How camper conversions get it wrong | Classic Sprinter build

Trends in camper van conversions have lost their way lately, but this one is being built differently. In this video I'll explain why, and then build a unique bulkhead and door from reclaimed piano parts and brass fittings.
To support these videos please visit www.georgekarellas.com

[@Lemma01]

14'51" - and all the screw slots line up! Sweet work, my Friend! You're an artist. Thank you.

[@MichaelRushMusic]

Last year, without much mechanic experience, I began a restoration of my 1977 W123 280E. I had to put it on hold for a bit, but this year I completed a camper van build ("completed" in as much as it's taken me on 6000kms of adventures this summer, but there's always something I want to improve). Anyway, I just wanted to say that I wouldn't have started the Mercedes project - which gave me the confidence to build the van - without the inspiration I got from your videos. I love your style of video presentation and the effort and artistry you put into them. You've been a huge influence on me and I appreciate the work you do. Thank you from Vancouver, Canada!

[@iamrichrocker]

nobody does video and editing like you Mate..just stellar..your eye to detail is incredible..a joy to watch and relax..

[@wesleycardinal8869]

I've always thought my birthday was wrong, thanks for pointing that out! You'll still fit in the Esprit no worries, I'm 67 and fit in a series 1 Elise. Thanks for the update, the montage shot at the start was a work of art 👍🇦🇺

[@soupclassicmotoring]

😆 hope yet then

[@jakiesarmiento]

The stop motion in your videos is so refreshing (and time consuming I can only imagine)! Thanks for sharing!

[@kirjorg]

this "stop motion. "adds so much time to your video production! hats off to you!

[@tyburcjusz]

It just snowed in Warsaw. I got up, took a huge mug of coffee to my fav armchair, checked YT and what?? Oh it's like a neat Xmass gift to see you back at it! Well done mate! :)

[@soupclassicmotoring]

🍻

[@daviddavies3810]

Van conversions will never be the same now, absolutely amazing

[@nmartin5551]

Really enjoyed this video and your unusual takes on the interior design!! I love the floor tracks and seating! And the Land Rover windows? Magnificent!!

[@eoghanholland2410]

You can cut straighter lines with the round side of the router than you can with the straight bit. Always enjoy the videos.

[@beetooex]

Interesting. Why's that then?

[@eoghanholland2410]

@@beetooex if the router kicks on the flat surface it's gonna sorta fall onto the big radius -more room for error - if you setup for big radius you have a lot more ergonomic control of the tool and aren't locked into fighting the flat surface against rotation - the radius will give you much more arm rotation through the cut.

[@bitminerbob6731]

The only problem with this video is it wasn't 30 minutes longer. Great job on the door!!!

[@s-c..]

Holy moly, the next time I see a KZbinr saying how much longer everything takes when they’re filming it I’ll refer them here!! Much respect for the effort you put in &/or for finding that invisible team of fairies who did all the work for you!

[@JonHammond81]

You are easily the best channel on KZbin! Such longevity in your production work, this will be watched for decades to come. Van is looking fantastic

[@boriss.861]

George all your Stop Motion is so professional. The Piano-Hinge installation with the screws 3:42 that took some time for less than a second plus all the bolts and screws around the door! You have endless patience after all these years!

[@007nadineL]

Ikr I couldn't believe my eyes

[@johnhaggerty4257]

A fantastic bit of editing. Crafstmanship is A++++.Well done you chap. An absolute joy to watch. From me here in Scotland to you where ever. Pure magic.

[@mistiferchristopher]

I came for the Esprit but I stay for the other awesome restorations! Thanks for the inspiration: I’ve bought an 93 Esprit S4 from a breaker, it’s missing a lot but will get it back on the road. Keep up the good work, it’s appreciated.

[@TheJohnnySaunders]

Ive watched a million how to vids on this never ending platform ... this is by far the best !!

[@hottubz1965]

Soup always brings the chill tunes to the visual spectacle! 😆

[@Fiveminded]

I watch a load of van conversion videos just for fun, this is the first one that even mentions all the weight in a typical conversion. Often wondered how it affects speed and fuel costs

[@curm1778]

I'm building an oak and cedar chest/cabinet for my home foyer. Now I want a piece of piano panel for an inlay! That door MAKES the interior. A work of art, sir. Well done.

