Nissan NV200 Compact Campervan (self build) small camper motorhome (similar to VW T4, T5 or Bongo)
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Photos of build and video of completed full campervan conversion on a Nissan NV200. This is a small van, and the conversion is bongo/VW t4 or t5 style, but fully equipped and high spec.
This build is by far the best DIY minivan camper I've seen by a very very large margin. This van looks factory built. Honestly I'm amazed at the engineering and design all wrapped in a very high level of fit and finish. Makes a lot of the other home conversions I've seen on youtube look mish mash. This could be easily the best and highest quality conversion on RUclips and in real life.
Thanks Mike - appreciate you taking time to type such kind words! Though, as mentioned, don't look too close! It does work for us though - and I think the key thing to remember - is I designed it for "us". 90% of others won't fit or accept the compromises. So its not perfect. But love your kind words :) Thanks
I agree. This conversion is second to none.
This is a perfect example of what a stealth van should look like. I've always wondered why people add water / electrical connections & various vents on the outside and still call it "stealth". By directing the vents & connections through the floor you've done an excellent job of disguising it. If the solar panels & ceiling vent were mounted on a taller van (Ford Transit / Sprinter / Ram ProMaster) it would be truly stealthy. Even a low profile AC unit might be able to be hidden. Again - an excellent job . I'm a retired Mechanical Engineer & inventor so my hat is off to you for such a great conversion.
Thanks :) Though looking stealthy has a downside when someone thinks you aren't in it and tries to nick your bikes!!! (!!)
This sets new standards in self build in my opinion. A fantastic, creative achievement and a lot of joined up thinking has obviously gone into this project. Glad to be the first to congratulate you, a fellow NV200 campervan advocate. Dinkum
Thanks Dinkum! Comment much appreciated, though I should say a lot of it was luck and "ooooh - that fits well! :) Dinkum has a blog dvickers1955.wordpress.com/ which we studied and got ideas from before we bought, and his conversion showed us what could be done and what we needed to amend for our needs - really helpful. Thanks :)
That is a magnificent build. I'm sure there are many van outfitters who are envious of the workmanship of this conversion.
Thanks, very kind, but remember I made the video and didn't show some poorer aspects. For sure, #2 would be easier and neater! (Also note I "bought" my way out of trouble a few times by using expensive easy methods rather than cheaper skilled methods.... )
how funny! one of the company's who convert the nv200 have watched this and keep trying to spam this post with links to their own offerings. the same company who point blank refused to help me at the start with a question i had about how they did their water tank as I wanted to buy it off therm. got told they don't offer any help or bits. so hence i commissioned my own custom design tank. their design also had a few flaws that made the van unusable for our needs showing how personalisation is important in a small van. it's not that difficult and others have done similar but different. the only similarity is we've all enjoyed the process and saved around 50% off the converters price and ended up with something more personal and better spec. so to the commercial converters had you given me 5 mins of your time at the start or even posted a nice comment then I'd have left your link and ad in place. but trying to link 3 times in 24 hours is a bit rude and flagged as spam. I appreciate the interest and you learning how it should be done but no copying the ideas! PS as always I'm happy to help and give tips, and more info on blog. which reminds me there are links there I need remove too.
You've done a really EXCELLENT job with your van... I imagine they feel a little threatened by you? ...Maybe they should hire you on, before one of their competitors do. ;) Good luck and much success in all that you do....
Thanks Paula, what a lovely comment! Do remember we don't show the cock ups. They may be threatened but not by me, there are others who have done neater conversions (see links above) that look more expertly done. But I think its how "personal" something of this size needs to be - don't think one-build-fits-all as it would do in a bigger van. Its also funny since I posted this post they've stopped spamming lol
which company is taht? i wanna go laugh at them
Couldn't say :) But a large seller based in the south coast with a county sounding name :)
Ryan I'd just delete there comments and block them then it will stop them being able to comment on your videos.
What I can't get over is how "factory" it looks. It's like something a solid conversion company would do at Nissan's behest. Particularly impressed by the rear seat/bed. Shockingly good.
What a nice comment, thanks. Be aware I didn't build the bed - I used "VW Rusty Lee" to make the bed to my spec, but its based on his pre-existing VW 3/4 bed. Built superbly and mm accurate. We just did the design and boards that I got foamed/covered by a mate (SW auto trimming).
