Greg, I do believe I will have withdrawals when you finally finish this van. You are such a patient instructor, such a pleasure to watch and to learn from, thank you so much.
Yes I will be following your travels. A van will be my next build. I am working in the Azores right now, but will begin looking for “the right” van when I get home after the 1st of the year.
Hi 👋 from Australia 🇦🇺 I am watching your videos and have learnt so much as your presentation is so professional. I am considering using carpet lining and your video had made it doable for a novice like myself. Thanks 😊 Shelley
Hi Greg, I was wondering how to do this on my van and you’ve explained and showed the process excellently. Many thanks for all your videos. I recommend you to everyone I know. Cheers, Jimmy
Thank goodness for Greg Virgoe! Saved my butt yet again with reliable information and clear guidance. what a total legend within the camper community the world over😊.. This geezer deserves a knighthood!
Started converting our 2012 Sprinter a month ago. Thanks Greg, don’t know what we’d have done without you. We find your videos so helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time to upload them.
Greg, I really appreciate all the extra effort and time you have put into filming and editing these highly informative videos. Your meticulous nature and attention to detail makes for a professional job. I've made a few videos and I cant say I relish the thought of doing lots of filming and editing because of the time involved but it is worth it to keep a permanent record of past achievements. Just the build of that quality will have taken enough time on its own. Well done mate. 👌👍
Hello Ian, You are absolutely right, on the days when I'm not filming I get 3x the amount of work done. But I really enjoy sharing the whole experience as much the build itself. When I was researching mine over a year ago there was little content to go by, so I thought I could help others. I have watched your paramotor video over Cornwall, so jealous, I would love to try that myself.
Hi Greg , Seems I’m in night school again, in you’re class room 🧐 ! ! There was no RUclips in my day and I had to travel miles on cold winter evenings to classes. 🤪🤪 So having all this information from you, in the comfort of my home with a beer or glass of wine is magic ! What would my old teacher say to drinking in class ! 😂.. who cares he was an old git anyway ....🤣🤣😊😊 I love all the lessons and I’ve learned a lot, so thank you 🙏 so much .. You’re a good teacher 👍👍💯... Now I just hope my wife loves her new tool kit 🤭🤪😢👍, and remembers all she has to do in 9 weeks , to get us on the road again 😂😂👍💯☘️☘️ Stay safe and thank you for all the tips ..
Paul Cusack I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been to a couple of those evening classes myself. Adult education classes. I think they still do them. But RUclips can be great for information and thanks for watching my videos. Hope you haven’t got too much to do in 9 weeks. Where are you off to after that?
Greg Virgoe Morning Greg, I’m not sure where we will go ? Turn right out of Dublin and grab the ferry to France 🇫🇷, We usually spend a lot of time in Portugal 🇵🇹 and Spain 🇪🇸.. Funny thing is we have owned a house on the coast very close to Nazsre where you’ve been and I’d say you’ve almost driven past our door !! I’m looking forward to the Renault Master being converted as it’s quite nimble to drive .. I’m used to the humpy back motorhome so this will be a great fun and no worries about taking out a few bridges with the humpy !! My windows being collected next week and I have the 3 Heki so I have a professional putting them in 👍👍 boss my wife 🤪🤪😂😂😂 !! No a real professional for that ... and the rest is you and me .... and a few laughs along the way I hope .. We hope to hit Portugal and Spain .. next Sept., even if she is not finished 😢😢🙏.. have to escape again ASAP ..🤪😃😂😂
Hi Greg such comprehensive, easy to understand videos. I would love to kit out a campervan but im only a beginner carpenter and a woman to boot. Greg you go the extra mile even showing what sort of wood to buy and jigsaw blades. I feel inspired and excited to think, that with the help of your videos, that one day (and a lot of practice) I might be able to deck out a campervan. I plan to travel through spain in a campervan looking for property to buy. Thank you greg for your hard work and such a professional job.
Hi Marilyn, absolutely no reason why you couldn't do this yourself, I'm pleased the videos are giving you plenty of help and inspiration. Best wishes 😊
Very glad to see someone with the patience to do to things properly. You do nice work. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Nturally It will be in 20 minutes.
Looking at doing this on my 29 yr old T4. Not sure I can do the windows the same way but I now have an insight as to a workable method. Thanks for your excellent videos..watched them all and am amazed at your passion and commitment, you make it look easy.
Love your videos Greg you've been a silent partner in my build! My wife is buying me one of your shirts it's my catch phrase she saw your shirt and gave us both a big laugh. Thanks from Australia!
Hi Greg, fantastic videos as always, I particularly enjoy the clear instructions and informatives. I wish that you dedicate a video to the finances involved, the cost of the van, materials etc.
Keep up the excellent work. Superb videos with tons of information. Yours is the only channel where I keenly await for the next update. Your depth of knowledge and detailed instruction is second to none. I can’t wait to see the rest of the build series when you have edited them. I am hoping that in future you will also consider doing updates on themes such as van security, and the highs and lows of van life once you have been on the road for a while. Enjoy your travels.
Hi I'm late to van life, but after watching almost all of your videos I feel it's time to try. Probably nowhere near your standard, but the hints and tips are great. Would you in the near future consider putting up a video / diagram of the way to start, and in order. Don't fancy ripping things out as I've done them back to front. Cheers again 👍
Hi Richard, what I have done is arranged all the build videos into one playlist and arranged them in order of build as best as possible. Hope that helps you FULL BUILD SERIES - Mercedes Sprinter ruclips.net/p/PLLhAyWhGGbi6JLJBHePgsmR-jSbyC_RgO
Hey Greg! Great video series. You also inspired me to get better at SketchUp and start sketching my customers builds before I build them. One suggestion I have for this video is the wrap around on the fabric around the doors. I did my first fabric job the same way and the first time it rained, the water wicked in from the outside and my whole inside pillar was soaked. I now wrap the fabric to the very edge and I don't wrap it around the edge and that's solved the problem. It's harder to get the weather stripping back on without the fabric scrunching under it but if you glue it down really nicely, then it should stay put. Great job with all your videos! I have quite a bit of experience but it's nice to see so much knowledge detailed out so nice and clear. Keep up the great work!