[@peterwilson5528]

Many really good points here. Even here in Southern Finland where we live camping in the winter is temporary if the wife kicks you out of home you will freeze your bollocks off. We had a transit Connect and to gain some space to move stuff removed the bulkhead thingy. Man was it cold in that van in the Finnish winter the poor heater was working overtime. Nice video by the way. Love what you have done with the bulkhead thingy. Give yourself a pat on the back :)

[@johnfitzpatrick2083]

What an amazing van conversion with real-world thinking, loved it.

[@randallsaulsbury8298]

Dude, Your videos are so very well done and even though you are not a "woodworker" you do such a wonderful job. Cheers from one apprentice to another!

[@MrAnwarsmith]

Love the Hockney homage at the beginning - as always your videos are brilliant productions, thanks!

[@ManneyM]

love this.... i have bein ummin and ahhhmin about getting a camper for the last couple of years, have minimal diy skills, so been patiently waiting for the right one to come up for sale.... but i think with every video i have watched over the last few years has added to "my van needs to have" list.... but the first 4 mins of this video was a wake up moment for me ... the van i want really does not need to to do everything, go anywhere on the planet, for any length of time from a day to 2 years ! just want to get away for a couple of days when things feel like they are getting to much.... so just changed my ebay saved search to look for a decent van 👍👍 thanks for the awakening 😅😅😂😂

[@codejackz]

The most elaborate bulkhead I've seen yet but it looks great, well done. I agree with your vanlife views, Id say many never see the usage they are built for. Filming as always is beautiful. Looking forward to more!

[@kelboization]

I haven't "Souped" in like 3 months! So, did the big catch up the past few days and I was all "When did George turn into Norm Frickin' Abram??!!" Not surprised that you just effortlessly step into carpentry. Shout out to the David Hockney collage homage with the Sprinter in the garage. Excellent cinematic work as usual.

[@leuvenlife]

I love watching real artists work. It's so inspiring!

[@philipB31]

You never fail to brighten up any day - always a pleasure, thank you.

[@stephenpoessl5464]

The bulk head is great and the old piano front is a splash of genius.

[@kevinwright3141]

That door is an effing thing of beauty! I like butchering old Pianos also, the workmanship in them is sublime!

[@baileym43ish]

i'm getting strong Frank Howarth vibes from this production value. well done and a very talented wood worker as well.

[@rowanhawklan9707]

Well done on how this is turning out it's a fantastic job! Gonna make my girlfriend watch this instead of all the foe outdoorsman camperbuilds she normally watches. Really really looking forward to the Lotus build (it's what I tuned in for all thoes years ago) but alas I'm 54 on the 24th!!! Since you asked the RX8 is coming along nicely thank you. Catch you next time. Oh and happy Christmas if I don't see you before then.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

As always, a work of art George! Thank you!

[@Mike-kr9ys]

I am not a builder, but to my eyes, that bulkhead looks like the best solution to that issue I have ever seen. Well thought out, well built!

[@jimg5669]

A "Parliment hinge"... nice to know. Thank you. Allbthe best on the build! 👍

[@russhumphreys8109]

Looking forward to seeing your take on a van conversion! As you mentioned weight is a killer (not to mention the safety aspects) so I cringe every time I see IKEA kitchen units, porcelain tiles, sinks and MDF. Sorry not a fan of pine cladding either😏 I did my best to keep our 4x4 Sprinter as light as possible and it still gets far too close to 3.5T when fully loaded.

[@OilNBolts1]

As usual your videos are time well spent. Beautiful, thoughtful, work.

[@897aa33]

I find vibration sticky mats greatly reduce outside noise, and with your excellent diy skills, using lightweight morlands furniture boards will give you a professional finish that everyone will be jealous about.

[@PowerslideSWE]

You're a hell of a lot better woodworker than most of us who is not in that trade, that's for damn sure, the door turned out great.

[@zygimantasgasiunas2791]

Thank you for episodes!

[@Hster68]

Beautiful job matey. "Not a woodworker." my ass! Keep up the great work. My fave channel by a mile. Where's our Lotus Big boy??