WOW !!! YOU'RE A GENIUS !!! YOU DOWN PLAY YOUR EFFORTS AT THE BEGINNING .... BUT THIS WHOLE THING IS SOOO PROFESSIONAL !!! LOVE EVERY INCH OF WHAT YOU DID WITH THIS LITTLE PLACE . THANKS FOR SHARING . HAVE THE BEST ADVENTURES IN YOUR TINY TRAVELLING HOME . YOU SURE DESERVE IT , AFTER ALL THAT WORK AND THOUGHT . ;-)
Very kind, thank you
That's just an awesome build. Looks almost unreal for a DIY project. Respect
Thank you very much indeed! Very kind. Now sold and in middle of an other bigger build...
OMG! This is amazing. We just bought the Chevy City express, which is basically the Nissan NV200... Ive been looking for builds on youtube, and this one is amazing! Thank you for sharing!!
Good luck! Think the US version is slightly bigger too :)
Thankyou I'm was driving nv200 as taxi company's car and now think I buy one as you just proved how good it can be
I have NEVER seen such a spectacular conversion in such a small van...and, I thought I had seen them all! Your craftsmanship is definitely beyond compare! To look at it one would think it was manufactured within a company who prided itself in total perfection! A very beautiful build, and, one I'm certainly sure you are very proud of...and you SHOULD be...simply put, it's just fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I hope to soon be living full time in a Canadian made class b van (Roadtrek 190), of course being larger than yours, though. Waving all the way from Houston, Texas, USA!
Very kind words, thanks!
TOTALLY RELAXED! : Are you living in the Roadtrek now?
Go Lightly > no not as yet..I’m still waiting on a settlement to hit my bank account. When it does I’ll be purchasing then.
TOTALLY RELAXED! : i hope it happens for you!
I came across your video by accident and honestly you have inspired us to have a go ourselves. Looks like a very professional build. Thank you for sharing.
How kind! Remember it was a first for me, and I don't show the mistakes or cover ups :) Then again, nor do the pros! But also remember I did lots of research, and sites like SBMCC gave us advice and confidence. Also, we had a cost-no-object build which is easier than a tight budget as we can/did buy our way out of trouble and bought the right tools. Tighter budget builds require more skill and talent! But it is most definitely doable. Good luck
Very impressive. This is well thought out and better executed than many commercially available options.
Thanks Will! Don't look too close :) But still working as design - had 2 nights away at the weekend wildcamping with permission at some pubs (after a long walk). Slept well lol!
F****** BRAVO sir, I have examined AT LEAST 10,000 stealth micro-camper setups and your NV200 setup is in the top 10, maybe top 5 (not having a bathroom is the only big issue I can see, and there is DEFINITELY room for a wetbath in your rig, I have SEEN IT MYSELF in this same model). Your design is intelligent, sleek, privy, economical, and stylish, and it is obvious you did what so many do not, RESEARCH, RESEARCH A LOT, and then RESEARCH SOME MORE. Well f****** done sir.
Thanks! No idea why your reply only appeared in my comment list after a month (!). But thanks for comments. There is a porta poti thing and I confess we have had "showers" in there lol - was a bit messy but hair wash over sink and a few wet towels later..... This van is now sold on and I've made another, bigger but smaller than most, with full wetroom/bathroom, internal garage for bikes, etc. But is bigger.
best mini DIY camper I have seen.
Thanks!
Stunningly beautiful! Can't say enough about how amazing this is.
Thank you! Cheers!
Impressive! Someone did lots of homework before tackling this job. Hats off to you!!
Thanks! Yes, homework is essential - and it was my first attempt. there are self build forums out there with real experts to ask and learn from - so it really is just stealing others' ideas :)
one of best mini camper conversition
Thanks!
Lovely conversion! I am just finishing my own and it's a very shoddy build (I am no craftsman) but I learned a lot and can't wait for all of the adventures! I was going to aim for a bigger van at first, but I love the handling and fuel efficiency of the NV200.
Thanks. Yep, miss the NV :( We had to sell due to mobility issues with the wife, but it was incredibly competent for its size. Do enjoy yours - we managed a 6w trip to the arctic circle mostly wildcamping - brilliant.
