We Bought our First Van to Self Convert | Mercedes Sprinter Van Conversion

[@daviddring8692]

Greg virgoe is a very good one to watch. He's very knowledgeable. Not sure how far you've got. But he informed me that sound deadening doesn't make any difference on the corrugated areas of. E. G roof & floor.. Also. Don't put battens down on floor. There's approx 14 there already. Metal ones. Glue pir board directly on top of that. Far more secure than wooden battens. Then glue ply down on top. Glue joints as well with polyurethane glue. And sand level after so joint isn't seen when you put flooring down on top. Best of luck. I've really enjoyed doing mine. My wife died last year. I'm 78 & wanted to do this for yrs. But my wife never wanted me to. We had a caravan on seasonal pitch for many yrs in Peak District. And loved it. But didn't enjoy it after wife passing. I'm thoroughly enjoying the ability now to go away anywhere at a moments notice.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hi David, thank you for your comment. Really sorry to hear about your wife, it sounds like you would have had some lovely times in the beautiful Peak District. Thank you for the tips too- always open to learning 🙂

[@timstradling7764]

Well done for taking the plunge ! As a carpenter / builder for many years, I’m now 2 years into my Sprinter build and can say without shame, that the job has frustrated and delighted me in equal measure ! Get tools appropriate to the tasks being undertaken - they will make progress so much easier - witness the mitre saw. That tape measure needs to be your best friend - use it endlessly and if it lies look in the mirror .😊 As someone else commented, check out Greg Virgoe KZbin van build series, its the best guide out there. Use it as a guide but not definitive way it must be done, but for inexperienced in any kind of construction such as yourselves, the skills, techniques, materials etc. Plan, plan and plan to get your build in the right order. Sketch out your ideas on paper using the measurements of the inside of the van then get in it, mark it up in pencil, cut up cardboard to tape together boxes to represent what you want to put inside and tape them in situ. How does it work? Alter and adjust until it seems right. You Tube, Pinterest, Amazon and Ebay are now your go to home entertainment - copious notes required !! Ask for help when stuck, join an online forum / club eg SBMCC , South east self build van group and ask. Go to Van Fests. Everyone has something to offer. Good Luck and happy travels.😅😅

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thank you, Tim. A heap of great advice there and all will be taken on board! Love this community, everyone is so helpful including yourself! 👏

[@GillianWagstaff]

Great video. You are so authentic.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks so much Gillian, really glad you enjoyed and it really means a lot to us to have you here!

[@dorsetallsorts]

What a great start, you seem really nice people and I look forward to seeing how you get on.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey Nick, thanks for such a nice comment. Hopefully it will turn out great, we are certainly excited about finishing so we can start travelling! Really appreciate the support. 👏

[@alyssacraig6920]

i love your honesty and openness! I'm starting my van journey with zero knowledge and its super scary!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Good luck!! You got this. We still find it quite daunting but it started to become more fun than scary!

[@Hope-bn9xz]

I came across your wonderful channel . I love watching van builds , I'm your new subscriber 👍 Can't wait to watch your other videos.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey Hope 👋🏼 they’re so fun to watch aren’t they, we love watching other peoples too! Thanks for subscribing, it really means a lot to us! Great to have you here 🙂

[@artzi_ip]

Those old beams with rollers would have beenso good to use for a lowering bed in the back of the van, then you would have the option to keep your bed made all the time.

[@plongstock248]

Great tips! Thank you

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@djmonkeyking]

Thanks guys. REally enjoying your energy with your videos. I've watched 3 now and await part 2 of the van buuld. Im looking for inspiration to do the same project so this is excellent and I look forward to seeing how well you so. Thanks.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey! That’s such a lovely comment to read, thank you so much! You should definitely give it a go for sure - a great experience, if difficult at times! We’ve finally made some progress on the kitchen so should have a video up soon to give an update - we really appreciate you watching and are so pleased you like them, thank you! 👍🏻🚐

[@TheNorthernrobbie]

Great video good luck on your exciting new adventure in life

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Cheers for the comment and support - thank you 🙌🏻🙂

[@arthurkettle3010]

Great to see you getting stuck in and learning as you go. Looking forward to following the build. Subscribed 👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks so much Arthur, really do appreciate you supporting us. 👏❤️

[@letour2024]

I finished converting my DHL van (Lawrence) at the end of September and I have been travelling in it since, at the moment I am in Turkey. Very pleased with the van

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks for your comment Robert - that sounds like a dream! How are you finding Turkey for vanlife in terms of facilities etc?

