Bullet Proofing our E350 diesel van

[@peanutsassyathena]

I doubt any critics bring up the fact that you have saved a small fortune by being able to do your addition and all property improvements by yourself. Your skill set is amazing!

[@florencestaheli7459]

... and his stamina too!!! Bill and Elizabeth are "the most continuous" workers, overcomers and winners!!! Not to forget their spirit of love... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BigFireDave]

I'm a retired diesel mechanic. I think you made an absolute perfect decision. And it's not just vans that doit that way. If you take a pickup to the bulletproof fctory they hang the body in theair and work on the frame/substructure just like your mechanic did. Sounds to me like you have a good mechanic there.

[@peanutsassyathena]

You did good buying the van when you did. I've seen reports where used vehicles have risen in cost up to 30% and that's if you can find anything to buy. I'm just glad he could get the parts. People are struggling to find parts for tractors and vehicles. In some cases the parts can't be found anywhere. Now I'm hearing farmers can't find tires for their tractors. Farmers are having trouble buying fertilizer for crops and if they can find it the prices are horribly expensive. We are living in very strange times.

[@djterry1218]

Bill is a smart cookie!

[@gladysanderson1351]

It is true. And if you find a repair person they often are not taking more work because they can’t get adequate help.

[@xavierbenson2437]

That’s very true! I’m down a little less than half left on my diesel loan, about 30k and it’s worth almost twice that now. It’s two years old and has barely 44k on it. Glad I got it when I did. Cause if I had of waited, there’s no way I’d buy one at this time.

[@gotdangedcommiesitellyahwa6298]

You ain't kiddin'! My 22 year old car with almost 300k miles is worth about 3x what it was a couple of years ago. I'm glad to have it, but finding parts has become very difficult, between the shortages and companies just straight up not producing them any longer. Finding a reliable mechanic is about like finding a good doctor these days.

[@pj123xyz]

When I saw “bulletproofing” i thought you tricked out your van in some mad max way 😆

[@margaretvillalpando7722]

A suggestion in case you haven't thought of this...keep your receipts from the bullet proofing and how much you paid for the van in the off chance of an accident. My son wrecked a car he had bought used and it had a rebuilt motor which was spelled out on the bill of sale, so I showed that to the insurance company and they gave him more money for the totaled car than they were going to originally. Just thought I would mention that since the repairs were not cheap.

[@BrightRiverSunset]

Sounds like you made the right decision. I'm happy for y'all! Stay safe and many Happy Travels! By the way say Hi to Barry I saw him photo bombing 😀

[@EmptyHammock]

I'll just say hi myself.. :)

[@whyuneedtoknow]

I am glad you got it back! Personally, I think it is going to be money well spent and it will pay for itself in no time. Now I am excited to see the build out on the inside when you get ready to start that project. ☺️

[@carolbenson6524]

Yes..I also would like to see it turned into a camper van. Sounds like fun! Hope Elizabeth is getting better. Stay safe!!🙏

[@JanesDough855]

I work with someone who was t-boned in November and still doesn't have his car back because of parts, so your logic makes sense. Better to be safe than sorry. Patience is a virtue. God Bless!

[@jenpattenaude9421]

We have a trailer too and it’s awful when you’re away and the truck breaks down!😳🤦🏻‍♀️ You are very wise to plan ahead- who wants their trips ruined with vehicle issues? Hope that you have a great time on your journeys in it and sure hope that Elizabeth is feeling better ❤️‍🩹🙏

[@CR10.07]

A van, a rebuilt engine, that will go forever forever for 14,000 is a gift from God, no matter how you look at it... there better be zero criticisms! 😄

[@Glenfilthie1]

No, I think your homework looks good to me guys. The internet is full of guys that can do anything cheaper/better/faster than you can and will be happy to tell you so all day long!😂👍 There’s a KZbin kid I watch called Foresty Forest with a van like yours. He built it out and lives in it as he travels around North America doing hiking and biking and he has been to the moon and back in his. Safe travels you guys!