You did a great job on this I cant tell that it wasnt factory built,
A credit to yourselves , I trust you have thoroughly enjoyed this cracking vehicle since completion. Best wishes Mike, County
Durham UK Feb '21
Thanks :) We had 200+ nights away I think, longest 6wk trip. Sold last year due to personal reasons and change of use needed - so now have bigger van (due to more sitting around due to broken wife). Kept me busy during lockdown - just need to use it! Took ideas from the NV build. Vids on my channel here :)
Can't think of anything you left out. Absolutely Amazing. Bravo!!!
Thank you - very kind! I've built a bigger van now with shower and internal garage - needs change :(
The only complaint I have is the steering wheel is on the wrong side. The Americans are right about the side of the steering wheel, and all the countries that follow us with the side of the steering wheel are right too...just kidding. Very great video and very great job!! I would love to own a van with your craftsmanship!! Thanks for the video!!
thanks!
You should make it so that the kitchen is Dual sided. That way you can open the Sliding door and the kitchen will be usable from the inside as well as from the Outside :) Youre 90% there already.
These are cracking small vans. I purchased an ex delivery n200 van with just over 398000 miles on the clock have it had for 2 years now and it still drives like new.
WTF! 398,000 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is rather magnificent, Ryan and Mel. I wish I had your skills. A lovely conversion. Enjoy!😎
Skills can be learned from RUclips and something like the SBMCC forum. Overall its a complex build but each part is reasonably simple. There is enough advice and build blogs on line to help you plan, and an average DIYer can do it. Do remember, we didn't highlight the mistakes on the video lol
absolutely stunning build, gorgeous fit and finish, i certainly hope someday Nissan releases the diesel option across the pond. thank you for your time and effort in posting.
Thanks for posting! We only have diesel manuals (stick shift to you lol) - no petrol or autos.... Strange world!
Brilliant job Ryan, you've just given me a bunch of ideas. Many here in California are jumping on the small camper wagon, so to speak. Enjoyed your walk through and thanks so much.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for posting this video. It is, by far, the best 'tour' of a mini/micro camper. It is concise but still with enough information and thankfully there is no irritating background music.
The conversion looks superb and a lot of thought has gone into the design. Don't worry about SCampers trying to link to your video. It's just a form of flattery. However, they have been a bit naughty, if they refused to help with an inquiry but then try to 'piggyback' your video.
I bought a second-hand NV200 two days ago, with the intention of using it for wild camping at weekends but as a van on weekdays. I hope to design basic gear/furniture so that it can be set-up and returned to 'stock' quickly and easily. It certainly won't be as refined as your efforts. Your video has given me much food for thought.
Thanks again for posting. Best wishes, Norrie (Linlthgow, Scotland)
thanks. I don't have a decent video editor to put music on lol.
Superb. Thanks for all information on your website
A brilliant design and patent everything!!! Absolutely awesome.
Beautiful Van! Depending on what happens in the next few weeks I might be doing a conversion for weekend camping adventures and day to day car use.
Good luck! Lots of variants on what I did - Facebook has some good NV200 groups with alternatives
This is the cleanest build/walk-around I have seen. I hope you and yours have been successfully and stealthily banging your heads for the last three years. I did realize that the NV is probably too small for me and my Mel, (yup, I got one too : ) . . . very grateful to you for that!!
Brilliant work!
:) Nice to read - thanks for nice comments! We will be doing a bigger van next year to higher spec - watch this space
Just came across your post
Only four years late 🤣
Awesome job and so well thought out
Impressed with the battery power 👍
lol. Thanks, appreciate the comments. Now with a new loving owner and we're building a bigger van as we speak. 100x more complex by the feel of it!
Ryan that’ll be interesting to follow should you show the process 👍
Ps e we live in NZ but have a campervan in the uk for the last five years and love following all the different u tubers
Damn Covid
@@billvandammen8429 look at other videos... Full cad and up to 8 week build... Getting there!
Ryan will do 👍
What a beautiful job you've done of this conversion. I come to the conclusion this van has the best balance of daily drive car like quality and weekend camper on the market. I would love to have the skills to do it myself.
