Remember that the man who never made a mistake never made anything. We all admire your honesty at not trying to cover up this boo-boo, you have not lost any respect.
Best way in my opinion is to make a cardboard template of the hole you need, place it in location on the inside, drill two pilot holes several inches apart, then transfer the cardboard template to the outside using the holes to locate it in position. Good luck with your build John, you are more than capable without the extra ‘Help’
I'm so sorry it went so wrong,John. The old saying "too many cooks " comes to mind at this video. You'll get there and remember, you have thousands of us who think the world of you and are willing you on to give fate a kick in the butt. No retreat, no surrender! massive good wishes, karma and man hugs from me. Respect as always -Kenny.
“Measure twice, cut once comes to mind” So sorry this happened John. You could easily not have published this mistake. Takes courage to do so. So thanks for sharing. Upwards and onwards going forward for sure. Looking forward to seeing the build advance. 😀
Total respect to you John for publishing this, quite a horrible day for you and we can all sympathise, no doubt in different ways we’ve been there, and not that it’s any consolation but it will get sorted. Absolutely do it on your own and if you can get Mandy’s support even better. Sometimes it can be too lonely doing it yourself and to have someone just around while working helps (me) for sure. Take care mate.
We all make mistakes large or small keep calm and carry on as they say. You will get there, make cardboard your best friend through the build it doesn’t matter how many templates you make and good luck with the rest of the build
Nooooooo! Go it alone John… It will be tough and frustrating but the satisfaction at the end knowing ‘ I did that’ will be so rewarding. This is why I have taught myself to do most things from a practical side. I might be slower but only have myself to blame and I know it’s done to my standard. Looking forward to seeing the build John.
Kudos to you John for posting when things go wrong, we've all had days like these doing one thing or another. I recently scuffed the entire side of my MH down a fence. Lost my cassette door, 2 side skirt sections damaged. But you learn , fix, and now laugh about it. Best wishes to you both.
Watch you and Mandy all the time, very rare I comment. This took courage to put out there but we are currently doing our 8th camper & the same day the windows came. You published this video. It has given us a warning to be very careful. I'm sure it has done the same for others. So thankyou John. As much as I wished it hadn't happened to you. It does show a reality that it can go wrong instead of showing how quick and easy it can be. Take care John, I'm sure you will sort this out & make an epic van 🤙😃Stokie Ducks X
Hopefully my turn to help you after you’ve given me infos in the past. I too used the sliding door as the first window in the knowledge that if I messed up, I’ve never done a build before, at least a doors replaceable. Now the important bit. I too went for those windows from magnums, plus max fan plus a skylight at the front. Since they all require a wooden frame on the inside bonded to the metal hole make the frames for all the openings. Check them against the fittings for fit before any hole’s whatsoever. You only have 1-2 mm tolerance. When your happy with the fit then place the frame up against the metal inside and use a felt tip pen to draw inside the frame. Put the window up against the van for piece of mind. Your choice whether to cut from the inside or drill holes and join the dots from the outside. Don’t forget about the rounded corners. Take the sole of the jigsaw off and just use the rollers that guide the blade on the roof holes. File the edges, Treat the bare metal. Sikaflex the frame against the metal,clamp in place. It is recommended to use Sika primer before using the sikaflex. I feel for you it is a tough learning curve. Very brave and honest to show the cock up 👏👏 hope I’ve been in time.
So sorry you experienced this John and thank you sincerely for your honesty in showing it. This is a lesson learned, which means that the rest of the build WILL be measured, checked and triple checked, I am sure! and it also means by sharing this, at least one of your subscribers will not make the same mistake. Mistakes happen. If they didn't we wouldn't learn and grow, and it's how we deal with them that matters. Hope you've moved forward and found the courage to get that window cut now - it's just one mistake, not the whole van build. xx
Im sure I don't need to say the next comments as you're very well experienced in van builds. I feel your pain and this and the diesel heater caused me the most stress. I spent 3 months stressing out about putting the sliding door window on my first van conversion and watched so many youtube videos and ringing the window supplier tech support 5 times. So the 3 days before I found a video where the person used a cardboard cut out to fit the window and I cut and trimmed till it was right. Then put that up against the sliding door and penciled in the gap. I measured 5 times after that and even drove my wife mad with my measuring and hesitation, till she just shouted at me to just do it lol I cut it and wow, perfect fit. I did add extra sealant to the top of the window line, to make sure that no water leaked. The youtube videos also taught me to buy the suction cup holders to lift the window and have tape hanging of the roof ready to hold it in place. Inside the van I had bungie cords pull the suction cup handles to pull the window from the inside for 24 hours.
Did a similar thing when replacing a section of stained glass window. Amazing what you can cover up with some packing and a lot of putty. Keep going John. Every mistake is a learning experience. Well at least that's what I used to tell my pupils until one little smartarse asked me if I was an only child.😂
I really feel for you John - after a friend helped me install a fitting to store a table in my van, the screws went through into the shower room wall - even though we both considered the screws were short enough. I cried and didn’t sleep for days afterwards - I don’t know why I was so affected. All these kind of things can be rectified, but I can completely empathise - especially when the loss of Cooper is still so raw. Hang in there John. 💕🐾
I have just finished (if it ever is truly finished!) a van conversion of a mwb ford transit. The panels I understand are even more curved than on your van. I was bricking it putting in the maxair fan and 4 seitz windows. I would have gladly paid a decent sum of money to have them fitted but no one I spoke to wanted the work and most didnt even return my emails or voicemails. So, I fitted them myself. I can't even contemplate what it would have been like with other people around. I did templates, dropped the window into the template and measured about a hundred times cos I didnt trust myself. The windows are in, level and no leaks (so far anyway). Ironically, the closest I came to screwing up was the last one I fitted because I let my guard down. You have immaculate attention to detail in everything you do. Trust yourself, take your time and it will come good. As your mates will have told you, converting a van is a constant source of frustration and bleeding knuckles! You will end up with a brilliant conversion and it will all be your own work. All the best.
