G'day everyone! Hope you are safe and healthy wherever you are in the world 🙏🏼❤️ I smashed this edit out to get it to you today and being the first of the 'proper' build videos of this series I would love to get your feedback!! Also, I wanted to address something here that I forgot to in the video (and I was way over time anyway. Sorry!). I have been asked a lot about why this conversion series is happening here on the 'Max & Lee' channel and not on my new 'Max & Occy' channel. There are multiple reasons for this but here are the top ones. 1. Due to the way KZfaq works, if I went straight over to the M&O channel then inevitably a lot of the subscriber base from this channel would miss the news of the transition and therefore may never be aware the change occurred. By slowly filtering over it gives people in this community more of a chance to make the choice on whether they would like to come over. 2. It took us 3 months to get monetized on this channel when we started out. If I put these vids straight on the 'Max & Occy' channel then I would earn nothing from the videos for potentially 3 months. I am currently going through the application process to be a paramedic here in Australia again but it is a slow process. In the meantime the income I make from these videos will help cover the costs of my daily living (so watch those ads and share please 😉). 3. We still really value the community here and think that it can still thrive. Lee is also considering putting some videos upon this space in future and we I may also be checking in with her and Occy in some of these videos. I hope this helped answer the question. Thank you all so much for being a part of this crazy journey, I appreciate all of you!

Watching Eamon and Bec and Max all building new vans this may be the final straw that gets me committed to van life

Dude, you’re just such a great guy. I’m actually really excited to watch this process and I’m so glad you picked yourself back up and are moving forward with Occy. I hardly ever write comments but just want you to know that there’s an old lady in Washington state that thinks you’re a warrior

Such a refresing van build series, super layed back and without too much montage/music.

Great start! Thanks for not having loud music, enjoying the "easy" feel of this build.

Like the 20 minute video’s. Not a problem.

I personally love longer videos (and I know a lot of people agree)- so don’t stress about editing to 10-15 minutes. I love a 20 minute video! Even a 30 minute. I enjoy how detailed you are with everything, yet still laid back. Gives us viewers a lot of clarity if we were to do our own van build, but also allows us to watch casually. Much love Max! Can’t wait to see more.

Nicely done Max. I’m a devoted dog human so don’t forget some special touches for Occy. Make him a special bench section that fits into the passenger seat foot area for when it’s just the two of you chillin on the drive, that way he can spread out up next to you and copilot. Also have a safety harness for him in case of sudden stops or accident. Worst thing is him flying through the windscreen or being thrown like a rag doll around the cabin. Lastly.... climate change is making things heat up so much here in Oz so put in two extractor fans ... one to draw in and one to pull out heat. If you have to leave him in the van for any reason, going in to shops etc, you want him to have air circulation. It takes 5 to 8 minutes for a car to turn into an oven ... literally. Love that you are keeping going on your own, you seem like such a nice bloke. Your future is going to be beautiful. Ps.... you should check out La Vagabonde .... you probably already do, you remind me of Riley.

I love the relaxing way in which you are approaching this van build. It almost seems cathartic.

This is a really easy watch; and the sound of the birds is so peaceful and Australian

Seriously, Max, I really don't like van build videos, but I could literally watch yours all day! It reminds me of watching my dad as he puttered around with his building projects over my whole childhood. I'm looking at my own van build hopefully in the fall, and I would give anything to have my dad around again to make it a joint build project. He died 5 years ago, and took all of his wonderful skills with him. I like that you do things at your own speed...it's realistic and frankly, is way more encouraging to those of us who are doing this for the first time! Thanks!🥰

Yes.. who doesn't love watching a van build from start to finish!!!

Let's go Max can't wait for your channel to take off!

My recommendation is to keep being awesome and inspiring thousands of people in tiny ways to improve their lives whether its your smile being contagious changing someomes outlook on the day or inspiration to convert a van one day! Loads of love and stay safe ❤

I could have easily watched you for 30min or even 45min. I am just excited to see you get deep into it.

I appreciate the in depth of the build. Ppl tend to skip over and show seconds of these moments. I think bed/couch conversion is a great choice. We only sleep so many of hours of the day 👌🏼

Hey Max so awesome to watch this video! A lot of people have already mentioned how enjoyable the longer vids with less music and less montage style clips as we see so often in other van builds! We are all here for you on this journey you have set your sights on with soon Occy as well! The way you talk about your van build inspires so many of us watching! Plus with everything going on in the world being stuck at home watching long videos from you, well just sounds like a perfect afternoon to me! Keep it up 👍🏼 cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

I love the layout! It's cool where the shower is. When you come back from a great adventure, and you are dirty and sweaty, you walk into the door and right into the shower. Plus, more importantly, Occy has plenty of room to stretch out. Max, it's a great van enjoy! 🙂❤

I’ve been watching various van lifers for a little over 2 years (off & on, but mostly on) and this’ll be the first time watching, literally, from the ground up. You do a very good job of the show & tell part. Most builds don’t happen with this kind of good narration, while showing the steps as you go along. Thanks for not showing every cut, every screw, etc. Much better this way.

