Adding Roof Top Accessories to My 4X4 Van Build

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3 жыл бұрын

I am converting my 2002 Mitsubishi Delica in to a small, 4x4 off-road mini camper van for one. In this video I complete the exterior of the van by adding a roof rack, tilting solar panel and some spot lights to illuminate the outside area.
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Пікірлер: 760

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

If I reply to your comment. Make sure my name is highlighted and has a tick next to it. There is a spambot out there claiming to be me, leaving comments about Whatsapp and Bitcoin. I'm certain no one here would fall for it, but just in case.

@MrDeicide1 2 жыл бұрын

Who threw flowers in your driveway ?

@jarchdm 3 жыл бұрын

How disappointed the thieves will be when breaking into your rifle box and finding your Wellingtons. 😂

@thejohnlin 3 жыл бұрын

That would be a unfortunate outrage that leads to completely destroy of the van to unleash the anger, so in short, put something valued there please

@thekitowl 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like thief’s have already nicked his furniture.

@joemoya9743 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most professional looking van builds I have seen in some time. You are far too humble in your knowledge and ability to fix problems.

@GregMcDavid 3 жыл бұрын

Your solar tilting solution really is genius... Actually, all your little bits for the solar panel are brilliantly simple.

@TMPbooks 2 жыл бұрын

Over the past few years, I've watched dozens (hundreds?) of van builds, and this is one of the very best. Excellent work.

@koolerking440 3 жыл бұрын

Make the passenger seat a pilot chair that turns around into the rear.

@brutalcrusadermaulgracies4246 3 жыл бұрын

That would be perfect

@nigelwest3430 3 жыл бұрын

I used to work for a company that made surveillance vehicles, They had a pneumatic mast with a PTZ camera attached, Part of the conversion was jigsawing an 8" hole in the roof of brand new cars to allow the mast fitment...............Very satisfying :-)

@rushl.workman7138 3 жыл бұрын

Pure genius! Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Do make sure you have the best immobilizer and alarm system. You are ready for a round the world trip. Happy Motoring!

@TheCredibleHulk 3 жыл бұрын

Regarding your tilting solar panels - you could improve the setup so much more by creating an automated tilting mechanism using a simple 12v rocker switch (or even a 12 remote winch controller) & a 12v linear actuator! It's very cheap & will make your life much easier. With an automated solar panel tilting mechanism you'll be able to position (and further adjust throughout the day) your solar panel at a perfect angle every time, all from inside your van! Which is so much better, since you can look at your solar charge controller, while adjusting the angle, until you hit the sweet spot (the highest voltage reading on your solar charge controller). Bonus tip: an actuator in a closed position is actually really strong, so it can be the thing that holds your panels down too. Meaning that you won't need those Thule clamps you salvaged. You can still use them, if you are paranoid (or when going on super long road trips/highways), but the actuator would normally be more than enough to hold the panel down.

@brianmckeever5280 3 жыл бұрын

I hope you feel a sense of satisfaction with your accomplishment! I wonder if, like a photographer editing a raw file, a tinkerer may never be 100% happy with the final result? It was a pleasure to watch the process, thank you for sharing!

@dereknash3638 3 жыл бұрын

Just one thing I would add to the Van is a tracker in case somebody rather than nicking the van contents, nicks the van including the contents. If I tried working in our lounge, especially with a light coloured carpet like you have, I would end up living in the shed curtesy of my wife 😳 Notice you did have a Hoover to hand, but lack of furniture.Thoroughly enjoyed the van build.

@clintwoosley9512 3 жыл бұрын

You are A Spirited Man.

@PilotPhteven 3 жыл бұрын

really enjoyable series. Far too many builds are full on campers for 2-3 people+ usually a cat or a dog, entertainment systems inside and out, full kitchens, king size beds, showers and what not to spend long times in. It's refreshing to see a "one man" camper that's used for a few days in a row to do some photography. It's far more the style I'd have and need if I were to do something like this. And believe me, I've been looking at second hand vans and suv's for a bit since this series started.

@robf5684 3 жыл бұрын

For me the best bit of this video was the way Tom parked the van properly in the diagonal lines in the completely empty car park at the end. Just shows how committed to attention to detail and perfection he is. The whole video series has been superb to watch, and I'm in awe of the skills and ingenuity shown!

@johnlocke7097 3 жыл бұрын

Tom. Always cut towards your mate and you will never cut yourself.

@rblast1 3 жыл бұрын

Tom can see the perfectionist in your photography came out in your van build. Amazing. Taking a trip and taking one photo but its perfect just like your build.