[@johncargo2882]

Beautiful, and the strength and versatility you've built into the bulkhead is impressive. The only suggestion I can give for the sake of longevity is that the wood be sealed or treated (if it hasn't already) since it will be exposed to moisture. That moisture can cause the wood to warp, separate and rot. There are various polyurethanes that can give you a satin, flat, or glossy finish, sealing the wood while also providing a surface that's easy to clean and durable.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Could epoxy it, for further strength, durability and moisture-proofing, but it won’t do weight any favours

[@The_Summit_Wanderer]

AMAZING...Refreshing editing ..quirky and unique 👌

[@LobsterHunter5]

Thanks Mr. Soup. Your videos always cheer me up and inspire me. I wouldn't take on half the projects I do, nor face things the way I do now if it weren't for you. :)

[@LoneWolfExplorer]

I’m loving your work George, absolutely stunning. I’ve just subbed off my new channel but been following you for years since the RRC resto. Remember you bought the sunroof off me 😉

[@NeverlandSystemAngel]

I love that bulkhead. It's a brilliant idea to have it fold down in pieces like that.

[@marcusott2973]

Much awaited, much appreciated looking forward to excellent work as always from you.

[@Steviegtr52]

Coming on nicely now. Good luck & hope to see the Espirit work soon.

[@manfredschmalbach9023]

Soup-George attaboy-ing the bulkhead with piano-hinges and the bulkhead-door with something unhinged coming also from a piano ... priceless. After getting rid of my swb T1N for ride-quality reasons, I am actually getting a T4 VW done for sleep-overs beside the -road- sea right now. It's absolutely too tiny inside for a decommissioned piano-door, but I got hold of quite some old 1910s Art Nouveau furniture pieces for fillings, fronts and details to recombine with aramide-carbon-composite framing and brushed aluminium profiles - Nothing better than custom interiors. Oh, perhaps a Lotus might come close, though. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@bradcrossman5068]

No small feat there Georgie. Well done old sock. Cheers from Eastern Canada! 🇨🇦

[@noexpensespentstudios]

Excellent work as always, with real thought behind not only the practicality but also the beauty of the thing you're building. The modularity of the bulkhead is an excellent use of what would otherwise be totally dead space and looks really easy to set up and use even at this early stage. I'd be cautious of using satin as a backing for the fretwork, it's quite susceptible to UV damage leading it to fade and even break apart. Upholstery grade fabrics tend to be more UV stable and of course there's always paint, foils, decorative metal sheets, and a whole plethora of other materials you could use which I'm sure you've already thought about.

[@mikeandloria]

I was first thinking, wow, that takes up a lot of space until I saw the functionality, brilliant!!

[@7494jon]

Love the filming techniques!

[@seviregis7441]

Love the divider and door to the cabin. Fabulous

[@adv_rider]

Love the stop motion animation, amazing videography! simply enjoyable to watch. Not to mention your great workmanship. You are a multi talented person. Bravo!

[@markbellizia7997]

Great production value!!! You could do videos on replacing the toilet paper roll and make them riveting to watch!!!

[@rivenmotors7981]

Some thoughtful work there George, that'll be a right nice rolling lounge on the beach. Cheers buddy!

[@andersjjensen]

The stopmotion and your general visual style needs some kind of education award. I follow many kinds of build/repair/restore channels and NONE of them manages to convey exactly how the process was done the way you can. That we get a healthy dash of George Philosophy(TM) on the side is just a welcome bonus, but really, lots and lots of videographic education material could benefit wildly from stealing, with hands and toes, from the way you present things.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Whole reason I chose stop motion was to bring detail. This might be the first time a comment got to the heart of that. Thanks :)

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

This is absolutely incredible! I cannot wait to see it done!

[@gregmacd2829]

Good video, thanks for keeping it real, there are too many expensive and professional builds on the web, I like seeing people like myself build useful things like this,,,good job.

[@justkiddin1980]

Man i love seeing this channel finally grow!! I've been here for years and it seems it's finally taking of...Congrats man and all the best from the Netherlands!

[@siplito]

Wonderful Video, as always. So calming and still so vivid and passion-inducing ...

[@danielcranston375]

New to your channel. So you build cars? I love this camper van video and your style, more CV videos please! Really dig your edits, comments, parts with no talking, etc. great stuff.

[@DustinDriver]

It's gorgeous! You are definitely a woodworker. And a great storyteller!

[@tomcat7525]

Spray insulation is the most effective according to many, cover all metal so you wont have thermal bridges. But a man as thorough and handy as you would know that already I guess. 👍

[@superseven7947]

Sweet bulkhead George! that door is very cool. I hope you aren't planning a door on the vehicle you are restoring that also has a wooden bulkhead 😉😁 18:34

[@chuzzbot]

I regret not insulating my floor Love the animated touches fella, nice.

