68. Continuing to demolish the inside of my campervan

This is part 2 of a project to remove all gas (propane) from my self-built campervan and replace it with a lithium battery system with induction cooktop and diesel heater. In this part, I take out the gas pipes and remove the hob & sink as well as the Propex heater unit.
It's very long and is, like the last one, mostly me getting annoyed at things not coming apart. You have been warned.
For Part 1, see • 67. Removing the LPG (...
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, thank you!
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Tools & Parts used for my campervan build
Portable toilet: geni.us/Van_To...
Sink unit: geni.us/Van_Si...
Heater unit: geni.us/Van_Pr...
Fridge: geni.us/Van_Co...
Inverter: geni.us/Van_In...
Charger: geni.us/Van_Ma...
Solar Controller: geni.us/Van_So...
Gas Alarm: geni.us/Van_Ga...
DeWalt jigsaw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt drill: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt mitre saw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt circular saw: geni.us/Van_De...
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[@ncplantdoctor]

Oh, David Johns, the pipes, the pipes are calling From tank to hob, and down the bumper side. The gas is gone, and all the hardware galling, The next to add is heat and then we ride.

[@HourOfTheWolf]

The swift hesitation to joy and then disappointment that you went through in quick succession when taking the heater control out was a very familiar feeling.

[@howph]

This is peak David Johns 10/10. Absolute entertainment, please never change!

[@notverydeep9726]

"How did I put the gas hob in?" If only you had made a video about it... 🙂

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

😂

[@LongPeter]

It's like watching C3-PO doing R2-D2's job.

[@Vandemonium]

Hahaha that made me laugh a lot!!

[@LongPeter]

@@Vandemonium I'm glad :)

[@jeffhoward9186]

You have absolutely one of the greatest personalities that are entertaining. The way you discuss things out load is great. Also you are actually a little bit of a teacher for those of us that do not live in England. The difference in language and what we call things are interesting to say the least. Keep sharing and continue being yourself.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! 😀

[@isobelchapman9548]

Loved this….I was with you all the time, handing you the screwdrivers…well that’s what it felt like from this end! I’m now exhausted …but looking forward to ‘helping’ you again in the next episode of ‘the grand kitchen refurb’!!!

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Wow. It seems like only yesterday when we watched you install all of this stuff, David. Good luck with the rest of your project and we look forward to seeing the replacement!

[@lightdark00]

If you only had a dog named Gromit this would all make sense!

[@thomasfrench2012]

LOL I had to stop the video for a moment. I don't know if you spend hours coming up with them or are like Robin Williams and they just come out. But they are certainly spoken with great timing and whatever the case, well worth the effort. Love the turn of phrases, they are part of the reason I watch your videos, sometimes many times over.

[@Vandemonium]

Haha that’s so very kind. The odd thing is, I have no idea why people seem to enjoy me babbling on, I just do and they say nice things so I do it some more!

[@thomasfrench2012]

@@Vandemonium David, it is a talent that brings some laughter and positivity into the world. Something that the world needs more of. And that is why people love it. And I am not saying this to flatter you. I am saying it so that you know that you make a positive impact on the world. Maybe one that is larger than you realize.

[@smilysun8358]

@@thomasfrench2012 thank you for giving words to his gift😀

[@ben31tube]

Excellent artwork on the side of the counter.

[@Vandemonium]

By the lovely @ArtbyAnnamarie

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@Vandemonium I hope Anna and Kath are both well. They are so missed. 🥰

[@ferretywalton6860]

I have visions of your new neighbours behind their net curtains saying "he's out there again, fumbling around and talking to himself" 😉😁

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

I am very impressed with how easily that top part of the cupboards came out. That's a brilliant modular design!

[@snv648]

Brings back fond memories of yiu struggling to put it all together.

[@paulchappell]

What a cliffhanger!

[@paulhoughton5266]

I so enjoy watching these as this is the reality of DIY, it always takes longer than you think and there is always a stubborn bit just when you think you can see the finish line

[@Pedelorean]

You don't need an Only Fans account, but an Only Vans account 😀

[@oceana9294]

It continues to amaze me that I will sit and watch, and enjoy, your dismantling DYI work. Thanks for the vlog.

[@familyw5661]

I love that you do all this DIY style. Gives hope to people like me. Great job so far !

[@janebrown3587]

"Boom Boom Shake the Room!" - *I saw that*. 🤣 I never fail to have a good time watching you!

[@CarolWilliams-xp1id]

A classic piece of pottering pattering and posturing. Good job.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@anthonyveal7167]

I do love it how things begat as you go along, replacing a stove in our yacht , which was never meant to come out comes to mind , taking absolute ages and then all the new work to fit the new bits .. looking forward to the next episode !