Thanks. It is most definitely a compromise, and as you say, where it looses points being a camper it wins being a car - so its different for everyone. Look at the other links posted, also look at sbmcc forum, there is loads of advice there and much simpler ways of doing a build - you don't need to be how we did it. I'm only an average DIYer (as a closer inspection would show) - and some of the things I thought would be tough (like furniture) were in fact very easy with the right techniques..... Good luck!
You did a great job and the design of the rear seat is the best I have seen anywhere! Brilliant!
Thanks. VW Rusty Lee made the bed - excellent job
I like the build you did! Very neat and tidy look, usable, functional, and looks like a joy to use! well done!
Great video thanks, I take my hat off to you, the best self build camper van I have ever seen. You could make a good business for yourself with your knowledge and attention to detail. Well done. 👍
Thanks, very kind..... Never do a business out of it - you can get away with a lot more when its your own :) But watch this space - will be doing a L2 or L3 van, full wet room, garage, and more toys than a happy kids Christmas... Starting Sept 2020 (maybe) - but deliveries already started due to massive discounts/deals (lighting, hot water boiler etc etc)
Ryan You’re a happy father! Wish your family always have a safe & wonderful trip :)
What a great wee “stealth” camper van.
May you have many happy travels in it.
Regards from a Scottish viewer. 😊🏴👍🏻
Thanks! It has been north of the border a few times :) Yeah - you let us in!! :)
Thank you very much for sharing your Campervan build. The workmanship is topnotch. I am getting ideas on how to do my small VW van. I certainly will be cheking out your referrence on those who helped build it.
straight forward video, simple explanations, products and model listed with real day life experience. A+
Thank you
Need to tidy up the right side? Hell no! I LOVE that you have direct access to all that stuff. I mean if you HAVE to lose a door, it's a damn good way to have to lose it!
Wow!...a lot of work requiring various knowledge basis, indeed.
Indeed ;) Thank you.
Brilliant. Really nicely and tastefully done. Embedding the magnets is so smart. Love it.
This is really nice. I want to use this van and make one
WOW! Congratulations on an outstanding job. Martha from Texas
Dang that's the second brit build I've seen that is professional build grade (saleable). Do all you brit guys make awesome builds? Seriously the people across the pond that make builds at this level, SELL THEM.
Thanks for your kind comments. Thing is, for a DIY 1st attempt its pretty good - but not pro quality in places and I'd not be happy doing others' vans - the risk of c*cking up is too great lol. On your own you can change plans and cover up - but someone elses van.....
HIGH QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP, WELL DONE GOOD SIR!
Thanks, don't look too close :)
Excellent work. I have been looking into an NV 200 conversion for myself and my dog so I can go off on photography trips. Love everything you have packed in there. Obviously possible without too much compromise.
Thanks., Compromise is the name of the game for something the size of the NV, just got to get it right for you. Good luck, hope some ideas are useful to you.
Thank you for providing the details of the equipment you fitted. Very informative. Great job, both with the van and the vid!
Beautiful conversion! Thanks for sharing⚘
Thanks :) We're enjoying it wildcamping as we type :)
Amazingly clean build!
Nice build Ryan! I just skimmed through it but will look at it closer later. I might have to pinch some of your ideas. I have been traveling in my Westy for a number of years and have updated almost everything. I even have heated recaro seats. Again great video. Safe travels
A great fantastic job! I like the doll size pieces that fit in space. I thought behind the driver seat was the wall toliet compartment that was next to fridge til I saw storage size side. I imagine if you was consider a motorized version it would be more heavier and may have change gas tank size to equip extra weight. But mortorize would extend space manually or electronically to provide extra room. I think it is well thought out and versatile to changes in patterns. Good Luck!
Brilliant design & build! 🚐👍🏽
Thanks Samuel!
Amazing. I'm jealous 😊. I plan to buy a NV200 for conversion too. I won't be able to do your job.
Why not? And anyway, my build is for me - yours will be different. NOTHING in it is impossible. I was dreading the furniture, but watched loads on youtube and had a go.... Plenty of how-to guides and forums.... Do research and don't say never.....! Be positive! :)
This build is the GOAT! But I would love a tour with better (not one-handed) filming. I got a bit seasick watching.
