Unique 1977 Dodge Van, Frankenstein by Ken Erickson

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

That is AWESOME! Love that it took four vans and a 55 gallon drum to make half a van!

[@thepinkerton657]

New England accent. South Carolina tags. Appalachian style build. I love everything about it

[@gzlpete]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@randymiller1604]

That was a brilliant idea you took a real artist to build that van and make it look that good where is very cool you can all eat you have a trailer it’s a perfect vehicle

[@felixcat9318]

Now this is what you call a Van Build! Using what he had, what he could get as scrap and what he could reconfigure, this Builder created a unique, immensely versatile and practical 5th wheel tug, mini coach, day van, campervan and custom pick uo truck! He did it with style too! This is a hands on creation, born of countless hours of work, and stunning in the rough! I look forward to seeing her future transformation!

[@kenerickson2726]

Thank you! Check back to see updated and added new ideas.

[@monicapharo2330]

The ingenuity and creativity of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me. This is awesome 🤩

[@gregbenwell6173]

That is sick!! I have been saying for years (literally) that you take a 55 gallon drum and make rear fenders, and everybody around me who I have told this told me "that, that is a stupid idea!" and then to see it used, actually DONE and I see I have been right all these years when I first came up with the same idea in 1977 for my friends project truck, which he too shot down as "dumb"!! I am betting you can smash them with a ball bat and they will not dent, which was my point to the same idea!!! I can only guess the rest of the people I have told that idea too, lack imagination, but it was amazing to see somebody else come up with it and use it!! I am not bitching about it, in fact seeing this van inspires me even more!! Currently I am working on a 1999 Ford F150 that has a great fame, but the body looks like it went through a war zone!! As soon as I get more steel collected I am building my own "steel pick up bed" for it, using a mix of old car fenders, steel bed frames and a couple few refrigerators (for the sheet metal skin) I have an "idea" in mind of how I want the thing to look, when I am done and it will be a "step side" bed with a wood floor (kind of flat bed style) and a fully working tailgate as well!!

[@kenerickson2726]

Many moons ago I made a Volkswagen baja bug using a barrel for rear fenders and they were indestructible.

[@mikeclassing5263]

Almost the perfect traveling and towing vehicle,I like it

[@hunterark2000]

I got it one peice at a time and it didn't cost me a dime.

[@Jb74W]

I loved what this guy did with this camper. Frankenstein Dodge Van👍

[@ralphburns6659]

It would certainly stir up a crowd at a truck stop, Beautiful job!!!!

[@westsideflyer7559]

I've seen quite a few old RVs (Class A?) that have been turned into flatbeds by stripping off the RV, put a rear wall in the cab and fabricate a flatbed. This is a pretty neat conversion.

[@johnbearden8964]

This is a great build , I'd be proud to own it , looking forward to seeing the progress on this beauty.

[@kenerickson2726]

Check back in a few months.

[@hottubmobileneil]

I am not Neil , from Ontario , very cool , one of a kind , very creative , would love to see this with a paint job . thanks for sharing .

[@kenmatthews6476]

I love that thing. The look is really cool. Hell, you can primer the outside one color and roll for a minute. Thanks for sharing.

[@carlosbecerra715]

Dodge has one called Dreamer. You should name it Nightmare. That thing is sick.👍👍

[@kenerickson2726]

That's where the idea came from.

[@Madman-vs7gp]

Frakenvan

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Dreamer was the camper manufacture. They mostly made slide in campers. Dodge had nothing to do with it.

[@imammunandar4326]

Carlos Becerra

[@davecrouch44]

Love this kind of thing. Please show more crazy vans 😀🚃🚐😁👍👍

[@NIVO1972]

I love it, when you cant find what you need just build it.

[@jo-nation6692]

tis some majorly cool engineering Ken!!! made my comment during the intial tour of your tourin' party van and after watchin the build; got tuh thinking. Your Dodge van looks similar to a lego creation i had designed from loose parts to pull a camper like creation of legos too. FYI never grow old and keep on keeping on til the break-ah break of dawn:)))

[@kenerickson2726]

Thanks Big Jon!

[@heybuddy7410]

how does this guy not have more subscribers?!? great content, thanks man.

[@CoolVanVideos]

Thank You Hey Buddy. Nice to hear.

[@jameslaiola4976]

I TOTALLY DIG YOUR WHIP BROTHA. THATS A MASTERPIECE.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I like the rear bump and lights. Creative.

[@jimm3756]

Cool. Looks like a mini cabover. I like it you did a nice job. Love to see it when its finished.

[@jasonb7089]

i gave it a thumbs up within the first 5 seconds. already knew it was gonna be sweet.

[@symonsheppard5519]

Well all of that information went way over my head. Credit where credit is due, an absolutely excellent and amazing feat of engineering and innovation, I wish I could have had the skill for doing that when I was younger, fkin awesome.

[@robmckinnon4796]

Gorgeous idea good thing it's coming to life

[@tomanderson2487]

That's awesome, it's going to look great with fresh paint!