[@horstszibulski19]

Always a pleasure to work with you and your attitude getting things done! 😂😉

[@Vandemonium]

Too kind!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you David. Rather racy in some places, but you got it done. Have a good week.

[@Vandemonium]

🤣

[@dawnboone2]

Enjoying this whole process, David. Thanks.

[@julesstone7990]

why do I always worry when I see you do DIY? ha x

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Actually it is riveting! Could not think of a better mystery series.

[@lilbatz]

I'm here for the mature content warnings and inelegant poses! (only tease the ones we love, David💕) Anyhoo, I'm excited to see you finish this all up. The van was nifty the first go around, and this version should be even better.😎

[@bofor3948]

If you haven't already got that cable out remember to tie a length of draw tape on to the end. Then you have a means of threading through the new control wires. When pulling in cables or wires it is good practice to add a draw tape for future alterations.

[@CaptainBee100]

So, the gas bottle and associated plumbing is out, the sink and hob are out, the gas heater is out, the wall cabinets are out, the panelling around the fridge is coming out. Only the bed, carpet and foil insulation to go and you’re back where you started 4 years ago! 😂

[@Vandemonium]

Haha it feels like it

[@sicily6740]

David, watching Vandemonium is an inspiration. I've been longing for a van to travel around the USA and visiting our national parks but have been put off entirely by the prices, mostly well above 100,000 USD. I'm not sure at 73 I have the energy (or flexibility) to modify a van but you're showing the way!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

There are firms in the USA that have kitsets appropriate to each model of popular van..... you order it and it arrives as a flatpack..with all the bits ready to assemble.

[@gillywild]

David, in case you haven’t already removed the cable, you can remove the pins from that white connector by pressing down on the little metal tabs with a small screwdriver or a pin and pulling them gently out of the back.

[@Vandemonium]

I did not know that! Thank you!

[@leegross8358]

Great idea, I was ready to suggest cutting the wire and letting the next owner resplice.

[@jab9694]

Another great video! We really enjoyed watching and laughing. Thank you for sharing!

[@toddogre2491]

I think you could talk about a cow pasture full of dung for an hour video and we'd still love watching and listening!!!! Lol. You have a brilliant gift for making us laugh and keeping us drawn in. Thankyou sir!!!!

[@Nerd3927]

Considering your skill level, very courageous to tackle a job like this DIY *and* posting it to KZbin! Respect!

[@Vandemonium]

Backhanded compliment!! 🤣

[@hectorshouse7348]

Eye candy for the ladies eh!

[@Vandemonium]

Hahaha if they're very desperate maybe!

[@debpartin6618]

Absolutely

[@remyllebeau77]

All hot and bothered, from the propane frying pan, into the diesel fire. :)

[@tommarshall1660]

Well David, congratulations all round for entertaining me on a miserable Monday evening. You have surpassed any of your talented vlogs on both channels. Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next episode.

[@dreamingflurry2729]

Nice, a David-Vid - especially good since I am stuck at home, curtsy of a stomach-bug (Yay! Nice cramps, pain, being stuck in the bathroom all the time and all that) so every form of entertainment that draws my attention away from it for a while is good! I also adore camper-van-builds (despite not being the camper-type, the last time I went camping was over 20 years ago, when I was a teenager and the local church-acolytes went on a much deserved holiday during school summer holidays...I did enjoy it, but I am more the city-traveler these days, going somewhere to see the sights and enjoy local foods etc.), because they are usually of higher quality than off the shelf-campers (which are often flimsy, have doors you have to squeeze through sideways etc. so a lot of "features" that I would never want!)...basically the only way I'd ever have a camper would probably also be if I converted a (large) van (so one of those Mercedes Sprinters or something like that!)

[@Vandemonium]

I hope you feel better soon, that's most unpleasant

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Great fun David, can't wait for the upgrade going in. Thanks 👋

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I really had to think about that one 🤣

[@MissScrappy]

How does one possibly explain being absolutely fascinated with everything David does.. Some people just have that inexplicable aura of "IT" Maybe someday just a teeny tiny cooking video filmed in your new homes kitchen? Cheers ❤❤❤❤

[@Vandemonium]

Awww thank you. But no, no home cooking 🤣🤣

[@MissScrappy]

@@Vandemonium haha.. A true entertainment professional!! Always leave your audience wanting more. Looking forward to the next episode of Vandemonium!