Hi Greg, I am sure you will already know that the carpet lining for the walls and windows is much easier to shape into the corners, nooks and crannies if you gently warm it with a hair dryer. This makes it much more flexible and saves unnecesaary slits to make things fit. Very impressive job you are doing, and As i have already said I will use all of your tips and suggestions in my new build conversion.
I am constantly amazed at the quality of your workmanship, I know when I start my van conversion I will be aiming high but if past experience is any guide I will cut corners, start rushing and the finish will not be as good (not really a problem for me as it will still be something I have made). Well done Greg, a Master Craftsman in my eyes
Really appreciate those kind words, thank you. It's tempting to throw something together just to get it done quickly. I think you would be more satisfied with the outcome if you take a bit of extra time. Might you always be looking at it thinking I could have done that differently?
Hi Greg great build top craftsmanship, couple of questions 1. Are you think of doing a full time lapse video of the build 2. May be a expensive list of the cost and were all the links are to purchase some of the great products. 3. Maybe a printer-able book 📖 of the build with the highs and lows, issues you may come across Great work Greg very inspirational, and loads of ideas for everyone else who is thinking of building one.
I expect you have some flat out stressful days coming up, After about a month on the road when you forget what day it is or even what time...It will all be worth it Greg... The best build vids on youtube, no question.
We have a new saying at home and at work......If any one does something wrong or a bit sketchy, "Greg wouldn't have done it like that" gets shouted out.
Hiya, I have enjoyed very post you have done so far and I am sure I will enjoy the ones to come. I love your easy going personality and knowledge and workmanship. I am currently changing my Renault traffic van into a people carrier, and have just cut around the side window with my 4way stretch carpet, I wished I saw this post where you remove be the seal then carpet over the edge then put the trim back on grrrrrr, wish I was as clever as you. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards James
Great video Greg.I have just got the floor in my van and am about to do the lining and carpet covering, this video has answered so many questions.Thankyou.
The exact process I followed to line my VW T25, that adhesive is by far the best. I also used the same liner material (purchased on eBay). Good work as always
I'd also be interested to see how you get on with the little lights and error codes, accounts of any dabbling you might do with the van electrics, whether you get a code reader, and all of that sort of thing. If I ask for electrical advice in my Facebook group there is usually a resounding silence. People are notoriously scared of auto electrics, but i somehow doubt you will be easily deterred. Oh, and I'd love to see a bit more of Mrs Virgoe, whom I am sure has a lot more influence and input than we viewers normally witness!
Mrs Virgoe and I have not been together for some 18years now. Miss Booth is the young lady you see in the videos :D She's very camera shy but i'm hoping she'll get involved more.😬
Excellent stuff Greg, I’m just cutting windows into mine a lot of what you’ve done is what’s in my head, interested to see how the truma 4e connects up right to delivery of water, can’t get my head round that, keep up the videos brilliant!!
I really enjoy your videos , a pro at this you are the detail and pace you go is excellent, I’m taking notes as I’m about to start to convert a lwb traffic , my main only concern is gas bottle installation , brilliant series of videos top job
Greg, good morning! As always, excellent work! I'm looking forward to seeing this Van with his Motorcycle on the road! Você é o Cara! (A slang well carioca used here in Rio de Janeiro referring to the best) Congratulations!
Amazing videos Greg, I'm really enjoying and learning a lot from them, I hope I will soon start my own project. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and experience!
Another quality vid from the cutting room floor, great job Greg and missus, I can see plenty of questions below, one of which I can probably answer for you..You done the project yourself because, If you want a job done properly then you nearly always have to do it yourself, plus job satisfaction on a project like this makes you feel very proud when its finished..Budget also comes into it! Loving these vids Greg One thing I did want to ask Greg for your professional opinion: The reflectix is a great heat barrier as you know, I was wondering whether it would be worth installing a complete barrier first then Celotexing and then another Reflectix barrier as per normal, the suns heat shining onto the vans exterior would be somewhat stopped before it even got anywhere near the Celotex barrier, then the inner reflectix would stop any residual that got past that, leaving a seriously cool van in summer and warmer in cooler temps when you need it...Or am I over-thinking things.
Hello Kevin, I this application you cannot use it as a reflector, it's simply to close a build up for it be effective. You can however use it into your windows to reflect the solar rays and prevent the huge heat gain you get through the glass.
Great work Greg and the smoke trim really is nice.. Just a thought for you, wrapping your lining around the sill where rubbers are meeting the outside world may cause problems down the line as you are compromising the seal of the rubber to the metal work. As installers ourselves we never carpet past a sill and would trim to the sill aperture so the rubber seal will be as intended on the outside facing metal. Cheers .
Hi Russ, I understand what you are saying there, I was concerned about putting too much material into the rubber for obvious reasons, however, when you go to push the trim on what stops the carpet from just pushing back and puckering up, do you then go round the window with a paint scraper and shove the carpet back into the rubber where it has pushed out? This was the stretchy felt type fabric so not as thick as carpet.
Hi Greg, I've found this amazing black paint for plastics, it seems to be much better than normal spray paint as it seems to keep a flexibilty in the paint while giving a great bond. 'VHT Hood, Bumper & Trim Paint'. I was put on to it by friends that do big $ restorations, you can get it in the UK but I think it's a product from Retaridstan.
