your right, the devil/sucess is in the detail.

[@MuddyDuck...]

It is clear that the sane attention to detail you put into your photography, has paid dividends on your build. Fantastic job 👍 All I would add, is that if your door fit tolerances are too small, you may need to make some adjustments after a few months of summer heat or winter cold and damp. But a small price to pay for being rattle free...

[@williamsolis1]

Thomas I am legitimately impressed by the amount of thought, foresight and patience you've displayed. Yes the table didn't turn out as you hoped but considering how much you've done it's remarkable that you've only had one noticeable change to occur. Also good guess where you said the video would be about 25min mark and it was 23:45 minutes in. Made me deeply reflect about my relationship with time.

[@SiCrewe]

Watched this entire series of video's and then came back here to comment... Have to say that this is probably one of the best van conversions I've ever seen. It's not the fanciest conversion but the thought, the design and the attention to detail is absolutely second-to-none. Outstanding! The entire build is filled with clever ideas and elegant solutions to problems, with absolutely nothing bodged. Anybody who's considering a van conversion should watch this to get an idea of what's achievable with a bit of thought and effort.

[@tombuck]

This is some brilliant engineering! It’s like if Casey Neistat cared about the finish aesthetics of his DIY projects.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

haha!

[@dereklane5316]

Hiya, as an amateur wildlife photographer who has converted a Mercedes V class into a campervan this past year I am quite excited with your van build. We have a full width bed as I’m hoping to convince my wife to holiday in it. Looking forward to April 12th when we can try it out for the first time. Thankyou for all the videos, Del

[@johnashover7938]

PERFECTION: is by no means a small detail but small details make perfection!👍😀

[@N67414]

Top notch. Your claim of not having building skills is not really true. Outstanding problem solving skills!

[@neilcole3406]

Can’t fool me Thomas, l know that little hatch was for your teddy bear!

[@gregs2466]

Thomas, no need to apologize for your van build videos because you have totally impressed me with your skills in doing this! Though I do miss your vids for photography, making your van to live in is perfect. Saying that what you did here made certain parts of me become excited about the finished product would be about right, LMAO!!! Just perfect and you should be impressed with your skills, LOL! Not certain I could do this because I am very impatient which causes me to ruin projects. Great job Dude!

[@southernfriedheathen994]

You're adorable! So talented! I've watched probably hundreds of van builds and yours is now in my top 3. Definitely #1 for vans this size. Your attention to detail, aka OCD, is something I can relate to. Spectacular job!!!

[@kevinbrown945]

I don’t have a van... and I’ll probably never build one... but this video was superb. As a design engineer myself I admire your carpentry skills. Love the way everything fits perfectly.

[@maxencelemoine4190]

Even the details are done beautifully, great work ! The way you are building your van reminds me of your way of shooting. It’s clean, everything is here for a reason, simple (not basic !), straight, the attention to details...

[@benbarnard3729]

What an amazing build! When you were putting on the lock to the rear storage I had this voice in my head. This is the lock picking lawyer.amd today we are going to be breaking and entering Tom's back passage"

[@juanpatricio9204]

Thomas, you're doing such a beautiful job! Give yourself a huge pat on the back!

[@katesclau]

Came for the van, stayed for the landscape photography. Thanks a lot for this great content!

[@marks-0-0]

I'm rewatching the van build again to really appreciate the well thought out and perfect execution of your design. If i was to build another van I'd use the same design and materials. Great content Thomas thanks

[@paulclarke4571]

My next door neighbour had one of these vans back in the 1990s and drove it around Australia with his wife and two kids. They did over 25k klm. He said it was the best thing he ever did. A couple of years latter they lost their house in the 2003 Canberra bush fires.

[@dkyo]

I wasn't sure when you sold you van and took this project, I thought it might have been a mistake, but my gosh, this van is coming along beautifully. I think I'm falling in love with your new van!

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

Probably the best van build I’ve seen .. us Americans should take note ... rock on dude

[@SunDevilPilot]

The “Thomas Heaton” Edition van is quite nice!

[@Berry_N]

Thanks to Thomas Heaton, I am now getting all sorts of van build videos in my youtube feed, lol.

[@raycarter4030]

Thomas, I've been watching every vid for quite a long time now, and I feel I have to say this. This way way way man build stuff is truly impressive. I really hope you take this in the right spirit, but I didn't think you,had this in you. It's a big jump from arty farty to this level of stuff, and it's, I say again, truly impressive.

[@Niteowl99]

Details details details….. another great video. Your wife found a gem in you, so smart and talented.

[@schnufflerunerwunscht8872]

This build, the filming and the editing, are extremely good. It's kind of crazy when you say you are not skilled. I mean what shall all the really unskilled people think of themselves now? :-D

[@baileym43ish]

just in case the whole photography thing doesn't work out, seems you have a whole future in van conversion lined up. top shelf work.

[@RM831BC4E4]

Been looking forward to this part.

[@williamchanning9055]

For someone who says they have no skills, that sir is just fantastic, your attention to detail has been first class. Really looking forward to seeing the finished article and tour; you should be proud of what you have done.

[@mcmoose64]

"I'm not an electrician" , converts the van to a full EV drivetrain with conformal solar panels and a1000km range between charges.