Oh mate, I feel your pain. Everyone is trying to help but with too many ideas and opinions things can get over-complicated. Personally, I would have held the window in position, drawn round it and then deducted a margin for the frame width BUT it's easy to say what I would have done and everyone is wise after the event. When I first watched the video my initial thoughts were...oh well we all make mistakes, fit the window tight to the top and spot weld the bottom in, then fill it and paint it as part of your graphics. You handled the situation far better than me, I would have gone ape at myself and everyone around me and I was so impressed at how outwardly calm you appeared. If you fancy a trip to the beautiful Isle of Bute in Scotland's West coast, then get yourself up here and I'll give you a hand with your van in between finishing my bus build, I have a huge car park and trailer load of tools which you are welcome to borrow. I have some kingspan left and wiring bits n bobs and I am a scrapheap challenge fan so anything can be achieved. The offer is genuine and, if your going to build a camper, you might as well enjoy the scenery while you do it. Keep your chin up and don't let this early set back dishearten you. Kind regards John and onwards and upwards.
At times we give others too much respect and then it dawns on us that we should have more for ourselves. So much noise/chatter around this job. Best done in silence with no distractions. Lesson learned. Great looking van, John. I'm sure it will do you proud.
Nothing to say that hasn’t been said, but what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger John, if you learnt anything from this experience it was a win. Good luck with the road ahead I’m sure it’s going to be fine. 🏴☠️🖤
Given how awful things have been for you guys, to share this so hopefully we can learn is very generous of you. You seem to me to be extremely competent and capable John and although having others around for support is great at times I’m sure you are more than capable of doing a wonderful van conversion yourself. Thank heavens it was the door side and once it’s resprayed you can forget the day ever happened……it ISNT GOING TO DEFINE your new van, which will be brilliant. Sending best wishes. Anna x p.s. thank you both for the sticker set that arrived today. We’ll look forward to taking the three of you with us on our van trips🚐🐶👯♀️💕
Ouch gutted for you, its easy in hindsight to say measure twice cut once, just glad it was the door not side panel, it's great you showed this, I'm sure it will help others in double checking everything good luck with the rest of the build, we'll be watching.
Hi John. Dont think I've commented on a video before, but knowing how you like things right, you must have been absolutely gutted when the mistake became obvious. Good job you started on the door window, as you could replace that. You've made the right decision to go it alone. Looking forward to seeing further videos on the build. All the best.
So sorry you've had to go through this and thanks for sharing! 👍 In the public sector in some countries they've found a solution to prevent this from happening: only one team member works and the others are just watching 😅 You've made the best risk mitigation decision 👍
Just catching up with the channel John. Our build is amazingly similar. After 10 years off grid we wanted simple too. 25L water containers and a submersible pump, bucket underneath for waste. I did fit gas, mainly for resale purposes though. Look forward to following it through. Defo right choice to DIY... Too many cooks ..
Yep. Definitely too many folk doing the same thing. Probably just accepting what the previous person said/checked. Lack of concentration through idle chatter. When cutting out for the first time cut the hole out on a large piece of cardboard for a dummy run then use that as a template. Especially when doing the roof as there is no second chance there. Good luck John
The path of van building is rarely straight and thankfully you chose the sacrificial panel first. You have got this, be confident in your abilities and it will all work out great. Looking forward to seeing how your build goes. We also have the same van which will be getting converted once the old one is finished and sold.
I'm about half way through my build and I feel your pain. It looks so easy, and it really isn't. I think even my videos make it look easier than it is (not deliberately, it's just not interesting viewing to watch people reading a manual 3 times). It can definitely be harder with too many people, unless you communicate really well and everyone is sure on their responsibilities - it's so easy for everyone to assume someone else is checking something and mistakes happen. One piece of advice - you've probably just learnt how many metal filings are made when cutting the bodywork but I didn't see any protection down. Set up a sheet to catch it all - sweeping it up effectively is hard enough, trying to get it out of all the little holes is impossible. Tape the holes, set up a sheet, protect everything else from being covered in metal, and it'll save you headaches later 👍
A friend of one of my cousins bought a double glazed window with a blind in between the panes. He did a great deal of gloating about what a fabulous window it was. The hole in his sliding door was measured and cut perfectly. It was once the window was offered up that he found the window was so deep that the door could no longer be opened.
Hi John, not commented before. Always watch and like :-) What a start, it happens to us all at some point. As others have said at least it was at the start and on the door side. Easy fix, sort of! We were going to comment when you lost Coop. I think you said in one of the videos, it is very personal the grief felt. We understand that part, when we lost our boy Wesley, words were always appreciated. It was an internal process though and took me personally months to get over. I still think of him everyday. Time is all we have, it helps us to remember only the happy memories. We are building ourself, have been for a while now. We get a lot of stick for our videos at the minute. It's a funny thing sharing your life. Keep moving forward and we will look forward to the next build episode. Best Wishes Graham, Michelle, Maximus and Freya 🐾 - Don't Mention the "A" word
When you do it yourself John don't have any destructions for enyone and when you decide to go ahead with doing it I would recommend that you do a cardboard template first so you don't make any mistakes I know you can do it John good luck pal with your new build 😊
Too many people, too much banter and not enough attention to detail. I’m glad you sacked them and decided to go it alone. I’m sure you won’t be making any more similar mistakes and I look forward to seeing the rest of the build.
they are other youtubers helping him out, you can not sack someone taking time out of there day to help a mate, is easy to shift blame but hard to take responsibility
It’s a metaphor, I don’t know if they were getting paid. Regardless, it’s a van builds worse nightmare cutting the hole to big. It shouldn’t have happened and wouldn’t if John was doing the work himself, hence sacking the ‘helpers’. John is more than capable of doing a good job himself.
