Doug from Detroit - 99 Safari build

[doogaloo]

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I posted. Spring is here, and so is the coronavirus. Was planning on attending the Midwest Vanlife Gathering 2020, but with the state of everything, I don't think so. But it is time for "D from D" version 2.0 to the van. Not as exciting as others. Adding a bed frame with a 4" foam mattress for a comfortable nights sleep. Also built a new utility box. The original had a $20 Chinese water pump with pressure switch. It always leaked and never stopped running. So replacing pump required building new box.

[AstroWill]

Version 2.0 is always going to be better. Looking good! There are always specials on those pumps if yours develops problems. Just gotta leave enough space to replace it.

[Rod's Trucks]

Nice work!
What model is the solar panel?
How did you seal the wires which appear to go through the roof panel?
Thanks for the great photos.
Rod J

[doogaloo]

On my second furlough, so plenty of time to tinker on van. My biggest delay is waiting USPS to deliver items. Hopefully everyone is doing well out there. Thought I'd post pics of bed install and everything else back in van. I emptied out the van before storing it for winter. Bed is bolted to floor. Also added powered sub.

[sixsix]

VERY NICE !! " K I S S " never looked so good.

[costman13]

I love the new version! It looks great!

[SportsBoy]

Agreed. Nice and clean

[doogaloo]

So I'm on another furlough. So I thought I would work on the solar shower I started. Placed 3 good coats of satin black paint on it. Definitely looks better than white. Just placed it up on top temporarily to get an idea for mounting.

[BigDogTinyHome]

Looking great! Just starting my build. May I ask what tires you went with? Stock size? If not did you have to cut the wheel openings at all?

[scorean]

Looks great!

[90safari]

I too like the new version, and might steal a few ideas from you on it, as I might be going up north in mid October for small game hunting (if we're released from lock down). I like simple ideas, as they seem to work the best.

[doogaloo]

BigDogTinyHome, the van has a 2" lift. the only thing requiring trimming was the front bumper. Tires are Good Year Wranglers. Not the most expensive tires, but they work. Tires are P235/75R15. Definitely not stock size, 29"diameter.

90 Safari, I've been itching to do some camping and try the new setup. Are you up in Port Huron Would like to go up to the thumb area.

[90safari]

BigDogTinyHome, the van has a 2" lift. the only thing requiring trimming was the front bumper. Tires are Good Year Wranglers. Not the most expensive tires, but they work. Tires are P235/75R15. Definitely not stock size, 29"diameter.

90 Safari, I've been itching to do some camping and try the new setup. Are you up in Port Huron Would like to go up to the thumb area.

Yup, I'm good though, as I go up to see my son and his wife every so often. They live up in Croswell. Appreciate the thought though.
When I go up north, we usually go up to West Branch. A friend of mine has a cabin on 15 acres up there. Plenty of trail riding and big bon fires. The birds have been a little shy though, but most of us think we keep going up a week too late.

[doogaloo]

Hello everyone. Hope everyone is doing well. So I decided to update the van before putting it away for winter (Michigan - salt). I call this version 2.1. Used it a lot this past summer. One of the things that was a pain was getting to the storage containers from under the bed. I would have to step in between the bike rack and bumper and barely be able to reach the last container with my finger tips. So I decided to add a slide out drawer from out back of the bed. I will have to remove the handles from the sides of the storage container, but no big deal.

[doogaloo]

Additional photos. Ignore the misspelling (clothes, not cloths).

[AstroWill]

I like that you were able to fit the box sideways on the slide, is it deep enough to fit two of them?

[doogaloo]

Unfortunately not. Three containers fit side by side.

[Darrenlastfogel]

Looking good. Great to see another michigander on here. I like to fan location. I want to keep my install as far back as possible.

Darren
Lowell MI

[doogaloo]

Hello Darren, and welcome to the sight. I spent a little time in GR out by Merrill and Luton mountain bike trails. Depending on the fan you have you may want to have slightly in front of the flat roof area in the rear. To minimize cutting of structural cross member in rear and best place for the factory head liner.

[90safari]

I like the version 2 of the interior. Have you used the fan/vent a lot yet? How do you like it with the new lay out? I know I've been thinking about adding a fan/vent in my own van.