@priyanks5651 3 жыл бұрын

You have created a home away from home

@JJ-fromDK 3 жыл бұрын

Squarespace is the sponsor, but it is you that has build an awesome space, with this van! :0)

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 3 жыл бұрын

Lol.

@chatenetpat 3 жыл бұрын

Magnet hole finder, brilliant!

@storysupport 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been away from KZfaq for a while, so I’m catching the entire build at once...GREAT SOCKS 👍🏿

@SurvivalistChick 3 жыл бұрын

Just when I think this van can't get any better...

@alanhempseed6542 3 жыл бұрын

Remember a fire extinguisher!!!

@choiceblade 3 жыл бұрын

Cut a grove down the center of one of the joined panel hinges, use a bolt and wingnut, and you'll have an infinitely adjustable panel tilt! E viola! Also, before you build in storage behind the passenger seat consider the charm of using a temporary lucite box for whatever, SO that you can always move it to then throw in a "last mile" transport solution in the still free space... if not an actually bike. Awesome build, really enjoyed the series.

@ewan5536 2 жыл бұрын

Loving that lockdown hairstyle 👍🤭

@timgillman 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you have clamps to keep the solar panel from being caught in the wind. Clever ideas all around.

@Bluenoteguitar 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, little tip for you, once you drill a hole in a waterproof junction box, its unlikely to be waterproof especially on the roof of your van while your travelling in driving rain. To make sure it doesn't become an issue, pop down to your local branch of Screwfix and purchase a tube of Raytech Transparent Di-Electric Gel, whip the lid off your box, fill with this stuff, water will never get anywhere near your electrics.... simples :)

@whatsap9684 3 жыл бұрын

Magnet brilliant finder ,i love it

@msmarji 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t forget a squeegee to keep your solar panel clean. It’s small enough to easily fit in the rooftop box.

@russstamp5965 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant idea with the tilt of the solar panel. As you know from your F4 trip, where I live in the PNW and as your home is, chasing the sun, especially when it's low in the sky during winter is crucial for capturing the sun's energy. Since I'm older, and more prone to forget obvious things, I'd want a band on the steering wheel, hang tag on the rear view mirror, or some other way to remind me that the panel is tilted before heading off. Don't laugh, your day will come youngster!

@kevinbrown945 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Quick tip for you from an engineer... you’ve drilled into the solar panel and fitted hinges. It may not look like it as you will have tightened the nuts down but there is now a very small entry point for water. Get some 1mm or 2mm thick rubber sheet, cut down to size, and clamp between hinge and panel. This will stop any water getting in

@danielwatkins1801 3 жыл бұрын

Wonderful and beautiful

@Bosmanneggie 3 жыл бұрын

You definitely need a big LED bar on the roof (front) Just because it looks cool ;)

@jpokeefe 3 жыл бұрын

"You haven't seen me going to the toilet" - In my family, we call that over sharing. Excellent series!

@RM831BC4E4 3 жыл бұрын

Will watch when home after work

@keithnisbet 3 жыл бұрын

You're fortunate to get a 2002 model in great condition. Here in Canada a 2002 anything is almost guaranteed to have serious salt corrosion issues. You've done a beautiful job. CONGRATS!!!

@raphael3790 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant ! Cheers from Brittany (France) 🙂

@adiboyxbox 3 жыл бұрын

One more week without a photography video. Awesome van anyway.

@Nutrisilo 3 жыл бұрын

Good to see the sandwich plates in the roof boxes. Everything's looking slightly over engineered which is a good thing.

@cleovivas 3 жыл бұрын

You have done an exquisite job in your van. Clean, simple, elegant. Congratulations

@bretthaddock8954 3 жыл бұрын

Tom, Use a A-clamps to hold the solar panel up when you are tilting it. They are small and powerful. I will look forward to you van tour.

@rcl-crafter8 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! First of all the build is shockingly good - tidy, efficient and very clean. Then, the space you have to work in - wow! Good thing you are thin and limber! You will win ALL that against Gavin! But, I'm afraid he is going to win the comfort votes. Glad you 2 are still friends! Great work!

@drfreeman48 3 жыл бұрын

You should consider creating an Only Vans account :)

@roscored1000 3 жыл бұрын

I am very impressed with the way you work through your problems and the simple solutions that you find.

@EnglishRon 3 жыл бұрын

You never have to justify your van toys, you are amongst friends and we ALL do the same. Great build and love the registration.

@lukejordan2478 3 жыл бұрын

You are a spirited Man

@StuffInMyStudio 3 жыл бұрын

Oooo those side lights would be awesome with a remote control switch so you can see the van easier when walking up to it! Superb build though chap, it’s been brilliant viewing!