@@daviemclachlan i know all about van builds built one myself with no help, cutting holes in not as scary as people make out as long as you prep and take your time, how you can cut before lining up the window to double check is beyond me
Hello John, we really enjoy following you but what happened yesterday was very unfortunate. In our opinion you asked for assistance from friends who let you down badly so not your fault at all. It reminded me of the incident that NASA had over the aspect of measuring; one group was using inches and the another millimetres on the same project, so it happens even to the best. Hope this makes you feel somewhat better. Keep going we love watching you. All the best with the new build watching with interest as we are looking for a larger van to convert too. Best wishes Debbie & Leon from Rugby 😀
OMG John what a start to your dream home, so so sorry and I know you will do a much better job on your own with the support of the lovely Mandy. Love you both and good luck for the rest on the build. x
That was all you needed John lad. Really felt for you there. Select your tutoring more wisely. Measure twice cut once is the adage. I know the finished project will be the envy of many. YOU can do this John . All the best lad
When I saw that I felt you poor B. I hope your mates feel rotten as they should have had your back. However, your comment was spot on... too many cooks and joking around, but I couldn't understand why you didn't make a paper or cardboard template. Anyway it was very honest and humbling I'm sure for you to show us how things can go wrong. Glad you got past it. Downunda - Melbourne Australia.
You could have put a nice wooden window sill in the gap with perhaps a window box for decoration. PS I'm a master of wrong cut DIY. I feel for you John.
Been in this situation and luckily stopped when sensed things were getting muddy. You could actually see it unwrapping in the video. When two many people get involved on one task the goal moves further way. All good in the end though 😊
I always make a cardboard template to help get it level, most things come with a template to help you like the roof fans, water heaters etc, so make templates for each window and then you know the cut out is the correct size. Keep the faith at least it was a replacement panel and not the actual body learn from it and move on.
@3.52 it's a classic. Anyway, you made a nice recovery after an unfortunate incident, and looking on the bright side, at least it was the door and not the other side.
Big hugs John and thanks for your honesty. Have faith in yourself. You are so capable and talented- you don’t need help. Whatever you feel you don’t know, you will surely study it up diligently. A horrible knock after everything that has happened recently- but onward and upward. The van WILL be fab. x
Hi John next time maybe cut it out of 6mmply then you have a jig to place and draw round . I use this method sometimes on awkard sink cutouts at work . hope this will help a bit . Good luck mate.
Ooh god I feel for you John. I think your very capable fella, probably best to just do the conversion yourself and in your own time. Please bring use along on the journey. Chock this one up as a learning curve. Best of luck mate.
Hey John, been watching your adventures for some time - not into the patreon thing however I think for all the wrong reasons this is the finest video you've done so far 😀😀 - could see it coming a mile off, but the wrong color door at the end just sealed the deal - I promptly donated a "sympathy" £10 on your buy us a coffee paypal link, having seen all your other vids I know your more than capable of doing all this stuff by yourself mate, dont let it get you down - I definitely still have faith ;-)
Keep going John we all learn from our mistakes . Best working alone less distraction and at the end of the build you can stand back and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done Looking forward to the build videos and hoping to get some tips for altering my Peugeot boxer van .😃
A wise man said if you cut it small you can always cut more off but you can't put it back.you did well not swear on camera everything will turn out right in the end good luck with the rest of the build
Gutted for you - When we did our windows, we made internal wood frames to be bonded on the inside to pack out the window depth. We made these around the window first, so therefore we could hold it up to use a a guide for cutting too. Hope you get some more luck with the other windows
Hi John, gutted for you! I would strongly suggest cutting the hole in the new door but leave the window out before getting it painted so that the cut edge gets full thickness paint to prevent any future rust issues. Put the old door back on with the whole boarded up and give the new door to the painter. You can then just keep cracking on and not be without the van. Probably quicker to get booked in with a painter as easier for them to deal with than masking up and having the van in the workshop. Deep breath and chin up! 👍
Oh ffs John, what a nightmare. Not surprised you went off for a walk. As another has said, there did seem to be too many chiefs. From watching you the last couple of years I know that you will find a fix. All the best. Martin
I know how you feel,but I fitted the window side to the van and fiberglass the top and bottom,cut in and painted it job done But respect for you for showing the mistakes which do happen ✌️
Well that was a testing day. Chin up, easy for me to say but you WILL get there. What don't break ya makes you stronger. Thinking of you both xxx (sorry if that sounds a bit black & white it's not meant to) x
Doh measure twice cut once, double check especially when cutting a hole in the van 🤔 We all make mistakes, shame the second door wasn't the same colour. Keep going you'll make a great van on your own 👍
Really sorry for you it went wrong on the first cut, thank goodness it was the door rather than the main body, sure your replacement door will paint up to the same colour - so easily done - keep your chin up - I’m sure things will get better - all the best, David 👍
I thought all the windows came with paper templates to stick on and draw around 😮 Gosh this is so gutting. What a swift recovery, even though the colour doesn’t match. Thankfully you’d not cut a solid panel. 😅 So sorry it’s set you back in the build. Here’s hoping that’s it now and the rest of the build progresses smoothly with no more incidents 🤗
This would have really knocked me back John. I think when you look back at this though in a few months, it will just be seen as a minor speed bump. It's an awkward situation that I've been in myself. You feel like exploding but the intentions of people there were good, giving up their time to help you out. Move past this and soldier on, it's going to be a great van when finished.
I am really sorry this happened John, As you said "too many people" but if they weren't there and it went wrong what would you have done then, I know sometimes having people around can prevent a so called temper explosion, I have a very small part of Italian in me I have the temper and the beauty spot on my cheek. As I have got older I have learned to calm the temper (thank goodness) the other way was to have people around me. Sending hugs xx
Mistakes happen we are not all perfect all of the time 🤔 I fitted bonded windows in our van with a sliding opening window and cannot fault them from vanpimps and you cut your panel out the same shape as the internal edge of your door can't get it wrong yes we do get abit of condensation but bought one of the karcher window hoovers works well but at least you should be able to sell your old door 👍😀
So sorry John, I can imagine that you needed a walk for yourself after that... but at least you started with a part that you were able to exchange fairly easily, I wouldn't worry about the color ... it's different for a reason. Who knows, you might even have fun figuring out what message the universe is sending you 😉. Surely later on when you're done and you're sitting around a nice fireplace with friends you meet on your journey, you and your van will have stories to tell 👍 and traveling will surely be even more fun 🍀
I love that you put this out…. I’m sure everyone that views this will offer is the new window on your advice and save a few doors the process. Good excuse to wrap the van now and make it unique….