[@willymags123]

I think y'all made a fine decision. Now you all have Safety and Security. I can't wait to see the build and the finished product. Till next time, God bless.

[@Randy8923]

I think your decision concerning the van was a wise one. Now you know all is mechanically sound. Take off to Florida and enjoy. God bless you both 🙏.

[@marytaylor8417]

My son is a mechanic and he bought a diesel truck with the body in bad shape. He also bought a gas truck with a mint body. He paid big bucks to have the body off the gas truck changed over to the diesel truck. He could not do the body swap himself because he did not have time for such a large undertaking. Now he has a truck that will last him the rest of his life.

[@sarahmckenzie7989]

Good for you on your savvy purchase and upgrading! A reliable vehicle is so critical. There is no price on safety!

[@DJTerry-bd3cp]

So glad you got it done now , one less thing to worry about

[@jillstarke5089]

Thank you sending hugs from Western Nebraska

[@hollydolly6630]

I think yall deserve more respect, because yall have saved for everything you've done and are debt free so just know that I support you two completely. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW VAN!! Can't wait for your trip!!!

[@janicew6222]

I learned something today, never heard of bullet-proofing an engine. I never understand why people are so critical of others. It isn't their money or their business. Sounds like wise investment to me. Enjoy your time in Florida.

[@25is27]

But nobody has criticised him?

[@florencestaheli7459]

So there is nothing else to say but "congratulations" to finally have this car the way YOU want it! That's right... and enjoy your trip! Greetings from Zurich...

[@brmelectric]

Well I personally think you made the right decision Bill. Peace of mind is expensive, but is all so very satisfying. Look fwd to your build.

[@dannymcnally6211]

You did good with the van.. Having peace of mind far from home is priceless..

[@hollysamson3808]

Who am I? No one but a follower of yours…BUT I think that you were guided by God to make the right kind of decision that you made and was worth the money to have it bulletproofed and you really got a good deal on the purchase of the van! Many, many enjoyment years ahead…keep going…Leo will be happy! I am leaving from NE PA and meet my best friend at her house two hours away on Friday and we will be heading to MO where she and her husband are moving near their daughter in MO! He is retired and also a builder for many years. He has been working on their house down there since last year. Good luck and my God Bless you….tell Barry I said hi…it was cute that he walked by and waved! Love your videos.💕🙏🏻🤗

[@sandral2178]

Bill, it’s up to you and Elizabeth to decide what’s right for you, you are wonderful people! I’m enjoying your new addition build!

[@shodson314]

Sounds like a good investment! Loved the photo bomb wave from Barry.

[@mlm7598]

Bill, considering the price you paid for the van to begin with and the fact it can be a camper and or camper and pull the big camping vehicle.......you made the only wise decision. Considering the price of a good new used vehicle or a new truck to pull just the big camper, let alone a camp alone vehicle as well.........anyone would be nuts not to take the van and get it bullet proofed. It's a no brainer to me and you did the only common sense decision. New trucks today are OVER THE TOP in price. I don't know how people spend 70-80K on a vehicle? Not in my life! Kudos to you and Elizabeth for all you do with what you have. Your so talented and save much more than that just being able to build the addition. I can't even imagine with all the improvements you have done on your own home how many of thousands of dollars you have saved. You are both so blessed with talents and don't hesitate to get busy making every penny stretch to the limit with your talents saving soooo much money. Kudos to you both and happy camping/traveling and warm weather. I am thrilled for you both. How fun! Safe travels to you and have a wonderful time! Blessings!!!

[@kmjober]

Sometimes you have to put more money into a vehicle than you paid for it and you have to make that determination for yourself. Plus, you own that van! No payments, no having to mess around with a dealership. Went a similar route with buying and fixing up a van, worked out great! Thank you for the update!

[@carolbenson6524]

And...dont pay any attention to criticism..those people are bored and jealous...you made the right decisions and you definitely know what you are doing!!!

