44 replies to this topic

[craig333]

I dunno. Might be a bit too luxurious. I'm going to be watching this build impatiently!

[longhorn1]

Andy, congrats. We will all be looking forward to your build. jd

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[Onefin]

Stone grey is the best of all sprinter colors.
We sold our stone grey 2014 sprinter with a sportsmobile top this summer.
Our was 2wd, but we 100% require 4wd where we now live.
We also are 300 miles away from closest authorized sprinter service and that wasn't acceptable for our usage of free time.
Issues come up with modern German diesels and I couldn't justify spending multiple days to get them attended to; this wasn't an issue when we were 15 miles away from the sprinter center.
the sprinter-source website is a good resource.

Be careful if you install a CR Lawrence T vent window in your slider door.
This is a known easy break in point on these vans.
People pry open the vent, breaking the internals of the window, pop out the screen and open the lock on the slider door.
Never leave the window open while away from the van on a hike or surf or whatever.

You'll enjoy your sprinter.
They are pretty cool.

[billharr]

Looking forward to your build. Good friend has one with the 5 cyl diesel.  Damn thing always gets over 20MPG.  If the price was not so high on the base unit. 

[Lighthawk]

Thanks guys!
Onefin, you make a good point and I just received my CRL T vent windows! If I can use a friend's shop this weekend, I hope to install both side windows, both rear fixed windows and cut in the maxxair vent. It's going to be some serious butchery ; )

I'll take a look at how to secure the sliding door. Maybe I'll just unscrew the lock push pin when we leave the van.

[ski3pin]

...................................................... If I can use a friend's shop this weekend, I hope to install both side windows, both rear fixed windows and cut in the maxxair vent. It's going to be some serious butchery ; )

Nothing like digging in and getting committed!

 

Have fun!

[hebegebe]

I just LOVE hacking into a brand new van!! It's satisfying to be the one for first blood on a paint job! Have fun! In another post Rivnuts can be a good friend on this type of build I'm green w/envy


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[Lighthawk]

Nothing like digging in and getting committed!

 

Like a good carpenter, I will measure twice, or thrice, and cut   once!

 

And, I will have one of my guys there to help me out inside a well organized shop.

I'm coming off a hand injury, so I could use the help with managing the heavier work.

[Lighthawk]

Looking forward to your build. Good friend has one with the 5 cyl diesel.  Damn thing always gets over 20MPG.  If the price was not so high on the base unit. 

 

Not to get on a soapbox  , but I will address the issue of the cost of the base unit, which was certainly part of the calculation for us.

 

When you price the cost of a new 4wd pickup (diesel or high mpg gasser) plus the cost of a FWC/ATC shell, it adds up to the cost of a 4wd Sprinter.  From there each will require a build out to your level of comfort and vehicle capabilities.  I just found the van form factor to have a cleaner exterior package without the necessity to lift the top, and a lower living floor.   Different strokes . . .

Edited by Lighthawk, 16 November 2016 - 05:29 AM.

[ETAV8R]

Not to get on a soapbox  , but I will address the issue of the cost of the base unit, which was certainly part of the calculation for us.

 

When you price the cost of a new 4wd pickup (diesel or high mpg gasser) plus the cost of a FWC/ATC shell, it adds up to the cost of a 4wd Sprinter.  From there each will require a build out to your level of comfort and vehicle capabilities.  I just found the van form factor to have a cleaner exterior package without the necessity to lift the top, and a lower living floor.   Different strokes . . .

Do you foresee this limiting your off-road capability?