Been thinking of it all day , so thanks for sharing most people would not . We all make mistakes but no one finds out , but when one sliding door shuts another one will open 💪🏴👍
Oh well, there's a time for banter, and a time for concentration. I really feel for you, its not what you needed. But the job has to be completed so moving on is the only option. A good lesson for all the viewers. I'm sure the rest of the build will be on course. 👋
Thanks for sharing John. Big lesson learnt for all and I understand your reasons for 'doing it yourself'. Keep positive mate and look forward to future installments 😁
Ahh John, its ok... One thing we can't change is what has already happened. Good call stopping there and giving yourself some time. Now the mistake is out of the way (because there's always one) you can press on and enjoy the rest of the build, however you wish to do it 😁.
Also make sure you get the skylight measurements correct as that’s not an easy replacement 😅 I’m sure you going it along from now on everything will turn out perfect.
To many chefs when all u want is the job done finished. I know your all youtubers with cameras but him constantly vlogging wasn't helping no one but him.cant wait to the end finish.👍
Has a competent diy.er and second van builder...it still scares the crap out of me cutting holes in a van .....I know the saying of measure twice cut once....I still measure half a dozen times then just may be do I cut .....sweating perfusly.....it happens to us all mate at some point ...you just have to cracking on ....especially if you build solely on your own ....apart from asking the Mrs on the odd occasion lol ...you'll get there John ...Happy building .
What a disaster, glad you got it sorted out with a new door though, so lucky mind you that you did the cutout on the door rather than the side walls first. I cut out the 5 windows in our last camper and what I did other than measure 40x before cutting was to cut out the cardboard box the window comes in first, piece of mind & also a handy template. Good luck with the rest of the build
Fair play for showing us that video John. Dust yourself down and don't let it defeat you. You could still fit a bonded window in the door you've taken off and sell it no problem I'm sure.
I think we have all been there John, at least I have LOL, during my early working life I did the same with a sunroof .... luckily there was a bigger one available. On another note it`s great to see that Ken is still running Magnum Motorhomes, I used him a lot when I converted a Mercedes 508 van probably at least 25 years ago, he was great for stock and advise and it looks like he is a lot more organised now. Regroup and put it down to experience.
Sorry John I had to laugh too many people giving advice and measuring their way is a recipe for disaster I converted a ex Iceland Sprinter freezer van easiest way I found is make a cardboard template of the window internal the bit that will fit in the hole you cut out , sorry if I`m telling you what you have already worked out take it steady and enjoy it I really did . all the best
As previous commenter said "good job it wasn't the non sliding door side" That begs another question...why put a window into a door that is probably open 50% of the time which blocks the aperture when the door is back? Why not put it in the other side?
It's a bummer. But it's an easy fix - just purchase the Peugeot/Citroen/Ducato OEM side doors windows and put them on. The required hole is bigger than the one you just did, so it will fit nice and easy.
Friends once took their door off to cut a hole for a cat flap. Realised they’d cut it in the top not the bottom when it was too late…had to just live with it, and put another flap in the bottom 😝
You are a very capable man and can do, or learn , whatever skills you need to fit out your van. I hope the person who measured the wrong dimensions paid for the new door. I hope you don't fret over this , awful at the time but in the scheme of things a minor mishap ,and you have learned a valuable lesson , the only person you can trust is yourself. if you want something done right do it yourself.
To add to last night comment all is not lost for the white door. Return the window you have for a larger one, assuming they have one in stock, and recut the hole bearing in mind my comment yesterday. Instead of an army of friends you will need another pair of hands at most stages, even if it’s only to talk through the plan of action. I didn’t get very good answers from the toolbox or the potted plant but did from a neighbour at one time but mainly my son.
Sorry to see the mistake john..take a deap breath and take your time. two many hands on the job each with there own input on the job at hand and things can easily be made..I felt so gutted when you tryed the window.. positive out off a negative and a lesson is learnt take your own time 😢
Oh I feel for you. Even somebody as capable as you sometimes makes mistakes, hey ho a massive learning curve. How do you know those other guys again? At least it can be put right.
Johnboy, keep your spirits up. Nobody is perfect. Bet you won’t do that again buddy. Measure twice, cut once. Best of luck for the rest of the build, onwards and upwards fella. 👍👍👍
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The positive from this is that it didn’t happen on the non door side !
Good observation
Remember that the man who never made a mistake never made anything. We all admire your honesty at not trying to cover up this boo-boo, you have not lost any respect.
Best way in my opinion is to make a cardboard template of the hole you need, place it in location on the inside, drill two pilot holes several inches apart, then transfer the cardboard template to the outside using the holes to locate it in position.
Good luck with your build John, you are more than capable without the extra ‘Help’
I'm so sorry it went so wrong,John. The old saying "too many cooks " comes to mind at this video. You'll get there and remember, you have thousands of us who think the world of you and are willing you on to give fate a kick in the butt. No retreat, no surrender! massive good wishes, karma and man hugs from me. Respect as always -Kenny.
“Measure twice, cut once comes to mind” So sorry this happened John. You could easily not have published this mistake. Takes courage to do so. So thanks for sharing. Upwards and onwards going forward for sure. Looking forward to seeing the build advance. 😀
Total respect to you John for publishing this, quite a horrible day for you and we can all sympathise, no doubt in different ways we’ve been there, and not that it’s any consolation but it will get sorted. Absolutely do it on your own and if you can get Mandy’s support even better. Sometimes it can be too lonely doing it yourself and to have someone just around while working helps (me) for sure. Take care mate.