[@c.julien8266]

Hope you get many years of reliable service from your diesel van. Live the photo bomb!!! God Bless.

[@kathleenrussell5555]

I admire your teamwork as a couple to plan and save for the future. You are such an example for all if us. I am so glad that I happened upon your channel. I enjoy your personalities and the obvious love and respect you have for each other. Your children and grandchildren are blessed to have you in their lives. Thank you so much for sharing. Take care and God bless.

[@Elaine_Jim_McGuire]

I'm excited to see how you build this out to a camping van!! One recommendation, prior to taking it to Florida, as weather permits perhaps you could hitch it up and do a day road trip pulling your trailer...just as a test on its performance and endurance. Hoping Elizabeth is feeling better.

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Yup. Just yesterday I finally got the trailer inspected (now that I have the van back), then I pulled the trailer 60 miles down the highway to test everything. It all works great!

[@ameliainpdx1775]

I don't know if your 60 mile trip included any hills or not, but if not I would take & the trailer on a hilly up & down road or two. I learned, after blowing a couple of gaskets & a radiator, to travel on a couple of hwys close to home. If I'm going to "blow" anything I'll do it there.... Better local than far away.

[@littlehousehappyhome1504]

Love Barry’s photo bomb at the end! Hi Barry! So Bill, I think y’all made a great decision! Don’t listen to the negative comments, if you get them. You did what works for y’all and that’s what counts. Now you have a vehicle that will work hard for you for a VERY long time! That’s all that matters. May God bless y’all and keep y’all safe on your Florida trip. Can’t wait to see the videos! ❤️🙏

[@EmptyHammock]

hi.. :)

[@candaceaustin4258]

Sides eat drivers always think they know better, not. You did what you did for you. Love you both.

[@TheSchmittstead]

I had no idea about bullet proofing either. People seem to forget that they need to what’s best for them and not make decisions for others or get on them for making a decision that goes against what they think. Anyway that thing is gonna last a long long time. I really enjoy y’all’s videos. Love the video bomb twords the end lol. Anyway stay blessed and keep ‘em coming.

[@jangrahame4891]

I am so happy to see you've gotten your van back in time to shake down cruise it to Florida. That money you have invested in it, is cheap for what you are going to get back in reliable service over the years. May God bless you and Elizabeth with many more years of adventure!

[@antfarannte746]

That’s great you guys should get lots of use out of the van now hopefully with no trouble. Bill has a lot on his plate now, finishing the addition and building the camper van😁 also loved the ending when Barry walked to the shed and waved 😂😂 funny guy!

[@cheekysaver]

It sounds like you did great! If it needed work anyway, this was so much better than being stranded on the road. I hope you guys have so much fun!

[@brendaalaniz3090]

I pray that your van will bring you hundreds of thousands of miles, and you enjoy every minute of those miles.

[@crazycritterlady6620]

Same thing happened to my parents truck. The critters here ate the wiring, the mechanic said it would take 2 to 3 weeks, it took 3 months because of the covid and the inability to find the parts. It is my only means of transportation. So I was home bound for 3 months, I had to get instacart to bring in a few grocerys and personal items during that 3 months. And funny thing is it wasn't really that bad. I may have that done tj8

[@bethanyfields4706]

I'm glad you finally got your van! I KNOW you all have bathed that vehicle in prayer from BEFORE you ever owned it, therefore God will allow it to serve HIS purposes, regardless of human opinions. God bless you, beautiful family.♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@juliafayeconner8978]

That sounds great. It sounds like you have a vehicle that will last you a long time. Blessings on you both. Have fun with your adventures.

[@carlphelps4098]

Much Kudos to you on your van rebuild decision! May you and Elizabeth be protected and blessed while driving this rig for many years to come!

[@rondahoward5341]

Praise God! That seems to be His intentions and He needs you in Florida. Or maybe because he knows he intends for Mother Nature to drop another storm by weeks end. God bless y’all and I hope Elizabeth is on the mend!