[@letour2024]

@@lifeadventureprojects it is great, water everywhere, LPG at most garages and plenty of places for black waste. When are you planning to go away?

[@lifeadventureprojects]

@@letour2024 that’s good to know, we’ll keep that in mind when we’re ready to go. We’re hoping to finish the conversion by early summer - will start with some places in the UK and then over to Europe hopefully!

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

thats a bonny van that is and well worth converting. I'll look forward to following your conversion and adventures. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks so much, glad to have you along on the journey! :)

[@welshieonwheels]

Well done guys your learning as you go , take your time , no one asks how long it took if you do a good job 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Cheers Micky - yeah absolutely, we want it to look as good as we can when it's done, which means we've got to go pretty slow! Getting there, though!

[@captaindave47]

Lovely van I would have kept the bulkhead with the door but that's just a personal view. I shall enjoy watching your build, it's great building your own van as when things break you will know how to fix them. Have fun.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks David, really appreciate the nice comment. I agree it is nice building your own van, I have days where it does not feel so nice haha. As for the bulkhead door, I did ponder it if I am honest but we want swivel seats so can have a fair sized dining area. Thanks for watching! 👏

[@captaindave47]

@@lifeadventureprojects oh that makes a lot of sense then, yes swivel seats are great and do extend your living space. The only bit of useful advice I can give you is measure twice 3 times is even better and cut once.😂

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hahaha - great advice, fallen foul on this one today already! Do you have your own camper?

[@xxlalbatross3287]

I am a new follower of your channel Greetings from Sweden

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey! Thanks ever so much for following us on our journey! ❤️🙌

[@xxlalbatross3287]

@@lifeadventureprojects it's a pleasure😀

[@petewarby7158]

Not bored after 25m of video, really looking forward to the next one :)

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Well that is the best compliment - thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying them, and cheers for taking the time to comment, we really appreciate it 🙌🏻🙂

[@petewarby7158]

@@lifeadventureprojects I just binge watched them all 😂 eagerly awaiting the next one :))))

[@lifeadventureprojects]

@@petewarby7158 should be out tomorrow!!

[@HaughtAir]

We love your videos so much we bought a yellow van to convert too! Half kidding, it was a coincidence but big fans from the USA

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey guys, just watched your video! Great job. You are in for a right treat, I call it a nightmare but some people love it! 😂😂 Yellow vans are cool 👌

[@chrisriceH2O]

❤❤❤ Awesome guys! Great video and also brilliant project!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

👏 Thank you. Can’t wait to get it done!

[@chrispembry551]

Good luck with the van build ……..and seeing your adventures when it’s completed… a van wkd worrier here lol. 👍👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Many thanks, Chris! We cannot wait to start our adventures and to get our weekends back 😂🤣 Really appreciate you subscribing! 👏

[@paulcotterell181]

Great stuff.

[@philwilliams23]

Good luck with your van conversion! Coming along nicely!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks Phillip, really appreciate the comment! It feels like a long time but it’s getting there 🤞👍🏻

[@stephenpickard8878]

Great job guys going to enjoy the building of your camper van,stevie from rs cars of peterfield

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks Stevie! We are getting there, badly, but progress is progress 😂

[@VanlifeByTris]

Good luck with your project. I've just bought my own van for conversion to a camper, and am quite anxious about the whole project.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Don’t be anxious, honestly it is quite good fun once you get going and there is loads of great videos and books on this. Highly recommend Camp Quirkys build book. But my only real advice is take it a step at a time, research it and just make a start. You got this!

[@toughtimes721]

I'm doing a sprinter lwb high roof dual wheel build now...your van will be awesome

[@lifeadventureprojects]

That’s awesome! It’s a great project to have, how far along are you with it?

[@sizamnce]

Been watching this and laughing out soooo loud. Am laughing because I see so much of myself in you guys. Love your enthusiasm though. I'll definitely be following up on your progress 👏🏿👏🏿

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Haha 😂 - thanks for the kind words and so pleased you will join us on our journey!