We all make mistakes large or small keep calm and carry on as they say. You will get there, make cardboard your best friend through the build it doesn’t matter how many templates you make and good luck with the rest of the build
Nooooooo! Go it alone John… It will be tough and frustrating but the satisfaction at the end knowing ‘ I did that’ will be so rewarding.
This is why I have taught myself to do most things from a practical side. I might be slower but only have myself to blame and I know it’s done to my standard.
Looking forward to seeing the build John.
Kudos to you John for posting when things go wrong, we've all had days like these doing one thing or another. I recently scuffed the entire side of my MH down a fence. Lost my cassette door, 2 side skirt sections damaged. But you learn , fix, and now laugh about it. Best wishes to you both.
John that made me and my wife laugh so much, it happens to us all I'm glad you shared it that's life well done
I’m sure you’re over it now John, but the wrong shade of white cracked me up😂
Watch you and Mandy all the time, very rare I comment. This took courage to put out there but we are currently doing our 8th camper & the same day the windows came. You published this video. It has given us a warning to be very careful. I'm sure it has done the same for others. So thankyou John. As much as I wished it hadn't happened to you. It does show a reality that it can go wrong instead of showing how quick and easy it can be. Take care John, I'm sure you will sort this out & make an epic van 🤙😃Stokie Ducks X
Hopefully my turn to help you after you’ve given me infos in the past. I too used the sliding door as the first window in the knowledge that if I messed up, I’ve never done a build before, at least a doors replaceable. Now the important bit. I too went for those windows from magnums, plus max fan plus a skylight at the front. Since they all require a wooden frame on the inside bonded to the metal hole make the frames for all the openings. Check them against the fittings for fit before any hole’s whatsoever. You only have 1-2 mm tolerance. When your happy with the fit then place the frame up against the metal inside and use a felt tip pen to draw inside the frame. Put the window up against the van for piece of mind. Your choice whether to cut from the inside or drill holes and join the dots from the outside. Don’t forget about the rounded corners. Take the sole of the jigsaw off and just use the rollers that guide the blade on the roof holes. File the edges, Treat the bare metal. Sikaflex the frame against the metal,clamp in place. It is recommended to use Sika primer before using the sikaflex. I feel for you it is a tough learning curve. Very brave and honest to show the cock up 👏👏 hope I’ve been in time.
So sorry you experienced this John and thank you sincerely for your honesty in showing it. This is a lesson learned, which means that the rest of the build WILL be measured, checked and triple checked, I am sure! and it also means by sharing this, at least one of your subscribers will not make the same mistake. Mistakes happen. If they didn't we wouldn't learn and grow, and it's how we deal with them that matters. Hope you've moved forward and found the courage to get that window cut now - it's just one mistake, not the whole van build. xx
Im sure I don't need to say the next comments as you're very well experienced in van builds. I feel your pain and this and the diesel heater caused me the most stress.
I spent 3 months stressing out about putting the sliding door window on my first van conversion and watched so many youtube videos and ringing the window supplier tech support 5 times. So the 3 days before I found a video where the person used a cardboard cut out to fit the window and I cut and trimmed till it was right. Then put that up against the sliding door and penciled in the gap. I measured 5 times after that and even drove my wife mad with my measuring and hesitation, till she just shouted at me to just do it lol
I cut it and wow, perfect fit. I did add extra sealant to the top of the window line, to make sure that no water leaked.
The youtube videos also taught me to buy the suction cup holders to lift the window and have tape hanging of the roof ready to hold it in place. Inside the van I had bungie cords pull the suction cup handles to pull the window from the inside for 24 hours.
Did a similar thing when replacing a section of stained glass window. Amazing what you can cover up with some packing and a lot of putty. Keep going John. Every mistake is a learning experience. Well at least that's what I used to tell my pupils until one little smartarse asked me if I was an only child.😂
I really feel for you John - after a friend helped me install a fitting to store a table in my van, the screws went through into the shower room wall - even though we both considered the screws were short enough. I cried and didn’t sleep for days afterwards - I don’t know why I was so affected. All these kind of things can be rectified, but I can completely empathise - especially when the loss of Cooper is still so raw. Hang in there John. 💕🐾
I have just finished (if it ever is truly finished!) a van conversion of a mwb ford transit. The panels I understand are even more curved than on your van. I was bricking it putting in the maxair fan and 4 seitz windows. I would have gladly paid a decent sum of money to have them fitted but no one I spoke to wanted the work and most didnt even return my emails or voicemails. So, I fitted them myself. I can't even contemplate what it would have been like with other people around. I did templates, dropped the window into the template and measured about a hundred times cos I didnt trust myself. The windows are in, level and no leaks (so far anyway). Ironically, the closest I came to screwing up was the last one I fitted because I let my guard down. You have immaculate attention to detail in everything you do. Trust yourself, take your time and it will come good. As your mates will have told you, converting a van is a constant source of frustration and bleeding knuckles! You will end up with a brilliant conversion and it will all be your own work. All the best.
Oh mate, I feel your pain. Everyone is trying to help but with too many ideas and opinions things can get over-complicated. Personally, I would have held the window in position, drawn round it and then deducted a margin for the frame width BUT it's easy to say what I would have done and everyone is wise after the event. When I first watched the video my initial thoughts were...oh well we all make mistakes, fit the window tight to the top and spot weld the bottom in, then fill it and paint it as part of your graphics. You handled the situation far better than me, I would have gone ape at myself and everyone around me and I was so impressed at how outwardly calm you appeared. If you fancy a trip to the beautiful Isle of Bute in Scotland's West coast, then get yourself up here and I'll give you a hand with your van in between finishing my bus build, I have a huge car park and trailer load of tools which you are welcome to borrow. I have some kingspan left and wiring bits n bobs and I am a scrapheap challenge fan so anything can be achieved. The offer is genuine and, if your going to build a camper, you might as well enjoy the scenery while you do it. Keep your chin up and don't let this early set back dishearten you. Kind regards John and onwards and upwards.