Thabks for the heads up Karl, is this the paint? www.topspeedautomotive.co.uk/index.php/vht-hood-bumper-trim-paint.html Not on Amazon but I saw it on eBay. Probably worth shopping around auto suppliers for it. 😎👍
Hi Greg. One thing I think would be useful to know is a best practice sequence of the build. Were there any occasions when you had to undo work you had previously completed so you could fit another item in? If so, and learning from your own experience, how would you do it if you were to build another one? I think the hardest part of any multiskilled project like this is a sequence of work so that things can be assembled it is the correct order. I am really enjoying watching you work on this project, it’s certainly made my mind up to do a Ford Transit Custom day van now, so please keep up the great work. Regards
The biggest part of this build was the first fix electrical wiring, that took the longest. I had to lift the plywood floor and run 4 more cables from one side of the van to the other. You need to know exactly what you are putting in your van and where it goes does it need 240v or 12v and what control cable needs to be pulled in I had to buy longer control cables for all my remote controls
Hi Greg, Great videos, i have followed from the beginning. I am waiting to see you install your solar panels with adjustable angles. I remember you mentioned in an earlier video you would be doing this.
Afternoon Greg, like the Q & A idea, two from me (A) when you laid the vinyl floor what happened to the tie downs for the bike? (B) with the adhesive how much work time does it give you before it cures? And is there a risk of carpet 'tearing' when it's 'wet' and your stretching it? Many thanks again Greg, keep'em coming 👍👍
Hi Greg, I'm up late doing some accoustic designing for my Kombi, I'm trying to get mid and high end vocal sounds at ear height in the drivers seat without bolting on ugly speaker pods on to pillars. I'm working out the angles and space to mount speakers under the dash and get lazered perferations to look 1970's stock and keep the speakers hidden and use the windscreen as the sound defector/refector to my ears. You'll be the last thing I see before I going to bed, I hope I dont dream of you and a can of trim fix!
Thanks again for this series. My questions are very similar to the ones below. 1. At what point does the vehicle cease to become a van as far as the DVLA are concerned? 2. Does the vehicle excise duty or car tax in old money change with the change of use? 3. I assume that the overall insurance changes at the same point as the DVLA classification but how did you cover all the expensive bits as you added them? 4. Glass half full stuff now (or to be more correct, glass empty and smashed into little pieces). If the worst happens and the finished product is nicked or written off, how do the insurance company calculate the worth of your time and skills used in converting the van to a camper as it is obviously worth a lot more than just the original vehicle + the cost of the parts.
Just chiming in as the Insurance is one of the things that nearly stung us when we started our sprinter conversation earlier this year. If you have the van insured as you convert it'll need to be specialist insurance, most insurance companies won't cover you as soon as you start to make changes. Once the build is complete you send them photos of the build, receipts for spend and any professional labour and the DVLA change of class info and they will re value the van as a motorhome. For DVLA you have to fill in and send them section 7 of the logbook stating the changes, so long as you meet the regs and send them photos/receipts for spend then they will re classify it.
Superb series of videos Greg. Thankyou for making them publicly available. This might be a difficult/impossible question to answer but could you give an estimate of how many hours/months went into the planning stages as well as the full preparation and build. The reason for the question is this; I'm not skilled but could take time out of my working life to do a conversion and make it a full time project. I'm just wondering if it's going to be financially worth whilr making the savings that a DIY build gives you minus a salary until it's completed and having something completely bespoke Vs staying employed, buying a van and having it professionally converted, or buying a second hand van built to someone else's specs or lastly, buying a second hand purpose built motorhome with low mileage Thanks once again for your inspirational videos Greg😎
Hi Greg. This was the video I was going to ask for, so thanks for posting! I realise you won’t answer all of these; however here’s a few questions I did have.... Are you going with a compressor or 3-way fridge? I love the idea of not cutting vents for a 3-way, however the option of using gas is obviously really handy. Did you look at using a underslung gas tank? If you’re not going with that option, what was the rational? I know your traveling off to warmer climates (very jealous!); however did you look at insulating the underslung tanks for any UK winter camping? Do you think uninsulated tanks would be ok for the UK? You clearly have top notch wood work skills; however did you consider using an aluminium extrusion system like 80/20? Seems like a great combination of weight/strength. Did you rule out Litium battery’s on cost grounds? Is there anything you’d change about the build so far? Any big lessons learnt? Thanks again for all the videos / information / guides. The effort you go to to put them together is really appreciated! Enjoy your travels.
Another GregGreat ... :) topjob ... I am advancing in my own project planning but making sure to put all jobs - great and small - in the right order is not all that easy.. perhaps a goot tip : just the order of things you did.... ( wink wink ) ... :)
Mcgurks Carbon Cleaning Solutions McGurk we used 7 sheets in total and here is a free cutting plan to show you how I used the boards www.dropbox.com/s/5tbb3zb36c0o3wm/Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0
my apologies if you've already done this but would you mind posting a video about how you learn to do the various things to convert your van because all your work looks so professional.
Greg, been watching this conversion since the beginning. Spot on professional, educational and easy to follow every step of the way. Looking forward to the video on the total cost of the build. Yours is one of the top three I’m following for my own van conversion. I appreciate your attention to detail. Still searching for an affordable Sprinter on my side of the pond. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. I am amazed by makers. Where did you learn all these skills?
Your videos ROCK! The best! I am following along, just about frame by frame, as I convert my 1995 Ford cargo van. I've got the floor in, and thanks to your instructions I feel really good about it, knowing that it's done well! Now I'm on to the bed-frame.... which brings up my questions: - Did you put the Reflectix between the van metal and the metal bed-frame? I am planning on using cedar tongue and groove (closet liner) planks for my cladding. - Would I attach them on to the side of the van wall (after the Reflectix) before installing the metal bed-frame, or clad around it? I am a complete newbie, and your videos have been sooooooo helpful! I wish I were further along in my build, as I'm sure I'm going to have more questions!