[@DazPreston69]

Check out Paul’s van he’s done a lot to his and think he mite have seats and things to help you out , it’s my partner’s brother ❤

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Oh right thank you, that sounds good - is that the name of his channel? 💛

[@paullawrence8572]

Really enjoyed your vid! Good luck with the build! Looking forward with your progress! Just subbed.😊👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thank you Paul - really appreciate the comment and the sub! Cheers 🙂👍🏻

[@stephenbergin9184]

Hi guys just subscribed well done to both of you fitting the fan . Looking forward to the next vlog Steve b 🇬🇧 👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks Stephen and for the support. The fan turned out really well in the end, but it certainly didn’t start off that way haha 😂

[@G.J..Journeys]

Looking forward to following the vans progress. New follower here 👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks so much for following - really appreciate it! Thanks for the support 👍🏻🙌🏻

[@ChatMotorsport]

love the can do attitude! if you do anymore silicone, run some masking tape round for a neat finish :)

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Cheers pal! Yes that’s very wise advice 😆 thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@susanmedia]

nice one..be building some soon...all the best

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks for watching! Are you building one?

[@nforri]

Love your videos

[@ASiX4]

You can stop the flashing hazard lights when the doors are open by unplugging a Programmable logic Module under the drivers seat. I am converting the same van with my partner and had a similar issue. Our issue was that one of the door latch electronic switches was faulty and would declare the door open while driving (even though it was closed) resulting in the hazard lights flashing and the throttle being restricted... while on the move... I think the throttle restriction is designed to stop the driver in a case where the door has been left open so the parcels don't end up all over the road. The programmable module literally just holds the electronic features that DHL want on their fleet vehicles, so in this instance unplugging it simply reverts all functions to normal operation. if you have a high end Sprinter, (i.e. not an ex fleet vehicle) unplugging this module may effect other factory features.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey thanks for feeding back. I did unplug the module actually, it all seemed to work expect I am sure I am still speed limited! 😳

[@ASiX4]

​@@lifeadventureprojects the speed limiter is a remap job I think. The guy who had ours before us had it removed so we haven't had to deal with that.

[@Dirt-Diggler]

You'll soon get into the swing of things 👍 I've been at my conversation for 2 years 🤣 enjoy the build 😎 One tip if i may 🤔 borrow tools if possible!! They soon add up 😮 Subscribed to follow your build 👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks so much for subscribing, we really appreciate it! And yes, they certainly do add up don’t they! Think we will be borrowing some for the next stage of the conversion, but we shall see! Cheers and happy to have you along for the journey 🙂

[@MrJontidy]

Now you have the mitre saw, Cut all your frame ends at 45 degrees. Much easier to measure

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks for sharing the tip Jon! We'll definitely give it a go!

[@toppertruthio]

glad you sealed the side panels,but hopefully you took out the rubber bungs underneath the van to drain the water ,seen mel the van lifer drain 5 litres out of his

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey, hope the new year is starting off well for you! Yeah I pulled the plugs out to make sure no water was in there, we were all clear! 👏

[@leecurry14]

Hi Guy's 😂 actually I think that joke come's later 😂 I came across your channel last night after spending many weeks watching other van convertion videos. I'm slightly addicted to them now 🤦🏻‍♂️, you both seem like such lovely people and just normal, that makes viewing interesting and my wife has also been drawn in to, we have just started a van conversion ourselves on a much smaller van. Hopefully it goes well and next time we will upgrade the size to a sprinter type size, we opted for a smaller van to use daily but I would love to be able to have a bigger van one day. Anyway keep up the great work, and good luck

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Haha we are the same, very addicted to van conversions! The problem is KZbin videos made them look easy, what looks like a 1 hour job is usually a 1 day job, sometimes weeks! Lol. We only went for a larger sprinter because for me the shower was non negotiable - I need to be clean! Haha Thank you so much for your support, really do appreciate it! 👏

[@leecurry14]

@@lifeadventureprojects we have litterely just been watching you fit the roof plank's and rambling on at the end, brilliant channel, shame about your toilet tiles 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@lifeadventureprojects]

let’s not talk about them toilet tiles 😂😂 Glad you are enjoying them! ❤️

[@zoltar666pz]

Great work we are getting a Luton Van we have 400w of solar panels for the van & have the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with the EB for the van but defo going to buy some leisure batteries for a back up

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks for your comment - that sounds awesome! The Luton cans are great to convert, good luck with it! Yeah we picked up a cheap leisure battery just to check things are working as they should (and to give some light in the winter evenings!) but will be getting the full setup soon!