[@0livelanette859]

The Lord Watch's after you two !! 🚘

[@donnadiesburg1869]

You guys are so interesting!! Thank you.

[@fjbutter1813]

Hi Barry! The prices of used vehicles are only going higher by the minute. You did the right thing by doing what you did. It's time to roll south!

[@EmptyHammock]

HI FJ

[@ljjackson7106]

Bill, you and Elizabeth are such AWESOME teachers and I KNOW you made the right choice on bullet-proofing that diesel engine! You will NOT regret that! 😘 🤗❤️🙏👍 Prayers for good health and longevity!!!

[@-Diana469]

Happy for you! Sounds like you got a good deal for something that is going to last!

[@sj6728]

Bill I think you made the perfect decision!!!!! This is a reliable life long fun vehicle!!!!! Thank you for teaching me about bullet proofing!!!!!

[@susangay4866]

It will be reliable and last forever. Enjoy!

[@joshuasallee7509]

Even with the added expense- you have saved a small fortune. In today's market even a ragged out gas pickups with 150k miles are going for gold. Dollar for dollar- you done good.

[@yeshua2dw]

IM HAPPY FOR YOU BILL CAN'T WAIT TILL YOU GET TO GO CAMPING WITH IT.

[@robhay57]

Ha ha, silly me. I read the title thinking you were going to bulletproof, as in keeping bullets from penetrating. But I learned something! :)

[@SoddyGirl50]

Speaking as a camper, who's husband has always put safety and reliability first, you have a great set-up!! The Appalachian mountains (I live in East Tennessee) require more strength (oomph!) When towing.

[@tcames5131]

Divine timing on your purchase and repairs. 🙏🏻 I hope you will be visiting the gulf coast of FL. We have beautiful colored waterways. I am near central FL if you need anything while you are visiting.

[@judyfinnegan6225]

Thanks for the update bill!! Stay warm & be BLESSED today!! 💕

[@xavierbenson2437]

You did the right thing Bill. Simply because it’s a diesel and a bullet proofed 6.0 at that, you have a van that you and Elizabeth can use and eventually pass it down to your son and his family. It will last a lifetime. I broke down and bought a brand new diesel truck a couple years ago. I say this to say, that van will last as long as a new 2022 6.7 power stroke Ford. And diesels hold their value a lot better than a gasser all day long. Congrats on your new and improved van 🥳

[@pammiedoodle8693]

It sounds to me like everything worked out perfectly!👍🏼 It’s a good thing you got the van when you did, too! Looking forward to the upcoming trip and lots of videos from Fla!😊 God Bless🙏

[@mariannereno8501]

I hope Elizabeth is doing better 🙏 💓

[@kathybuchanan9470]

Don't worry about what negative Nellie's say. Bill, you and Elizabeth are doing what's right and best for you guys. Besides...look at all the money you save by doing things, YOU KNOW how to do. No shame in hiring out. GOOD JOB

[@stephwillson7161]

You got a deal!!!! Awesome stuff!!! Loved the wave in the background!!!

[@bessieoriotis5104]

Bill this bullet proofing is a new concept, but you did the best you could with what's available. We should as Elvis Presley once sang Walk a mile in my shoes....and before you accuse, criticize and abuse walk a mile in my shoes. I hope all the words right, but the meaning is Clear.

[@pdlbarrett812]

Well very glad that you were able to get you van completed. I am also glad that you are happy! You guys have a good time with your van and have a beautiful vacation!

[@GinaSiska]

Seems like a great investment to me Bill! Can’t wait to see it in action!

[@jodiplock4784]

Learn something new every day

[@imahick5723]

Thanks Bill. I always find your content interesting and I always feel like I always learning something! Enjoy your van and your camping

[@meganlalli5450]

Thing is, you need to decide what the best value is, and imo, that's what you did. If you knew up front about bulletproofing, I'm sure you would have worked that into the equation. You didn't know, but now you do. In the end, the total price difference is minimal compared to a gas powered model, and as you said the gas model wouldn't tow your trailer. And this van gives you options your truck couldn't. I think you made the right call.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Why should anyone criticize you? You are debt free. You are living within your means. It isn't anyone's business how you choose to spend your money.