Hello Donna, insulated the voids, placed Reflectix over everything, attache the 9mm plywood lining then reattached the bed frame angles. So they are bolted through the plywood and vapour barrier but not in direct contact with the van walls. I'm gonna put a short video up in that this weekend as I have had lots of questions about this part of the build. 😃
Hi Greg! I’ve been using your videos as a guide for my sprinter conversion. I’ve never done any kind of build before, but with you as a guide, I feel confident :) Could you please go into more detail explaining how you account for wiring, outlets, etc. when finishing off your walls? Maybe you haven’t gotten to this point yet? Thanks!
I wrapped the rear corners the same way as access to the lights is from the outside on sprinters and crafters. If you have the Ducato boxer relay or pro master you need to leave the panels accessible for future use. 👍🏼
Great series Greg and I think you have given me a whole load of great info for a conversion I intend to start next year on my 50th birthday. My layout will be slightly different, but seeing how you have achieved a great looking finish has given me a lot of inspiration. I'd be interested to hear how your build "feels" in those colder climates if you're going to be using it in winter and if the airflow through the van is enough to keep condensation at bay. All in all a really useful and informative series. Quick question for your QA session: When you installed the electrics, you sunk the back boxes for the sockets etc into the insulation. If the walls are to be covered with ply, would it have better to install the back boxes into that ply?
Hello Mike, Yes, you can do it that way and most of the time the switch plate covers the small plastic flange of the dry lining box. It would have meant a shallower cut into the insulation too, so another plus point. It's a fair point you make.
greg can I use closed cell foam with silver backing on my roof to insulate and do I need to put silver bubble wrap over this before carpeting over whole roof area
Recap your total cost for material please. I'm really looking forward to seeing you using it and what works for you and what you would of changed. Thanks from the USA.
i i have a nissan 2500 nv and it is bare bones high top and i need to install a vent in the roof and i have no clue can you help me and others just starting out thank you Terri
First, thank you. I have watched the entire series and am grateful for your thorough details. Did I miss a discussion about AC? Did you consider installing AC and why did you choose not to?
Hi Jennifer, AC was not an option, the van doesn't have any and it was too costly and drew too much power to install it when you are off grid camping, plus lose roof space and that would be an issue with solar. Next van would have inbuilt AC I think 😃
Greg, I do believe I will have withdrawals when you finally finish this van. You are such a patient instructor, such a pleasure to watch and to learn from, thank you so much.
Will you be following our travels and the practical side of living in a van full time?
Yes I will be following your travels. A van will be my next build. I am working in the Azores right now, but will begin looking for “the right” van when I get home after the 1st of the year.
That's great, I shall look forward to hearing how you are getting on when you start.
Thanks Greg. You’re the only person I’ve seen to show how to carpet around the doors. Great video, AGAIN! 👍🏻
Hi 👋 from Australia 🇦🇺 I am watching your videos and have learnt so much as your presentation is so professional. I am considering using carpet lining and your video had made it doable for a novice like myself. Thanks 😊 Shelley
It’s very easy to work with. Make sure to use a high temperature adhesive like trim fix then it won’t fail in warm weather. Best wishes.
Hi Greg, I was wondering how to do this on my van and you’ve explained and showed the process excellently. Many thanks for all your videos. I recommend you to everyone I know. Cheers, Jimmy
Really glad it helped you and thanks for recommending me 🤩
Thank goodness for Greg Virgoe! Saved my butt yet again with reliable information and clear guidance. what a total legend within the camper community the world over😊.. This geezer deserves a knighthood!
I love how detailed you are; especially in making sure the metal is protected and everything looks neat.
That’s really nice of you to say so Paula. Thank you for watching.
Started converting our 2012 Sprinter a month ago.
Thanks Greg, don’t know what we’d have done without you.
We find your videos so helpful.
Really appreciate you taking the time to upload them.
Libby Cooke thank you for such a lovely comment. Best wishes with your build
I've watched most of your How To videos and they are the best! seriously, you're so descriptive and hit all the right points. Thank you!!
I try to keep them concise and in simple terms. Less waffle so I’m glad you like them 😃👍🏼
Greg, I really appreciate all the extra effort and time you have put into filming and editing these highly informative videos. Your meticulous nature and attention to detail makes for a professional job. I've made a few videos and I cant say I relish the thought of doing lots of filming and editing because of the time involved but it is worth it to keep a permanent record of past achievements. Just the build of that quality will have taken enough time on its own. Well done mate. 👌👍
Hello Ian, You are absolutely right, on the days when I'm not filming I get 3x the amount of work done.
But I really enjoy sharing the whole experience as much the build itself.
When I was researching mine over a year ago there was little content to go by, so I thought I could help others.
I have watched your paramotor video over Cornwall, so jealous, I would love to try that myself.
Your craftsmanship is very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for your excellent video series. I would like to see the finished project in a video tour.
There will be a completed van tour video released in the near future.
Hi Greg ,
Seems I’m in night school again, in you’re class room 🧐 ! !
There was no RUclips in my day and I had to travel miles on cold winter evenings to classes. 🤪🤪
So having all this information from you, in the comfort of my home with a beer or glass of wine is magic !
What would my old teacher say to drinking in class ! 😂.. who cares he was an old git anyway ....🤣🤣😊😊
I love all the lessons and I’ve learned a lot, so thank you 🙏 so much ..
You’re a good teacher 👍👍💯...
Now I just hope my wife loves her new tool kit 🤭🤪😢👍, and remembers all she has to do in 9 weeks , to get us on the road again 😂😂👍💯☘️☘️
Stay safe and thank you for all the tips ..