Thanks, I do have lots of complaints of the filming. Sorry :( I am a DIY van builder and only have a crap mobile phone :( This van is now with new owners and I've built a bigger one. The NV200 layout worked really well and it was sad to sell, but had to for personal reasons :(
Nice work. It's great to see a DIY conversion that looks professional. A proper camping vehicle instead of a squirrel nest! 👍
Truly an incredible build, and I love the modern design! If I had the skills I'd like to do something similar, but I certainly don't
lol. Learn from RUclips :) I kid you not. I'm only an average ish DIYer - just put in lots of hours watching others and copy....
Best conversion I have seen so far.
Thank you!
wow, what a professional design, it is beautiful.
Thanks :)
Excellent job! Very neat and professional. Love the seat jack idea to help return the seat to the upright position. Hoping to build one someday but I don't know what the regs are here in Greece. Being from the States we have no trouble doing custom builds but these fools over here want to control every aspect of ones private affairs.
So go back
I love your carpentry work, especially the nicely done cabinet.
Thank you! My first van ever :) I have made a bigger brother van - see my other videos - used the skills I learned here to make a bigger toy!
Amazing, looks very professional and very well thought through.
Thanks Yasmine!
I don’t usually comment on videos, and although it’s not to my taste (I prefer a more function over form approach) this is a fantastic job. Can’t fault it, well done.
Thanks Dan - appreciate the comment. And yeah - deffo not for everyone - but a perfect fit in a particular albeit rare niche. Gutted we can't be out in it now :(
Very Westfalia-like ( that's a compliment ). Well thought-out and executed.
Thanks - I know what you mean - though they have the ability to use plastic mouldings! I did think the old Nuggets were a bit "meh" - but you are right - its borrowed some ideas! Oops
Nice done👍..Clean , no wood exposed.
Thanks :)
Well thought out intro, well thought out van, well thought out presentation. Bravo!
best diy project i ever seen, congrats.
Very nice clean build. Thanks for sharing.
Great van conversion. Looks nice and comfortable.
Great build. Worth mentioning though that the NV200 is significantly smaller than a T5 in every way. Smaller engine, less sophisticated suspension (rigid rear axle, leaf springs), smaller wheels, shorter, not as tall and narrower inside and out. Checked the possibility to move towards something smaller and trade in my t5 but it's not that easy.
Thanks. Yes, its much smaller! Deffo not for everyone. And yes, quite a simple van in all ways but also a *lot* cheaper - when I bought the basic model, new, was available for £10k! Much more of a car size than VW. Compromised in many ways, but if you can adapt it worked very well (We had 200 nights, and one 6 week trip mainly wildcamping up to the arctic circle). But not for everyone ! :)
In one word Wow!
In a few words... very nice job! Well done!
Fantastic van and video 👍
Thank you! 👍
Really cool conversion.
Thanks :)
Excellent and informative video, - I have cribbed most supplier names for my own build - thankyou.
I was thinking of getting an nv200 and you've done a great job on your conversion.
Thanks Tony. There are a couple of Facebook groups with plenty of others, all different and good to get ideas from. Ours was out at the weekend, couple of nights "wildcamping" in pubs (with permission) - bit cool so heating was welcome :) Good to get it out n about!
absolutely fantastic build with excellent use of space, and must have cost a bob or two lol, love the bed ! and also quite amazed at the heater too but ours is noisy
Thanks :) It was build cost-no-object - but came in pretty much as expected, and considering everything is "top spec" it is around 50-60% of the cost of a "pro" made van. (That's guessing, as I've only seen them using the cheaper van and cheaper components). The heater WAS noisy, but added a silencer designed for another make, but fitted perfectly, now its dead quiet. Been away for 2 nights wildcamping this weekend, out with friends, set heating on timer and came back to a snug van - but only heard the heater within a couple of ft of the van (and it was in a silent place). So well worth it. Even more worth it when we woke up this morning, put the heater on lowest setting and only noticed it was covered in ice later! So the insulation works! As we were stealth camping, we didn't have the windscreen cover on, just the internal blind. 20+ in the back, and the windscreen had ice on the inside! So the internal curtains insulate well too! So look up "branded" exhaust silencers, maybe £20-30 on ebay with clamps and paste. Big difference
haha my build budget was about 50 quid plus batteries and it looks it, /but/ it was a prototype build to try different seating/bed size / orientation, and i still dint like it even though it works, our current setup has the space we need, but i find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, thats not a pun lol, so i'm rotating the bed this spring for build 3, or is it 4.......
