1995 B190 that ended up being a total restoration and a 4x4 build
Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2021 11:03 am
After a lot of assessment and soul searching, it made little sense to try and revive the top end of an engine that had sat for this long. The cost for a new long block was not that much more. The transmission needed a service and had the same mileage, so how reliable would that be after sitting? May as well do that too.
The suspension was all original and shot. New springs in the back and shocks all around, a rear sway bar and steering stabilizer equaled a big chunk of what the U-joint 4x4 kit would cost. (see where this is going?)
So, off we go to the races. I tried to talk Chris at U-joint into doing mine, but he is out of the E350 4x4 conversion business on our generation of vans. I found a hardcore 4x4 fab shop near me to do the conversion with Chris's support and parts. I found a local source for axles that are completely rebuilt with the highest quality components (Yukon gears, E-locker in the front, Tru trac in the back), etc.
I ordered new everything that attached to the motor, all accessories, new radiator (looked original), new fuel pump, etc. You name it, I am replacing it. Once you get this far, you replace everything that may fail was my theory.
Interior- been ordering a few things, like the maxxair to replace the leaking, damaged factory roof vent. I also put an order in for the mattress pieces, as there is a big lead on those. I ordered the missing toilet but have been hoping the fridge and a/c can come back to life when I dig into it. The couch was missing, but I have sourced one, I just need to recover it.
Electrical - solar, I put it on my 25 foot trailer, but no generator on it, so wiring was simpler. I am not sure what panels, how much, what controller, etc yet. I have done some searching, there is some good information, but I will need help. I ordered the 200 amp alternator, I want to keep the generator, I need a better charger/inverter setup at some point, but it may need to wait for budget reasons. If there are any experts out there looking to consult, I am game for a conversation. I will likely just put the panels on the roof at this stage, with a simple controller to the existing house battery. What are the best panels that fit? 300 watts would be a nice number to hit.
Exterior- excellent shape. I am going to fix the little dings and peel off the blue stripes. I love the look of some that have removed all of the blue, but again, we will see what budget remains when I am finished with the drivetrain rebuild and making it functional again.
I am looking forward to sharing more pictures and details as it comes back together. I appreciate the forum assistance. I have been very busy searching and researching things here.
Tom