Paul Cusack I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been to a couple of those evening classes myself. Adult education classes. I think they still do them. But RUclips can be great for information and thanks for watching my videos. Hope you haven’t got too much to do in 9 weeks. Where are you off to after that?
Greg Virgoe
Morning Greg,
I’m not sure where we will go ? Turn right out of Dublin and grab the ferry to France 🇫🇷,
We usually spend a lot of time in Portugal 🇵🇹 and Spain 🇪🇸..
Funny thing is we have owned a house on the coast very close to Nazsre where you’ve been and I’d say you’ve almost driven past our door !!
I’m looking forward to the Renault Master being converted as it’s quite nimble to drive ..
I’m used to the humpy back motorhome so this will be a great fun and no worries about taking out a few bridges with the humpy !!
My windows being collected next week and I have the 3 Heki so I have a professional putting them in 👍👍 boss my wife 🤪🤪😂😂😂 !!
No a real professional for that ... and the rest is you and me ....
and a few laughs along the way I hope ..
We hope to hit Portugal and Spain .. next Sept., even if she is not finished 😢😢🙏.. have to escape again ASAP ..🤪😃😂😂
What an amazing alternative solution. Much better than having custom made panels.
The stretchy carpet is very easy to fit and gives a really professional looking finish.
Hi Greg such comprehensive, easy to understand videos. I would love to kit out a campervan but im only a beginner carpenter and a woman to boot. Greg you go the extra mile even showing what sort of wood to buy and jigsaw blades. I feel inspired and excited to think, that with the help of your videos, that one day (and a lot of practice) I might be able to deck out a campervan. I plan to travel through spain in a campervan looking for property to buy. Thank you greg for your hard work and such a professional job.
Hi Marilyn, absolutely no reason why you couldn't do this yourself, I'm pleased the videos are giving you plenty of help and inspiration. Best wishes 😊
Very glad to see someone with the patience to do to things properly. You do nice work. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Nturally It will be in 20 minutes.
John Everidge, definitely less than half an hour 😂
Looking at doing this on my 29 yr old T4. Not sure I can do the windows the same way but I now have an insight as to a workable method. Thanks for your excellent videos..watched them all and am amazed at your passion and commitment, you make it look easy.
Break things down into small tasks and tackle each one methodically. Take your time and you will be surprised with the results.
@@GregVirgoe thanks for taking the time to reply. Happy travels when things open up again. 😷
Love your videos Greg you've been a silent partner in my build! My wife is buying me one of your shirts it's my catch phrase she saw your shirt and gave us both a big laugh. Thanks from Australia!
So great that the videos have reach so far and helped you. Thanks for your amazing support and happy travels. 😁
The attention to detail you put in is incredible.
I wish I was as calm as this guy. Great work. You really have help alot of us build our vans.
Thanks a million Greg. I now know what to do with my pillars alongside my door. Much appreciated..👊🏻
Searched for a Fantastic Fan install, stayed to see the rest of an absolutely brilliant van build. Thank you.
you make that carpeting look very easy
It was easier to use than I was expecting. It stretches quite a bit. 😀
Another thumbs up video, it was good to see the supervisor make an appearance. Making sure You stay on track. Always looking forward to the next video
She likes to boss me about, you have to let them think they wear the trousers once in a while lol
Enjoying your videos here in USA ....New Jersey
Asia Thank you very much 😊
Fantastic videos, you are helping novices like myself so much to see what can be done and how to do it right 1st time.
Hi Greg, fantastic videos as always, I particularly enjoy the clear instructions and informatives.
I wish that you dedicate a video to the finances involved, the cost of the van, materials etc.
Keep up the excellent work. Superb videos with tons of information. Yours is the only channel where I keenly await for the next update. Your depth of knowledge and detailed instruction is second to none. I can’t wait to see the rest of the build series when you have edited them. I am hoping that in future you will also consider doing updates on themes such as van security, and the highs and lows of van life once you have been on the road for a while. Enjoy your travels.
Hi Greg, your videos are simply amazing, I made my one van... but you do everything with detail... thanks for sharing.
Hi I'm late to van life, but after watching almost all of your videos I feel it's time to try. Probably nowhere near your standard, but the hints and tips are great. Would you in the near future consider putting up a video / diagram of the way to start, and in order. Don't fancy ripping things out as I've done them back to front. Cheers again 👍
Hi Richard, what I have done is arranged all the build videos into one playlist and arranged them in order of build as best as possible.
Hope that helps you
FULL BUILD SERIES - Mercedes Sprinter
ruclips.net/p/PLLhAyWhGGbi6JLJBHePgsmR-jSbyC_RgO
Hey Greg! Great video series. You also inspired me to get better at SketchUp and start sketching my customers builds before I build them. One suggestion I have for this video is the wrap around on the fabric around the doors. I did my first fabric job the same way and the first time it rained, the water wicked in from the outside and my whole inside pillar was soaked. I now wrap the fabric to the very edge and I don't wrap it around the edge and that's solved the problem. It's harder to get the weather stripping back on without the fabric scrunching under it but if you glue it down really nicely, then it should stay put. Great job with all your videos! I have quite a bit of experience but it's nice to see so much knowledge detailed out so nice and clear. Keep up the great work!
I did trim it back a lot more to prevent that happening 👍🏼😀
Thnx Greg. Seen a few of your video's now. Quality build. 👍👍
Thank you 😊
Hi Greg, I am sure you will already know that the carpet lining for the walls and windows is much easier to shape into the corners, nooks and crannies if you gently warm it with a hair dryer. This makes it much more flexible and saves unnecesaary slits to make things fit. Very impressive job you are doing, and As i have already said I will use all of your tips and suggestions in my new build conversion.
I am constantly amazed at the quality of your workmanship, I know when I start my van conversion I will be aiming high but if past experience is any guide I will cut corners, start rushing and the finish will not be as good (not really a problem for me as it will still be something I have made). Well done Greg, a Master Craftsman in my eyes
Really appreciate those kind words, thank you.