[@dannytattooflash]

Good job brother.. Love your creativity!

[@CoolVanVideos]

Hey Ken! They love it! So we will be up that way in July and again later in the year. Will check you out. Great build. Truck em' safe!

[@kenerickson2726]

Thank you John!

[@ralphburns6659]

That's an original, never ever have I ever seen another!!!!

[@johnbyers961]

I have a 76 dodge Beaverton that i have stripped the motorhome off the back of . So its just the cab and frame and powertrain . It has the 360 same set up as yours 76k original miles . Im going to do a custom build like yours but with a flat bed on the back . Been kicking around a few different designs . Will be using your barrel fender design . Love the build man great job .

[@matthewleonard.3572]

I WANT ONE !! IT'S AWSOME BROTHER!! GREAT WORK!!!!

[@scottconger1266]

I really like it, that is a super cool rig, wish it was mine, thanks for posting.

[@ManScoutsofAmerica]

A certain Johnny cash song comes to mind when I see this truck.

[@indridcold8433]

What year was that Cadillac that he built?

[@gregbenwell6173]

Hey I know that song!! LOL

[@kenerickson2726]

One Piece At A Time.....

[@kenerickson2726]

@@indridcold8433 Many years in one 50's, 60's and 70's

[@danieldell6164]

Ah yes, a boy named sue... totally fits. lol

[@pedroleonargentina]

COOL job

[@mr.tomraypaz6085]

Jeez that’s a very awesome rig you got there! Very cool way to repurpose a class c duallie motorhome chassis. If I could, I would build me one.

[@HuGGyBeaRtimHD]

Very nice!

[@roamingscooterguy2786]

SWEEEEET! You just gave me a nasty good idea!! Thank you.

[@theamishsoylentretailersofohio]

My thoughts exactly I'm gonna build a 1/24 scale model with a shortened dodge dually bed of the idea....... So what was your idea? Just Asking if you would be willing to throw your ideas in the ring maybe make my project more interesting. Just Saying

[@discountvantrucksuvrvrevie9226]

Respect! Tough decision in the short run, but honesty pays off over a longer run. Good luck and keep going!

[@jonathanbach7978]

Really cool!! We used to have a 77’ back in the day. Lot of memories! Can’t wait to see next video!

[@duvalian]

If I listen to this guy with my eyes closed, Peter Griffin pops into my mind 😂👍, Great vid mate,very ingenious!

[@kenerickson2726]

Ahahahaha

[@daas3715]

It sure does

[@johnnywrench9669]

That's an awesome creation

[@MyFriendlyPup]

Unique things are amazing.

[@SuperbeastVan]

GREAT Job Ken!

[@CurtisDrew1]

That's gonna be a slick van with a good one color paint job. Very innovative.

[@undertaker666dead]

Any Vehicle with exhaust stacks is an epic win in my book

[@Prestonesfpv]

That mini rig is so cool...

[@cesarflaminio4011]

I just love it, is the coolest van I ever seen

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Nice chop.

[@Gopbuy]

This is my first comment on you tube. You made a perfect vehicle...congrats.

[@trentdawg2832]

That thing is DOPE. ...

[@alanfoster2271]

Fantastic motor. would be nice to see when all painted up plus one of a kind keep up the good work

[@joeg.1119]

A nice project build that frankenstein van is a hell cat hemi would wake it up for sure...

[@Jesusis_theway]

Can't wait to see it when its totally done inside and out.

[@Contantq]

That is an awesome assemblage of parts and pieces into a functional vehicle. Domestic manufacturers could learn something from this and make practical truvans.

[@claredegroff1491]

My dad built a motorhome from a 61 Chevy impala he cut it from the windshield back. Sounds funny but it looked like it was commercially made. We traveled all over the US every summer. I like this idea I would love to have something similar for a work truck. I picture the back part of the cab with gull wing doors that open to tool boxes & shelves.

[@Pewpahpow]

This awesome. Love the FrankenVan.

[@earthquakeveiwer]

What a beautiful purpose-built vehicle. I have to create my own to haul my own also.

[@tristenthompson3445]

My buddy made a van just like this with a ambulance. Called it the “manbulance” it was diesel and bad ass.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

But did it have a bar inside?🍺

[@micksanger6274]

Keep going with it. Love to see more.

[@A_Cowboy_called_JackRabbit]

Way too cool! If it were mine, I'd go 12V or maybe a tuned 4Bt/Allison 1000. You won't ever break that combo with what you're doing.

[@eduardopalacios2292]

Your right..a 6bt maybt wont fit..but an 4bt with an allison looks like fun

[@kugmyster]

This guy is a genius... "RV" insurance costs pennies compared to truck insurance.... Well done! Nice rig too 👌

[@kenerickson2726]

sssshhhh...Don't tell anyone!

[@trentdabs5245]

It's a Vuck They made some like it in Canada, you can still find them.

