Project Van: Adding Pop-Out Windows

We’re working on turning this $2000 van into a do-it-all machine that can tow a car to the track, then serve as a mobile workshop and hotel room for the weekend. Up next: Making the windows open. 

This van, like most cargo vans, doesn't have much airflow compared to a tent. That's because only the front windows open. Most people …

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This was what I needed to see this morning. I love this project. 

My wife made a similar one for my garage service door window.  She sewed flat magnets in the top and bottom.  Never lose the magnets.  Pull on or off instantly.  

spacecadet said:

This was what I needed to see this morning. I love this project. 

It's not impossible, We just haven't figured out how to do it yet.

Glad to hear that! You’ll see a bunch of updates coming out over the next few weeks; I finally sat down and wrote them all. 

very cool and relevant. 

I did the same on my Chevy van , but GM saved money by not drilling the holes if you got solid windows , 

So we needed to drill the holes for the popouts.......they were "almost" square !   Enough that the latch closed at least !

Also made some pockets for the back doors to store small things like tape , bungees etc

Any plans to add a roof vent?

Not at this point. With the pop-out windows and a 12v fan, it's quite comfortable to sleep in.

Looking ready for your spot down by the river!

Any back up camera to help line up the trailer and not run over things ?

Or parking sensors to help you park in smaller spaces ?

Yes, backup camera is covered in this update:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/project-cars/2006-ford-e-250/project-van-upgrading-electronics/

Do you have any concerns about a fan or fridge running over night and draining the car battery?

Yes, we'll cover the solar panel in a future update. 

Thanks the backup camera looks the same as the $4 ones on eBay , good to see a photo of it mounted and see how small it is which will make it easy  to use 2 , one for trailer hitch and the other for backup

Thanks

Interested in this project, I have an '03 E-150 Chateau.  Great hauler, rated at 6300 lbs with the 5.4.

I found a new set of those windows, and the interior surrounds for under $200.  But they have that mirror like green tint vs. the medium dark of the factory privacy glass.  All the local tint guys said no way to match so I sold them.  Tell me the fix?  Keep up the greart work.

These weren’t tinted at all, but I had them tinted with 5% black tint, which would cover any difference quite well. 

Great project. I'm loving the utility and low investment on this one. Big vans are crazy cheap compared to pickups. 

Did you do any sort of screen to keep bugs out?

Yes–we've used screens from https://theskeeterbeater.com for years and never been disappointed. 

Great update! Relevant to current needs

Hey Tom, loving this project since I’ve got an E150. I need to look into the inverter and going back to the junk yard for rear windows 

Here’s a tip or future purchase idea for you. The bed looks good but you can find an oem bench/bed seat. Ford used them in mid ‘90’s then discontinued them. Looks like a stock 4 passenger bench but has an extra panel behind the seat back that folds out. Their pretty slick and the you also have factory belts for passengers while your rolling 

I also like  your external power and may think about that. I just added a black and decker internal outlet that runs off the cigarette lighter but that inverter looks slick. Thanks!!