At times we give others too much respect and then it dawns on us that we should have more for ourselves. So much noise/chatter around this job. Best done in silence with no distractions. Lesson learned. Great looking van, John. I'm sure it will do you proud.
Nothing to say that hasn’t been said, but what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger John, if you learnt anything from this experience it was a win. Good luck with the road ahead I’m sure it’s going to be fine. 🏴☠️🖤
Given how awful things have been for you guys, to share this so hopefully we can learn is very generous of you. You seem to me to be extremely competent and capable John and although having others around for support is great at times I’m sure you are more than capable of doing a wonderful van conversion yourself. Thank heavens it was the door side and once it’s resprayed you can forget the day ever happened……it ISNT GOING TO DEFINE your new van, which will be brilliant. Sending best wishes. Anna x p.s. thank you both for the sticker set that arrived today. We’ll look forward to taking the three of you with us on our van trips🚐🐶👯♀️💕
Ouch gutted for you, its easy in hindsight to say measure twice cut once, just glad it was the door not side panel, it's great you showed this, I'm sure it will help others in double checking everything good luck with the rest of the build, we'll be watching.
Hi John. Dont think I've commented on a video before, but knowing how you like things right, you must have been absolutely gutted when the mistake became obvious. Good job you started on the door window, as you could replace that. You've made the right decision to go it alone. Looking forward to seeing further videos on the build. All the best.
So sorry you've had to go through this and thanks for sharing! 👍
In the public sector in some countries they've found a solution to prevent this from happening: only one team member works and the others are just watching 😅
You've made the best risk mitigation decision 👍
Just catching up with the channel John.
Our build is amazingly similar. After 10 years off grid we wanted simple too. 25L water containers and a submersible pump, bucket underneath for waste. I did fit gas, mainly for resale purposes though.
Look forward to following it through.
Defo right choice to DIY... Too many cooks ..
Yep. Definitely too many folk doing the same thing. Probably just accepting what the previous person said/checked. Lack of concentration through idle chatter. When cutting out for the first time cut the hole out on a large piece of cardboard for a dummy run then use that as a template. Especially when doing the roof as there is no second chance there. Good luck John
The path of van building is rarely straight and thankfully you chose the sacrificial panel first. You have got this, be confident in your abilities and it will all work out great. Looking forward to seeing how your build goes. We also have the same van which will be getting converted once the old one is finished and sold.
I'm about half way through my build and I feel your pain. It looks so easy, and it really isn't. I think even my videos make it look easier than it is (not deliberately, it's just not interesting viewing to watch people reading a manual 3 times). It can definitely be harder with too many people, unless you communicate really well and everyone is sure on their responsibilities - it's so easy for everyone to assume someone else is checking something and mistakes happen.
One piece of advice - you've probably just learnt how many metal filings are made when cutting the bodywork but I didn't see any protection down. Set up a sheet to catch it all - sweeping it up effectively is hard enough, trying to get it out of all the little holes is impossible. Tape the holes, set up a sheet, protect everything else from being covered in metal, and it'll save you headaches later 👍
Well that was a pretty steep learning curve and not what you needed at this time, but a great recovery. 👏
John gutted for you. I am sure you will recover and this will be a fantastic build, keep the faith 🙏
A friend of one of my cousins bought a double glazed window with a blind in between the panes. He did a great deal of gloating about what a fabulous window it was. The hole in his sliding door was measured and cut perfectly. It was once the window was offered up that he found the window was so deep that the door could no longer be opened.
🤭 that's funny!
John you wont be the first or the last person for this to happen to, thanks for your honesty, you have gone up a notch in my book
Oh dear!!!... as you say, 'a lesson learned'. As the expression goes, 'to many cooks spoil the broth' I fear.
Hi John, not commented before. Always watch and like :-) What a start, it happens to us all at some point. As others have said at least it was at the start and on the door side. Easy fix, sort of!
We were going to comment when you lost Coop. I think you said in one of the videos, it is very personal the grief felt. We understand that part, when we lost our boy Wesley, words were always appreciated. It was an internal process though and took me personally months to get over. I still think of him everyday. Time is all we have, it helps us to remember only the happy memories.
We are building ourself, have been for a while now. We get a lot of stick for our videos at the minute. It's a funny thing sharing your life. Keep moving forward and we will look forward to the next build episode.
Best Wishes Graham, Michelle, Maximus and Freya 🐾 - Don't Mention the "A" word
When you do it yourself John don't have any destructions for enyone and when you decide to go ahead with doing it I would recommend that you do a cardboard template first so you don't make any mistakes I know you can do it John good luck pal with your new build 😊
I feel your pain on this one John. You will look back one day and laugh, but not for w while. Best of luck with the rest of the build
Too many people, too much banter and not enough attention to detail. I’m glad you sacked them and decided to go it alone. I’m sure you won’t be making any more similar mistakes and I look forward to seeing the rest of the build.
they are other youtubers helping him out, you can not sack someone taking time out of there day to help a mate, is easy to shift blame but hard to take responsibility
It’s a metaphor, I don’t know if they were getting paid. Regardless, it’s a van builds worse nightmare cutting the hole to big. It shouldn’t have happened and wouldn’t if John was doing the work himself, hence sacking the ‘helpers’. John is more than capable of doing a good job himself.
@@daviemclachlan i know all about van builds built one myself with no help, cutting holes in not as scary as people make out as long as you prep and take your time, how you can cut before lining up the window to double check is beyond me
Okay then!