[@lindabowser7451]

His videos on the boat of baking bread, a Xmas dinner with friends, making cheese sandwich and tea, are very entertaining. He has shown a bit of cooking in the van. And most likely all we're going to get.

[@floydbertagnolli944]

Hey suggestion to aid your increasing do it yourself skills one by a vice grips tool, which will hold the top while you work underneath since you do so much work solo. And number two by yourself a set of deep sockets for your ratchet handle this will make your life much much easier.

[@Vandemonium]

Good tip!

[@robtheplod]

I think Davids turning it into one of those Disco Vans?

[@Honest_Reviewer.]

Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@Vandemonium]

You are so welcome!

[@janetcreasman6441]

Thanks as always David , yes, time for tea or g&t...

[@oceana9294]

Yes, just what I was thinking, a g&t!

[@ukadventurecycling2740]

another video that helped me to sleep. as u will know thats not intended as a disrespectful comment. Its just nice to have something calm and normal in the background having PTSD and chaos. (I do watch them properly with my eyes open as I am now. Im planning on getting a van for me and my 2 kids to use for weekends away after christmas. Id love a boat more but we would never get far. (we live by the scarecastle tunnel) so not so good for a weekend away. Thanks for the videos.

[@Vandemonium]

I'm quite happy that people use my videos to fall asleep to!

[@ukadventurecycling2740]

@@Vandemonium they are very calming. I always look forward to them during a life of chaos!

[@jonrpearce]

When you pull that cable out pull in a bit of string as you pull the cable out so that you can later pull in the new heater’s control cable.

[@Vandemonium]

Great idea, cheers

[@fairmania]

I commented on your previous video David and you kindly mentioned the new content, thank you. You have certainly picked the wrong week to try to work outside, it's chucked it down nearly every day here! Anyway, quick tips for removing cable clips, 1) use a carpet tack remover, cheap enough to leave in the toolbox, and 2) use side-cutters by clamping either side of the mounting pin/nail under the plastic and then lever up gently. Not as many buttocks as expected but made up for by undignified wriggling. Quality, keep it up!

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. Apologies for the lack of buttocks 🤣

[@brianlopez8855]

Thanks for the WARNING right from the start. Much appreciated. I was forewarned and forearmed

[@WillN2Go1]

There are small pry bars some with sharpish edges to get under the plastic housing. Good tool to have in the pouch. I guess the flat screw driver works. For that wire connector I'd probably just cut 1/4 inch back from the plug so when you strip and re-insert the wires, you've got all the colors to guide you.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Fun vid, although I did want to hand you a small ratchet and socket.

[@rogerturley]

I'm sure you've thought of it, but use a pin extraction tool to "de-pin" the flat wiring plug. Then you won't have to remove trim to get the plug past.

[@72polara]

The wires should be able to be removed from the connector body. Sometimes it is a round tool that fits over the pin and depresses ears and allows the pin to be pulled out. The other type has a single small ear on the tin that catches in a small hole in the connector body. Use a small pick to depress the ear and pull the pin out. tape them up before pulling the cable through the woodwork so the pins don't get damaged.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@billharris6886]

@@Vandemonium I was going to mention the same thing. That particular connector has an aperture into the side of the contact slot, the row of apertures are found on one of the flat sides of the nylon connector body. The aperture allows the releasing of the contact latch. The contact latch is a small, flat sliver of metal that extends off the contact, forming a spring finger. To release the latch, use a small piece of solid wire (a paper clip works nicely), depress the spring finger through the aperture while pulling the associated wire from the connector body. It should pull out easily once the spring finger is depressed. If you decide to remove the connector body, take a picture of it first so you can keep track of which color wire plugs into which slot.

[@grahamlewis6062]

🌟👏. 😆it’s turning into a bigger job than I anticipated!!! David , your doing a rebuild!😆. Just be happy with the windows and bed,!!! It’s been fun watching. At least you don’t need to find a water point in the rain 😆 definitely time for a cheese sandwich. Go for it. 🌟👏. Joan and then you say you’re going to sell it, after all this time love and care ☹️

[@Vandemonium]

I’m not selling the van!! I’m selling the propane tank and pipework!!

[@literyAZ09]

It's weird! I've been watching lastly your vid where you were mounting all this and now you are dismantling everything 😃

[@shirleylynch7529]

Well done David. You make such a dismantling job so entertaining. I enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@Vandemonium]

Many thanks!

[@evelynsutton4411]

Dear David, only you could take an 'on the face of it' subject like this and make it somehow hilarious! l love the way you talk us, and yourself, all the way through the job. Have you ever read 'Zen, and the art of Motorcycle Maintainance' by Robert M Persig?'.lt is years since l read it, but it is not really about motorcycle maintainence, and l think you would find it would chime in with your mind comfortably.