It's tempting to throw something together just to get it done quickly.
I think you would be more satisfied with the outcome if you take a bit of extra time.
Might you always be looking at it thinking I could have done that differently?
Hi Greg great build top craftsmanship, couple of questions
1. Are you think of doing a full time lapse video of the build
2. May be a expensive list of the cost and were all the links are to purchase some of the great products.
3. Maybe a printer-able book 📖 of the build with the highs and lows, issues you may come across
Great work Greg very inspirational, and loads of ideas for everyone else who is thinking of building one.
Grass looks nice and green!
This was filmed back in May before the recent heat wave. Grass is really brown now 😐
You and teal from the onboard lifestyle channel are the best! Great build, lots to learn from these.
Nicely done, I like how you take your time to make sure a job is well done
I expect you have some flat out stressful days coming up, After about a month on the road when you forget what day it is or even what time...It will all be worth it Greg... The best build vids on youtube, no question.
There has not been a spare minute Paul and I am hoping to put my feet up for a few moments lol
We have a new saying at home and at work......If any one does something wrong or a bit sketchy, "Greg wouldn't have done it like that" gets shouted out.
That's funny, I watched a lot of Norm Abrams videos and I always say "what would Norm have done?"
Hiya, I have enjoyed very post you have done so far and I am sure I will enjoy the ones to come.
I love your easy going personality and knowledge and workmanship.
I am currently changing my Renault traffic van into a people carrier, and have just cut around the side window with my 4way stretch carpet, I wished I saw this post where you remove be the seal then carpet over the edge then put the trim back on grrrrrr, wish I was as clever as you.
Thanks for sharing.
Kind regards
James
It's a big learning curve for me too James, not everything goes to plan first time around, but that's how we all learn.
Great video Greg.I have just got the floor in my van and am about to do the lining and carpet covering, this video has answered so many questions.Thankyou.
The exact process I followed to line my VW T25, that adhesive is by far the best. I also used the same liner material (purchased on eBay). Good work as always
Better than Netflix!
Thank you 😊
I'd also be interested to see how you get on with the little lights and error codes, accounts of any dabbling you might do with the van electrics, whether you get a code reader, and all of that sort of thing. If I ask for electrical advice in my Facebook group there is usually a resounding silence. People are notoriously scared of auto electrics, but i somehow doubt you will be easily deterred. Oh, and I'd love to see a bit more of Mrs Virgoe, whom I am sure has a lot more influence and input than we viewers normally witness!
Mrs Virgoe and I have not been together for some 18years now.
Miss Booth is the young lady you see in the videos :D
She's very camera shy but i'm hoping she'll get involved more.😬
Very timely I was just trying to figure out this step, thank you for all your teaching!
Pleased you found it to be useful Susan 😊
WHAT A REAL SPOT ON TOP GUY YOU ARE GREG AND DO YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF, A GREAT HELP TO US ALL. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, FROM RAY.
I’m happy to keep watching .
Great workmanship as always, looking forward to your next one 👏
Excellent as always
Many thanks
Finaly new episode :) Ive been waiting for that
It’s less than a week since the last one 😂
Still way too long :)
There are only 24 hours in a day 😥
Of course Im only joking :) i really enjoy your movies and will be waiting for the next one :) you are doing funtastic job mate
I'm so impressed with the quality of this build. So nicely done! Good luck and best wishes on your journey.
Very much appreciated. Thank you
Smashing job there bud
Thank you mate 👍🏼😃
Excellent stuff Greg, I’m just cutting windows into mine a lot of what you’ve done is what’s in my head, interested to see how the truma 4e connects up right to delivery of water, can’t get my head round that, keep up the videos brilliant!!
It’s a revelation, video out very soon 😀
I really enjoy your videos , a pro at this you are the detail and pace you go is excellent, I’m taking notes as I’m about to start to convert a lwb traffic , my main only concern is gas bottle installation , brilliant series of videos top job
Darren Podger there is a couple of useful videos on the gas installation too
@@GregVirgoe thanks Greg ill look them up , thanks for replying.
Hi Greg, been watching your vids for some time now and they are the best!!!! You are a true Craftsman. Thanks for the Vids.
As always a great easy to follow video thanks.
Greg, good morning!
As always, excellent work!
I'm looking forward to seeing this Van with his Motorcycle on the road!
Você é o Cara! (A slang well carioca used here in Rio de Janeiro referring to the best)
Congratulations!
Brilliant, as usual Greg. Cheers!
Simply brilliant
Amazing videos Greg, I'm really enjoying and learning a lot from them, I hope I will soon start my own project. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and experience!
Another quality vid from the cutting room floor, great job Greg and missus, I can see plenty of questions below, one of which I can probably answer for you..You done the project yourself because, If you want a job done properly then you nearly always have to do it yourself, plus job satisfaction on a project like this makes you feel very proud when its finished..Budget also comes into it!
Loving these vids Greg
One thing I did want to ask Greg for your professional opinion:
The reflectix is a great heat barrier as you know, I was wondering whether it would be worth installing a complete barrier first then Celotexing and then another Reflectix barrier as per normal, the suns heat shining onto the vans exterior would be somewhat stopped before it even got anywhere near the Celotex barrier, then the inner reflectix would stop any residual that got past that, leaving a seriously cool van in summer and warmer in cooler temps when you need it...Or am I over-thinking things.
Hello Kevin, I this application you cannot use it as a reflector, it's simply to close a build up for it be effective. You can however use it into your windows to reflect the solar rays and prevent the huge heat gain you get through the glass.
Great work Greg and the smoke trim really is nice..
