Nice! The inexpensive hand tools are o.k. for aluminum riv-nuts, but very difficult to squeeze the heavier ones with them. Why did you choose to use standard rivnuts instead of metric?
Because I'm using 15 series 8020. The 40 series 8020 (metric) doesn't have the seamless smooth sections available that I'm using in the van (things like the round ball 3 way connector) - only the 15 series has that.. so I was forced out of the gate to go 1.5" instead of 40mm which means everything is 5/16-18 instead of M8. Basically the 15 series has the most options. It sucks... I know. Metric makes so much more sense but alas 8020 is an american company i.e. 15 series has these available (no other series does):
FWIW... Sprinters have always been Mercedes. They were just badged Dodge back when Daimler owned Chrysler. So they are kind of the opposite - rebadged Mercedes. You can also get them as Freightliners in 2009/2010.
Oh my gawd! It took me two days and a bunch of idle time to read/scan through 114 pages of this thread! :eek1 Oh, and I enjoyed every minute! Nice work, keep it coming, and I'll be using some of this 8020 stuff in my soon to be purchased 6x10 enclosed trailer. My pocket-book thanks you for that!!! :huh Sub'd.
Hey, I just gotta Freightliner thats an 04 Im converting. Think they had a couple years labeled as both. Hey, thanks for all the great ideas! Great post(s)! Thinkin im gonna go the hanging method for my bed(s) though. Hook and eyelet on the wall and eyelets and straps from the ceiling, then i can adjust the angle when parking/sleeping on streets, or throw the bed on the roof rack stary nights
Welcome to the Cult of Sprinter. Enjoy the rust! I've got an '03 'Dodge' with the DOG / ADV / Bad Monkey Racing rebadge kit. SPRINTER THREAD NOW! (So we quit pooping up Geek's thread. The Vans! thread can think we're a bit snooty / whiney at times. Guess we're the BMW GSs of the Van World )
Thinkin ill try and avoid rust by sanding/priming the spots i have now and covering the whole thing in black matte vinyl! Should at least DELAY the inevitable
Primer isn't usually waterproof, and moisture will get behind the vinyl. You'll want to put some kind of paint on it, even if it's just rattlecan, before applying the vinyl.
Lot of guys over on Jeep Forum have used this. Put it right over the rust and said they've never had another problem with it.
I also have never used POR15, but the stuff is supposed to be awesome. Self leveling, clean finish, easy to use. But a bit expensive. Some of the restoration guys over on www.garagejournal.com love it. (By the way, garagejournal is a very cool web site for tool/garage/fabrication geeks, check it out!)
POR 15 is easy to use and great stuff. In my opinion, worth the money. I've used it in my VW bug Convertible resto project, and I'm sold.
Hi Geek, Hows it going? I loved your sprinter write up on Sprinter Source... and my jaw dropped when i saw you also had a 990... I have a 2007 NCV3 LWB which is currently being pimped out for me at www.reisevan.de , I ride a 990 ADV, and my name is Edward. :eek1 its a small world ain't it? I will post a write up on here when its done - sadly... i am not a great Wrench... so all the hardwork is being done for me... So now a practical question - the BFGs you had put on - do they just fit straight on, no rubbing, no issues to date? The van looks soooo much better with them than the stock Conti Vancos that I currently have on mine...
Good to meet you Edward Talk about small world syndrome... Back in 2004 I lived in North Texas and rode sportbikes. I met another guy from Austin Texas who also rode sportbikes. Both of us are named "Edward Thomas Walker" and both of our father's are named "Thomas Walker" (but not the same guy.. we checked) I wonder if he owns a sprinter and an LC8 now?
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