[@beverlymichael5830]

Nice van. I have an 06 check express van and just love it. A van is so versatile. You now have a solid vehicle. 👍

[@ginavandam735]

Great decision! Every prepper now say we have to fix extra parts while we can..so you did the very best!😀👍 Say Hi to Elisabeth ..Wish you both the best and good health...healing thoughts to E from Sweden💝💐🎶

[@karlab9557]

Glad for you! Averting problems before they happen is the way to go.

[@annparham3466]

Doesn't matter how much you have invested in it, its your vehicle! I think you have a great idea! Right now I have a 27foot class A! This thing is a "BEAST" for me to drive! I drove it all the way to Florida and I friend drove it back to Oklahoma so I could drive my truck back! I also have a 2015 Chevy Siverado 4x4! It is not flat tow able, and my rig only tows 5000lbs! I was afraid it would be to much weight to put on a trailer and haul it back and I have heard that tow dolly's are a pain! So I did what I had to to get it back home! I will be looking at getting something smaller and definitely downsize to a smaller rig for traveling!

[@jgsmile1331]

I learned something new today. Bulletproofing

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

Have a nice safe trip to Florida. Will be looking forward to the warmer videos. hehe (🙋‍♀️ to the person who waved at us)

[@OldWaysNewWays]

Over the years, I have chosen to put money into repairs and not into newer vehicles(aka someone else's headache). I've never regretted it. I have saved so much money on taxes and insurance with an older vehicle. I also read that keeping older vehicles on the road in good repair is a much lower CO2 footprint than buying new and scraping the old. I absolutely believe you did the right thing for many reasons. Hope you have some wonderful times in Florida. Get well Elizabeth.

[@Nannaof10]

Wise choices!

[@Grace2Hope]

I think it’s fantastic! God bless you & Elizabeth in your travels!

[@nancyh2378]

The total price of $14,000+ is pretty normal now. My brother paid $6500 for a van after someone backed into the side of his and totaled it. It is an ordinary van and doesn’t have much towing capacity. He was thankful to find it given the prices out there. He already had to replace the alternator, and now he has to have the air fixed.

[@SoddyGirl50]

Oh, I meant to also say that I hope Elizabeth is feeling better.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

So glad that you caught that cracked head in the engine. I had an engine block blow and was so poor that I had to sell my car. It's a good price that you got, not cheap, but not exorbanant. Bullet proofing it sounds like you may have saved yourselves the whole engine just in time. I'm glad that you had the patience to wait for it rather than just go off without having it at least looked at. I think that a mechanic or two should always look over a vehicle that you've just bought or better yet are thinking of buying. You want to know up front what you're getting into. We women may know cars, but men will take us for a ride and rip us off, get a man to negotiate for you. I learned this the hard way. So it's good that you did this stuff Bill because women get hurt trying to negotiate with men over anything, even houses. My widowed mother had a very bad experience with a contractor the couple of years. We just want to be treated fairly, but I've learned the hard way...

[@LaLadybug2011]

Susan, I just had to come talk to you about your comment-you sound like a super nice woman, that has had some bad experiences. Sounds like you've got an idea that women can't negotiate with men. That's not true-I'm a woman and other than my first used car my Dad got me way back in 1978 as a teenager, I have purchased all of my new cars (and two gently used ones) all by myself. My husband knew I enjoyed the research involved, I took my notes with me and it was game on! Anyone can be taken advantage of if hey go into things with no idea of what something costs, and with a victim attitude. Way back then I had to go to a library to use a Green Book to get prices, and I went to several dealerships, also used Car and Driver and other magazines at the library to get prices on new vehicles. You can do this! Have confidence. I'm betting you can do this-today you have the internet at your fingertips and can spec out a car in 30 seconds!