Just a thought for you, wrapping your lining around the sill where rubbers are meeting the outside world may cause problems down the line as you are compromising the seal of the rubber to the metal work.
As installers ourselves we never carpet past a sill and would trim to the sill aperture so the rubber seal will be as intended on the outside facing metal.
Cheers .
Hi Russ, I understand what you are saying there, I was concerned about putting too much material into the rubber for obvious reasons, however, when you go to push the trim on what stops the carpet from just pushing back and puckering up, do you then go round the window with a paint scraper and shove the carpet back into the rubber where it has pushed out?
This was the stretchy felt type fabric so not as thick as carpet.
Really nice job! Thanks for the inspiration!
Very well detailed video. Thank you! Bob
Nicely done. This will come in handy, for sure. Thanks!
Thank you both very much
Can’t thank you enough Greg.. cheers
Hi Greg, I've found this amazing black paint for plastics, it seems to be much better than normal spray paint as it seems to keep a flexibilty in the paint while giving a great bond. 'VHT Hood, Bumper & Trim Paint'. I was put on to it by friends that do big $ restorations, you can get it in the UK but I think it's a product from Retaridstan.
His name is actually Donald :)
Can you post a link for it please
Thabks for the heads up Karl, is this the paint?
www.topspeedautomotive.co.uk/index.php/vht-hood-bumper-trim-paint.html
Not on Amazon but I saw it on eBay. Probably worth shopping around auto suppliers for it. 😎👍
I knew I had seen that name before. The grey primer I used on the van is VHT engine primer 😀
www.vhtpaint.com/specialty/vht-hood-bumper-trim-paint This is awesome paint for matte black plastics.
Hi Greg. One thing I think would be useful to know is a best practice sequence of the build.
Were there any occasions when you had to undo work you had previously completed so you could fit another item in?
If so, and learning from your own experience, how would you do it if you were to build another one?
I think the hardest part of any multiskilled project like this is a sequence of work so that things can be assembled it is the correct order.
I am really enjoying watching you work on this project, it’s certainly made my mind up to do a Ford Transit Custom day van now, so please keep up the great work.
Regards
The biggest part of this build was the first fix electrical wiring, that took the longest.
I had to lift the plywood floor and run 4 more cables from one side of the van to the other.
You need to know exactly what you are putting in your van and where it goes
does it need 240v or 12v and what control cable needs to be pulled in
I had to buy longer control cables for all my remote controls
Nice and informative as always,,, Best Regards
Hi Greg, Great videos, i have followed from the beginning. I am waiting to see you install your solar panels with adjustable angles. I remember you mentioned in an earlier video you would be doing this.
Great as always - thanks.
Quality work, lots of helpful info, thanks 👍
Afternoon Greg, like the Q & A idea, two from me
(A) when you laid the vinyl floor what happened to the tie downs for the bike?
(B) with the adhesive how much work time does it give you before it cures? And is there a risk of carpet 'tearing' when it's 'wet' and your stretching it?
Many thanks again Greg, keep'em coming 👍👍
Good Morning from Down Under.
Morning Karl, how are you buddy?
Hi Greg, I'm up late doing some accoustic designing for my Kombi, I'm trying to get mid and high end vocal sounds at ear height in the drivers seat without bolting on ugly speaker pods on to pillars. I'm working out the angles and space to mount speakers under the dash and get lazered perferations to look 1970's stock and keep the speakers hidden and use the windscreen as the sound defector/refector to my ears. You'll be the last thing I see before I going to bed, I hope I dont dream of you and a can of trim fix!
Brilliant video Greg ! Please upload more videos like this about details around the van.
Keep up the good work its coming together :)
Thanks again for this series. My questions are very similar to the ones below.
1. At what point does the vehicle cease to become a van as far as the DVLA are concerned?
2. Does the vehicle excise duty or car tax in old money change with the change of use?
3. I assume that the overall insurance changes at the same point as the DVLA classification but how did you cover all the expensive bits as you added them?
4. Glass half full stuff now (or to be more correct, glass empty and smashed into little pieces). If the worst happens and the finished product is nicked or written off, how do the insurance company calculate the worth of your time and skills used in converting the van to a camper as it is obviously worth a lot more than just the original vehicle + the cost of the parts.
Just chiming in as the Insurance is one of the things that nearly stung us when we started our sprinter conversation earlier this year. If you have the van insured as you convert it'll need to be specialist insurance, most insurance companies won't cover you as soon as you start to make changes. Once the build is complete you send them photos of the build, receipts for spend and any professional labour and the DVLA change of class info and they will re value the van as a motorhome. For DVLA you have to fill in and send them section 7 of the logbook stating the changes, so long as you meet the regs and send them photos/receipts for spend then they will re classify it.
Nice build
Instead of a rubber mallet you can tap it with the rubber handle of a hammer 😉. Good job sir.
Superb series of videos Greg. Thankyou for making them publicly available.
This might be a difficult/impossible question to answer but could you give an estimate of how many hours/months went into the planning stages as well as the full preparation and build.
The reason for the question is this; I'm not skilled but could take time out of my working life to do a conversion and make it a full time project. I'm just wondering if it's going to be financially worth whilr making the savings that a DIY build gives you minus a salary until it's completed and having something completely bespoke Vs staying employed, buying a van and having it professionally converted, or buying a second hand van built to someone else's specs or lastly, buying a second hand purpose built motorhome with low mileage
Thanks once again for your inspirational videos Greg😎
So nice
I would like to meet you, if you come anytime to Madrid, to admire your finishings!!
Always good to meet you guys and hope we may be nearby on our travels
Hi Greg. This was the video I was going to ask for, so thanks for posting! I realise you won’t answer all of these; however here’s a few questions I did have....
Are you going with a compressor or 3-way fridge? I love the idea of not cutting vents for a 3-way, however the option of using gas is obviously really handy.