This video looks like one of the flashbacks I was promised! I converted a 67 Chevy van,...replaced the 250 CI engine with a 292. Put Hooker Headers, Super C mufflers, and a crossover tube on the exhaust,...put Offenhauser sidedraft intakes on it, a Holley 390 CFM carb,...and cooled it with a triple row Modine and an oil cooler. Enjoyed your video, From Thailand, Best Regardz!

Thanks Max. The wife and I are making our big purchase this year. Looking forward to the build!

Hey Max, I've seen a few people have builds that include Murphy beds, basically a bed that folds down from the wall. It could be folded up on the wall to give you space during the day like you want, but then could be folded down in 5 seconds to have your bed ready to go. You could still have the couch setup where it is but the bed could fold down where the bed tape is located. Just a thought, but I'm loving this build! Keep up the great work!

It's so good to see you again on the regular. You have been missed my friend. So with the stay-put order, after finally booking the cargo shipper for my van, Italy got postponed and I became stuck in Florida with nothing to do except remodel my van! :D About 3 weeks ago I ripped everything apart and started rebuilding it. I'm right there with you Max. After living in the van for the last year and traveling, I know what works and what I can do without. It keeps me busy and I'm looking forward to the final result. I considered filming it then decided not to, just bcz we don't know how long we'll be on lockdown here, and as soon as I can leave, I need to be ready to go. I bought more land! in Florida, 3 acres on a lake and 5 acres in Arizona. You're welcome to boondock anytime for as long as you'd like. I love your new layout!

G’day Max! Beautiful farm...perfect place for reflection and building. As a 62 year young female who is itching to do a van build, I’m super excited to see your process and progress. Can’t speak for others, but I’m not opposed to long videos. Don’t want to miss a thing! Cheers and good health from Florida!

Smart decision on replacing the chip board, u so fortunate to have a awesome workspace. Good on u brother.

Looks amazing Max. But more importantly, it’s so nice seeing you on this platform again! I look forward to the rest of the build series and your consequent adventures with Occy! Take care of yourself. xx

Max, you are the best. So glad to see the new van build out. Can't wait to see Occy with you. He is my favorite and he is missing from your videos. I know he is with Lee and getting him is a process. Bless you for being such a cool guy. Kind, handsome and an animal lover. Oh and you eat well! Until next video.

Oh gosh, I love a van build series. Stoked to watch an Australian one. I'm loving it so far. So keen for the whole journey, van build, Occy's return, your new solo channel and your travel adventures. Onya Max.

Looking so forward to the build! Also love the longer video. Take your time and enjoy the build out!

It's amazing to see this build start to finish! Love that you're following your passion (and have the skillsets to do it on your own!). I think your choice to do the bed/couch is very smart 👌

I love your couch bed idea! It work if you want more room, and if there are days where you are just relaxing, you could just leave the bed up. Great idea!

My favourite combination ever!!!

I hope you continue to upload videos exactly like this for the rest of the building process because I am learning so much already just from watching your content. Looking forward to starting my own conversion very soon. Keep up the good work, man! :)

Hello from Reno NV you sure are the first person I’ve ever subscribed too very real and honest all the way though can’t wait to see the process all the way through great job!

What a wonderful productive day! Great ideas for the van! Loved your coworkers (the sheep).

Occy loved the couch layout in the old van.

When you were talking about the layout I got so excited. Can't wait to see the final project.

Watching that toast making was painful 🤣🤣

Max, I love your energy. I see you through this lens only but I feel your gentleness and kind heart! You inspire me to take chances and do the things my heart wants. Best to you through out this build, and to Lee as well on her new adventures!

I like the pace of your build. It seems more realistic than others. Good luck with it!

Great video Max! I love longer videos. Can't wait to see the van transformation. Also, I just subscribed to your new channel. I can't wait for you & Occy to reunite!!

Please consider getting Occy a dog car seat so he can sit next to you in the passenger seat. He wants to see outside. He loved sitting behind you on the couch while you drive and your new couch location puts him way in the back.

Fantastic build! As someone who's been considering this for a few years (first with tiny homes on trailers - but too difficult to move and park) this series is PERFECT! It will be amazing to see how this process goes from start to finish. THANK YOU. Appreciate how you're showing each step in detail.