[@FiresideCoffee]

I think you made a very intelligent decision! As you said, that will probably be the last van you buy. A great decision my friend. I’m extremely excited to see the build! God Bless.

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

First time viewer here sir . Awesome van !! GOD bless you and may his angels guide and protect you and all you love sir

[@skippyjones4195]

Hey Bill Elizabeth what a great van that's awesome can't wait to see it built out...ok love you guys Take Care ❤

[@cllnplmr]

Sorry for all the delays but so glad you could get her gussied up before your vacations! Let's just say she's had her SPA treatment and vacation before you...but how priceless is PEACE OF MIND?

[@johnmullins9776]

Praying your wife gets better soon!

[@karelmarx8899]

Hello sir I think you made right decision. Hope this car will serve you good . Wish you lots of nice trips wherever you'll go. Greetings from Slovenia EU

[@johnmelissaziech6207]

Thanks for clearing that up! I love things that have a dual purpose. Your van is a camper and can pull your camper. Sounds like it is worth the money, to me!

[@juliajohnson5276]

You did good. Like you said, you made the best decision you could.

[@LaLadybug2011]

If you have a vehicle that can tow your Camper, and you can live in it, it is now very dependable, and it cost you less than 15k-I would say you and Elizabeth made a very wise choice. I bought my vehicle brand new in 2012 and right now, I wouldn't go to the next town over in it because I can't afford to have it looked over. You and Elizabeth seem to have always been good stewards of your money. As hard as you've worked to get where you are and have what you have, I would say exactly what you did..."I don't want to hear it!" "It"being negative remarks.

[@amma3536]

The cost to fix it is YOUR choice. Glad you can tow your HOME with it. Enjoy and be blessed! Stay safe.

[@homesteadingusa]

Need parts for anything these days take ten times longer than usual. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Stay Safe on your travels

[@rogeramos8508]

I have a 2006 F350 truck, and had it bullet proofed when it started blowing lots of black smoke. It blew some white smoke before, then LOTS of black smoke. Took it to a good mechanic here in WV. The cost was around $9,000. The budget cost was $4,700, but I want to keep the truck, so I had new injectors, new injector controller, new heads, new glow plugs, new water pump..... lots of extras to make sure the truck will be set for another 10 years.

[@Cdentonphr]

Best decision you could make!! Great deal!

[@cdunphy457]

People love to criticize. I am just happy you were able to get it done and I will say a small prayer that you get safe and reliable service out of it congrats on getting a new motor basically . All Praise to our LORD always, you be blessed :-)

[@rbsamar]

Great job. U do u don’t care or think about the others say. God has blessed u both enjoy ur life

[@dawnbaker9274]

Prices aren't going to go down so I think you got a good van and smart to get repairs done now. Plus diesels are looong lasting workhorses so in my opinion (for what it's worth), ya done good.

[@ashaburtell9910]

I’m so excited for you guys for your new adventures!! Wish I could winter in Florida!!

[@zanesutherland406]

You definitely made the right choice. Especially with the cost of used and new vehicles nowadays!

[@celineloveslight2085]

hi Bill and Elizabeth , and Barry! he kindly waved at us as you were saying goodbye!! the travelling musicians!! good tought..Nice Van! ...like the travelling wilburys...do you rememeber them? i will put below. Hope you have good weather.

[@joanharris8057]

You made the right decision Bill! It cost a lot of money but it would have been worse to be broke down and then the cost of a rental vehicle. Looking forward to see how you and Elizabeth do as snowbirds! Will Barry be checking your house while you are gone? Do you have to keep your heat on while you are gone? Will you turn off your water before you leave? Several of our clients are snowbirds and we check their houses while they are gone. What will you take along in your RV for your trip?

[@LiveSimpleLiveFree]

Barry can watch the house. We will turn the heat DOWN and the water off.