Late to the show, but this is amazing, I'm strongly considering building a nv200 camper in the next 6mo. I'm a twitch streamer so I need something that supports PC gaming with maybe tradeoffs elsewhere. Anyways thanks so much for doing this and providing a construction blog!
Thanks James! Make sure you have lots of batteries for gaming!
You have done well their , well done, ive always fancied converting my van myself and this has given me some ideas thanks!
Cool :) Steal all the ideas you want, and publicise all the improvements :)
Amazing! Really good work. Im going to copy your idea for my build. Thanks so much for sharing.
cant believe thats made by you! no wonder companys are jealous - allways wanted a heater but on a tight budget !
Thanks, very kind. Yeah - heater is expensive and of course you need enough battery to run the 12v fan. I got (I think) the cheapest diesel heater from Kiravans (£609) which I thought was ok - cheaper than the main brands... We've used it when away and it keeps the van snug - without it I would say it wouldn't be comfortable in November! Someone else put a gas one in and a small refillable LPG bottle in the same place as my calor, and that would probably be cheaper. Deffo worth it if you plan winter use
Wow, that looks great. I've used to drive Nissan serena which was before nv200. This thing doesnt look like it, but it's suprisingly spacious. I'll use few ideas in my trailer :-)
Wow. Thanks for quick reply mate. Congratulations again on a top conversion.
Very well thought out. As good as any factory build on your first attempt!
Thanks :) It is working well for us. Not for everyone, but we like it. Van#2 design is ongoing - got some bits delivered today actually to test DIY edge banding so not using the knock-on T-edge. We'll see how hard that can be :D
AMAZING!! Well thought out, great workmanship!!
Thanks Jim :)
That is a tidy job.
Enjoy your road trips.
Thanks :)
Nice job! Very impressive Thanks for sharing!!!
Any time! :) I really appreciate the comment, thanks
You did a great job on the camper.
Thanks :)
Absolutely brilliant, you should be very proud
Thanks :)
NV200 Camper is the best
Thank you for your helpful customization
NV200 & jackrus sellterrier RUclips, but please drop in if you like
Very nice job Ryan, it looks very pro. Thanks for sharing.
That's amazing for such a small van. Nice.
Thanks Gary, appreciate the kind words
Nice job - a T5/6 is out of the question financially but i"m seriously looking @ a 200 as a viable option , thanks for sharing :]
ThanksIts totally viable if you are fairly small build and accept there is compromise. For the price of the van, even "new", its a bargain and drives really well. Yep, not a T5/6 quality but its plenty good enough; Good luck with your plans
Well done you! Looks a brilliant job -- wish I had the expertise to do the same. Hope you have lots of happy trips.
Thanks Judy!Remember, this was a first for me, and usually my DIY is average with low attention to detail and quality. So if I can get this, anyone (with time & money) can too. I had no idea how to do half of it, but the internet is full of ideas and people to ask. So if its your dream - do your dream :)
Мужик Ты отличный Жму руку твою Ты по праву молодец )))
Спасибо! (thanks)
nice job.as i was thinking of buying one, and thank for the miles ..to the gallon.keep safe live long by from john.
LOVE IT!!! ❤️ Excellent work, so professional. Wish I had one! 😃
Thanks - lovely comment! May well be up for sale in 4-5 months... (another project due....)
Nice job. I was looking at these but ended up getting a transit connect. The transit connect is great. The only thing I wish it had was the ability to turn the seats. Also the ability to fold down the passenger seat and get a work surface. I probably wouldn't use these abilities that often but it would still be nice to have.
I set mine up for traveling also. Only I have a set up that you can remove from the van in about 5 minutes and use it for normal cargo hauling and stuff. The only thing not easily removable is the solar panel and battery/charge controller. Yours definitely looks more professional though.
Btw, they installed your steering wheel on the wrong side of the van. Lol, jk.
So far we've not used the fold flat pax seat. But you should be able to modify the base with a swivel plate? Maybe get on to smallmotorhome or sbmcc forums and ask. We had to use a VW97T4 version and modify it slightly, and also use generic "race spec" rails. It is very tight but works well - so sure it can be done.
fantastic level of quality