[@CHOYTVcontents]

I love the way he explains everything. Its not as awesome as camper vans looks today but still the explanations in details on every little things and materials he adds has really impact for us as viewers... So watching every seconds really satisfies us...

[@kamel3d]

I watched you old van video few years ago and I always liked the attention to details and in this one you did great job again 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@joerichard171]

What a fantastic job Thomas. Anyone wouldn’t think twice to outright buy your finished product... pro job 👌

[@MichalOlender]

So when is Pimp my ride Heaton Edition channel coming? What an accomplishment man, incredible job!

[@rickdenbraber6869]

I have a certificate in joinery. You are doing all right. Cut the vinyl oversized and cut slits to fold it over the edge and then put the trim on. A quick fix use a sharpie and blacken those white edges and they won’t draw the eye.

[@tjsinva]

Looks great! I'll assume that you'll be installing some type of restraint to that sliding top so that it stays put when you make that first left turn. Just a thought. Cheers!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I assumed so too, but it locks in place 👍

[@tjsinva]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto 🎯👍🍻☘

[@denisesavage2382]

Watching this all come together is like watching my hubby do something! Especially the rattle risk stuff. There's more than the one I live with . . . ..The van is coming together so well. Good on you - even that dodgy table top is alright!

[@giannimura8870]

I love the minimalism and functionality. Only thing I'd say is drill some holes through the carpeted boards under the bed. It'll allow for ventilation under the matress to prevent mold. It shouldn't be a huge issue with the thick matresses you have, but it's not worth replacing them sooner than you have to.

[@nilosan]

So incredible Thomas, great!!!! :)

[@benwoollard7948]

It’s like watching an episode of the A-Team! Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed it and wish I had the skills and patience. Great video!

[@edwardfenwick1881]

A piece of laminate would be great for your table tops. And its easy to install you already have the router.(The product they use on counter tops)

[@strickostricko]

Decent idea, but really, really heavy in comparison.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Roger you can purchase the thin laminate itself to glue to his plywood. The design choices are vast with many colors, patterns and finishes to choose from. Several companies besides Formica brand. Check out your kitchen counter tops in a big box store. The best choice for a van would be the hard wearing finish that is textured and not easily scratched.

[@strickostricko]

@@serenakoleno9338 Didn’t know that. 👍

[@gilbertogranados3018]

this is going to sound super random, but if you did this for a living I would totally hire you to equip my own van, dear lord are you good at that!! great job mate

[@joshgreen1175]

Thomas: I'm freezing. Also Thomas: I wear slides at all times

[@Shuttereye_7]

Very nicely done Thomas! One thing about the sliding table though: don't forget your own weight as you lean on it when you're using the table! Looking forward to the next video!

[@8lacKhawKtheRIPPER]

Should call it "the rattler" when it's done, just in case. 😂 Great job on this! o/

[@Henry30065]

Thomas, you have unbelievable skills. You should seriously consider setting up a van conversion business.

[@mikeissharp]

I can see it now, mysterious shortage of Mitsubishi Delica vans as lockdown weary photographers snap them all up for a summer project.

[@daveneel3441]

For someone with not much experience, you continue to impress. This is looking great!

[@TheWillRogers]

Something tells me those hinges are going to introduce themselves to someone's shin.

[@deankinch6328]

For someone who does photography for a living....thats an epic build. I wasnt sure at first with your materials, but thats come together really nice! You should be proud. love it!

[@ShinobiSauce]

"I'm not a carpenter." Looks into van. Are you sure???

[@rlhydn3438]

This is seriously slick. Stop apologising. Best Delica build on the planet

"I don't have those skills" - Well, let's agree to disagree. This is epic! Oh... And you need a haircut ;-)

[@EdiBikeLife]

Nice Nice Nice build 👍🏻 love it. For someone who says "I'm not a builder" you build nice things. Greetings from Holland

[@robertgrenader858]

Fantastic! When done, take it out for a cruise on a very, very bumpy road. You'll discover all the hidden squeaks and vibrations.

[@michaeldouglasmason]

This van is a cleaner build then some pro builders. Crazy!

[@IamAW]

There are few things that interest me more than photography and van builds atm. So glad you're sharing this.

[@noggin48]

Corr Blimey Tom, what a delightful little creator, you are! This video, was put together brilliantly, lovely flow, some that a paid a fortune, can't touch you, as it's your beautifully quaint, Northern Boy Humour that we love. It would either be this, or building an enormous model railway, I suppose?

[@elderfitnatch]

Great idea with the panels sitting snug within the bed-frame but removable whenever needed. Easy access when you need to inspect, service or repair anything under the frame.

[@yolanda832]

I'm gonna re-watch this. So satisfying, the perfect 3D puzzle. I will never have a van like this one but I shall always remember yours😂

[@craziyass]

This build is an OCD wet dream. Dude, your attention to detail and film skills are so satisfying. Congrats! You got a new subscriber.

[@beniboy89]

Try sanding the table, putting a blow torch to it, and then clear coat over. Makes a great earthy textured surface! Great build by the way!

[@sterby71]

Your a great engineer! I'm a cabinet and furniture builder and you did a great job! Reveals and everything. Awesome build 👏 👌 😎 🙌 👍

[@michellestratford9753]

I can't believe how precise your measurements are!! Its looking just beautiful!