@toddsouthern9587 3 жыл бұрын

Looks amazing, great homebrew solutions. Calling it now tho, you will never once be arsed to get on the roof and tilt that panel.

@KevinFields777 3 жыл бұрын

I know you said earlier that you didn't intend to start a series about converting a van, but I admire your detail and dedication to make this build yours.

@OlegG5654 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom. That's means that the two hands on the right place. Respects!!!

@grkuntzmd 3 жыл бұрын

Your solar panel reminds of the scene in The Martian where Matt Damon has all of the panels out and he's sleeping under the rover.

@MountainRoots 3 жыл бұрын

Found you from a comment you left over on Primal Outdoors. Love landscape photography, looking forward to following you around a bit. Cheers! 🤙-Josh

@nigelshort8669 3 жыл бұрын

I love what you have done with this conversion. To finish the outside Please spray your roof ladder in black raptor paint.

@gmorrs 3 жыл бұрын

No better place to do than in the lounge which has a beige carpet :)

@FKnoph 3 жыл бұрын

Now you just need a device that tracks the sun, and constantly adjust the angle of the solar panel, for maximum efficiency! 🌞

@rundlerambler6150 3 жыл бұрын

I'm impressed with your handywork. Have to chuckle that the rifle box is for your welly boots.

@marcinszarmach3582 3 жыл бұрын

Tom, if you ever decide to have a longer break from photography, you can always open your own van conversion business. First client guaranteed here. On a serious note, you have done a fantastic job with the van. Looking forward to see it in your future videos.

@brianbeattyphotography 3 жыл бұрын

Just in time for travel to resume. Looks great!

@ACTuber 3 жыл бұрын

Now that's Made by Thomas Heaton's 4x4 van.👍👍

@zumezoom9593 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe you could somehow make a swivel to attach the two legs that help prop up your solar panel so you don't need to take it off and stow away. What a great build! Happy hunting, stay safe

@Martin_Symons 3 жыл бұрын

It is a well done from me. Your audience I am sure is very proud of you and your efforts on this build. Do we get to see your wife on camera telling you you've done a good job?

@wichersham 3 жыл бұрын

Car's number plate says HTN. Pretty nice detail actually, Mr. Heaton. One suggestion on side lights. Putting red filters over white LED lights would be easy on eyes at night.

@drgunsmith4099 3 жыл бұрын

You do know this camper needs to be in all your videos 😂 great rifle case idea, Iv got a load of them never thought of using them in that way, great video.

@sillymeeee 3 жыл бұрын

As much as I like a photo of a lonely rock at the beach...I really enjoy these van builds!! Don't give up on this content...lets see some camping videos when the van is finished.

@CharlezRichard 3 жыл бұрын

I would add an outside shower made out of PVC pipe. They are super cheap and easy to build. Then you will have pressurized water to shower or just rinse off dishes.

@martinmurar9316 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like the photography life has spoiled you a bit. You don't have to apologize for buying cheaper alternatives. You don't have to buy brand just for the sake of it. Be happy with what suits you, practically and economically. Enjoying the build btw!

@GuyMrIncognito 3 жыл бұрын

The roof rack make it really look like an expedition vehicle. And those delicas are exactly that. We drove through mi golia with one of those. Large oarts off road. Nice project!

@frankieshankly5368 3 жыл бұрын

Very clever tiltfunction, watched so many of these conversion videos but only 3 or 4 have bothered making this..

@stevjosco.adventures 3 жыл бұрын

The Delica is a bit of a joke in the Australian 4WD community but I'm secretly admiring what you have done here Tom. Don't tell my mates ;-)

@halb2323 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Cutting, drilling, and assembling metal objects on a white carpet. You have one very understanding missus, or she is out of town!

@michaeltillman886 3 жыл бұрын

What's up Thomas?I don't know what to say. I'm really speechless. What you've done is truly outstanding. My Step Father told me years and years ago, "A man that can do more than one thing will never be broke, be it recession or depression you will always have money. And, he was right. The same thing goes here. If you ever get tired of photography you can do this, and do quite well. This is really tight. Peace dude!!!!

@hawkkim1974 3 жыл бұрын

I think you should take this as your side job! You are quite talented at converting van!

@TheUnscriptedNomad 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Thomas, you will be joining us Overlanders next!

@briangaquin1021 3 жыл бұрын

I would recommend that any bolts used on the exterior of the van (for the roof rack)be stainless steel, movable/adjustable can disappear in short order with rust.