I love how at peace you are! I love the van life and so wish we could do that. With 2 kids a cat dog and the husband, we would have to have nothing smaller than a bus. I’m excited for you!!

Love the peaceful ending to the vlog! ❤️🌷

It’s going to be a beast of a vansion, Max!

I hope it turns out beautifully

Yes, I am enjoying your videos so far, all the way from California! Always have. I would imagine this is the furthest thing from your mind, but think in terms of kitchen counter space, shower size and storage space as you do the build because there will be a second human in that space along with you and Occy in the near future. Things will make more sense to you when "she" comes into your life.

What did you use to cover the wheels? This is the most relaxed van build content on youtube while being so informative! love the work!

This is the most Australian intro I’ve ever seen

Great going Max... Looking forward to your Adventures with Ocy ... Keep Rocking 🕺

Ooooo Marmite, lifting the van would also be beneficial, even if the vehicle is new, u can see exactly what is needed to either strengthen or repair, Stay safe, enjoy ur build, have a big smile, God bless.

Perfect timing...Max. Enjoy and stay safe... You and Lee are my favourite still ..not forgetting OCCY.

Will u upload the build to your other channel I'll watch it twice so you can monetize sooner sure others would too.

Top notch video. The way you deliver it and how you include the steps helps someone like me (no relevant skills) understand how I could possibly achieve this. Ps read your comment above about why you add to this channel, makes total sense, appreciate the clarity as no one (van life) ever really talks about how you tube works, but it's very interesting. Thanks again, Victoria

👍🏻 I am LOVING the detail in this video. Personally I don’t mind a longer video, the more detail the better. See, I was one if those “I don’t want to have to make a bed up every night” BUT now I’ve heard you say what you said about space, visitors and work etc I think that makes SO much sense I’ve changed my mind!!!

wow, loving the idea of an indoor shower, getting more excited for the final look!!, this build looks great max, kind of dig the long videos :)

Just found your channel. Loved the video! Looking forward to following along with the build :)

I think couch combo for sure. Gives you a place to work, and agree about the walk through. Plus if you do have guest give you nice dining area with ripper of a view. FYI Dads a beast, we all know he had most the weight to lift. :).

Hi I hope you see my comment, I really enjoyed your videos, iv been following along since the beginning!! Please please please do longer videos, I don’t get bored I get inspired! I’m sure everyone else does too! It’s honestly uplifting and if it was for 40 mins I would still watch it all the way through! I never thought you and lee would’ve broke up 💔 in my head I really thought you guys were forever! I hope you guys reunite, relationships can be really difficult life is always full of challenges, hang in there! I love your lifestyle and what your doing it motivates me alot, especially when I live in central Sydney surrounded by 5g towers and lack connection with Mother Nature!! Thanks for working hard on quality content XX

Yo! Learning a lot from your experience, Max! I share the same feelings on open space, Thanks for sharing.!

I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to see when you’re all finished and of course the whole process.

Can’t believe i hadn’t already watched the van build from the strip down and plan out, so helpful for our own build (on a much smaller scale 2023 standard HiAce) , thanks for sharing Max. #staypawsitive love to Occ 🐾 💖Mish, Lee & our pack

You could have your sink by door then have an "outdoor" tap/hose to use to outdoor rinse/shower or wash off Occy. Easier would be a pull out faucet to spin around for a quick sand rinse off. Love the huge interior space. Thank you for sharing.

Man,since you make your vids alone, I like them much more, they seen much more genuint. Keep it up!

Been waiting all week for this.

I agree would love to watch a much longer video. Love you sweetie. This Grandmother wishes you all the best and cannot wait to see your country through your eyes. Stay safe. Counting the days until you hug Occy.

I think the layout is awesome!! And having the couch/bed I think is also a great idea!! You’re going to be up more than you’re sleeping and does give you basically a 4 in 1 use, sitting, office, sleep and eating space and of course for occy to lounge around! Can’t wait to see more!

Half an hour would be even better, detailed videos are also welcomed. The more footage is the better.

Please document everything!!! I would love to do this myself one day! 😁😁

Love the layout!! No need for a permanent bed. Having the space is much better!! Can’t wait to see more! Have a great day!

love the sheep and the sounds of the birds

Hey mate, good to see you back on Vic soil. We're super excited for the Van build coming along, Laura and I are looking into getting a van at some point this year or next. The Iveco looks like a good option though. Stocked to watch this project come along. Cheers Max

Loving your “build” videos! Love watching the “down to earth” approach that visibly comes out in your build videos (actually I’ve only just stumbled across your last two or three videos). But your approach makes it easy to follow, understand the reasons behind your decisions n focus on what you are doing n saying! (Not heaps of distractions)! 👍

That adjustable curve ruler is everything! Enjoying the process

Great layout. I'm glad you kept the open middle design. It's the thing I liked the most about your last van. Looking good already!