[@zoltar666pz]

​@@lifeadventureprojects I was like you 2 years ago watching videos & Videos on van Builds it was Kieran & Alice & The Vanbitious Project on us buying a Luton Van & after that build want to do a bus in a few years haha should be fun

[@lifeadventureprojects]

@@zoltar666pz ah yes we watched Kieran and Alice too, great build! A bus will be an immense project! It is all good fun, tough, but good fun once you get going!

[@Black-Sheep-Bikes]

Where did you get the van from ? I’m looking for something similar

[@lifeadventureprojects]

That is a good question. We visited a small garage in Hemel Hempstead (A&M Cars South) that was selling a van, then visited a place a bit further out in Milton Keynes which had loads of and loads of vans. But finding one with right mileage etc was hard. We left it a day and decided to go negotiate with the place in Hemel and that’s where we got Ray.

[@ant_hart]

I love that your learning from Will’s videos!haha I hope he reads this and I can tell you exactly what he’ll say!…”don’t bloody copy me”lol 😂 just subscribed👍🏼 I enjoy van builds all the best with Ray!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

😂😂 Yeah he cracks us up, am certain that is exactly what he would say. Thanks for joining us, much appreciated! 👏

[@steveacab77]

Did u keep all the bits u tool out great video BTW

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey Steve, sold most of the bits we took out. Have the pull down passenger seat left and that is about it. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@robertrauter8459]

lovable....you guys seem a couple of nutters,but I did enjoy your vlog.keeping fingers cross for you,and wish you all the best......dont give up and keep us posted.....love from the Nederlands

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Haha, we definitely keep each other laughing! Thanks so much for your comment, we’ll keep posting the progress, glad you’re enjoying the vids all the way from there! 🙂🙌🏻

[@stevehughes7224]

Enjoyed the vid

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks Steve, really appreciated!

[@techreview291]

The engine dose sound a bit rattly keep the van well serviced I’ve seen these vans on 300k running perfectly they are bullet proof. Can’t wait to watch the build process it’s gonna be good

[@lifeadventureprojects]

We have serviced and MOT’d it recently, all came back good but yeah, I still think it has a rattle so may get a second opinion.

[@davidbenrussell9822]

how did you remove the bulkhead?

[@lifeadventureprojects]

hey, it was an ex DHL van so was a partition with a door, it had bolts in there and was quite easy to remove. However, exDHL has welded metal pieces to hold the bulk head which needed removing from the ceiling and the floor - it is quite a tough job unless you get a welder in. But the bulkhead piece is easy!

[@mishafrog8786]

Hope you get back up on the roof with silicone and blue masking tape and tidy that eyesore you created fitting the maxi fan, A PRO job might take extra time but pride in the work is well worth the effort, enjoy your conversion .

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Lol - this is a common feedback. It is a job to be revisited in the summer, it was one of the earlier jobs and 100% needs a relook. Thanks for watching! 👏

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

If you replaced the metal hull of your van with wood, you could rename it a Mercedes Splinter.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

hahaha!

[@johnshaw8481]

Good luck , stuff insulation in all the holes in the support ribs , and insulate the floor too , and have a curtain hanging down behind the front seats , I forgot this initially with my build and quickly discovered the heater in the front won't heat the whole space on cold night drives or the winter , the bulkhead used to stop the heat escaping into the cargo area 😅

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Cheers John! We have done all the ribs, walls and floor. Good shout on the curtain, think that sounds like a must!

[@davidbenrussell9822]

do you know what the paint code is?

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey, we used Broom Yellow 1212.

[@dextercrow8957]

Isn’t it an L4 size ?👍

[@lifeadventureprojects]

What’s an L4? 😂 It is an LWB, around 7 meters.

[@Truevideoz]

How much was the van..?

[@lifeadventureprojects]

We will share this in a cost breakdown video at end of the build.