[@DuMpst3Rmike]

Trent Dabs man I thought I coined that term! As I in “what the vuck is that?”

[@ralphburns6659]

@@DuMpst3Rmike Haha, Beautifuil!!!!!!

[@pilotreel5667]

Great concept. Very creative.

[@wheelie642]

When the cop said he didn’t know what to call it you should have replied Labor of Love.

[@gaphil100]

That is really cool. Well done.

[@martingriego6800]

Its a great creation , lov it

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

pretty damnd cool van and talented man. Hope we get an update when its all painted up

[@kenerickson2726]

You will.

[@williamcallaham7107]

Keep up on the good work. I got a 1978 motor home gmc Vandora.

[@voodoo1449]

He sounds like he's from New York or Boston with that accent!! Cool van/truck!!

[@ralphburns6659]

Great accent!!!!!!

[@cowsagainstcapitalism347]

That's one study bumpuh! Great van.

[@predragv.365]

Very nice conversion. I like it 👍👍👍👍

[@muddjim55]

I liked the build shots .

[@rockermarco]

Wow, I totally love it! What a monster!

[@ronaldseverance2608]

That looks amazing man I like that you did a great job that's all anybody ever needs

[@Ollywood00]

Looks bad ass. Reminds me of the Dodge Dreamer

[@mrjamaican5012]

🇯🇲😎🥃your daughter was spot on with the name Frankenstein!!!!!!!

[@markcobb4693]

I have a 78 dodge class C with the 400 ci and 65,000 on it got 13mpg as a RV . I’ve been wanting to do almost exactly the same for years but never have the time. Great job and it also makes a good bug out vehicle 👍🏻

[@ponderin]

I'm led here because the more I work on the road, the more this seems like an idea

[@lionofzion81]

That's one nice campah haulah!😁

[@georgeferrier9461]

American ingenuity!!! Love it!

[@rogercamp6071]

Now that's cool and unusual, I love it 😎

[@aaronruffin7904]

Sweet ride!!!

[@ANONYMOUS-gb4vb]

Frankien-Van....totally rad & awesome. Thanks for the vid..el71

[@tinysmisadventures3051]

That is cool, looks like a good job from here. A 12v Cummins or a 5.7l hemi with an o/d would be the cats pajamas.... awesome rig👍

[@eduardopalacios2292]

Yes...a 6bt 12 , p pump beast with an allison would make this a monster tow rig!!!

[@01trsmar]

Nope the 360 is good as it makes more power than a modern 5.7 Hemi..Cummins need double to triple the hp and torque to make them as quick a s any Mopar small block or big block engine..He can add gear venders overdrive...with the 4.10's it would be a highway screamer too!! I am a Mopar guy owned all sizes of engines..even modern hemi's 5.7,6.1,6.2 and 6.4...Wife has a 2018 300 with a 5.7 Hemi and 8 speed I own a Hellcat Challenger and many old Mopars 340,360,383,400,440!! I had a 75 Dodge Tradesman 200 van with a 360 4bbl cam/heads done and it ran 12.90's!!!! My old man had a few Dodge vans back in the day when new 440,400 and the 82 had a 360 4bbl..driven normally all would get 18 mpg to 21 highway with 3.23 and 3.21 axle ratio's..My van had 3.91's.. I am into cars but in the mid 1990's I redid vans as my dad had them new!

[@ryanfowlow8034]

Really badass idea! It just needs some paint and it would look mint!

[@Felix24148]

I love this van! I bet you could make and sell a bunch of them.

[@jameslaiola4976]

Absolutely beautiful

[@sbjennings99]

Awesome informational educational video experience Y'alls

[@kellypenrod2979]

Good idea! But like any hot rodder,vanner, jeeper, will tell you, There's always a beginning, but hardly EVER an ending!! Good luck on the journey!

[@basketcase6884]

Don't you love it when a plan comes together?!🤣👍

[@craigcricket7932]

Some have one of everything, a few have the only one of something.

[@monsterhobbies]

We here at Monster Hobbies approve of this vehicle!

[@rickmaynhart6812]

Had a guy that did this in the 80’s. He called his the Kavorkian.

[@ralphburns6659]

That is nice, BEAUTIFUL, I want one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@whitepeoplergullible9241]

This guy wins Little Van Goes.

[@richardcraniumdicksinn3959]

👍That's pretty dam sweet. Would like to do one myself. I've had 3 old school vans. They're time machines. Hope to see more videos on the progress on yours. I must say, it looks Vantastic. Keep up the good work.

[@kenerickson2726]

Thank you, I have three project vans going right now.... all in time.

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

YOUR DAUGHTER IZ RIGHT. ( Frankenstein ) FOR SURE 👍🏼...... A 1 OF A KIND, PRETTY KOOL TO....

[@iposttube]

Soooooo Nice!! Great job!

[@Dr.Derp073]

I wonder if Ken has a channel showing his build on this van. this thing is amazing!

[@vermontjeff2535]

It’s totally awesome guy 👍🏻👍🏻