Hello John, we really enjoy following you but what happened yesterday was very unfortunate. In our opinion you asked for assistance from friends who let you down badly so not your fault at all. It reminded me of the incident that NASA had over the aspect of measuring; one group was using inches and the another millimetres on the same project, so it happens even to the best. Hope this makes you feel somewhat better. Keep going we love watching you. All the best with the new build watching with interest as we are looking for a larger van to convert too. Best wishes Debbie & Leon from Rugby 😀
OMG John what a start to your dream home, so so sorry and I know you will do a much better job on your own with the support of the lovely Mandy. Love you both and good luck for the rest on the build. x
That was all you needed John lad. Really felt for you there. Select your tutoring more wisely. Measure twice cut once is the adage. I know the finished project will be the envy of many. YOU can do this John . All the best lad
When I saw that I felt you poor B. I hope your mates feel rotten as they should have had your back. However, your comment was spot on... too many cooks and joking around, but I couldn't understand why you didn't make a paper or cardboard template. Anyway it was very honest and humbling I'm sure for you to show us how things can go wrong. Glad you got past it.
Downunda - Melbourne Australia.
You could have put a nice wooden window sill in the gap with perhaps a window box for decoration. PS I'm a master of wrong cut DIY. I feel for you John.
Been in this situation and luckily stopped when sensed things were getting muddy. You could actually see it unwrapping in the video.
When two many people get involved on one task the goal moves further way. All good in the end though 😊
I always make a cardboard template to help get it level, most things come with a template to help you like the roof fans, water heaters etc, so make templates for each window and then you know the cut out is the correct size. Keep the faith at least it was a replacement panel and not the actual body learn from it and move on.
@3.52 it's a classic.
Anyway, you made a nice recovery after an unfortunate incident, and looking on the bright side, at least it was the door and not the other side.
Respect for posting a video that sometimes just shows things don’t always work out. 👊
Big hugs John and thanks for your honesty. Have faith in yourself. You are so capable and talented- you don’t need help. Whatever you feel you don’t know, you will surely study it up diligently. A horrible knock after everything that has happened recently- but onward and upward. The van WILL be fab. x
Hi John next time maybe cut it out of 6mmply then you have a jig to place and draw round . I use this method sometimes on awkard sink cutouts at work . hope this will help a bit . Good luck mate.
Ooh god I feel for you John. I think your very capable fella, probably best to just do the conversion yourself and in your own time. Please bring use along on the journey.
Chock this one up as a learning curve. Best of luck mate.
Hey John, been watching your adventures for some time - not into the patreon thing however I think for all the wrong reasons this is the finest video you've done so far 😀😀 - could see it coming a mile off, but the wrong color door at the end just sealed the deal - I promptly donated a "sympathy" £10 on your buy us a coffee paypal link, having seen all your other vids I know your more than capable of doing all this stuff by yourself mate, dont let it get you down - I definitely still have faith ;-)
Thanks Stevie 😎👍🏻
Never mind John, small blip in the scheme of things, dont let this deter the end goal - you got this 👍🏻
Oh dear! I hope you didn't fall out with anyone. If we don't make mistakes we don't learn. But crack on at your own pace and get it done . Xxx
Keep going John we all learn from our mistakes . Best working alone less distraction and at the end of the build you can stand back and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done Looking forward to the build videos and hoping to get some tips for altering my Peugeot boxer van .😃
Aww mandy and you have only just lost cooper give yourselves a little break don't take too much on workwise you'll soon be back onto together
Thats a good recovery John, we are looking forward to the build series.
Everything happens for a reason John so don’t beat yourself up about it. Blessings to you and we look forward to the next step! It will all work out.
A wise man said if you cut it small you can always cut more off but you can't put it back.you did well not swear on camera everything will turn out right in the end good luck with the rest of the build
Gutted for you - When we did our windows, we made internal wood frames to be bonded on the inside to pack out the window depth. We made these around the window first, so therefore we could hold it up to use a a guide for cutting too. Hope you get some more luck with the other windows
Hi John, gutted for you! I would strongly suggest cutting the hole in the new door but leave the window out before getting it painted so that the cut edge gets full thickness paint to prevent any future rust issues. Put the old door back on with the whole boarded up and give the new door to the painter. You can then just keep cracking on and not be without the van. Probably quicker to get booked in with a painter as easier for them to deal with than masking up and having the van in the workshop. Deep breath and chin up! 👍
At the end of the day, luckily it was just the door and not the van :-) Keep going mate 🙂
Oh ffs John, what a nightmare. Not surprised you went off for a walk. As another has said, there did seem to be too many chiefs. From watching you the last couple of years I know that you will find a fix. All the best. Martin
I know how you feel,but I fitted the window side to the van and fiberglass the top and bottom,cut in and painted it job done
But respect for you for showing the mistakes which do happen ✌️
Or take your original door to body shop they will sort it and resell the new door mate
Well done John, always find away mate, you can do this, all the best chap👍
John I know you said you didn’t plan on showing loads of the van build but I’d love to see it. I find it all so interesting
Well that was a testing day. Chin up, easy for me to say but you WILL get there. What don't break ya makes you stronger. Thinking of you both xxx (sorry if that sounds a bit black & white it's not meant to) x
Doh measure twice cut once, double check especially when cutting a hole in the van 🤔 We all make mistakes, shame the second door wasn't the same colour. Keep going you'll make a great van on your own 👍
Really sorry for you it went wrong on the first cut, thank goodness it was the door rather than the main body, sure your replacement door will paint up to the same colour - so easily done - keep your chin up - I’m sure things will get better - all the best, David 👍
I thought all the windows came with paper templates to stick on and draw around 😮
Gosh this is so gutting. What a swift recovery, even though the colour doesn’t match. Thankfully you’d not cut a solid panel. 😅
So sorry it’s set you back in the build. Here’s hoping that’s it now and the rest of the build progresses smoothly with no more incidents 🤗
Don't worry mistakes happen I always make a card template off windows and roof vents keep on John you will get there all the best donny
This would have really knocked me back John. I think when you look back at this though in a few months, it will just be seen as a minor speed bump. It's an awkward situation that I've been in myself. You feel like exploding but the intentions of people there were good, giving up their time to help you out. Move past this and soldier on, it's going to be a great van when finished.