@iqueque 3 жыл бұрын

A better van build than most I have watched. Well done Tom

@Erwin70000 3 жыл бұрын

Great work on the Mitsuhashi Delica! A bit nostalgic after owning 6 Delicas

@JenniferKlinger 3 жыл бұрын

You should add some kind of sign (maybe of cardboard) that you lay on the steering wheel, which says „solar panel is tilted“ or something like that. Just that you do not forget before start driving.

@Joebnx1 3 жыл бұрын

That is a VERY good idea Jennifer! I worked for a communications company and we had a few cases where a technician had left his bucket/boom out in a partially extended position, drove off and caused $$$$$s in damage to truck and public property! We had to rig a red light on the dash indicating the lift was NOT seated into its stored position!

@Philip8888888 2 жыл бұрын

Cardboard? That's way too effective, cheap and simple! We need to overengineer it with a siren, digital control box to send an SMS alert and hook it all up to an engine immobiliser!

@AliasJimWirth 3 жыл бұрын

Freakin' slick, sir, freakin' slick.

@bugwalks3897 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty sweet rig, Thomas. Nice job!

@richardsaunders9097 3 жыл бұрын

Loving the build mate. I would suggest adding a bit of copper grease to the threads of the bolts holding the solar panel/rifle box on. As they are exposed the the lovely British weather the copper grease will stop them seizing and make removing them in years to come a lot easier.

@barbiesboats4522 3 жыл бұрын

Tom, You seem to have a lot of fun building that van! Enjoy it! 🙂👍

@premium3680 3 жыл бұрын

Thomas you are an engineer!!

@raksh9 3 жыл бұрын

For someone who says they've never built anything before, you're doing disturbingly well... 🤔 This is easily one of the best van builds I've seen in the last three or four years of watching van builds on KZfaq.

@andychattaway5620 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! This camper build series is so good. 👍

@TerminusVox 3 жыл бұрын

Nice adaptation of an existing product to meet your storage needs!

@DonBishopDonSongs 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas, you could attache the Tilting Hinge to the Solar Panel. And then just slide it to the position you want for the Tilt angle. If it cold go under the Panel, if there is not enough space to lock it down on the outside of the rack. And you can always cut the long side of the Hinge, to make it work. This way, you can just slide and lock the Hinge, to where ever you need it. I Just found your channel. Have fun and never cut towards you self, with a knife... Don

@jedthornley7321 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid Tom. You could put a box behind the passenger seat for your boots so you don't get your inside dirty.

@robgreenhill1426 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent. What I did on my Deli. Is to attach extendable poles to the roof bars, and then simply clamp a tarp over them to provide some shelter over the side door from the elements when camping

@billybraithwaite67 3 жыл бұрын

Thomas Heaton, professional van converter... also known to take the odd good photo. 😉 Seriously really enjoyed that.. take a bow Tom 👌👍

@michaeloliver5696 2 жыл бұрын

From Alaska with love Tom my boy. You are a man after my own heart with your “custom” mounting hardware for that Bitchin solar panel. Sure there are expensive brackets and hardware out there for the same purpose but your creative split comes out with every corner, nook and cranny!

@HVG67 2 жыл бұрын

Another "vantastic" video 🙊 I tell you: your van built is darn solid, detailed, and cool!

@rvboondocker2559 3 жыл бұрын

I like the idea of the rifle case! Gives a whole different feeling to shooting landscape

@MeAMuse 3 жыл бұрын

2L2 for the windows is always a good shout to keep heat in at night.

@reelhappytravellers2691 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing,your video open our heart, broadens our mind, and fills our life with stories that you tell us!!!

@seth.graham 3 жыл бұрын

No DIY project is done until a box cutter draws blood! Only suggestion I got for the roof rack is adding a deflector somehow, it'll cut down on wind noise a little bit.

@jamesavickers5961 3 жыл бұрын

The best delica conversions I have ever seen thank you so much bravo grazie ciao

@andyroyphotography800 3 жыл бұрын

You’ve done very well, vans looking great 👍

@juanpatricio9204 3 жыл бұрын

Great work Thomas!

@astralbody 3 жыл бұрын

This is great, Thomas! I have a suggestion, change those roof top nuts to security nuts so you don't have nefarious people stealing the roof box and other parts.... You may want to sheet metal tap screw the junction box to the roof also so it won't loosen due to vibration and a water gap be made. Great ideas! Great work!!!! Cheers, Thomas!

@couplandsj 3 жыл бұрын

Sikaflex is super strong, it holds most of my Defender together…👍

@choiceblade 3 жыл бұрын

Great point. Also about those nut holes in the panels...silicon for water seal? Just being a worry wort.