Projects
- Continuation of installation of diesel heater
Project Status
- Heater installation needs to be completed
Time Spent
7 Hours
Steps Taken
- Place heater with extruding tubes at mounting location underneath passenger seat
- Mount air intake tube and filter underneath van with provided metal clamp and self tapping metal bolt
- Mount exhaust tube with with provided metal clamp and self tapping metal bolt (provided as part of diesel heater kit)
- Strengthen the mount of the air intake tube and filter with provided self tapping metal screw and metal zip tie (metal zip tie not part of kit)
- Strengthen the mount of exhaust tube with provided self tapping metal screw and metal zip tie
- Mount fuel intake tube with metal zip ties and provided
- Mount fuel filter with 3 provided bolts, 3 metal zip ties, and one provided hose clamp
- Mount fuel pump with provided rubber mount, bolt, washer, and nut
- Use 2 provided plastic zip ties to temporarily mount remaining fuel intake tubing for later installation and routing of diesel fuel tank
- Mount heater on floor with 3 provided self tapping metal screws (Needs one additional self tapping metal screw from my own supply)
- Cut out portion of metal passenger seat platform with power drill and step bit, reciprocating saw, and grinder
- Cut off metal handle of passenger seat platform (it is not necessary and will interfere with the panel I will install that will cover the back of the platform and hold the heater vent and tubing)
- Use metal file and sand paper to sand down cuts in metal passenger seat platform
Plans For Tomorrow
- Finish installation of diesel heater
Tools And Materials Used
MaXpeedingrods Diesel Heater
This diesel air heater supplies warm air to a vehicle interior. Its controller provides an interface for operating the heater.
View On Amazon: MaXpeedingrods Diesel Heater
DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
This cordless angle grinder runs an abrasive wheel for grinding and surface preparation. The handheld format reaches metal parts during fabrication and finishing work.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder
DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw
This cordless reciprocating saw drives a straight blade back and forth through the workpiece. Its variable-speed trigger controls the cutting stroke during demolition and rough-cutting jobs.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCS380B Reciprocating Saw
DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, Bi-Metal Set with Case, 12-Piece (DW4892)
These reciprocating-saw blades support cutting and removal work during a camper-van conversion. The set provides different blade patterns for changing between cutting tasks.
View On Amazon: DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, Bi-Metal Set with Case, 12-Piece (DW4892)
DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
These DEWALT cutoff discs are intended for cutting metal with a compatible angle grinder. They can help trim suitable brackets and metal stock during a camper-van build.
View On Amazon: DEWALT - DW8062 - 10,PK DW8062 4-1/2"x.045"x7/8" Metal Angle Grinder Thin Cutoff Wheel, 10 Pack, (Model: DW8062-10,PK)
DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
This compact cordless drill/driver holds drilling and driving accessories in its chuck. Its brushless motor and short body provide a handheld tool for drilling and fastening jobs.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DCD794B Compact Drill/Driver
DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
This drill-bit set covers a range of hole sizes for compatible camper fabrication materials. Select the bit, speed and cutting method for each material and inspect concealed areas before drilling.
View On Amazon: DEWALT DW1361 titanium pilot-point drill set, 21 pieces
Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
These rechargeable replacement batteries store power for cordless tools. Their removable packs connect at the tool’s battery interface.
View On Amazon: Moticett Replacement Tool Batteries
REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Premium Grade T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel, Flat/Triangle/Half-round/Round Large File and 12pcs Needle Files with Carry Case, 6pcs Sandpaper, a brush,a pair working gloves
This set combines larger metal files and precision needle files with finishing accessories in a carrying case. During a camper-van build, the different profiles help smooth cut edges and refine small openings before parts are fitted.
View On Amazon: REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Premium Grade T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel, Flat/Triangle/Half-round/Round Large File and 12pcs Needle Files with Carry Case, 6pcs Sandpaper, a brush,a pair working gloves
Dura-Gold Premium - 40 Grit Gold - Hook & Loop Backing Longboard Continuous Sandpaper Roll, 2-3/4" Wide, 12 Yards Long - For Automotive & Woodworking Air File Long Board Sanders, Hand Sanding Blocks
This coarse abrasive roll is listed for cutting custom lengths of sanding material. It may suit heavy surface preparation during van woodworking or body repair.
View On Amazon: Dura-Gold Premium - 40 Grit Gold - Hook & Loop Backing Longboard Continuous Sandpaper Roll, 2-3/4" Wide, 12 Yards Long - For Automotive & Woodworking Air File Long Board Sanders, Hand Sanding Blocks
ZORUNNA 34 Pcs Woodworking Chamfer Drilling Tools Including 6 Countersink Drill Bit Set, 7 Countersink Drill Bit, 8 Plug Cutters for Woodworking, 3 Step Drill Bit and 8 Drill Stop Bit Collar Set.
This woodworking bit assortment includes countersinks, plug cutters and drilling-depth accessories. It helps prepare recessed fasteners and matching wood plugs for camper-van cabinets and trim.
View On Amazon: ZORUNNA 34 Pcs Woodworking Chamfer Drilling Tools Including 6 Countersink Drill Bit Set, 7 Countersink Drill Bit, 8 Plug Cutters for Woodworking, 3 Step Drill Bit and 8 Drill Stop Bit Collar Set.Notes
The black substance you see on the undercarriage of the van is Fluid Film Black - Power Rust & Corrosion Protection which I applied to the entire undercarriage of the van (except the exhaust parts)
Today I mostly worked on my back underneath the van.
2 of my 4 RhinoGear RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramps were destroyed when I attempted to drive the van on them. They previously started to crack and break, and today they were completely destroyed. They actually got caught under the van and I had to drive around in the parking lot just to shake them loose. I do not recommend buying these ramps, and I hope I can receive free replacements because they weren't cheap.
Since I don't have a vehicle lift to stand and work under, working under the van on my back for long hours is physically and mentally exhausting. I have to use abdominal, upper body, and neck strength to keep my head off the ground looking where I am working and also use my hands. Even with the ramps, it is very cramped and tight under the van, especially since I could only lift the front two wheels today as the other 2 ramps were destroyed.
Pictures
Short Video
Product Options
Fluid Film CNASB 1 Gal Bulk
This Fluid Film product provides a corrosion-inhibiting wet barrier on suitable metal. It can be used on approved van chassis areas while keeping brakes and sensitive components free of overspray.
View On Amazon: Fluid Film CNASB 1 Gal Bulk
RhinoGear 11912ABMI RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramp - Pair (16,000lb. GVW Capacity)
These nesting automotive ramps raise a vehicle’s wheels to create working clearance underneath. Their nesting shape reduces storage space between maintenance jobs.
View On Amazon: RhinoGear 11912ABMI RhinoRamps MAX Vehicle Ramp - Pair (16,000lb. GVW Capacity)