DIY High Top Installation on a Ford Econoline Van

7/8" RV Trim amzn.to/3V4khrk
Sika 252 Adhesive amzn.to/4bG0yEl
My days of hunching in the back of my 2002 Ford E-350 extended body van are finally over! I installed this high top that I pulled off a non-working parts van. Here's how I did it.
#fordeconoline #campervan #vanlifereality #conversionvan #hightopvan #econoline #ford
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Cutting off the Roof
01:47 Fitting the topper
02:12 Preparing the trim
02:31 Screwing in the topper
03:26 Topper installed
04:27 Finishing exterior trim
04:46 Completed installation

[@morphergaming0531]

That really changed the look of the van for the better, well done.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Thanks. I'm not really focused on appearance, but more on function. The van is so much more comfortable inside now and has much more storage.

[@Go4Corvette]

Good job!

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Thanks! I camped in the van last weekend for work and it was so great to have a high top finally! Now I'm working on soundproofing. Stay tuned, thanks for watching!

[@ckinsleyjav]

Awesome channel. I've been looking at buying a wheelchair van with the same topper to convert. I've been wondering what was between the topper and the headliner! Thanks for showing! Do you think it would be possible to remove the headliner and metal cage from the inside without removing the topper? Thank you! Also, does the entire topper have the wood sandwiched between the glass or just the very top of the roof?

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

@ckinsleyjav The only way to remove the inner liner and cage without destroying them is to pull the topper. With careful use of cutting tools I think you could remove the liner in pieces, then the same for the cage. The topper has a wood core just in the ceiling. The sides and rear are solid fiberglass.

[@luvthigod]

Want to do the same to my savana . How much did the top weigh and how much weight was the metal roof you cut off ? Nice job

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

I haven't weighed the van since the top swap, so can't say for sure. I would estimate that the high top weighs between 125lb and 150lb, and that the roof we cut off was around 40lbs. Total guesswork based on my experience lifting kettleballs and 7 gallon water jugs.

[@michaelkritter1694]

I have a 7.3 van. Would love a topper. Worried about killing the fuel mileage. I drive 500+ miles per week

[@Doksamauru]

dude how much do you think it weighs

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

@@Doksamauru My van weighed ~6880lbs before I installed the top. I haven't weighed it since. The metal we removed was probably ~25-50lbs and the top with fan and solar probably weighed ~200lbs. I don't think a the 7.3 cares much about weight though; I got the same fuel mileage moving across the country with all my possessions piled high in the back as I do driving almost empty on shorter trips. I think speed and aerodynamics matter though. I expect to see a slight decline at 60-70mph and a real drop in fuel mileage at 70-80mph.

[@whankin2]

Do you have an amazon link for the black trim?

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Yes, thanks for the reminder!! I put it in the description also. amzn.to/3V4khrk

[@chuckjacobs-arizona7698]

I have an older Econoline van with a similar hightop, that I've had for a number of years....and I have a suggestion. Before you get too far along, think about putting some RV windows in the sides of the top. You'll be able see out while standing up, which will eliminate that claustrophobic feeling. They will also help greatly with air circulation, as that top will tend to trap heat during warm weather. Opening the windows and the roof vent eliminates that problem. I've included a link to a tour of my van: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWKTpahqm6tlhc0si=dHFxC2DP3zDo5y7q. I subbed, and I will be following your build. Best of luck, and safe travels....

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Chuck, that's great advice. I'll check out your video. Offhand do you have a specific RV window that you like or dislike?

[@chuckjacobs-arizona7698]

@@PowerstrokeEconoline Not by name and part number, or anything like that. As you can see in my van tour video, mine are sliders. The only problem there is that you can't leave them open when it's raining. Having said that, there is only a limited amount of room there, so that may be your only option....

[@michaelkritter1694]

What happened to your hwy fuel mileage

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

@@michaelkritter1694 I don't know yet! I'm still on the first tank since putting on the topper. My mileage was 15-17 city and 19-20 highway (if I kept to 65mph, less at 70 or 80mph) before. I have an older video detailing my mileage pre-topper. I'll post an update once I've gotten to drive a bit of distance!

[@chuckjacobs-arizona7698]

@@michaelkritter1694 I never had the van without the top, so I can't really answer that question. My van has the 351 Windsor V8, E40D trans, and I average around 12 mpg....

[@kingpickle3712]

Do you think it's possible to install one on my bicycle?

[@Live-Life-Freely]

Regular or tandem?

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Only if it's diesel ;)

[@freddobbs4437]

Yea but it sure isn't aestheticly good looking, like a baseball attached to your forehead. A lower profile one or ones like old Westphalias had are good.

[@PowerstrokeEconoline]

Ha! If I was going for aesthetics I wouldn't be driving a thirty year old white van. I'm looking for function over form within a budget, and with this thousand dollar topper I can stand up and still have storage for three large totes above the cab completely out of the way.