[@Vandemonium]

🤣🤣

[@mickyjb2003]

Your voice on the fast forward still has me in bits.😂😂

[@thomastrout9997]

Having witnessed the original installation and now riddance of the same, it truly is a "circle of life" moment in video. It is my thought, however, that we have yet to reach the hakuta matata moment. So, onward....

[@alisonlee3314]

I enjoyed this. But my favourite still has to be you updating the shower on your boat. Any video I would make would be full of expletives 😆. I wait with baited breath for the next project x

[@stuartty1]

hi - take the wires out the white connector of the heater controller - use a pin to take each fine wire out - just remember what wire goes where you you put the wires back in - saves you dismantling further than you need to , have a good one

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

David, only you could have made a dismantling video so bloody entertaining. Brilliant sir, brilliant. Looking forward to the next instalment. 👏👏👍😀

[@Vandemonium]

More to come!

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

@@Vandemonium Excellent news 👏👏

[@hamshackleton]

It's one of those ten minute jobs that takes three months to shift everything so you can get at it! you should have watched your how I built it vlogs to see how to dismantle/dismember it all again!

[@markattardo]

Progress and a hot beverage break are good things. It was oddly fun watching while I tinkered on my own project.😂

[@GordonjSmith1]

I laughed from start to finish! Wonderful you.

[@janebrown3587]

David always provides a good time! :D

[@jerrybootneck1736]

Another excellent comedy video David, I was half expecting John Cleese to pop up smacking you with a branch. Don't keep us waiting too long for the next episode.

[@nelderkin564]

Hi David, when you can't see down the back of your heater, your mobile phone camera will see for you as it sits very close to the edge of most phones- either by a picture, or watch it live as you poke your driver into the screw head😀 when you re-do your intake/outlet connections, always try to finish with your jubilee nuts facing your access point, then you can easily make/remake with a socket- either from a small socket set, or many drivers that have a selection of hex bits will also have sockets (and torx bits- if it's a socket you can get a short reach with a normal ratchet) When re-using a heater, I would always install with new connectors (the old ones may be cooked and no longer safe, or have moulded to a particular shape and not work properly a second time) so slicing them in half to remove the heater so you have easy access to remove the remains once out is a reasonable solution. [mind you, ten mins of fast forwarded frustration was a joy to watch] Great video- looking forward to the re-fit 😃

[@olejacobstalesen6558]

"Can you hear that rain?" *staring at drops from the sliding door*

[@GregVirgoe]

Adjust your tool, wiggle it a bit, then give it a good tug 😂 I’m sure Lou thought I was watching something else 😳 Always a fun watch mate 👍🏼

[@Vandemonium]

Hahahaha cheers Greg!

[@TonyPitaro]

as per multiple others, I curiously await the reason 'why', even though I need to wait for the final installation of the diesel heater

[@ccooper8785]

and not a single hammer was used !!!! What a pro !

[@andrewcarmichael8683]

Watching this again, and it occurred to me while you are whinging about your pipe work, you are the one that put it there, lol!

[@hughcarson6837]

Could watch you work all day.

[@loki7441]

If you get yourself along to screwfix, they have a head torch by the name of LED LENSER. For about 25 pounds the little head torch use's 3 AAA batteries with a very long life, depending of course on the quality of battery. It features a wide-zoom and a rheostat on the battery pack to control the power of the light. Its light on the head ,leaves the hands free and on full power and beam has about 100 meter range. Id be lost with out it for my many adventures under sinks and similar areas. Just dont look at the camera with it on, all your viewers would be seeing white circles.😄

[@shastagreen8866]

Consider making the cabinet under the hob site removable entirely, not just the little holes. Easy to do, will still look nice and make any work down there SO much easier.

[@Vandemonium]

Oh, I'm not taking the whole cabinet out or remaking it, no

[@louiselage7740]

Well...that's your yoga done for today! Ha ha ha...Yikes, my forearms were also feeling sympathy aches! Goodness, that's quite an operation but a great winter project. Loved the fast forwarding over the 'blue words' David! Ha ha ha ha....You have patience that is admirable! My abilities and patience are far far insufficient... hence my absence from places like Ikea....but I do love watching others tinker. 😬

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Hi David. No swearing. That's Willpower. I normally end up getting stuck in certain under cupboard experiences. Jane has to rescue me. Age and not being so flexible. Cheers from old George.

[@janaylsworth4375]

Very calming video (though probably not for you). Enjoy your videos and really just hearing your voice and British accent.