[@danny.k.87]

Sweet Jesus !! 😂😂

[@lifeadventureprojects]

We say the same thing most days 🤣

[@WiresFanDrew]

Legally, to park on the road at night you should have sidelights on…. No one ever will, but be careful !!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks Drew. Luckily we are parked next to the house and not in a place that is over 30mph. Thanks for raising!

[@WiresFanDrew]

@@lifeadventureprojects In the case of any larger vehicle with a maximum loaded weight greater than 2.5 tonnes (for example, a LWB Sprinter), parking lights are required if it is left on the road overnight regardless of the speed limit.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

@@WiresFanDrew hmm, valid point that. We are planing to move somewhere with a hidden drive so should not be a problem for long!

[@WiresFanDrew]

@@lifeadventureprojects the hidden drive should make it easier for content filming too, maybe, no nosey neighbours asking what your up too etc 😂 Be good though to see the channel grow as the content comes 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@WiresFanDrew]

Don’t forget…. Legally, you need to do slower speeds in a van!!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

For sure! We’ll be driving economically to save fuel anyway!

[@SJP_Finnegan]

Great content and a new subscriber. You should check out @Mel's Big Van Small World youtube channel, especially his new video, as this might be helpful for your van build.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hey Steven thanks so much for your comment and for subscribing! Ah yes we love his videos they’re great! We’ve picked up a lot of tips from him!

[@rodinas4477]

I’d check the service history the mileage is just a number no service history is worth nothing and it’s unpredictable and can die at any moment

[@lifeadventureprojects]

we had a full service done on it before purchasing :)

[@alanspate3563]

Christ guys, you look a little young and unworn to be leaving the rat race just yet lol,I take it you both are office workers ?? Anyway cant blame you and good luck.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Hahah! Andy will be pleased you say that for sure 😄 get out sooner the better, right, why wait til retirement! Thanks for your comment - really appreciate it!

[@stevenls9562]

The silicone is shocking but I suppose you got to start somewhere ,I hope you don't get wet

[@lifeadventureprojects]

haha - luckily no leaks and rain has been heavy. However it is certainly getting a revisit in the summer!

[@kinross24]

It shows why people with no experience skills in woodwork, metalwork and craftsmanship shouldn’t attempt these projects. What a terrible mess of that roof vent. Cleaning rust and painting it with red oxide won’t do anything to slow it but actually help it spread. Needs to be cut out, welded back up and then rustproofing. Plus, does your driving license cover you for driving that lwb sprinter? Might need a C1 license depending on weight.

[@lifeadventureprojects]

If you can take metal back to bare then the rust has been stopped, we didn’t just “clean” rust or paint over it. Agree on the roof vent, may revisit that mastic in the summer 😂 oh and only need a C1 for over 3.5t which an LWB is not and we are monitoring weight for the build. Cheers for watching!

[@kinross24]

Hope you get a good outcome and possibly some help along the way. As an ex Defence mechanic and Optronics engineer I fully understand all aspects of vehicle maintenance and refurbishment and as a current Sprinter lwb minibus driver I know how much and how fast they rust so please keep on top of these issues. Keep the engine ‘over serviced’ and same with the brakes . Cut down on slow, short start stop driving as it’ll cause longer term carbon build up on egr valve and other items. As a previous‘courier’ van it’s likely to be exactly that sort of usage it’s had which is bad for that engine so start having long high rev runs. Looking forward to the progress. Please keep up the wearing of correct PPE, as other channels often don’t. 👍

[@jonfenwick6200]

Why must everyone name their van!!

[@lifeadventureprojects]

😂 🤷‍♂️

[@datboy9521]

What the hell am I seeing lol leave it to the professionals that mastic 🤦🏼‍♂ no good for my ocd

[@lifeadventureprojects]

😂 yeah needs a revisit don’t it! Def one on the agenda! Us amateurs. Lol

[@datboy9521]

@@lifeadventureprojects I've watched more videos and your getting better though! Get into it

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thanks bud, I have days where I ask myself “what are you doing man, you work in IT” 😂

[@jonathanjoestarr7399]

Haha..I see where this is going ,Gl out there bro an welcome...Spartan

[@lifeadventureprojects]

We are SPARTAAAAA!

[@flapsfalkland5181]

Another brilliant video guys 👍👍❤️ @bettyourcampervan xx

[@lifeadventureprojects]

Thank you so much, really do appreciate it. 👏