Did you look at using a underslung gas tank? If you’re not going with that option, what was the rational?
I know your traveling off to warmer climates (very jealous!); however did you look at insulating the underslung tanks for any UK winter camping? Do you think uninsulated tanks would be ok for the UK?
You clearly have top notch wood work skills; however did you consider using an aluminium extrusion system like 80/20? Seems like a great combination of weight/strength.
Did you rule out Litium battery’s on cost grounds?
Is there anything you’d change about the build so far? Any big lessons learnt?
Thanks again for all the videos / information / guides. The effort you go to to put them together is really appreciated!
Enjoy your travels.
Another GregGreat ... :) topjob ... I am advancing in my own project planning but making sure to put all jobs - great and small - in the right order is not all that easy.. perhaps a goot tip : just the order of things you did.... ( wink wink ) ... :)
Hi won't the van be overweight with two triumph motorbikes in the back ?
How many sheets of the furniture board did you need for your van?
Mcgurks Carbon Cleaning Solutions McGurk we used 7 sheets in total and here is a free cutting plan to show you how I used the boards
www.dropbox.com/s/5tbb3zb36c0o3wm/Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0
my apologies if you've already done this but would you mind posting a video about how you learn to do the various things to convert your van because all your work looks so professional.
Hi Its coming on nice work as always
Hey Greg, did you use reflectix on the back doors and then carpet or just carpet?
Cheers
Michael
Michael Lee, this video shows you exactly how I did the rear doors ruclips.net/video/mrpGfiqpc8w/видео.html
Greg, been watching this conversion since the beginning. Spot on professional, educational and easy to follow every step of the way. Looking forward to the video on the total cost of the build. Yours is one of the top three I’m following for my own van conversion. I appreciate your attention to detail. Still searching for an affordable Sprinter on my side of the pond. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. I am amazed by makers. Where did you learn all these skills?
Hi Diane, can I ask who the other two channel are please, I may already follow them myself but always good to have more van videos to watch 😃
Could I get the names also please ? Looking for as many different views as possible!
Your videos ROCK! The best! I am following along, just about frame by frame, as I convert my 1995 Ford cargo van. I've got the floor in, and thanks to your instructions I feel really good about it, knowing that it's done well!
Now I'm on to the bed-frame.... which brings up my questions:
- Did you put the Reflectix between the van metal and the metal bed-frame?
I am planning on using cedar tongue and groove (closet liner) planks for my cladding.
- Would I attach them on to the side of the van wall (after the Reflectix) before installing the metal bed-frame, or clad around it?
I am a complete newbie, and your videos have been sooooooo helpful! I wish I were further along in my build, as I'm sure I'm going to have more questions!
Hello Donna, insulated the voids, placed Reflectix over everything, attache the 9mm plywood lining then reattached the bed frame angles. So they are bolted through the plywood and vapour barrier but not in direct contact with the van walls. I'm gonna put a short video up in that this weekend as I have had lots of questions about this part of the build. 😃
Thank you so much for your clear answer, Greg! Cheers!
Hi Greg! I’ve been using your videos as a guide for my sprinter conversion. I’ve never done any kind of build before, but with you as a guide, I feel confident :) Could you please go into more detail explaining how you account for wiring, outlets, etc. when finishing off your walls? Maybe you haven’t gotten to this point yet? Thanks!
What did you do on the rear corners, did you have holes in the pillars where you’d need to access to change a brake light bulb for example?
I wrapped the rear corners the same way as access to the lights is from the outside on sprinters and crafters. If you have the Ducato boxer relay or pro master you need to leave the panels accessible for future use. 👍🏼
Question ; Greg since you quit your job would you like to build vans and sell them for a profit for a job ? . Their wouldnt be a shortage of buyers .
Hi, we carpet lined our van but have noticed it is starting to bubble in places. Why would this be?
HI, I would also like to cover everything with carpet. Isn't there a risk of mold? After some time with the steam inside the camper? Thanks!!
You need to provide plenty of ventilation and warmth.
If you allow the van to get cold and don’t have ventilation then you will get damp and mould.
Great series Greg and I think you have given me a whole load of great info for a conversion I intend to start next year on my 50th birthday. My layout will be slightly different, but seeing how you have achieved a great looking finish has given me a lot of inspiration. I'd be interested to hear how your build "feels" in those colder climates if you're going to be using it in winter and if the airflow through the van is enough to keep condensation at bay. All in all a really useful and informative series.
Quick question for your QA session:
When you installed the electrics, you sunk the back boxes for the sockets etc into the insulation. If the walls are to be covered with ply, would it have better to install the back boxes into that ply?
Hello Mike,
Yes, you can do it that way and most of the time the switch plate covers the small plastic flange of the dry lining box.
It would have meant a shallower cut into the insulation too, so another plus point. It's a fair point you make.
greg can I use closed cell foam with silver backing on my roof to insulate and do I need to put silver bubble wrap over this before carpeting over whole roof area
Thanks 🙏
Your welcome 😀
Hi, I've followed the link for the foil, but there are a few options, is it a double or a single type? Cheers Andy
I used a double foil 👍🏼😃
Recap your total cost for material please. I'm really looking forward to seeing you using it and what works for you and what you would of changed. Thanks from the USA.
i i have a nissan 2500 nv and it is bare bones high top and i need to install a vent in the roof and i have no clue can you help me and others just starting out thank you Terri
First, thank you. I have watched the entire series and am grateful for your thorough details. Did I miss a discussion about AC? Did you consider installing AC and why did you choose not to?
Hi Jennifer, AC was not an option, the van doesn't have any and it was too costly and drew too much power to install it when you are off grid camping, plus lose roof space and that would be an issue with solar. Next van would have inbuilt AC I think 😃
awesome very helpful 👍
Thank you John