[@killeresk]

Inelegant poses must be the reason why you have so many fans.

[@Vandemonium]

Maybe!

[@carycoombe3380]

You seem to have more "fun" working on the van, than camping out in it. 😁😉 (Locking pliers are very handy in DIY jobs. Pulling nails, gripping threaded nuts, and generally yanking things out)

[@dirtrusty7228]

I spent the first five minutes of this video thinking "the interior of that narrowboat looks odd"

[@simonstork9404]

Totally enjoyed watching you struggle..where you speeded things up, it did sound like cussing. I approve. 😂

[@billbrydon3725]

If only you'd kept some sort of pictorial record of what you'd done. 🤣

[@mjallenuk]

Your DIY prowess is much akin to my cooking skills chap .... makes me feel a bit better about the fact that I can butcher beans on toast. Well done for not breaking anything 😁

[@billharris6886]

Well David, I was a bit sorry to see you disassemble that sink/gas hob, remembering the effort and revisions you originally went through to install and refine the setup. In the process of disassembly, I'm sure you discovered your body has aged since the installation. Fortunately, you are in the disassembly phase, and being generally easier than the assembly, it takes less of the required specific profane words to get the bits to comply for accomplising the intended job. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@ItsOhJoe]

We didn't realise you had a van channel! We've recently renovated a 50' ex Black Prince & now just started on a VW T25 on our channel. A few people have commented to say we should ask to buy your stove/sink as it's what we're looking to fit in ours! Let us know if you're getting rid!

[@Vandemonium]

I am!! You'll have to collect though as it's too big for me to sensibly wrap and post (Worcestershire). I'll reply again when I remember what price I wanted for it...

[@ItsOhJoe]

@@Vandemonium That’s fair enough. We’re just south of Bristol so may work out easier to buy new for the sake of it

[@Vandemonium]

Actually, I've since found them new cheaper than I originally did so I reckon I'd sell for £175.

[@geordieal]

I like to “burn that bridge when I come to it” that way I don’t have to cross it and discover what problems almost certainly lie ahead! 😜

[@killenukont4170]

Just noticed your new content. I wish you the best of luck with your channel. I will surley be watching it. I Really Enjoyed your longboat content and it made me realise how much i hate living in Australia and really wish i could get out of the country but being single i also know there is no chance of that ever happening At least i can watch your content and dream. Thank you so much and once again best wishes and hope all goes well

[@wendybrealey8368]

Sorry you hate living in Aus. Some of us love it but if you really can’t leave then best to focus on the good bits in your life as constantly wishing you could leave and begrudging your days here only amplifies your misery. Channel the British “make the best of things” and savour the little things like a nice cup of tea and a cheese sandwich.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Shake, wriggle and Roll and all goes well. I'm afraid this is one video I'm giving a miss.- first one ever BUT I did listen to it as I was putting the soup on to cook. Matched perfectly and was very amusing all the same.

[@chriswatson9818]

David's onlyfans bum edition 😂🤣 definitely shot a bit of coffee through my nose hearing that.

[@lucindawilson5510]

whew... what a relief hooray

[@Mattimias]

Another OnlyVans video - you really are spoiling your subscribers!

[@donnamcdonald-g8n]

Bless you.

[@ionstorm66]

You use metal after the regulator to prevent fire inside the pipe. Copper dosent burn. You can use flex before the regulator because there is too much pressure to let oxygen in to burn.

[@Vandemonium]

Ah, didn't know that!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

So how do you account for barbeque hoses from the regulator to the barbie???? Flexible gas rated hose has the ability to flex when in a moving vibrating motor vehicle...without work hardening and snapping. Plus gas rated hose is much quicker to run lengths of... Joint should be clamped with compression bands. Also whether higher or lower pressure pipe...both are fillled with gas so have insufficient oxygen to allow burning on the inside. And if the hoses is being burnt through from the outside....you have bigger problems to deal with........

[@debpartin6618]

Hot water on demand might be nice

[@gregbolitho9775]

Nice job David, Really hoping my Iload'll come out looking half as good as your Toyota. Thanks m8.

[@cyberi4a]

I'm exhausted from all that and now need a nap. 😊

[@theaudioforge356]

What a journey of all your videos. Brilliant 4k editing Sir. What's next 8k HDR nature videos of the UK? I'll be anxious to see them on Netflix!

[@alanjackson4646]

Interesting and torturous! Ask for more tools for Christmas. Regards AJ

[@nickes6168]

"This episode is turning into filth central" lol, aside from this, quite a few laughs mate. Thanks for the great content!

[@Vandemonium]

Glad you enjoyed it!