[@gravydavy4188]

Fantastic idea to use that panel, looks great. 👍

[@colinbaldwin9702]

Fantastic 😍 Can't wait for the progress 👍

[@chubbbassett4436]

What amazing work that door is brilliant well done love your channel

[@RebelsInc969]

I'm not a great fan of the "off the shelf" campers & home made were all have a very similar outlay so i chose to go a different direction with mine. I do love the edge landy windows they are such a brilliant idea 👍✌

[@LorchVHS]

Excellent partition!

[@catw6274]

Well you sure seem like a wood worker!! The editing is especially impressive. That's a lot of masking - well done! Keep up the good work!

[@FhVW]

i'm taking my restoration of my LT 35E MK1 in baby steps.. dont have the money to do so. But ive kept it on the road since I bought it. Now hoping the gov won't still charge me double the taxes in 2026 or its over. Love your videos!

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Good luck

[@ozwoz123]

excellent as always George, I admire what you do, and you do it very well, even if its not perfection... and that doesnt matter so much eh!, and we are ALL looking forward to the Esprit!!!! and good luck to you too.

[@Elkatook666]

really cool stop-motion filming, loved it

[@thyhangman]

Love this! I can only imagine how long it took to produce this amazing 18:34 video. Absolutely amazing! great great job!

[@Christian6.1803]

Clocked those hinge screws.😍😍😍😍

[@scoldeddogproduction]

I don't know why everyone has to make a comment on how someone is making a build. If I don't think someone is doing it efficiently or correctly, I'll say it under my breath and watch the video or find another to watch. I don't care how you convert your van to a camper. It's yours. Do what makes you happy and works for how you'll use it.

[@bt6770]

I think you did a great job and that piano piece is wonderful. Hopefully you can find other such bits to add throughout the build !

[@davidbrown8365]

Coffee, headphones & Soup Classic = perfect start to the day

[@johnpartridge7623]

Good job George 👍👍👍

[@King_TuTT]

looking really great. keep up the good work.

[@PS-en7wn]

I really enjoyed watching this while at work haha. SUBBED!

[@danielesilvaggi]

Marvelous. I wanted to buy a van like this when I retired and do something similar to go hunting but life gets in the way sometimes.

[@BoiledOctopus]

The editing is incredible!

[@davidellis2021]

As always, very nice video, thanks!

[@jasonshull3106]

Thank you, Sir, for your great video. JDS

[@j0n5chm1dt]

In the interest of giving the Lotus the best chance, I have just started the paperwork to formally change my birthday to November 18th.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

👏🏼🤣

[@herme99]

Lovely job

[@paulblandy987]

Absolutely beautiful what a door 👍

[@wmsification]

Nice work!

[@BenHur872]

Thanks for the update 🙂

[@mypeeps1965]

Coming along well. cant wait to see the first surfing trip with the little one. I was thinking that with all the traveling you have done and hats you have worn, would you be interested in sharing some of your favorite cooking recipes and the stories behind them. I know its off subject but I think people would be really interested in that. Take care!

[@soupclassicmotoring]

Coming from a foodie fam I’ve managed to become the anti-foodie. So long as it’s made from whole and fresh, I’m really not fussy

[@mypeeps1965]

@@soupclassicmotoring The dish you were cooking in the clips looked delicious!

[@ratheskin58]

Slotted screws to the parliament hinges makes the perfect finishing touch, very nice.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

You know how difficult it is to actually find those now. Damn you pozidrive

[@Sean--]

I spot inch beach :0, great video as always!

[@skybirdprojects5489]

I wrecked my car today. I got my interest and passion for cars from watching your videos way back in the 2020 lockdowns. I'll bounce back. It's just hard having to let go of a vehicle you loved and put a lot of time into. Thank you for what you do, it continues to encourage us.

[@ElQuesoGuapo]

That door looks great! If it's not already in your plan, look into getting some iron-on edge banding that matches the plywood of the door. It'll clean up the cut edges and make the door look like it was cut from a single slab of wood.

[@soupclassicmotoring]

That’d be lovely, I’d want it in brass though. Pigs may fly

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@soupclassicmotoring Sticky backed copper tape is a thing. It's not brass, but...

[@kellymcteer5076]

Good job! Keep it up!