Question..... I know your planning on exploring all of Australia, but will you be also planning later to travel again around the world and share it with us too??

Your build looks like it’s off to a great start! I’m currently redoing my build and I’m planning on adding a recirculating shower! You should consider adding something similar so you can take extra long showers👍🏽 🧖🏻‍♂️

I much prefer the idea of couch/bed setup as well, purely for the idea of entertaining and socializing. People have always tried to sway me another direction but I am very firm on that one! Haha! I also love how you say the trades things takes you a long time yet I met you and Lee back in 2017 and my build is still basically not even started, so I'd say you're doing just fine! I'm so jealous at how little damage you had to the floor... in all fairness my bus is a loooot older at a '96 and having dealt with Saskatchewan winters its whole life, but I had SO much welding that had to be done to the floor... I spent close to 2k just on getting windows covered and the floor and some underneath things fixed up. It was a huge shock to me but I'm glad it'll last me longer and I won't be Flintstoning my way around! Glad to see you happy and healthy, Max! Can't wait for the next update!

I feel so calm watching Max. Thanks for sharing!

That's one clean van! Amazing condition for it's age what a bargain. I was also considering the Iveco for a van build over the Mercedes. Very keen for this build

I seen a video on YT where a lady had a permanent bed that was slung up on the wall of her van already made up, 2 straps - down it came . Very quick and easy and out of the way . I like the longer vids BTW 👍

Hey Max! I loved everything about this video. 20ish minutes is perfect. So excited to follow along. Btw, I was in the process of buying my Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle I previously told you about when this virus thing broke out. The plan was (and is) to head south from Cuenca all the way down to Ushuaia Argentina, then back up to and around Colombia, using your itinerary as a guide. Obviously this is on hold for now, but will resume once things get back to normal. Thanks for all of the inspiration!

Looking forward to following your new build and the next chapter in your life 👍🏻

So glad you’re back to filming!!! Can’t wait to see how this project progresses. Good luck with your recertification!

I have been here since 1 k subs I love u guys

I love to how you are super dedicated!

So excited to follow your build. We bought a used van about a month ago so looking for inspiration as we plan out build. Happy to see you making videos again!

I enjoyed watching the beginnings of the build process Max. I agree that it would be nice to have a place to sit and also entertain other people in the van during the day. You didn't mention but are you doing to do any insulation or sound deadening on the walls? What size engine is in the van? Hopefully it wont be a petrol hog - there are some big travel distances going around Australia.

Have you seen a movie called Expedition Happiness? It’s on Netflix. It’s about two people who buy a school bus and renovate and travel across North America in it. Check it out. You might like it. ☮️💕

What I like is that like most people ur not talking crap for ten minutes keep it up mate

LOVED this video!!!! Everything about it! The step-by-step, your thinking. Your tea break and seeing the beautiful nature- never gets old!!! Your sheep buddies! You just have a very pleasant way! Looking forward to all the next videos!!!

😂 I do the same thing with Peanut Butter and Marmite - BUT I put them side by side & i put butter on my toast.

Loving the amount of detail you are giving us on the build, as somone who would love to do a van build this is really helpful, most people just cut parts out, I would happy sit and watch you do the whole build in one video would not care how long it was 😂. I do have a question I know you are putting a heater in but would you also use installation on the side if so what would you you use or recommend?

So excited for the full build! Keep it up Max!

Awesome job kid!! Don't kid yourself...you are a true tradesman!!👍👍

Nice start, i also have an open layout in my van. You can check it out to get more ideas for your build. Good luck and have fun.

hey max, can i have the interior dimensions of the van, i'd like to make an interior design for that van then i'll show it to you after. thanks

Hi Max, great Vblog, really enjoying this trip with you. Van layout is a personal choice, go for what you want.. great that you have a shower room! My van has one and we use it all the time.. make sure you plan loads of water and a boiler.. water on demand uses too much water before it gets hot.. last thing, enjoy the process, there is no rush.. we are not judging the build speed.. you are so lucky to have so much space to build.. thanks again and keep well

I am an older person (leave it at that), I am very interested in this life style. I want to build out a van. I have no building experience. I like they way you have taken the time to explain things and your thought process. Some may think this is boring but it IS very informative and provides confidence for newbies. You are easy on the eyes. Your voice is smooth and there is a calmness that is present. Thank you for taking the extra time needed to make a video like this.