Hey all,
Newbie here starting my 1999 Eurovan MV poptop project. I bought this 170,000 mile salvage (front end damage, PO fixed it nicely) for $7500. Immediately I did alignment, tires, fixed the HVAC, added stereo, added lift shocks for the poptop, and cleared all of the CEL codes. Now onto the customization.
Like Cole, I used sketchup to do some concept designs, see pics. I plan to strip the interior panels, insulate/sound deaden, replace the panels and install cabinets down the driver's side. Notice the 2-person 'flip and fold' freedman seat, they retail for ~1000, but I picked up a used one for $75. This is where our 6y/o daughter will ride, in the center of the van, right behind the front seats for easy conversation and snack handoffs.
I added a $50 awning consisting of bolt attachement points, a tarp, and some kelty extendable poles from an REI sale. It requires work to set up, but it has the option of 1/2 length awning, then the rest of the tarp goes vertically downward creating a nice wind/visual screen.
Speaking of holes in the fiberglass poptop, I have some holes that I need to fill, and some bad clearcoat on the top, so I was thinking of painting the top a light color for a two-tone look, maybe a light cream or white. Any thoughts on that idea?
The actual pictures below show our 3 week road trip from San Fran to British Columbia. Audio books and headphones for the daughter made the trip possible. She listened to the original wizard of oz novel 5 times on this trip (as well as many other books).
I look forward to sharing the progress, and I would love to hear any comments on my seating/bed/cabinet ideas. I plan to break ground in a few months. I never do this kind of extended planning, but it seems to make sense if it saves me money and redo work later on.
Yeah Eurovans!
Brandon