I am really sorry this happened John, As you said "too many people" but if they weren't there and it went wrong what would you have done then, I know sometimes having people around can prevent a so called temper explosion, I have a very small part of Italian in me I have the temper and the beauty spot on my cheek. As I have got older I have learned to calm the temper (thank goodness) the other way was to have people around me. Sending hugs xx
Mistakes happen we are not all perfect all of the time 🤔
I fitted bonded windows in our van with a sliding opening window and cannot fault them from vanpimps and you cut your panel out the same shape as the internal edge of your door can't get it wrong yes we do get abit of condensation but bought one of the karcher window hoovers works well but at least you should be able to sell your old door 👍😀
So sorry John, I can imagine that you needed a walk for yourself after that... but at least you started with a part that you were able to exchange fairly easily, I wouldn't worry about the color ... it's different for a reason. Who knows, you might even have fun figuring out what message the universe is sending you 😉. Surely later on when you're done and you're sitting around a nice fireplace with friends you meet on your journey, you and your van will have stories to tell 👍 and traveling will surely be even more fun 🍀
I love that you put this out…. I’m sure everyone that views this will offer is the new window on your advice and save a few doors the process. Good excuse to wrap the van now and make it unique….
Been thinking of it all day , so thanks for sharing most people would not . We all make mistakes but no one finds out , but when one sliding door shuts another one will open 💪🏴👍
So sorry it went wrong, I kept having to pause as a couldn’t watch. Thanks for sharing, painful as it must have been
Oh well, there's a time for banter, and a time for concentration. I really feel for you, its not what you needed. But the job has to be completed so moving on is the only option. A good lesson for all the viewers. I'm sure the rest of the build will be on course. 👋
Thanks for sharing John. Big lesson learnt for all and I understand your reasons for 'doing it yourself'. Keep positive mate and look forward to future installments 😁
I so feel for you John. A real sickener, but you have it behind you and can move on to what will be a great success we are all sure.
Ahh John, its ok... One thing we can't change is what has already happened. Good call stopping there and giving yourself some time. Now the mistake is out of the way (because there's always one) you can press on and enjoy the rest of the build, however you wish to do it 😁.
Also make sure you get the skylight measurements correct as that’s not an easy replacement 😅 I’m sure you going it along from now on everything will turn out perfect.
To many chefs when all u want is the job done finished. I know your all youtubers with cameras but him constantly vlogging wasn't helping no one but him.cant wait to the end finish.👍
Has a competent diy.er and second van builder...it still scares the crap out of me cutting holes in a van .....I know the saying of measure twice cut once....I still measure half a dozen times then just may be do I cut .....sweating perfusly.....it happens to us all mate at some point ...you just have to cracking on ....especially if you build solely on your own ....apart from asking the Mrs on the odd occasion lol ...you'll get there John ...Happy building .
What a disaster, glad you got it sorted out with a new door though, so lucky mind you that you did the cutout on the door rather than the side walls first.
I cut out the 5 windows in our last camper and what I did other than measure 40x before cutting was to cut out the cardboard box the window comes in first, piece of mind & also a handy template. Good luck with the rest of the build
Fair play for showing us that video John. Dust yourself down and don't let it defeat you. You could still fit a bonded window in the door you've taken off and sell it no problem I'm sure.
I think we have all been there John, at least I have LOL, during my early working life I did the same with a sunroof .... luckily there was a bigger one available. On another note it`s great to see that Ken is still running Magnum Motorhomes, I used him a lot when I converted a Mercedes 508 van probably at least 25 years ago, he was great for stock and advise and it looks like he is a lot more organised now. Regroup and put it down to experience.
Sorry John I had to laugh too many people giving advice and measuring their way is a recipe for disaster I converted a ex Iceland Sprinter freezer van easiest way I found is make a cardboard template of the window internal the bit that will fit in the hole you cut out , sorry if I`m telling you what you have already worked out take it steady and enjoy it I really did . all the best
As previous commenter said "good job it wasn't the non sliding door side"
That begs another question...why put a window into a door that is probably open 50% of the time which blocks the aperture when the door is back? Why not put it in the other side?
It's a bummer. But it's an easy fix - just purchase the Peugeot/Citroen/Ducato OEM side doors windows and put them on. The required hole is bigger than the one you just did, so it will fit nice and easy.
I'm sorry but that never gets old :) I have watched it a few times already, I like the way you just soldier on.
Friends once took their door off to cut a hole for a cat flap. Realised they’d cut it in the top not the bottom when it was too late…had to just live with it, and put another flap in the bottom 😝
You are a very capable man and can do, or learn , whatever skills you need to fit out your van. I hope the person who measured the wrong dimensions paid for the new door. I hope you don't fret over this , awful at the time but in the scheme of things a minor mishap ,and you have learned a valuable lesson , the only person you can trust is yourself. if you want something done right do it yourself.
Think you took that mistake rather well. Hope the rest of the build goes well.
Look forward to seeing it
To add to last night comment all is not lost for the white door. Return the window you have for a larger one, assuming they have one in stock, and recut the hole bearing in mind my comment yesterday. Instead of an army of friends you will need another pair of hands at most stages, even if it’s only to talk through the plan of action. I didn’t get very good answers from the toolbox or the potted plant but did from a neighbour at one time but mainly my son.
Hey John, we all make mistakes, all of mine have been recoverable so far, thanks for sharing yours.
Sorry to see the mistake john..take a deap breath and take your time. two many hands on the job each with there own input on the job at hand and things can easily be made..I felt so gutted when you tryed the window.. positive out off a negative and a lesson is learnt take your own time 😢
We’ve all been there in one way or another - fair play for sharing it and at least it was door you can swap out
Oh I feel for you. Even somebody as capable as you sometimes makes mistakes, hey ho a massive learning curve. How do you know those other guys again? At least it can be put right.
Don't let this blip knock your confidence young man, we are all human and mistakes are made from time to time. Chin up, onwards n upwards as they say.
Johnboy, keep your spirits up. Nobody is perfect. Bet you won’t do that again buddy. Measure twice, cut once.
Best of luck for the rest of the build, onwards and upwards fella. 👍👍👍